2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

In Honor Of Thanksgiving, Edwards Gives Thanks To American Families In New TV Spot

IN HONOR OF THANKSGIVING, EDWARDS GIVES THANKS TO AMERICAN FAMILIES IN NEW TV SPOT
New “Thanksgiving” spot to air in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, as American families begin to gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving,  the John Edwards for President campaign announced a new television spot, entitled “Thanksgiving,” which will go up on the air Wednesday in three early primary states.

In the 30-second spot, which will run in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Edwards tells voters what he is most thankful for – a loving family and the promise of America, “a nation filled with the most optimistic people on Earth.” Edwards also delivers a personal message of thanks to the thousands of people he and Elizabeth have met on the campaign trail this year who have welcomed the Edwardses into their “homes and hearts.”

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Full Transcript of “Thanksgiving:”

For two parents who worked so hard to give us a better life.

For thirty years with one amazing woman.

And for four wonderful children.

For 231 years of America.

For the hopes and determination of a nation filled with the most optimistic people on Earth.

And for all of you, who have welcomed us into your homes and hearts.

Thank you.

I’m John Edwards, and I approved this message.

Iowa State Representative Bob Kressing Endorses John Edwards

STATE REPRESENTATIVE BOB KRESSIG ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
Endorsement builds on Edwards’ growing momentum in Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, Senator John Edwards received the endorsement of State Representative Bob Kressig, building on Edwards' growing support in Iowa.  Kressig is endorsing Edwards because he believes Edwards is the strongest candidate to not only change our country, but win the general election.  Kressig’s endorsement comes as Edwards is gaining momentum across the state following the endorsement of the 10,000 member strong Caucus for Priorities and the release of his second television ad.

“Bob is a leading voice on behalf of Iowa’s families,” said Edwards.  “I am honored to have his support and look forward to working with him to improve the lives of hard-working families here in Iowa and across the country.”

“John Edwards is the best candidate in this campaign to truly change our country,” said Kressig. “He has the courage to take on the special interests controlling Washington, the big ideas to meet the challenges facing our country – and he can win in November 2008.  His plan to build One America starts with making sure every child gets a great education. I am particularly impressed with his bold plan to overhaul No Child Left Behind and strengthen our schools, so every child can learn.  With John Edwards in the White House, all Americans will have the chance to achieve the American Dream.”

Edwards’ campaign in Iowa continues to gain momentum.  Last week, Edwards became the first candidate to announce County Steering Committees in all 99 counties, reaffirming the growing strength of his statewide organization. Edwards has also been endorsed by the Iowa State Council of the SEIU and 11 other SEIU state councils, representing more than a million SEIU members. Additionally, Edwards has won the endorsement of the Iowa Postal Workers Union - representing workers in all 99 Iowa counties, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the Transport Workers Union of America, the United Steelworkers and the United Mine Workers of America.

Edwards To Launch TV Ad In South Carolina Entitled “American Jobs and America’s Workers”

Edwards first Democrat to launch TV ads in South Carolina, with 30-second spot entitled “American Jobs and America’s Workers”

Columbia, South Carolina – The campaign’s first South Carolina television ad, a 30-second spot entitled “American Jobs and America’s Workers” begins airing in South Carolina today. Senator Edwards is the first Democrat to launch a TV ad campaign in South Carolina

In the ad, Senator Edwards explains why we need leaders who stand up and fight for good jobs and working families. The message of the ad makes clear that, while many in corporate America are willing to outsource jobs for “profit and greed,” Edwards believes in “the dignity of a job and doing what’s right for America’s workers.”

The ad comes at a time of increased momentum for Edwards’ South Carolina operation.  In addition to recent new endorsements, Senator Edwards leads other Democrats in trips to South Carolina and fundraising in the state.  This ad buy further highlights the campaign’s long commitment to Senator Edwards’ native state of South Carolina and the issues and concerns of voters here. 

The new ad campaign, “America’s Jobs and America’s Workers,” reflects many of the pro-family policies Senator Edwards highlighted during his two-day swing through the state earlier this month when he focused on smarter trade policies to protect American workers, helping communities recover from massive layoffs, providing true universal health care and helping low-income families find work and join the middle class. 

“AMERICA’S JOBS AND AMERICA’S WORKERS” (TV -:30)

My father worked in this mill and others like it for 30 years.
I worked in it when I was young.
Now it’s closed, the jobs are gone. For too many, it’s just about profit and greed.
They’re wrong. It’s about the dignity of a job and doing what’s right for America’s workers.
I’m John Edwards and I approve this message because we don’t need another president that puts wealth above work.
So, if you’re ready to stand with me for American jobs and America’s workers, your time is now.

Edwards Calls On America To Meet Moral Test Of This Generation In Veterans Day Speech

EDWARDS CALLS ON AMERICA TO MEET MORAL TEST OF THIS GENERATION IN VETERANS DAY SPEECH
Releases new policy book, entitled “Plan to Build One America,” outlining his bold vision for the country

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, Senator John Edwards delivered a major thematic speech in which he called upon Americans to honor the sacrifice of the millions of veterans in the generations of Americans that came before us by rising up to meet the great moral test of our generation – ensuring that our children have a better, more prosperous life than we’ve had. Edwards’ speech comes on the heels of a rousing performance at the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner, as well as the launch of his first television ad in Iowa and the endorsement of the 10,000 Iowa-caucus-goer strong Caucus for Priorities. 

“For twenty generations, Americans have kept the one moral commandment that makes us American – to pass a better future on to our children than we received,” said Edwards. “But everywhere I travel today – in every corner of America – I hear uncertainty – a real concern that we could be the first generation of Americans that fails to leave our children a better future than our parents left us.”

Edwards continued: “To be the first generation of Americans to fail that commandment would be an abomination. This is the great moral test of our generation – to ensure that we give our children a better future than we inherited, just as our parents did for us.”

In keeping with his commitment to make sure his positions are clear, Edwards also unveiled an 80-page “Plan to Build One America” book laying out his policy proposals on a wide range of issues. Over the next few weeks, the campaign will deliver more than 100,000 copies of the book to Iowa caucus-goers. It will also be available to download from the campaign website, www.johnedwards.com.

“Over the course of the last year, I have offered detailed, honest plans and specific, forthright proposals,” said Edwards. “But I don’t want anyone in Iowa to have to take my word for it, so I’ve gone and put them all on paper. Iowans have a right to know where I stand and what I'll do as president. You are the guardians of what kind of president we'll have, and whether America meets the great challenges we face.  I'm not afraid to stand here and answer your questions, and I want you to have all the facts.”

Edwards’ policy proposals focus on four core principles: First, standing up for working and middle class families and passing universal health care; second, restoring America’s moral leadership around the world and ending the war in Iraq; third, investing in a better future for our children by improving schools, making college affordable and stopping global warming; and fourth, creating opportunity for all.

Edwards has dedicated his campaign to standing up for hard-working Americans who have no voice in Washington. And his campaign continues to gain strength in Iowa. Last month, Edwards reached an important milestone as he became the first candidate to visit – and answer questions from Iowans – in all 99 counties. Edwards is the first candidate in the race to announce steering committees in all 99 Iowa counties. And he is the only candidate with both County Chairs and Rural County Chairs in every county. Edwards has also earned the endorsements of the Iowa State Council of the Service Employees International Union and 11 other State Councils across the nation – including, most recently, New Hampshire. This is in addition to endorsements from the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, and the United Mine Workers of America.

Excerpts from Edwards’ speech on Sunday in Iowa follow.

For twenty generations, Americans have kept the one moral commandment that makes us American – to pass a better future on to our children than we received. 

My father had to borrow $50 to bring me home from the hospital. Home was a small house in the mill village owned by the mill where my father worked. I am here today because, like all the people my father worked with in the mill, my parents got up every day believing in the promise of America, and they worked hard – no matter what obstacles were thrown against them – to give me the chance for a better life.

But everywhere I travel today – in every corner of America – I hear uncertainty – a real concern that we could be the first generation of Americans that fails to leave our children a better future than our parents left us.

To be the first generation of Americans to fail that commandment would be an abomination.

This is the great moral test of our generation – to ensure that we give our children a better future than we inherited, just as our parents did for us.

Lobbyists and corporate power runs rampant in Washington, subverting our government to its own ends – NAFTA style trade deals pad corporate profits but cost millions of American jobs; so-called prescription drug reform benefits drug companies, not patients; tax breaks and loopholes are showered on the very wealthiest while working Americans struggle to get by.

If we have the courage to offer real change and the determination to change Washington – then we will meet the great moral test of our generation. We will leave our children a greater America – One America, where every man, woman and child is blessed with the same, great opportunity and held to the same, just rules.

We need to create opportunity for all – the promise of America is a promise made to every American – black, white; gay, straight; healthy, sick; working, retired; rich, poor; born, bred, or just arrived. Every man, woman, and child in this country deserves the same, great chance. And I believe there is a sacred contract between our country and our veterans and armed forces. We have a moral obligation to take care of them and their families.

We must no longer live in vague acknowledgment of the corruption and incompetence that threatens the promise of our children’s future while saying to ourselves, the problem’s just too big, there’s nothing we can do about it.

I stand before you today to say – that is not good enough. There is something we can do. Our founders placed the ultimate power in our hands – ours alone. When we take its reins, it is irresistible. If someone tells you there is nothing we can do, you tell them the ghost of generations proves them wrong – there is nothing we cannot do.

Let us stand up and give everything we have as all those before us have done.

In their name, let the world know that the fight for a greater America begins today. For universal health care, ending poverty, honoring our veterans, reclaiming our democracy, and ending the war in Iraq. For opportunity, equality, justice, and the idea of America.

This is the moral test of our generation. We can meet it. We will meet it.

John Edwards Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner Photos

John Edwards Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner Photos

John Edwards At The Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Dinner

EDWARDS GAINS MOMENTUM HEADING INTO THE IOWA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S JEFFERSON JACKSON DINNER
Iowans from across the state are responding to Edwards’ message of bold change

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, Senator John Edwards will attend the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner and call on America to rise up and meet the great moral test of our generation – ensuring that our children have a better, more prosperous life than we’ve had.  Edwards has dedicated his campaign to standing up for hard-working Americans who have no voice in Washington.  Edwards’ speech at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner comes as his campaign is gaining momentum in Iowa with its first television ad, the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities, increasing union support and strong grassroots organizations in all 99 counties.

“This election is not about the past, it’s about the future,” Edwards said. “And the question is, what are we going to do for our children? Are we willing to look our children in the eye and say ‘I’m going to turn this mess over to you?’ I believe it’s our responsibility to leave our children a better future – and that means standing up to the special interests and returning our government to the American people, so we can finally restore the promise of America for our children.”

Edwards’ campaign continues to gain strength in Iowa.  Last week the campaign launched its first television ad in Iowa, and yesterday Edwards received the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities. Iowans continue to respond to Edwards’ specific plans to ensure that all Americans have the chance to work hard and get ahead. On every issue, from health care to trade to the war in Iraq, Edwards has proposed detailed solutions to change our country.

The campaign has built strong grassroots organizations in every county in Iowa.  The Edwards campaign is the first campaign to announce steering committees in all 99 Iowa counties.  Additionally, Edwards is the only candidate with both County Chairs and Rural County Chairs in every county, and last month Edwards reached an important milestone as he became the first candidate to visit – and answer questions from Iowans – in all 99 counties.

Last month, Edwards also earned the endorsements of the Iowa State Council of the Service Employees International Union and 11 other State Councils across the nation – including, most recently, New Hampshire. This is in addition to endorsements from the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, and the United Mine Workers of America.

Caucus for Priorities Endorses Edwards For President

CAUCUS FOR PRIORITIES ENDORSES EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
Coveted endorsement – representing 10,000 Iowa caucus goers – adds to Edwards’ growing momentum in Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, Senator John Edwards accepted the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities, a project of the Priorities Action Fund, a 10,000-member strong grassroots organization dedicated to educating the public about the inequities of our current federal budget.  The organization, launched by Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen, praised Edwards for his plans to root out wasteful Pentagon spending while investing in priorities like universal health care and education.   

The endorsement gives Edwards another important boost heading into the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner. 

“Caucus for Priorities proudly endorses John Edwards for president,” said Priorities Action Fund Founder Ben Cohen.  “For months, our members have attended his town hall meetings across Iowa and found him to be a leader who listens – and always gives the straight answers Americans deserve from their president.  As Commander-in-Chief, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep us safe – but he’ll also make sure Americans have health care, strong schools, and the opportunity to get ahead.  He’ll eliminate billions in wasteful Pentagon spending, and put our budget back in line with our values.”

“Caucus for Priorities does such important work bringing awareness to the issue of waste in our military budget and the backward budget priorities in Washington that so often leave the interests of regular families behind,” Edwards said.  “I am honored to accept this endorsement today, and determined to be a voice for all those who believe we can defend our country without continuing to neglect the needs of our citizens. 

Caucus for Priorities has over 10,000 members who have pledged to caucus for a candidate who is committed to cutting wasteful military spending and providing more money for urgent priorities like education, health care, renewable energy research, and other needs.  Additionally, the organization has staff in every part of the state who will help educate caucus goers about Edwards’ leadership on ending military waste and investing in priorities like education and health care.

The endorsement adds to Edwards’ growing grassroots strength across the state.  Today, the Edwards campaign became the first campaign to announce steering committees in all 99 Iowa counties.  The committees are made up of community leaders and party activists who will lead the campaign’s effort in their county.  Last month, Edwards reached a milestone in his campaign: having visited and taken questions from Iowans in every county.  Edwards is committed to being a voice for all Iowans, no matter where they live.

John Edwards For President Campaign Launched His New “Heroes” Ad In New Hampshire.

MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR EDWARDS CAMPAIGN IN KEY EARLY STATES

On heels of commanding debate performance, Edwards campaign launches ad buys in New Hampshire and Iowa, secures union endorsements and expands grassroots organizing efforts

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign launched his new “Heroes” ad in New Hampshire. In the ad, Edwards reaffirms his commitment to honoring and fighting for America’s true heroes – the working men and women of our country. The ad features footage of Edwards speaking at a campaign event, interspersed with images of hardworking Americans.  A similar version of the ad went on the air in Iowa last Thursday.

“If you're looking for heroes, don’t look to me,” Edwards says in the ad. “Don’t look to Elizabeth. We have support. We have health care. We have the American people behind us. Look to them. They are the ones who we speak for. They are the ones that we stand up for. …It is time for our party, the Democratic Party, to show a little backbone, to have a little guts. To stand up for working men and women. If we are not their voice, they will never have a voice.”

The ad builds on the momentum from Edwards’ commanding debate performance last Tuesday in Philadelphia. Edwards proved himself to be the most effective and articulate challenger to Senator Clinton in the debate, pointing out her double-talk on ending the war in Iraq, going to war with Iran, releasing her records from her years in the White House to the public, and Social Security.

Edwards’ powerful performance at the debate added to the momentum already building for the campaign in the key early states and across the nation. Last week, Edwards won the endorsement of the New Hampshire Service Employees International Union. In October, the Iowa state council of the SEIU endorsed Edwards, along with 10 other state councils across the country, totaling more than 1.03 million rank-and-file SEIU members. These critical endorsements will allow SEIU members from any state that endorsed Edwards to travel to New Hampshire and Iowa to volunteer for the campaign. Edwards has also won key endorsements from the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, and the United Mine Workers of America. 

Momentum on the ground in key early states has continued to build as the campaign expands grassroots outreach efforts. Last week, Edwards became the first – and only – Democratic candidate to have visited and taken questions from Iowans in all 99 counties and the campaign is focused on building a strong organization across the state. Edwards is also the only candidate with county chairs for all 99 Iowa counties as well as rural county chairs for all 99 counties.

In New Hampshire over the weekend, Edwards’ campaign manager Congressman David Bonior opened two new field offices - one in Rochester and one in Conway – bringing the total to 12 offices statewide. 

During his 16th campaign trip to his native state of South Carolina last weekend, Edwards picked up 10 new endorsements from key elected and local leaders. The campaign has built organizations in all 46 South Carolina counties and has plans to open a second campaign office in the Palmetto State.

And yesterday, the campaign announced it was adding three new senior staff to Nevada to expand the field team. This builds on last month’s announcement that the campaign would be enhancing its Nevada organization with the addition of about two dozen field organizers and opening new Nevada offices.

Edwards’ Campaign Launches First Major Television Ad, A 60-Second Piece Entitled “Heroes”

EDWARDS KICKS-OFF “AMERICAN HEROES WEEK” TO STAND UP FOR HARDWORKING AMERICANS
Campaign launches first major ad buy in Iowa, where Edwards commits to fighting for America’s real heroes

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards kicked off  “American Heroes Week” to highlight his commitment to fighting for the real heroes of America – the men and women whose hard work makes our country great, but who have no voice in Washington. As president, Edwards will stand up to the powerful interests and fight for our real heroes, including  America’s workers, teachers, veterans, soldiers, first responders, and the people of New Orleans.

“American Heroes Week,” which lasts from Thursday, November 1st through Wednesday, November 7th, coincides with the launch of Edwards’ first major television ad, a 60-second piece entitled “Heroes” that begins airing in Iowa today. In the ad, Edwards reaffirms his commitment to honoring and fighting for America’s true heroes – the working men and women of our country. The ad features footage of Edwards speaking at a campaign event interspersed with images of hardworking Americans – including retired Iowan farmers Bill and Helen Barrett, Leslie Gilbert, a working mother of four, and Doug Smith, a proud member of the Steelworkers union in Des Moines.

“If you're looking for heroes, don’t look to me,” Edwards says in the ad. “Don’t look to Elizabeth. We have support. We have health care. We have the American people behind us. Look to them. They are the ones who we speak for. They are the ones that we stand up for. …It is time for our party, the Democratic Party, to show a little backbone, to have a little guts. To stand up for working men and women. If we are not their voice, they will never have a voice.”

On Friday, Edwards will kick-off the week with a visit to South Carolina to highlight the contributions of America’s workers. During the visit to his native state, Edwards will hold a town hall meeting in Cheraw, visit with former employees of the Springs textile mill in Lancaster, and tour a community center in the Blackmon Road community near Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Saturday, Edwards travels to Louisiana to honor the people of New Orleans who have shown great determination and commitment to rebuilding their city. The five winners of an online contest sponsored by the Edwards campaign will join Edwards and other Habitat for Humanity volunteers in New Orleans’ Upper 9th Ward for a day of rebuilding the area devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Later in the day, Edwards will deliver the keynote address on his plan to stop global warming at a National Day of Climate Action rally sponsored by Step it Up in New Orleans.

On Sunday, Edwards returns to eastern Iowa for a series of town hall meetings to highlight the service of America’s teachers. In Iowa on Monday, Edwards will focus on the heroism of America’s soldiers during a major foreign policy speech in Iowa City. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Edwards will travel to New Hampshire to hold events that call attention to the bravery of America’s veterans and first responders.

The launch of this ad builds on Edwards’ growing momentum in Iowa.  He recently reached an important milestone as he became the first candidate to visit – and answer questions from Iowans – in all 99 counties. He also earned the endorsements of the Iowa State Council of the Service Employees International Union and 11 other State Councils across the nation – including, most recently, New Hampshire. This is in addition to the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, the United Mine Workers of America. He's the only candidate with county chairs for all 99 counties as well as rural county chairs for all 99 counties, and continues to build a strong organization across the state.

A full transcript of the script for the “Heroes” ad is included below. Also included are short biographies of some of the real American heroes pictured in the ad.

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Full Transcript of Ad:

If you're looking for heroes, don’t look to me. Don’t look to Elizabeth. We have support. We have health care. We have the American people behind us.

Look to them. They are the ones who we speak for. They are the ones that we stand up for.

And Elizabeth and I decided, in the quiet of a hospital room, after 12 hours of tests and after getting very bad news, what we were going to spend our lives doing, for all those that have no voice. 

We’re not going to quietly go away. Instead we’re going to go out and fight for what it is we believe in.

It is time for our party, the Democratic Party, to show a little backbone, to have a little guts. To stand up for working men and women. If we are not their voice they will never have a voice.

I'm John Edwards and I approve this message.