2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Ron Paul Raises $6 Million in One Day

Ron Paul Raises $6 Million in One Day
Candidate has most successful fundraising day in American political history

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Congressman Ron Paul’s presidential campaign had a record fundraising day yesterday.

In a 24-hour period on December 16, the campaign raised $6.026 million dollars, surpassing the one-day record of $5.7 million held by John Kerry.

During the day, over 58,000 people contributed to Dr. Paul’s campaign, including 24,940 first-time donors.  Over 118,000 Americans have donated to the campaign in the fourth quarter.

The $6 million one-day total means the campaign has raised over $18 million this quarter, far exceeding its goal of $12 million.

“We have the right message:  freedom, peace and prosperity,” said Ron Paul 2008 campaign chairman Kent Snyder.  “We also have the right candidate:  Dr. Ron Paul.”

Des Moines Register Endorses John McCain For President

Des Moines Register Endorses John McCain For President

"The leading candidates seeking the Republican nomination for president present an intriguing mix of priorities, personalities and life stories. ... Yet, for all their accomplishments on smaller stages, none can offer the tested leadership, in matters foreign and domestic, of Sen. John McCain of Arizona. McCain is most ready to lead America in a complex and dangerous world and to rebuild trust at home and abroad by inspiring confidence in his leadership." -- Des Moines Register

Excerpts From "Republican Endorsement Editorial: Why McCain"

Editorial
Des Moines Register
December 16, 2007

The leading candidates seeking the Republican nomination for president present an intriguing mix of priorities, personalities and life stories. ...

Yet, for all their accomplishments on smaller stages, none can offer the tested leadership, in matters foreign and domestic, of Sen. John McCain of Arizona. McCain is most ready to lead America in a complex and dangerous world and to rebuild trust at home and abroad by inspiring confidence in his leadership.

In an era of instant celebrity, we sometimes forget the real heroes in our midst. The defining chapter of McCain's life came 40 years ago as a naval aviator, when he was shot down over Vietnam. The crash broke both arms and a leg. When first seeing him, a fellow prisoner recalls thinking he wouldn't live the night. He was beaten and kept in solitary confinement, held 5 years. He could have talked. He did not. Son of a prominent Navy admiral, he could have gained early release. He refused.

The one-time playboy emerged from prison a changed, more serious man. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 and the Senate in 1986, he has built an unconventional political career by taking stands based on principle, not party dogma, and frequently pursuing bipartisanship.

His first term was touched by scandal when the Senate rebuked him for meeting with savings-and-loan regulators on behalf of campaign donor Charles Keating Jr., who was later imprisoned. That ordeal steered him into championing government transparency and battling alongside Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold for the campaign-finance-reform bill that bears their names.

Time after time, McCain has stuck to his beliefs in the face of opposition from other elected leaders and the public. He has criticized crop and ethanol subsidies during two presidential campaigns in Iowa. He bucked his party and president by opposing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. A year ago, in the face of growing criticism, he staunchly supported President Bush's decision to increase troop strength in Iraq.

In this campaign, he continues to support comprehensive immigration reform -- while watching his poll standings plunge. Some other Republican candidates refuse to acknowledge that climate change is a serious threat caused by human activity. McCain has worked on the issue for seven years and sponsored bills to limit greenhouse-gas emissions.

McCain would enter the White House with deep knowledge of national-security and foreign-policy issues. He knows war, something we believe would make him reluctant to start one. He's also a fierce defender of civil liberties. As a survivor of torture, he has stood resolutely against it. He pledges to start rebuilding America's image abroad by closing the Guantanamo prison and beginning judicial proceedings for detainees.

McCain has his flaws, too, of course. He can be hot-tempered, a trait that's not helpful in conducting diplomacy. At 71, his age is a concern. The editorial board disagrees with him on a host of issues, especially his opposition to abortion rights and gay marriage. McCain foresees a "long, hard and difficult" deployment of troops in Iraq. The Register's board has called for withdrawal as soon as it's safely possible.

But with McCain, Americans would know what they're getting. He doesn't parse words. And on tough calls, he usually lands on the side of goodness -- of compassion for illegal immigrants, of concern for the environment for future generations.

The force of John McCain's moral authority could go a long way toward restoring Americans' trust in government and inspiring new generations to believe in the goodness and greatness of America.

The Portsmouth Herald Endorses John McCain For President

The Portsmouth Herald Endorses John McCain For President

"U.S. Sen. John McCain will tell you the truth, even if it costs him the election. He has a very clear-eyed view of the truth having spent his life fighting for our country and leading the U.S. Senate for the past 20 years on virtually every critical issue facing our nation. In our view, John McCain stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Republican field and deserves the support of those voting in the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary Jan. 8." -- The Portsmouth Herald

Vote Sen. McCain In GOP Primary

Editorial
Portsmouth Herald
December 16, 2007

U.S. Sen. John McCain will tell you the truth, even if it costs him the election.

He has a very clear-eyed view of the truth having spent his life fighting for our country and leading the U.S. Senate for the past 20 years on virtually every critical issue facing our nation.

In our view, John McCain stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Republican field and deserves the support of those voting in the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary Jan. 8.

The Boston Globe Endorses John McCain For President

The Boston Globe Endorses John McCain For President

"A general election campaign with John McCain in it is more likely to turn on substance, not demagoguery. As a lawmaker and as a candidate, McCain has done more than his share to transcend partisanship and promote an honest discussion of the problems facing the United States. He deserves the opportunity to represent his party in November's election." -- The Boston Globe

For Republicans: John McCain

Editorial
The Boston Globe
December 16, 2007

Conventional wisdom among political handlers used to hold that a candidate needed to capture the political center. The last two presidential campaigns proved that wrong. The Republicans scraped out victories by pressing just enough buttons and mobilizing just enough voters. But such wins breed political polarization and deprive a president of the political capital needed to ask Americans to sacrifice in difficult times.

The antidote to such a toxic political approach is John McCain. The iconoclastic senator from Arizona has earned his reputation for straight talk by actually leveling with voters, even at significant political expense. The Globe endorses his bid in the New Hampshire Republican primary.

Former Nebraska Governor And Senator Bob Kerrey Endorses Clinton

Fmr. Nebraska Governor and Senator Bob Kerrey Endorses Clinton
The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of former Nebraska Governor and Senator Bob Kerrey.

“At a time when our nation faces serious challenges, it will take a leader with Hillary Clinton’s strength and experience to bring the real change we need,” Kerrey said. “Hillary is tested and uniquely capable of restoring America’s standing in the world.”

Kerrey has been president of The New School in New York since 2001, overseeing unprecedented growth in undergraduate enrollment and curriculum offerings while remaining active in national affairs. He served on the 9/11 Commission that analyzed the U.S. response to the terrorist attacks and is co-chair of the National Commission for Quality Long-Term Care.

Prior to his current position, Kerrey represented Nebraska in the U.S. Senate from 1989 to 2001, and as Governor from 1983 to 1987.

Kerrey served as a Navy SEAL in Vietnam and was wounded in the line of duty, earning the Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership.

“Bob is a leading voice on the most critical issues facing our nation, from education to national security to health care,” Clinton said. “I am deeply honored to have his support and counsel as we take our message of change across America.”

Ron Paul Surpasses Fourth Quarter $12 Million Fundraising Goal

Ron Paul Surpasses Fourth Quarter $12 Million Fundraising Goal with Two Weeks Remaining
As of 11 am over 15,000 supporters have donated more than $1.9 million in one day donation blitz

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – With two weeks remaining in the fourth quarter, the Ron Paul 2008 presidential campaign has already surpassed its $12 million fourth quarter fundraising goal.

As of 11 am, supporters have donated over $1.9 million to the campaign during a one-day supporter-organized donation event, bringing the fourth quarter total to $13.5 million. The event timed for the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.

"The outpouring of support is astounding. Americans are rallying to Dr. Paul's message and showing that they want a government that respects their rights and protects their freedoms," said Ron Paul 2008 campaign manager Lew Moore.

DES MOINES REGISTER ENDORSES CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT

DES MOINES REGISTER ENDORSES CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT

From the Endorsement:

“The times demand results. We believe as president she’ll do what she’s always done in her life: Throw herself into the job and work hard. We believe Hillary Rodham Clinton can do great things for our country.”

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071215/NEWS/71215018

"A deep, talented field in the Democratic caucus race offers both good and difficult choices.

No fewer than three candidates would, by their very identity, usher the nation to the doorstep of history. Should the party offer the nation the chance to choose its first woman president? Or its first black president? Or its first Latino president?

Or should the party place its trust in two senators, Joe Biden or Chris Dodd, who have served their nation with distinction for more than 30 years each? Or should it heed John Edwards’ clarion call to restore opportunity for all Americans?

Beyond their personal appeal, the candidates have outlined ambitious policy proposals on health care, education and rural policy. Yet these proposals do little to help separate the field. Their plans are similar, reflecting a growing consensus in the party about how to approach priority issues.

The choice, then, comes down to preparedness: Who is best prepared to confront the enormous challenges the nation faces — from ending the Iraq war to shoring up America’s middle class to confronting global climate change?

The job requires a president who not only understands the changes needed to move the country forward but also possesses the discipline and skill to navigate the reality of the resistant Washington power structure to get things done.

That candidate is New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton..."

Edwards Campaign Unveils New “Fight” Television Ad In Iowa

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN UNVEILS NEW “FIGHT” TELEVISION AD IN IOWA

In the ad, Edwards says that saving the middle class from corporate greed is the fight he was born for

Des Moines, Iowa – Inspired by the enthusiasm generated by Senator John Edwards’ discussion of economic issues during the Des Moines Register debate on Thursday, today the campaign unveiled a second new television ad in Iowa called “Fight.”

“The moral test of our generation is whether we’re going to allow this broken system to go on without a fight or take on corporate greed and stand up for the middle class and American jobs before it’s too late,” Edwards says in the ad. “They aren’t going to just give their power away. Saving the middle class is going to be an epic battle, and that’s a fight I was born for.”

Full Script of “Fight:”

This isn’t about petty politics or good intentions.

Corporate greed and influence in Washington are stealing our children’s future.

The moral test of our generation is whether we’re going to allow this broken system to go on without a fight or take on corporate greed and stand up for the middle class and American jobs before it’s too late.

They aren’t going to just give their power away.

Saving the middle class is going to be an epic battle, and that’s a fight I was born for.

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

Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum Endorses Obama

Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum Endorses Barack Obama for President

St. Paul, MN -- Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN04) today endorsed Barack Obama for President.

"The Iraq War has been the most disastrous foreign policy decision of our lifetime and Barack Obama
got it right when he opposed this war of choice from the start," said Congresswoman McCollum.
"Barack Obama has the courage to move our country forward by challenging Washington's tired
conventional thinking. I'm endorsing Barack Obama for President because I trust his leadership –
for my family, for our country and for a more secure world. We need a President who can unite the
American people to confront the serious challenges facing our nation, especially ending the war in
Iraq, and that is Barack Obama."

"Congresswoman McCollum has been an outspoken leader on the challenges facing communities across
America, and I'm grateful for her endorsement," said Senator Obama. "Betty McCollum had the
judgment to oppose authorizing the war in Iraq, and she has worked to end the war as quickly and
responsibly as we can. As a former teacher, McCollum has fought for strong schools, well-trained
teachers, and affordable and accessible education programs for all students. Above all,
Congresswoman McCollum knows that to make progress, we need leadership that will unify the nation to
get things done."

In 2000, McCollum made history as the second woman in Minnesota state history to be elected to
Congress. McCollum serves as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is a Senior Democratic
Whip, as well as a co-founder of the Global Health Caucus.

In Minnesota, Obama has also been endorsed by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Congressman Keith
Ellison. Obama for America was the first presidential campaign to open an office in the state – the headquarters is located in St. Paul. In the past ten weeks since that opening the campaign has held a caucus and grassroots training in St. Paul that drew a crowd of 400; caucus and grassroots
trainings in every congressional district, every week; an eight-city canvass of Minnesota where 80
supporters knocked on over 2,500 doors on a single Saturday; individual canvasses every weekend in
cities across the state; phonebanks every night of the week; and a Turn the Page in Iraq rally at
Macalester College.

Senator Obama was endorsed earlier this week by Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Carol
Shea-Porter (D-NH).

Edwards Campaign Unveils New "Voice" Television Ad In Iowa

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN UNVEILS NEW “VOICE” TELEVISION AD IN IOWA

In the ad, Edwards says he will stop letting corporations and their lobbyists run the country so that people like James Lowe can get the health care they need

Des Moines, Iowa –Today, the John Edwards for President campaign unveiled a new television ad in Iowa called “Voice.”

In the ad, Senator Edwards shares the story of James Lowe, a former coal miner from Wise County, Virginia, who could barely speak for 50 years because he didn’t have health care and couldn’t afford the operation he needed to fix his cleft palate. Edwards met Mr. Lowe at the site of a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic during his “Road to One America” tour in July. It was at this free rural clinic, a year ago, that Mr. Lowe finally met with medical professionals willing to donate their time to perform the surgery he needed so he could finally speak. 

“Fifty years without a voice – in America,” Edwards says in the ad. “This is wrong. It is immoral. When are we going to stop letting drug companies, insurance companies and their lobbyists run this country? America belongs to us. James Lowe finally got his voice, now it’s time for yours.”

“I am proud to support John Edwards and to lend my story to his fight to stand up for the millions of hardworking Americans who don’t have a voice in Washington,” said Mr. Lowe. “The American people need health care, and we need it badly. When John Edwards is president, I know that’s exactly what we will get.”

Edwards was the first candidate to propose a plan for true universal health care.  As president, he will take on the drug and insurance companies and guarantee health care for every American, while cutting costs and improving care.

Full Script of “Voice:”

I met a man named James Lowe who was born with a cleft palate.

He had no voice for 50 years, because with no health care, he couldn’t get a simple operation.

Fifty years without a voice – in America.

This is wrong. It is immoral.

When are we going to stop letting drug companies, insurance companies and their lobbyists run this country?

America belongs to us.

James Lowe finally got his voice, now it’s time for yours.

I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.