2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

2008 Republican National Convention Names USTREAM.TV Official Live Video Streaming Provider

2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION NAMES USTREAM.TV OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO STREAMING PROVIDER

Emerging Technology Will Bring Convention Live to Web;

Republicans Pioneer Strategy to Enhance Blogosphere, Traditional Media Outreach

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – To showcase how technology will be used in exciting new ways to engage Americans and make the 2008 Republican National Convention the most tech-savvy ever, convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino today announced that Ustream.TV will serve as the event’s Official Live Video Streaming Provider. The announcement was made during a news conference broadcast live over the Internet using the Ustream.TV Web-based video platform. 

“Partnering with Ustream.TV sends a clear message that the Republican Party wants the Internet generation and all people – from Party loyalists to casual observers – to be part of the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said Cino.  “Anyone with computer and Internet access will be guaranteed a front-row seat to history through www.GOPConvention2008.com, as we formally nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States.” 

Ustream.TV allows anyone with a camera, computer, and Internet connection to broadcast live video to a global audience. Ustream.TV was founded by two U.S. military veterans and a technologist who strived to create a way for people of all ages around the globe to connect with each other through the power of live, online video broadcasts.

In addition to live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the convention, the Ustream.TV broadcasting platform will be used to proactively engage bloggers and traditional media outlets unable to travel to Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the event.  As part of the pioneering effort, convention and other Republican officials will be scheduled to participate in live video web chats and other online interviews, using Ustream.TV’s platform, leading up to and during the Republican National Convention.

“We are excited that the Republican National Convention has chosen Ustream.TV as its live video broadcasting platform,” said Brad Hunstable, co-founder of Ustream.TV, who also participated in the news conference. “Ustream.TV provides a completely new approach to video on the Web that allows 'broadcasters' to reach broader audiences, while giving 'viewers' the chance to interact with the content producer in a live forum. We look forward to working with the Republican National Convention to significantly expand its reach into the blogosphere – and beyond."

“The Republican Party continues to embrace innovative means to communicate our strong message to the American people and the rest of the world,” said Republican National Committee Co-Chair and Convention Chairman Jo Ann Davidson. “New and existing mediums alike are being utilized to promote the ideas of lower taxes and less government; keeping America secure; and letting patients and doctors, not government, make important health care decisions.”

Ustream.TV is headquartered in Los Altos, California, and is privately held. For more information, visit: www.ustream.tv.

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008.  Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPconvention2008.com.

2008 Republican National Convention To Announce Agreement With Emerging Technology Company

2008 Republican National Convention To Announce Agreement With Emerging Technology Company

The 2008 Republican National Convention will host a news conference at its headquarters in Saint Paul to announce an agreement with an emerging technology company that will help make the September event the most tech-savvy in history.

Could the emerging technology company be USTREAM.TV?

John McCain 2008 Announces California Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES CALIFORNIA LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its California Leadership Team. Bill Jones, former California Secretary of State, will serve as Chair of the McCain 2008 California campaign. Jones will lead the growing grassroots organization in support of John McCain's candidacy in California.

"John McCain stands head and shoulders above the Republican field of candidates," said Bill Jones. "He possesses the same qualities of courage, integrity, and inspirational leadership that Californians found in Ronald Reagan. John McCain continues to show why he is the most electable candidate and exactly the kind of candidate California Republicans can rally around. He is the most knowledgeable of all the presidential candidates on California's issues, and I am proud to lead his efforts in the Golden State."

John McCain thanked his California Chair stating, "Bill Jones is a respected and experienced political leader, and my campaign will benefit from his support as we work towards winning the support of the people of California."

CALIFORNIA LEADERSHIP TEAM

State Chair
The Honorable Bill Jones - Former California Secretary of State

Honorary Vice Chairs
Mayor Alan Autry, Fresno
Sheriff Lee Baca, Los Angeles County
The Honorable James Brulte - Former California State Senate Republican Leader
The Honorable James Cunneen, Former State Assemblyman, District 24
Dr. Tirso del Junco, Former California Republican Party Chairman
Supervisor Deidre Kelsey, Merced County
The Honorable Steve Kuykendall, Former U.S. Representative (CA-36)
U.S. Representative Dan Lungren (CA-3)
The Honorable James Nielson, Former State Senator, District 2
The Honorable Doug Ose, Former U.S. Representative (CA-3)
District Attorney Rod Pacheco, Riverside
Sheriff Mark Pazin, Merced County

John McCain 2008 Announces Alabama Leadership Team

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ANNOUNCES ALABAMA LEADERSHIP TEAM

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Alabama Leadership Team. United States Congressman Spencer Bachus will serve as the Southeastern United States Congressional Chair of the McCain campaign. Alabama Attorney General Troy King will serve as Chair of the McCain 2008 Alabama campaign. Representative Bachus and Attorney General King will continue to lead the growing grassroots organization on behalf of John McCain's candidacy in Alabama.

"Lots of candidates talk about the issues important to conservatives. But, only one candidate has a record to back up his rhetoric, and that's John McCain," said Congressman Spencer Bachus. "For twenty-four years, John McCain has taken bold positions on the cornerstone conservative issues of life, marriage, and limited government. It is with pride and gratitude that I am supporting my friend, John McCain for president."

"John McCain is the best hope for conservatives to succeed in November," said Attorney General Troy King. "He is a principled conservative with a clear record of supporting a strong national defense, fighting for fiscal responsibility, and defending the sanctity of life. John McCain has served our country his entire life, and I am honored to lead his efforts here in Alabama."

John McCain thanked the leadership of his Alabama campaign. "As a representative in the United States Congress, Spencer has displayed his commitment to the people of Alabama," said Senator McCain. "Troy is an outstanding public servant and passionate advocate for the rule of law. Both of these men are dedicated to the principles of limited government and traditional values that we share. I'm proud to have Republican leaders and dedicated public servants like Spencer Bachus and Troy King leading my campaign to victory in Alabama."

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 ALABAMA LEADERSHIP TEAM

Southeastern United States Congressional Chair
Congressman Spencer Bachus, Birmingham

State Chair
Attorney General Troy King, Montgomery

Honorary Chair
Former Alabama GOP Chairman Winton Blount, Montgomery

Legislators for McCain Co-Chairs
State Senator Ben Brooks, Mobile
State Representative Cam Ward, Alabaster

Legislator for McCain
State Representative Warren Beck, Geneva
State Representative Randy Davis, Daphne
State Representative Owen Drake, Leeds
State Representative Joe Faust, Fairhope
State Senator Steve French, Birmingham
State Representative Todd Greeson, Ider
State Representative Mike Hill, Columbiana
State Representative Jim McClendon, Springville
State Representative Allen Treadaway, Morris
State Representative Jack Williams, Birmingham

Veteran Chair
Don Fisher, Montgomery

Veteran Co-Chairs
Roland Day, Birmingham
Gen. Charles Ingram, Troy
Capt. Hal Pierce, Daphne

Mayoral Chair
Mayor Pat Thomas, Dothan

Mayoral Co-Chairs
Mayor Sheldon Day, Thomasville
Mayor Tim Kant, Fairhope

Lawyers for McCain Co-Chairs
Judge Terry Butts, Luverne
Matt Lembke, Birmingham

Mike Huckabee's Response To President Bush's State Of The Union Address

Governor Mike Huckabee's response to President Bush's State of the Union Address
Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee issued the following comment in response to President Bush's State of the Union Address:

"The President tonight gave a strong and articulate speech in which he reminded Americans of the many accomplishments of his administration.  Difficult as it has been, we are making progress in Iraq and Afghanistan.  All Americans should take pride in the accomplishments of our warriors, under the superb leadership of General Petraeus.  We need -- and must provide for --  the strongest and most effective military in the world, to protect ourselves and our key allies. In addition, here on the homefront, we must continue our vigilance in the war on terror -- and insist on the best possible care for veterans, their spouses and their dependents -- beginning with my Veterans Bill of Rights.

"Furthermore, I applaud the President's efforts on behalf of an economic stimulus package-it's a valuable first step.   And I hope that the Democratic leadership in Congress will cooperate with the President in a swift and responsible manner. And I applaud the President's determination to prune back Congressional earmarks-I have long believed that we need more transparency on spending. Moreover, I agree that we must hold the lone on taxes and we must make the Bush tax cuts permanent.  Furthermore, I wholeheartedly agree that those who believe that we are paying too little in taxes may contribute to the federal Treasury. This reminds me of the "Tax Me More" fund I created in Arkansas during my tenure as governor.

"We have much work to do ahead of us in the years to come: eliminating wasteful spending here at home, improving education, creating consumer-based health care, totally restructuring our tax code and abolishing the IRS, enforcing free but fair trade, and significantly boosting defense spending. 

"In addition, we must make more progress to protect fundamental freedoms here at home: We must build a border security fence along our Southern border, by a date certain, using American labor and American materials.   No holes, no loopholes, and no amnesty for illegals. 

"And we must reaffirm Second Amendment rights, even as must redouble our efforts toward the protection of Life, from conception to natural death.  To secure those vital freedoms, must work toward a judiciary that no longer legislates from the bench, but rather, interprets the Constitution and the law. 

"It is to the achievement of all these goals, and more, that I will dedicate my presidency -- a presidency that offers hope, opportunity and prosperity for all Americans."

U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) Response To The President’s State Of The Union Address

U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released a video response to the President’s State of the Union address.

Below is the script of the video.

Tonight, for the seventh long year, the American people heard a State of the Union that didn’t reflect the America we see, and didn’t address the challenges we face. But what it did do was give us an urgent reminder of why it’s so important to turn the page on the failed politics and policies of the past, and change the status quo in Washington so we can finally start making progress for ordinary Americans.

Tonight’s State of the Union was full of the same empty rhetoric the American people have come to expect from this President. We heard President Bush say he’d do something to cut down on special interest earmarks, but we know these earmarks have skyrocketed under his administration.

We heard the President say he wants to make tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans permanent, when we know that at a time of war and economic hardship, the last thing we need is a permanent tax cut for Americans who don’t need them and weren’t even asking for them. What we need is a middle class tax cut, and that’s exactly what I will provide as President.

We heard the President say he has a stimulus plan to boost our economy, but we know his plan leaves out seniors and fails to expand unemployment insurance, and we know it was George Bush’s Washington that let the banks and financial institutions run amok, and take our economy down this dangerous road. What we need to do now is put more money in the pockets of workers and seniors, and expand unemployment insurance for more people and more time. And I have a plan that to do just that.

And finally, tonight we heard President Bush say that the surge in Iraq is working, when we know that’s just not true.  Yes, our valiant soldiers have helped reduce the violence. Five soldiers gave their lives today in this cause, and we mourn their loss and pray for their families.

But let there be no doubt – the Iraqi government has failed to seize the moment to reach the compromises necessary for an enduring peace.  That was what we were told the surge was all about. So the only way we’re finally going to pressure the Iraqis to reconcile and take responsibility for their future is to immediately begin the responsible withdrawal of our combat brigades so that we can bring all of our combat troops home.

But another reason we need to begin this withdrawal immediately is because this war has not made us safer. I opposed this war from the start in part because I was concerned that it would take our eye off al Qaeda and distract us from finishing the job in Afghanistan. Sadly, that’s what happened. It’s time to heed our military commanders by increasing our commitment to Afghanistan, and it’s time to protect the American people by taking the fight to al Qaeda. 

Tonight was President Bush’s last State of the Union, and I do not believe history will judge his administration kindly. But I also believe the failures of the last seven years stem not just from any single policy, but from a broken politics in Washington. A politics that says it’s ok to demonize your political opponents when we should be coming together to solve problems. A politics that puts Wall Street ahead of Main Street, ignoring the reality that our fates are intertwined; a politics that accepts lobbyists as part of the system in Washington, instead of recognizing how much they’re a part of the problem. And a politics of fear and ideology instead of hope and common sense.

I believe a new kind of politics is possible, and I believe it is necessary. Because the American people can’t afford another four years without health care, decent wages, or an end to this war. The woman who’s going to college and working the night shift to pay her sister’s medical bills can’t afford to wait. The Maytag workers who are now competing with their teenagers for $7 an hour jobs at Wall Mart can’t afford to wait. And the woman who told me she hasn’t been able to breathe since her nephew left for Iraq can’t afford to wait.

Each year, as we watch the State of the Union, we see half the chamber rise to applaud the President and half the chamber stay in their seats. We see half the country tune in to watch, but know that much of the country has stopped even listening. Imagine if next year was different. Imagine if next year, the entire nation had a president they could believe in. A president who rallied all Americans around a common purpose. That’s the kind of President we need in this country. And with your help in the coming days and weeks, that’s the kind of President I will be.

Hillary Clinton Statement On The State Of The Union

Hillary Clinton Statement on the State of the Union

Tonight President Bush claimed that the state of our union is strong. And we can all debate that. But what is not up for debate is that for too many American families, the true “state of their lives” is one of economic anxiety and uncertainty.

As I’ve traveled across the country and visited with people in their homes, I have listened to the urgent problems they face. These families are resolute, and when it comes to their strength, optimism and hard work, the state of our union has never been stronger. Yet after seven years of stagnant wages, declining incomes and increasing inequality, our families are working harder and harder and still falling behind. 

President Bush had one final chance tonight to acknowledge what the American people have known for years: that the economy is not working for middle class families. Unfortunately, what he offered was more of the same – a frustrating commitment to the same failed policies that helped turn record surpluses into large deficits, and push a thriving twenty-first century economy to the brink of recession. 

We need a President who understands the urgent economic challenges our families face and who will work as hard for middle-class families as they work for America. I intend to be that President for the American people.

While I was heartened to hear the President acknowledge the need for immediate actions to jumpstart our economy, it will take more than tax rebates to fix our economic crisis and rebuild our economy for the future. We need immediate relief for people who are losing their jobs and facing skyrocketing home heating costs. And we need a comprehensive solution to the housing crisis.  Every housing proposal the President made tonight, I made several months - and hundreds of thousands of foreclosure notices - ago. For example, I have proposed to enable the Federal Housing Administration to function as an alternative to the subprime market; and I have proposed to empower state housing finance agencies to help families refinance unworkable mortgages. But more is needed. So I have also called on the mortgage industry to observe a 90-day foreclosure moratorium on subprime mortgages and a 5-year freeze in rates on subprime loans.

We need a long-term economic vision to restore shared growth and prosperity for America’s middle class. As President, I will work every day to create good high-paying jobs that can’t be outsourced, restore fairness to our economy, renew the promise of America that if you work hard, you can get ahead, and restore real fiscal responsibility to Washington.

In Iraq, President Bush talked about the success of the surge. The Administration brandishes many numbers.  The one I’m most focused on is that 2007 was the deadliest year for U.S. troops in Iraq. And the humanitarian situation remains devastating.

President Bush isn’t satisfied with failure after failure in Iraq; he wants to bind the next President to his failed strategy by unilaterally negotiating with the Iraqi government about the future of the U.S.-Iraq security relationship, including the possibility of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq. 

The Bush Administration says it does not even plan to submit this agreement to the Congress for approval, even though Iraqi officials plan to submit it to their parliament.  It is an outrage that the Iraqi parliament will have an opportunity to debate this but the American Congress won’t.  We need to rein in this President.  That is why I introduced the first legislation to require the President to submit any such agreement for congressional approval and to withhold any funding to carry out the agreement.

After seven long years of this Presidency, I am committed as President to solve problems, not ignore them.  I am committed to working for the middle class, not just the privileged few.  I am committed to restoring our leadership in the world through strong alliances, not alienating our friends.  I am committed to working towards real solutions for real Americans every day as President of the United States.

Edwards Response To The State Of The Union Address

EDWARDS RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Tonight, Senator John Edwards released the following statement in response to President Bush’s State of the Union address:

“The president tonight renewed his call for an economic recovery plan. But the plan he and Congress have offered leaves out tens of millions of Americans who need help the most. This plan would take months to have any impact, and the people I meet everyday on the campaign trail do not have months to wait. These people are hurting now and need this help now. Over the past seven years, typical workers’ paychecks have failed to keep up with inflation, millions of families are facing the loss of their homes to foreclosures, health insurance premiums have doubled, and families are spending $1,000 more a year on gasoline. The State of the Union may be interesting political theater, but until we find bold solutions to the challenges facing the country, we will be stuck with the same old small, Washington answers.

“And in the chamber of the House of Representatives where the president speaks, even though this Congress stopped listening to him a while ago, they will still applaud and cheer him. The truth is that Washington is out of touch with what's happening across the country. Between now and January of 2009, Democrats must stand up to this president, stand up for what's right, so he does not continue to forget about the middle class in this country.”

RNC Chairman's Response to President Bush's State Of The Union Address

RNC CHAIRMAN’S RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT BUSH’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

WASHINGTON – RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement tonight:

“President George W. Bush spoke about the importance of trust in America and her people.  He called on Congress to trust the American people to wisely spend more of their own money. With the current economic challenges, it is important that we reject the Democrats’ calls to raise taxes on hard-working people. Instead, we should empower Americans with tax relief that puts more money in their pockets and trusts them to spend it wisely.

“Congress must also empower our intelligence community to protect the American people. Unfortunately, the votes of Senators Clinton and Obama against giving our intelligence community the tools it needs to effectively prosecute the War on Terror directly undermines Americans’ safety.

“Tonight’s State of the Union was given in the midst of a primary season where Republicans stand united behind a pro-growth, pro-democracy agenda. I am more confident than ever a Republican President will deliver next year’s State of the Union address, and that he will echo the optimistic, hopeful and empowering messages we heard tonight.”

Ron Paul ‘The Only One’ TV Ad Runs In Tennessee And Arkansas

Ron Paul ‘The Only One’ TV Ad Runs in Tennessee and Arkansas
30-second spot shows that other candidates cannot match Congressman Paul’s record as a fiscal conservative

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Republican presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul has unveiled a new television ad – titled “The Only One” – that is running in Tennessee and Arkansas.

“There are now five Republican candidates battling for the nomination, but only Congressman Paul can truly be called ‘the taxpayer’s best friend.’ His record as a fiscal conservative is unmatched,” said Ron Paul 2008 campaign chairman Kent Snyder.  “Only Dr. Paul has never supported a tax increase, never supported an unbalanced budget, and never supported wasteful spending.”

The following is a transcript of the 30 second advertisement:

[Images of Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Mike Huckabee]

Narrator: “Who among these men has never supported a tax increase?  Never supported an unbalanced budget? Never supported wasteful government spending?

[All but Congressman Ron Paul fade away]

Narrator: “Congressman Ron Paul… the taxpayer’s best friend.

“We need to keep him fighting for our country. [Ronald Reagan quote]”

Congressman Paul: “I’m Ron Paul and I approve this message.”