2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Nathan Reichert Endorses John Edwards

STATE REPRESENTATIVE NATHAN REICHERT ENDORSES EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign announced that State Representative Nathan Reichert is endorsing Senator John Edwards for president. Reichert joins a growing list of Iowans, from educators to union members to rural community leaders, who are supporting Edwards as the best candidate to change America. Edwards is in Iowa today as part of a four-day campaign trip across the state to share his big ideas for change with caucus goers.

“I am honored to have Nathan’s support,” said Edwards. “He has been a leader in the fight to make sure every Iowan gets a great education, has quality health care, can work at a good paying job and has the opportunity to succeed. I look forward to working with Nathan in the coming months as we continue to reach out to caucus goers and work to build One America.”

“I am proud to endorse Senator Edwards and stand with him in his campaign to transform our country,” said Reichert. “John Edwards has a vision to change America – and specific plans to make that happen. On every issue – from Iraq to health care to education – John Edwards has come out with a detailed plan to help regular, hard-working Iowans achieve the American Dream. I admire his commitment to ensuring fairness for regular people and can’t wait to help him win the Iowa caucuses.”

Reichert has represented Iowa’s 80th district in the Iowa General Assembly since 2005. He is a member of the Agriculture, Appropriations, Commerce and Natural Resources Committees.

Edwards Campaign Raises $7 Million During 3rd Quarter

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN RAISES $7 MILLION DURING 3RD QUARTER
Edwards takes lead in ending the money game in Washington, raises small change for big change for America

Chapel Hill, North Carolina The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that it raised $7 million during the third quarter fundraising period, putting the campaign on track to raise the $40 million needed to implement the campaign’s plan to win.

Senator John Edwards’ campaign has been built on reaching out to all Americans, not just those who can give the maximum donation.  Ninety-seven percent of this quarter’s contributions were in amounts of $250 or under, and less than 1% of contributions were in amounts of $1000 or more. The campaign has continued to build grassroots support through its “Small Change for Big Change” fundraisers – 70 percent of this quarter’s fundraising total came from grassroots fundraising.

“We are thrilled with the support we've received from people across the country,” said Deputy Campaign Manager Jonathan Prince.  “Americans from every walk of life are responding to Senator Edwards' message and bold plans to change Washington.  The campaign wants to thank all of our supporters for their hard work because of their efforts we will have the resources we need to be competitive and win the nomination.”

The campaign expanded its donor base this quarter as more and more Americans join Edwards’ campaign to build One America, where every person has the same opportunities to succeed that he has had.  Since January, more than 150,000 Americans have contributed to Edwards’ campaign for change, and almost half the donors this quarter were first time Edwards contributors.

Last week, Edwards announced he would seek public financing for the 2008 presidential primary campaign. Just as he challenged the Democratic Party to stop accepting contributions from lobbyists, Edwards once again took the lead in ending the money game in Washington, sending a powerful signal to the American people about whose support really matters.  Edwards, who has never taken a dime from PACs or Washington lobbyists, believes it is important to play by the rules that were designed to ensure fairness in the election process by capping his campaign spending and participating in the public finance system.

Americans from across the country realize that the stakes are too high to not elect a Democrat to the White House in 2008 and believe Edwards is both the most electable candidate and the candidate with the boldest plans to truly change our country.  Because he’s focused on issues that matter to the American people, Edwards has won the support of Americans from every part of the country and received contributions from every state.

Third quarter fundraising figures from the John Edwards for President campaign include:

• $7 million raised this quarter.
• 70 percent of the contributions came from grassroots fundraising.
• More than 150,000 contributors from across the country this year.
• 93 percent of contributions were in amounts of $100 or less.
• 97 percent of contributions were in amounts of $250 or less.
• Less than 1 percent of contributions were in amounts of $1000 or more.
• Almost half the donors this quarter were first time Edwards contributors.

Edwards Campaign Launches Iowa Students For Edwards

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IOWA STUDENTS FOR EDWARDS
Innovative Outreach Plan Includes Text Messaging, Social Network Sites, Voice Messaging and a New Online Organizing Website

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign launched Iowa Students for Edwards to get more young people involved in Senator Edwards’ campaign to change America.  Student leaders from colleges and universities across the state will help the campaign engage young voters and will discuss with their peers Edwards’ plans to ensure that young people, and all Americans, have the opportunity to succeed.

In addition to direct personal contact, the campaign is also using innovative online, text messaging and voice messaging tools to reach out to young people.  The campaign launched a website today (www.johnedwards.com/iowa/youngiowans) specifically for young Iowans. The site allows visitors to read more about Edwards’ positions on issues important to young people, register to vote, purchase Edwards gear, and find ways to get involved at their schools and in their communities to help elect Edwards. Additionally, the site helps students connect more directly with the campaign by using cutting-edge tools like mobile messaging and popular social networking sites including MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube. Yesterday, for example, the campaign sent out a voice message from James Denton, who plays “Mike Delfino” on ABC’s hit series “Desperate Housewives,” to its Iowa mobile list so Iowans could hear from him why he is supporting Edwards for president.

Denton is in Iowa today and tomorrow for a campaign swing with Cate Edwards, eldest daughter of Senator John and Elizabeth Edwards, on behalf of Senator Edwards.  They will be visiting college campuses and speaking with Iowans about Edwards’ specific ideas to bring big change to our country and build One America.

“I'm here because I want people in Iowa to see my dad as I see him – as a great father, a loving husband, and most of all, someone who is deeply committed to helping regular people," said Cate Edwards.  "I also want young people in Iowa -- people in my generation -- to know that there's no one who shares their passion for change more than my dad.  And there's no one who is more committed to ending the war, passing universal health care, stopping global warming and bringing the big change America needs.  My dad doesn't buy the idea that young people won't participate in the caucuses -- and he's going to work as hard as he can to earn their support."

“We need a president who will fight to make sure young people today have a chance to achieve the American Dream,” said Eric Benson, a student at Wartburg College. “John Edwards is committed to helping young people get ahead.  He has specific plans, like his College for Everyone plan, to improve the lives of young people.”

This week, Edwards outlined a “One America” Agenda for Young People, which will restore America’s leadership in the world and fight to ensure everyone has the chance to succeed by:

Expanding opportunity for every American: Edwards has proposed a national College for Everyone program, overhauling student loans and financial aid, guaranteeing universal health care, raising the minimum wage, and fighting credit card debt and abuse.

Restoring moral leadership here and abroad: Edwards will end the war in Iraq, halt global warming and build a new energy economy, take action in Darfur and Uganda, fight poverty at home and abroad, and end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

John Edwards Announces That He Will Be Seeking Public Financing For The 2008 Presidential Primary Campaign

EDWARDS TAKES NEXT STEP IN REJECTING MONEY FROM SPECIAL INTERESTS BY SEEKING PUBLIC FINANCING Challenges Clinton, who said on Sunday she supports public financing, to join him now in ending the money game in Washington

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards announced he will be seeking public financing for the 2008 presidential primary campaign. Just as he challenged the Democratic Party to stop accepting contributions from lobbyists, today Edwards is again taking the lead in ending the money game in Washington.

“You can't buy your way to the Democratic nomination – you should have to earn the votes of the American people with bold vision and ideas,” said Edwards’ campaign manager Congressman David Bonior. “This is the most expensive presidential campaign in history, by far. And the simple fact is that the influence of money in politics – and the focus on raising money in this election – has gotten out of control. It’s time to get back to focusing on the issues that matter to the American people. That’s why John Edwards has decided to play by the rules that were designed to ensure fairness in the election process by capping his campaign spending and seeking public financing.”

Since the campaign began, Edwards has focused on issues that matter to the American people – universal health care, the war in Iraq, education, global warming and helping American workers. He’s promised to end the game in Washington and has challenged the Democratic Party to send a powerful signal to the American people about whose support really matters by refusing to accept donations from federal lobbyists. Senator Clinton has refused to stop taking contributions from federal lobbyists, saying that public financing is the solution to ending the influence of lobbyists.

“Senator Clinton said she believes public financing is the answer to ending the influence of lobbyists and special interests in Washington,” said Congressman Bonior. “If she really believes that, she should join Senator Edwards and seek public financing, or she should explain to the American people why she does not mean what she says.”

Under the public financing system for the presidential primaries, the government will match up to $250 of an individual’s contributions to an eligible candidate. To establish credibility, a candidate must show broad-based public support by proving to the FEC that he or she has raised in excess of $5,000 of matchable contributions in each of at least 20 states. This is done through a threshold submission to the FEC.  In addition a candidate must also agree to: limit campaign spending for all primary elections; limit campaign spending in each state; and limit spending from personal funds to $50,000.

Currently the campaign is working on the first step in this process - to make its threshold submission to the FEC in order to establish Senator Edwards’ eligibility to receive matching funds.

“Edwards has raised more than any Democratic candidate in history before this race. We have more than enough money to compete,” said Congressman Bonior. “The truth is, this election is about ideas – not how much money you’ve raised. And no one has better ideas for how to bring real change to America than John Edwards. That’s why we’re confident he can not only compete in this election – but he will win.”

MSNBC Democratic Debate In New Hampshire – Edwards' Reviews Are In

MSNBC Democratic Debate in New Hampshire – Reviews Are In

Salon.com’s Joan Walsh Said Edwards “Made a Strong Impression” and Named Edwards the Winner of the Debate.  Chris Matthews posed the question, “Who won tonight’s debate?” and Salon.com’s Walsh responded, “I think Edwards made a strong impression and I think he pushed her [Senator Hillary Clinton] back, he brushed her back a little bit.  So I would go with Edwards.”  [MSNBC, 9/26/07]

NBC's Chuck Todd: “Edwards Stood Out to Me,” “It Was One of His Better Performances.” “Of the candidates chasing Clinton, Edwards stood out to me. He seemed to realize he needed to prove contrast with Clinton on just about every answer he gave. It was one of his better performances. The guy is getting his William Jennings Bryan schtick down pat.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381964.aspx, “Some Quick Post-game Take-aways,” 9/26/07]

Newsweek’s Howard Fineman: “Edwards Has Emerged So Far the Most Forceful Challenger To” Clinton. “From where I sit, Edwards has emerged so far the most forceful challenger to her (other than Tim Russert).” [http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2007/09/26/fineman-debate-live-blog.aspx, 9/26/07]

Marc Ambinder: “Victory for JRE,” “Edwards Was Straightforward, Confident, Clear.” Edwards was Edwards on Centrum Silver: straightforward, confident, clear, knowledgeable, thoroughly encased in his own frame. Ying to the yang of both Obama and Clinton; If you’re new to nomination politics, then you’d think Edwards – and not Obama – was Hillary Clinton’s main foil. The war. Social Security. Health care. Campaign ethics. Clinton didn't take the punch, but she did move to dodge them, which is a victory for JRE. [http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/09/edwards_clinton_spats_stand_ou.php, “Edwards, Clinton Spats Sound Out,” 9/26/07]

ABC’s Rick Klein: “Edwards May Have Done Himself the Most Good Tonight.” “11:02 pm: Quick thoughts -- Hillary Clinton benefits whenever no one else distinguishes himself, and Edwards may have done himself the most good tonight. Obama squeezed in one good line, but I don't see that as enough for the evening.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
NBC's Domenico Montanaro: Edwards Was “More Presidential” and “Looked Poised.” “Edwards looked poised in following up on his answer. Not angry or frustrated as we've seen him before, more presidential.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381656.aspx, “Edwards Pointing Out Differences,” 9/26/07]

Newsweek’s Howard Fineman: “Edwards Then Hits It out of the Park,” “Wins the Round” on Social Security. “Edwards then hits it out of the park, talking about a ‘protective zone’ of income between $97,500 and $200,000. His proposals sounded carefully thought through—whether you agree with it or not—and was much more specific than what Obama had to say on the topic. Hillary is talking too much about what her ‘husband’ did; she isn't being specific enough—Edwards wins the round.” [http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2007/09/26/fineman-debate-live-blog.aspx, 9/26/07]

NBC’s Athena Jones: Edwards Gets a “Whoop” for Promising to End Health Insurance for Congress if No Universal Health Care. “A whoop here for Edwards' promise to cut off health insurance coverage for members of Congress if they don't pass health care by July 2009.”[http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381762.aspx, “Edwards health care reaction,” 9/26/07]

ABC’s Rick Klein: “Edwards Is the First to Draw Real Distinctions About” on Iraq.  “9:07 pm: I'm ready to give the Big Three credit for intellectual honesty by saying troops will have to remain in Iraq for some years. But John Edwards is the first to draw real distinctions about what to do going forward. This won't be the last time he finds a way to set himself apart.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]

NBC's Domenico Montanaro: “Edwards Is Pressing the Distinctions with Clinton.” “Edwards is pressing the distinctions with Clinton. He said they had learned different things on their war vote and said this Iran vote was indicative of that. Will it matter? Edwards clearly wants to put her on the defensive. So far, he's the only one.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381710.aspx, “Edwards Pressing,” 9/26/07]

NBC’s Chuck Todd: “Edwards Seems on His Game Tonight.” “It's VERY early but Edwards seems on his game tonight.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381655.aspx, “Edwards Came To Debate With A Plan?” 9/26/07]

ABC’s Rick Klein: “I'd Give Edwards a Slight Edge in Making His Points and Making Them Solidly.”10:05 pm: “But I'd give Edwards a slight edge in making his points and making them solidly.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]

ABC’s Rick Klein: Edwards “Distinguished” Himself.  “9:33 pm: One-fourth of the way in, Edwards and Richardson have distinguished themselves. If people were looking for a new, more aggressive Obama tonight, it doesn't look like they're going to get it.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]

Chris Matthew Said Edwards Came with a “Clear Strategy” to Differentiate Himself from Hillary Clinton.  Chris Matthews said, “Senator John Edwards was one who came out with a clear strategy to differentiate himself from Hillary Clinton on the issue of combat troops in Iraq and U.S. military action potentially against Iran.”  [MSNBC, 9/26/07]

Cate Edwards And “Desperate Housewives” Star James Denton To Campaign In Iowa On Behalf Of Senator John Edwards

CATE EDWARDS AND “DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES” STAR JAMES DENTON TO CAMPAIGN IN IOWA ON BEHALF OF SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS

Edwards’ Eldest Daughter and America’s Favorite Primetime Plumber Will Both Make First Iowa Campaign Appearances This Election Cycle

Des Moines, Iowa – Cate Edwards, eldest daughter of Senator John and Elizabeth Edwards, and James Denton, who plays “Mike Delfino” on ABC’s hit series “Desperate Housewives,” will be in Iowa this weekend to campaign on behalf of Senator John Edwards.  They will be visiting college campuses and speaking with Iowans about Senator Edwards’ campaign to change America.

On Saturday, Edwards and Denton will visit Hawkeye fans in Iowa City for a Homecoming tailgate and events in Cedar Rapids, Grinnell and Des Moines. On Sunday, they will discuss Senator Edwards’ campaign to build One America with Iowans in Des Moines, Ames and Indianola.

Cate Edwards shares her parents' commitment to building One America. As a board member of Generation Engage, a new nonpartisan youth voter initiative focused on engaging young people in politics on a regular basis and increasing civic involvement, Edwards is active in helping her generation become involved in the political process. She currently attends Harvard Law School.

James Denton is active in many important causes.  He has been involved with numerous charitable organizations including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cure Autism Now/Autism Speaks, Fragile X and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Denton is a regular cast member on the show “Desperate Housewives,” where he plays the role of Mike Delfino, a plumber who lives on Wisteria Lane.

Edwards Statement On Tentative Agreement Between The U.A.W. And G.M.

EDWARDS STATEMENT ON TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE U.A.W.  AND G.M.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Senator John Edwards released the following statement congratulating the U.A.W. and G.M. on reaching a tentative agreement:

“I am pleased to hear of today's tentative agreement between the United Auto Workers and General Motors. I honor the strength and solidarity shown by 73,000 U.A.W. members who walked the line to get a deal that protects their jobs and honors the standards they have created over decades.  This process illustrates that collective bargaining works, and I am happy that both sides are satisfied with today's outcome.   

“This settlement highlights the significance of two issues that every worker in America is concerned about – health care and job security. I am encouraged that U.A.W. members have won promises of job security in an era where our government's trade policies are undercutting and exporting jobs that pay living wages. I believe that unionized American autoworkers, if given the chance, can compete with workers from anywhere to produce the most modern and energy efficient vehicles in the world.

“The challenges faced by both sides on the issue of health care remind all of us that our nation remains constrained by our shortsighted approach to securing care for our workers, retirees and families.  Until America joins the rest of the industrialized, developed world in providing universal care, we will continue to make our companies less competitive in the global market, and our workers and families will remain at great risk of joining the 47 million Americans who have no health care coverage.  I know that America can do better, and I believe that U.A.W. members and retirees join all Americans in wanting real change in Washington that protects good jobs and provides universal health care for everyone.”

Edwards Unveils Declaration Of Independence For Older Americans

EDWARDS UNVEILS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FOR OLDER AMERICANS
Will help seniors get the health care and financial protection they need along with the independence they desire

Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards today unveiled a new agenda for older Americans based on the values of security, dignity and choice. Edwards’ Declaration of Independence for Older Americans will help older Americans get the health care they need and the financial protection they deserve while allowing them to live as independently as they desire. Today, Edwards will also participate in the AARP/Iowa Public Television Democratic Presidential Forum on health care and financial security at the Adler Theater in Davenport.

“It’s time for a new kind of declaration of independence – a commitment to helping older Americans live independently, with the freedom to exercise choice over their health care, financial security and lifestyle,” said Edwards. “It’s not enough to congratulate ourselves on living longer, if we are not living stronger.”

“Americans are living longer than ever before - but our social policies haven’t changed to reflect this shift,” Edwards continued. “Our housing policies too often force seniors to choose between isolation or institutionalization and our health care system is set up to treat the worst problems instead of promoting health and quality of life. We must fix the broken system in Washington that has not done more to address these issues.”

To meet the economic and lifestyle changes of the 21st century, Edwards has proposed the following agenda for older Americans:

Protect financial independence: Edwards will fight to keep the promise of social security, protect pensions and help families save, protect seniors from predatory lending practices, and preserve seniors’ freedom to work.

Promote health security: Through health care reforms, Edwards will protect the future of Medicare and make prescription drugs more affordable. Edwards will also revolutionize chronic care through proactive disease management and will strengthen geriatric health care by rewarding good primary care, encouraging experienced geriatric doctors to train the next generation of primary care doctors and training nurses to identify simple conditions that could cause downward health spirals.

Support living with dignity: Edwards will offer choices in long-term care to older Americans by reforming Medicare and Medicaid to let people elect home-based care in their communities. Edwards will also improve nursing homes and crack down on elder abuse, while at the same time promoting livable communities and accessible transportation to support independent living for older Americans.

Edwards has signed onto the AARP pledge promising to work with elected officials of both parties to develop and implement policies that provide all Americans with access to quality affordable health care and lifetime financial security.

Edwards Addresses Nation In Response To President Bush’s Iraq Plan

EDWARDS ADDRESSES NATION IN RESPONSE TO BUSH’S IRAQ PLAN
First time a candidate for president has used a national televised address to rebut Bush on Iraq

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Senator John Edwards addressed the nation this evening in a televised response to President Bush’s speech on Iraq.  In his address, which aired on MSNBC after President Bush’s remarks, Edwards reminded the American people that Congress can – and must – force an immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq. Edwards’ comments marked the first time a presidential candidate has used a national televised address to speak to the American people about President Bush’s refusal to change course in Iraq.

“Our troops are stuck between a president without a plan to succeed and a Congress without the courage to bring them home,” Edwards said in the address. “Supporting our troops and pursuing a failed war are not the same things – whatever George Bush would have us believe.  All Americans honor the incredible sacrifice of our troops. They have done everything asked of them with courage and resolve. Now we should bring them home.”

In the address Edwards said that the only way to force the Iraqis to take responsibility and negotiate a political solution is to begin withdrawing troops – immediately.  Edwards criticized President Bush for refusing to change “the only strategy he has ever had – more time, more troops and more war.”

Edwards concluded his remarks by reminding the American people that Congress must answer to them. “Tell Congress you know the truth – they have the power to end this war and you expect them to use it,” said Edwards. “When the president asks for more money and more time, Congress needs to tell him he only gets one choice: a firm timeline for withdrawal.  No timeline, no funding. No excuses.”

Edwards has been a leader in calling on Congress to stand firm against the president – and this isn’t the first time he’s asked the American people to join him in this call. In May, Edwards launched a groundbreaking multimedia ad campaign, entitled “We the People,” which featured regular Americans urging Congress not to back down to President Bush’s veto and to continue to send him Iraq funding bills containing a timeline for withdrawal.

Full transcript below.

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This week - as we will forever - we remember those lost on September 11th. And this week, Washington refocuses on Iraq. But the question of Iraq is separate from September 11th – as it has always been, whatever George Bush would have us believe.

Likewise, supporting our troops and pursuing a failed war are not the same things – whatever George Bush would have us believe. 

All Americans honor the incredible sacrifice of our troops. They have done everything asked of them with courage and resolve. Now we should bring them home.

They are policing a civil war, and the only way to end that civil war is for both sides, Sunni and Shia, to take responsibility to end it by agreeing to a political solution. And the only way to force them to take responsibility is to withdraw our troops – starting now.

Unfortunately, the president is pressing on with the only strategy he has ever had – more time, more troops and more war.

In January, after years of evidence that military actions cannot force a political solution, the president announced a military surge to force a political solution. In May, he vetoed a plan to end the war, demanded more time to show the surge could work, and Congress gave it to him. Now, after General Petraeus reports the surge has produced no progress toward a political solution, what does the president want? More time for the surge to work, when we know it won't.

Our troops are stuck between a president without a plan to succeed and a Congress without the courage to bring them home.

But Congress must answer to the American people. Tell Congress you know the truth - they have the power to end this war and you expect them to use it. When the president asks for more money and more time, Congress needs to tell him he only gets one choice: a firm timeline for withdrawal.

No timeline, no funding. No excuses.

It is time to end this war.

Edwards Statement In Remembrance Of 9/11

EDWARDS STATEMENT IN REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Senator John Edwards released the following statement:

“We will never forget the tragedy that occurred on this day six years ago when the hijackers crashed their terrible ideology into the American dream. Nearly 3,000 Americans died on that heartbreaking day in New York City, in Arlington, Virginia, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. They were bankers and waiters, secretaries and firefighters, they were family and friends, and they were our fellow Americans.

“While the profound grief we still feel in this moment of remembrance will stay with us forever, we also find hope in the courage and compassion of those we lost.  Their sacrifice is a harsh and lasting reminder of what has become one of the great goals of our generation—to keep America safe and to root out terrorism from the face of the earth. 

“Now, six years later, we must gain further strength from the sacrifices paid on 9/11. As we look forward, in the face of growing threats, Americans must remain vigilant in our fight against terrorism, and seek a new path that unites like-minded nations in a global mission to shut down terrorism once and for all.

“We have overcome great foes in the past. I have faith that through the same courage and strength displayed by the heroes of 9/11, we will do so again.”