2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Statement From Campaign Manager Patti Solis Doyle On Michigan Primary

Statement from Campaign Manager Patti Solis Doyle on Michigan Primary

“Tonight Michigan Democrats spoke loudly for a new beginning.  You spoke out for an economy that would honor the middle class, not punish it.  You spoke out for a President who will fight to create good paying jobs at a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet.  You spoke out for an end to the war in Iraq.  You spoke out for a quality, affordable health care system that works for all Americans.

“For that, we thank you.

“Your voices matter.  And as President, Hillary Clinton will not only keep listening, but will make sure your voice is always heard.”

John McCain Statement On Michigan Primary

JOHN MCCAIN STATEMENT ON MICHIGAN PRIMARY

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statement:

Well, my friends, for a minute there in New Hampshire I thought this campaign might be getting easier. But you know what? We've gotten pretty good at doing things the hard way too. And I think we've shown them, we don't mind a fight.

Today, the people of Michigan have spoken. I respect their decision, and I commend them for shouldering their responsibilities as citizens of the greatest nation on earth. I am very thankful for the courtesy and consideration you gave our campaign; for braving the cold and snow to listen to me and to give me the opportunity to listen to you; and especially so to those of you who bestowed upon me the great privilege of your vote. And, of course, I am deeply grateful to our Michigan team and to the many dedicated volunteers who gave so generously of their time and labor and kept us competitive even in some pretty challenging moments. I will not forget you, and I will not let you down.

I want to thank my wife, Cindy and our children for their hard work and for their faith in me. And all of you here tonight, who are ready for the challenge ahead. God bless you all as you have blessed me.

I congratulate Governor Romney on his victory tonight. He and his campaign worked hard and effectively to make sure Michigan voters welcomed their native son with their support. You have won the round and earned your celebration tonight. I salute you, and offer you my genuine good wishes for the night.

We fell a little short tonight. But we have no cause to be discouraged or to second guess what we might have done differently. We did what we always try to do: we went to Michigan and told people the truth. I am as committed now as I have ever been to making sure that no state, whether its Michigan or South Carolina or anywhere in this blessed country, is left behind in the global economy. But that global economy is here to stay and it is, by its nature, constantly changing. To compete more successfully in it we must better prepare American workers and students to seize its opportunities. That is how we will build a stronger and more prosperous America. That is what I told the people of Michigan. And I don't believe I could have honestly told them anything else.

Now, it is South Carolina's turn to decide. I have long admired the deep patriotism of the people of this state. So many of your sons and daughters risk their lives today to keep the rest of us safe, as so many South Carolinians have done in past wars. I am humbled by their example, but proud to claim, that their cause is my cause. I have no intention of giving one inch of ground; tiring of one moment of the fight; or letting the politics of the day stop me from doing what must be done to keep the country we love safe, prosperous and proud. In this great struggle against radical Islamic extremism, I promise you, we will never surrender. They will.

I'm running for President to defeat an enemy for whom no attack is too cruel, and who will not stop attacking us until they are defeated. The challenge will require experienced and proven leadership. And, my friends, I can honestly say, I have prepared my entire life for this moment. In uniform and in office, in war and peace, I have learned how to lead a nation at war. I know how to keep us safe. I have been involved in every major national security challenge of our time. I have met and taken the measure of the world's leaders; those who are our friends and those who are not. I understand the capabilities, the needs and the sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces better than any other candidate in this race. And I intend to be a Commander-in-Chief who will provide them leadership that is as strong, principled and tireless as their service to our country. They have earned a thousand times over our gratitude, and, most importantly, our unwavering dedication to making certain that they do not sacrifice in vain. I will not let them down, so help me God.

I am so proud, my friends, to be an American, and never more so than when our country confronts a great challenge. For I have learned through long experience, that while we are stronger than our enemies in men and material, we are stronger still in ideals. I have pledged my life to those ideals, and I run for President to defend them still. Our cause is America. Her greatness is our hope; her strength our protection; her goodness the hope of mankind. It is the cause I have served my entire adult life, and with your help I will keep serving her a little while longer.

Tonight, we congratulate another candidate's campaign. But tomorrow we get up and fight. It is your turn South Carolina. We are going to fight for your votes and we're going to win this primary and the nomination of our party, and we're going to be proud of the way we do it. So stand up, my friends, stand up, stay strong, get busy, keep fighting and lets go win this thing. Thank you and good night.

Baseball Legend And SC Native Bobby Richardson Goes To Bat For Mike Huckabee

Baseball Legend and Sumter, SC Native Bobby Richardson Goes to Bat for Mike Huckabee
Richardson Says Huckabee is Number 1 for President 

Columbia, SC – Baseball Legend and Sumter, South Carolina native Bobby Richardson endorsed Mike Huckabee for President at a campaign rally at the Black River Electric Co-operative in Sumter, South Carolina today.

Richardson stated, "As someone who always wore the number 1 on my jersey, I am here to let everyone know that Mike Huckabee is truly Number 1. I hope voters all across South Carolina hit a homerun on January 19th by voting for Mike Huckabee in the South Carolina Republican Primary."

Huckabee stated, "I am excited to have Bobby Richardson on my team and appreciate his support. As a lifelong baseball fan, I am truly proud to have the support of various baseball greats including Bob Feller and Bobby Richardson and urge all baseball fans and voters alike to join Bobby Richardson in voting on Saturday, January 19th."

Richardson, a seven-time All-Star and the 1960 World Series MVP won five Gold Gloves and three World Series rings while starring at Second Base for the New York Yankees. After hanging up his glove in 1966, Richardson coached baseball teams at Liberty University, Coastal Carolina University, and the University of South Carolina, where he led the Gamecocks to their first ever College World Series in 1975. Richardson is also a highly sought-after motivational speaker, is a national leader within the Fellowship for Christian Athletes and was a 1976 Republican nominee for Congress.

Obama Campaign Unveils Minnesota Latino Leadership Committee

Obama Campaign Unveils Minnesota Latino Leadership Committee

ST PAUL - The Obama for Minnesota campaign today announced its statewide   Latino leadership committee, chaired by state Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, the first Latina ever elected to the Minnesota State Senate.

Hillary Clinton: NTSB Report On Minnesota’s I-35W Bridge Underscores Need To Invest In Infrastructure

Hillary Clinton: NTSB Report on Minnesota’s I-35W Bridge Underscores Need to Invest In Infrastructure

In response to a report from the NTSB showing that a design flaw caused the failure of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, Hillary Clinton today reemphasized the need to invest in America’s infrastructure.

“The tragic loss of life that resulted from the devastating collapse of the I-35W bridge last summer focused American’s attention on the dangers of deferring repair to our infrastructure. Knowing why the I-35W bridge failed does not close the book on America’s need for investment in our infrastructure, rather it should serve as a reminder of the work that lies ahead.

“More than a quarter of America’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. In Minnesota, the state is $23 billion short of where they need to be to fund performance goals–that’s $1 billion dollars short a year for the next 23 years. 

“My Rebuild America plan would help states like Minnesota with their infrastructure needs, by establishing a $10 billion Emergency Repair Fund and implementing a comprehensive structural assessment of our key roads and bridges.  Not only is rebuilding our infrastructure vital to the safety of America, our economy relies upon an infrastructure that can quickly and safely deliver products to market.”

Hillary Clinton’s Rebuild America Plan includes:

Establish a $10 billion "Emergency Repair Fund" to address the backlog of critical infrastructure repairs. There is a significant infrastructure funding gap, and it applies to everything from roads and bridges, to waterways and seaports. The under investment harms our economy and compromises our safety. There is an urgent need to repair and upgrade more than 60,000 bridges the Federal Highway Administration classifies as “structurally deficient.” Hillary will invest $10 billion over 10 years to finance the redesign and reconstruction of these structures. She will end the “repair-only-when-it-fails” policy that defers critical repairs because funding is unavailable.

Provide $250 million in "Emergency Assessment Grants" to the states to conduct immediate safety reviews of their high-priority, high-risk infrastructure assets. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has issued an advisory that urges state transportation departments to inspect bridges similar to the one that collapsed in Minnesota. Hillary Clinton proposes $250 million of “Emergency Assessment Grants” to help states conduct emergency infrastructure reviews of bridges and other critical infrastructure to ensure their immediate safety. These grants should be available with a priority-procurement status so they can be put to use as quickly as possible. If more funding is needed, Hillary will allow states and local governments the flexibility of using existing federal infrastructure funding.

Form a commission to carry out a comprehensive assessment of our engineering review standards so that we better prioritize needed repairs on bridges and roads. Recent events highlight the need to assess the integrity of our infrastructure and of prioritizing repairs to protect the safety of users. These events also suggest that we need to review our safety certification process and standards. The bridge collapse is only the most recent example of safety lapses. Last July, tons of concrete fell from the ceiling of Boston’s new tunnel and crushed a woman in her car. Hillary Clinton will establish a commission, under the auspices of the National Academy of Engineering, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to review the safety certification process and standards. The commission will also address the prioritization of needed repairs to roads and bridges, and make recommendations on how best to inspect, monitor, and maintain infrastructure on an ongoing basis.

New Clinton Spanish-Language TV Ad Airing In Nevada

New Clinton Spanish-Language TV Ad Airing In Nevada
The ad highlights Hillary’s commitment to be a voice for the Latino community

LAS VEGAS, NV - The Clinton campaign today launched a new Spanish language TV ad in Nevada. The new 30-second spot, titled "La voz de los que no tienen Voz" (The voice of the voiceless) highlights Hillary’s record as an agent of change for the Latino community - fighting for healthcare, new jobs, and to put an end anti-Hispanic demagoguery.

Following is the translation of the script for the ad.

"La Voz de los que no tienen Voz"
TV: 30

[Announcer] "We, the Latinos of Nevada, want to have a better life for our families.

"This is the moment when our vote needs to be our voice."

"We need to support our friend Hillary Clinton. She is in favor of universal health insurance and economic policies that will create millions of new jobs. And Hillary has said ‘Enough is enough’ to the anti-Hispanic demagoguery. She has worked in favor of the interests of our community for decades and she always delivers.

"Hillary is the voice of those without a voice.

"Next Saturday, at 11 in the morning, let’s go out and vote for Hillary, so that we can have a better life.

"I am Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

"Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President."

John McCain 2008 Launches TV Ad In South Carolina: "Service"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES TV AD IN SOUTH CAROLINA: "SERVICE"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new television ad in South Carolina. In the ad, entitled "Service," John McCain addresses his record of service and sacrifice for America, and why he's running to become the next president and commander in chief.

"Service" will run statewide in South Carolina beginning today.

Script for "Service" (:30-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: I've served our country all my adult life.

I've never lived a day in good times or bad I wasn't grateful for the privilege.

Now I ask to serve as your president.

As thousands of South Carolinians risk their lives to defend us, our purpose can't be ours alone.

America is our cause, her greatness our hope, her strength our protection, her goodness the hope of mankind.

That's why I run for president, and ask for your support.

I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

New Edwards TV Spots Challenge Media Frame of Two-Person Race

NEW EDWARDS TV SPOTS CHALLENGE MEDIA FRAME OF TWO-PERSON RACE
Campaign announces additional new television spots in South Carolina showing voters why John Edwards is the only one…

Columbia, South Carolina – Today, the John Edwards for president campaign began airing four new 10-second television spots in the Palmetto State that highlight how Senator Edwards differs from the other Democratic candidates and why he is better prepared to fight for the big change America needs.

In each spot, images of Senators Obama and Clinton appear on the screen while the narrator poses a question.  In “Deal” the narrator asks “Which Democrat opposed NAFTA and other trade deals that send American jobs overseas?” In “Dime” the question is “Which Democrat has never taken a dime of campaign money from Washington lobbyists?” In “Ban” the narrator asks “Who’s the only Democrat who would ban Washington lobbyists from the White House staff?” and in “Beats” the question is “Who’s the only Democrat that beats all the Republicans in the recent CNN poll?”

After the narrator asks the question, an image of John Edwards appears on the screen, accompanied by the words “John Edwards is the only one.”

Born to a working class family in South Carolina and raised in small, rural mill towns, Edwards has spent his life taking on powerful interests on behalf of hard-working families like the ones he grew up with. He has never taken a dime from Washington lobbyists or PACs, and has pledged that he will ban Washington lobbyists from serving in his Administration. As president, he will only support smart and safe trade deals, opposing trade deals that put the profits of multinational corporations ahead of the needs of hard-working families.

The ads begin airing one day after Edwards concluded his four-day “Bringing It Home” bus tour across South Carolina. Edwards is the only candidate in the race who was born in South Carolina and he is the only Democratic candidate to ever win in a “red” state. Edwards leads the Democratic field in both campaign stops and money raised in the Palmetto State, and his campaign boasts an impressive statewide grassroots organization strengthened by deep support from Edwards’ 2004 campaign. Edwards will return to South Carolina on Saturday as part of his “America Rising: Coast to Coast” tour.

Full transcripts are included below.

“Deal” (10 seconds):
Narrator: Which Democrat opposed NAFTA and other trade deals that send American jobs overseas?  John Edwards is the only one.
John Edwards: I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.

“Dime” (10 seconds):
Narrator: Which Democrat has never taken a dime of campaign money from Washington lobbyists?  John Edwards is the only one.
John Edwards: I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.

“Ban” (10 seconds):
Narrator: Who’s the only Democrat who would ban Washington lobbyists from the White House staff?  John Edwards is the only one.
John Edwards: I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.

“Beats” (10 seconds):
Narrator: Who’s the only Democrat that beats all the Republicans in the recent CNN poll?  John Edwards is the only one.
John Edwards: I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.

Nevada Judge Orders NBC To Include Kucinich In Presidential Debate

Nevada judge orders NBC to include Kucinich in Presidential debate
Threatens to halt debate if Kucinich is not allowed in

CLEVELAND, OH - Ohio Congressman and Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich will meet with reporters here Tuesday morning to make his first public statements following a Nevada court ruling tonight ordering that he be included in tomorrow’s nationally televised NBC/MSNBC debate - or, the court said, the debate would be halted.

Immediately following a planned 7:30 a.m. news conference at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Kucinich will board a flight for Las Vegas where he will gather with several hundred supporters for a rally before proceeding to the debate location. 

Kucinich had originally been invited to participate in the debate because he met one of the publicly announced criteria - ranking fourth or better in a national poll - but a network official advised the campaign Thursday that it was changing those criteria, reversing its decision, and rescinding the invitation to participate.

A formal order is expected Tuesday morning. But, according to published reports, Senior Clark County District Court Judge Charles Thompson vowed to issue an injunction halting the nationally televised debate if MSNBC failed to comply with his order. The judge ruled it was a matter of fairness and Nevada voters would benefit from hearing from more than just Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama. An official order from the court is expected this morning.

MSNBC To Telecast First Democratic Presidential Debate After NH Primary

MSNBC TO TELECAST FIRST DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE AFTER NH PRIMARY, LIVE FROM NEVADA JAN. 15

NEW YORK – January 11, 2008 – "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams will moderate a debate among the Democratic presidential candidates Tuesday, Jan. 15, 9-11 p.m. ET, live on MSNBC from the Cashman Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Sen. John Edwards will participate. The debate, to focus on issues important to minority voters, is sponsored by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 100 Black Men of America, IMPACTO, the Democratic African-American Leadership Council, the College of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Democratic Party.
The debate is the first among the Democratic presidential candidates to follow the pivotal New Hampshire primary, and comes just four days before the Nevada caucus on Jan. 19.

Tim Russert, moderator of "Meet the Press" and NBC News Washington Bureau Chief, will join Williams in questioning the candidates. "Today's" Natalie Morales will also join Russert and Williams; Morales will ask the candidates questions submitted by viewers via www.msnbc.com and www.januarydebate.com. The debate will also be streamed live at msnbc.com.