2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Lee Iacocca Praises Governor Richardson's Experience in New "Guts" Ad

Lee Iacocca Praises Governor Richardson's Experience in New "Guts" Ad

SANTA FE, NM-- The Richardson for President campaign today went up with a new ad in New Hampshire entitled "Guts." The ad features former Ford President and Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca, who recently endorsed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for President.

"I spent a lot of years as a CEO, and I am looking for a President with experience creating jobs and the guts to lead," Iacocca says in the ad. "And that is Bill Richardson. As a Governor, he turned his state's economy around by focusing on the jobs of tomorrow, like clean energy. He has balanced budgets, negotiated with foreign leaders, and he never gives up."

"New Hampshire voters want a tested leader in the Oval Office," campaign manager Dave Contarino said. "This ad shows that Governor Richardson's experience and record set him apart from the rest of the field. Lee Iacocca and Bill Richardson have a lot in common-- they are both proven leaders who always are on the lookout for innovation and are not afraid of taking bold action."

Governor Richardson's record on economic development is unparalleled in the Democratic field. Over 80,000 more New Mexicans are working since he took office, and many of these new jobs are in burgeoning sectors such as renewable energy. Richardson also has invested in education by raising teacher pay every year in office and has cut taxes for working families.

"A business legend like Lee Iacocca only would vouch for a candidate who knows how to fix our economy," Richardson said. "I am proud that he is placing that faith in me, and this ad is a reflection of that sentiment. As President, I will take every American's job as seriously as I do my own. Once again, we will make our economy work for middle-class Americans."

The ad was produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media.

Lee Iacocca Biography:
Lee Iacocca is the founder of the Iacocca Foundation for diabetes research. A graduate of Lehigh University with a master's degree from Princeton University, he began his career at Ford Motor Company as an engineer but moved to sales shortly thereafter. Iacocca's innovative approach to the automotive industry led to his becoming President of Ford in 1970.

After a seven-year stint, he moved to Chrysler Corporation and became CEO at a time when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. By taking short-term loans from the federal government and shifting the company's inventory to more fuel-efficient models, Iacocca had Chrysler turning record profits within six years.

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Radio Ad in New Hampshire

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Radio Ad in New Hampshire

New York City- The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the launch of a new radio ad in New Hampshire, entitled “Deliver.”

Script for “Deliver”:

AUDIO

RUDY GIULIANI: “There’s no question.  Taxes go down.  Revenues go up.”

VOICEOVER: “He cut taxes 23 times by 9 billion. Reduced welfare 640,000. Eliminated 20,000 bureaucrats. And cut real per capita spending. All in a place where people said it was impossible. Now, Rudy Giuliani has a new plan.  He’ll cut taxes.  Lower income taxes.  Reduce business taxes.  And do away with the marriage penalty and the death tax for good.”

RUDY GIULIANI: “We need accountability in the spending of our money so that people have confidence in government again.”

VOICEOVER: “Rudy will also rein in runaway federal spending. Do away with earmarks. Make agency heads find 5 to 10 percent savings in every budget. And when nearly half of the federal work force retires over the next 8 years, he’ll only replace half of them. Rudy Giuliani.  He won’t just talk about cutting taxes and reducing government.  He’ll deliver.”

RUDY GIULIANI: “I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message.”

VOICEOVER: “Paid for by the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee, Incorporated. JoinRudy2008.com”

Des Moines Register Republican Presidential Debate Photos

 

Mike Huckabee To Participate in GOP Presidential Debate Today

Mike Huckabee To Participate in GOP Presidential Debate Today

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will participate in the Des Moines Register’s Republican Presidential Debate today beginning at 1:00 p.m. C.T. / 2:00 p.m. ET. The debate will take place at Iowa Public Television's Maytag Auditorium in Johnston, Iowa.

The 90-minute GOP debate will be broadcast live on CNN, featured on FOX News Network and statewide Iowa Public Television and will be re-broadcast at a later time on IPTV. The program will also be offered to public television stations across the country.

“I am honored to participate in yet another debate to discuss my optimistic vision for America’s future, which builds upon my proven record of leadership and results as governor of Arkansas,” said Huckabee. “I look forward to addressing issues of importance to Iowa Republicans, and to voters across the country.”

Governor Huckabee will be joined by the following surrogates in the post-debate Media Spin Room:
Jim Gilchrist, 2004 founder of the Minuteman Project
Bob Feller, Cleveland Indians pitching legend Bob “The Heater from Van Meter” and Hall of Famer inductee
Chip Saltsman, National Campaign Manager, Huckabee for President, Inc.
Robert L. "Bob" Vander Plaats, Iowa Chairman, Huckabee for President, Inc.
Danny Carroll, Iowa Co-Chairman, Huckabee for President, Inc.
Dr. Charmaine Yoest, Sr. Advisor, Huckabee for President, Inc.

Mike Huckabee Advocates “Secure Borders” In New TV Ad

Mike Huckabee Advocates “Secure Borders” In New TV Ad
Former Governor Says No to Amnesty, Yes to Secure Borders in New Spot

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee said today that a new television ad, called “Secure Borders,” will help Iowa voters understand his plan to secure America ’s borders.

“It ought to be at least as difficult to get across an international border as it is to get on an airplane in our own home town,” said Huckabee in the ad, echoing a sentiment he often expresses on the campaign trail.
 
The new 30-second ad, unveiled Monday, will begin airing in Iowa .  Huckabee said the ad focuses on his No. priority, which is to seal America ’s borders. The former governor unveiled a nine-point plan to reform U.S. immigration laws last week.  Huckabee’s “Nine-Point Strategy for Immigration Enforcement and Border Security” provides a tough, equitable and comprehensive approach to dealing with the current immigration crisis.
 
The plan implements a broad-based strategy that commits the resources of the federal government to the enforcement of our immigration laws and results in the attrition of the illegal immigrant population.
 
The spot (his fourth in Iowa ) also reiterates Huckabee’s opposition to amnesty. “We need to make it clear that we’ll say no to amnesty and sanctuary cities.” said Huckabee.

Ron Paul Releases Television Ad On Healthcare Set To Run In Iowa and NH

Ron Paul Releases Television Ad on Healthcare Set to Run in Iowa and NH
Dr. Paul diagnoses healthcare problems… presents voters with cure

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Republican presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul has released a new television advertisement on the issue of healthcare. The ad is set to run in Iowa and New Hampshire.

The 30 second television spot highlights Ron Paul's commitment to giving Americans the power to take control of their healthcare choices by stopping pharmaceutical interests, powerful insurance companies, and government bureaucrats from interfering with doctor-patient decisions.

Below is the transcript of the ad:

(Narrator) Big tug of war going on in healthcare these days. One side's big business; HMO's, drug companies, you get the idea. The other side's the government; same guys who kept wounded Iraq War vets in moldy, rodent-infested rooms for months. Some choice!

I say we need Ron Paul for president. One, he's a doctor, he's seen it all. Two, he's got the right idea, take the power from big business and the bureaucrats and give it back to the patients and the doctors they choose. Now that's the right medicine.

(Ron Paul) I'm Ron Paul and I approve this message.

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Joe Biden Touts Experience In New Campaign Ad

BIDEN TOUTS EXPERIENCE IN NEW CAMPAIGN AD
No Guesswork Involved, Says Biden, “Just Look At What I’ve Done”

Des Moines, IA (December 11, 2007) –The Biden for President Campaign announced the launch of its new television ad, “Action,”which will begin airing across Iowa tomorrow. In the 30-second spot, Sen. Biden asks Iowans to cast their support for a candidate with proven leadership, experience, and most importantly, action on the biggest challenges facing our country. 

The ad points out that while promises are easily made, Joe Biden is the candidate with the longest record of promises kept. The Biden Plan for Iraq has received the bipartisan support of over 75 U.S. Senators, not to mention scores of Iraqi leaders, foreign affairs experts, and other public officials. And when Pakistan erupted in a state of crisis several weeks ago, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called Joe Biden first—not President Bush.  Sen. Biden concludes: “You don’t have to guess what I’d do as president. Just look at what I’ve done.”

“If Iowans believe campaign funds and celebrity will fix the debacle in Iraq, put the economy on track, and provide health care and education for America’s children, they should support another candidate,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro. “But I’m confident that Iowans know what I know: our problems will require experience and leadership from Day One. Empty slogans will be no match for proven action on caucus night.”

Edwards Campaign Announces Ten New Offices In Iowa

EDWARDS CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES TEN NEW OFFICES AND POSTS SIGNS IN EACH ONE HIGHLIGHTING STAND AGAINST PAC AND WASHINGTON LOBBYIST MONEY
Edwards is the ONLY Candidate Who Has Never Taken a Dime from PACs and Washington Lobbyists in His Life

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, building on John Edwards' growing strength in Iowa, the Edwards campaign announced ten new offices across the state that have opened in recent weeks.  In addition, the campaign is posting signs at each location highlighting that the offices are not paid for by PAC or Washington lobbyist contributions – and that John Edwards is the ONLY candidate who has never taken a dime from PACs or Washington lobbyists ever. 

Today is the second day of Edwards eight day Iowa bus tour aboard the "Main Street Express" – which has a sign on the back which reads: "Not Fueled by PAC or Washington Lobbyists – EVER."

“Our campaign is continuing to gain strength in Iowa – based on the support of regular Americans, not lobbyists and special interests,” said Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, the campaign’s Iowa state director.  “We continue to open offices, sign up supporters and aggressively reach out to undecided caucus goers in all 99 counties.  We want every Iowan to know heading into caucus night that John Edwards is the only candidate in this race who has never taken a dime from PACs or Washington lobbyists.  When he’s president, he won’t be looking out for special interests – just the interests of the American people.”

In recent weeks, the Edwards campaign has opened ten new offices, bringing the total number of offices in Iowa to 25.  Edwards is committed to reaching out to caucus goers in every county in Iowa. He is the only candidate to visit and take questions from Iowans in all 99 counties twice.

The new offices are in Algona, Decorah, Fairfield, Grinnell, Keokuk, Maquoketa, Marshalltown, Muscatine, Newton, and Spirit Lake.  A full listing of Senator Edwards' offices is available online at https://www.JohnEdwards.com/Iowa/Offices

Text of the signs:
NOT Paid for by PACs or Washington Lobbyist Money – EVER
Only one candidate has never taken a dime from PACs or Washington lobbyists.

Edwards Launches New Ad Featuring The Faces Of South Carolina

EDWARDS LAUNCHES NEW AD FEATURING THE FACES OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Campaign launches its fourth commercial, "Heroes,” in South Carolina, highlighting South Carolina's hardworking men and women

Columbia, South Carolina – In the newest South Carolina ad, “Heroes,” Senator John Edwards reaffirms his commitment to honoring and fighting for America’s true heroes – the working men and women of South Carolina. The ad features footage of Edwards speaking at a campaign event interspersed with images of hardworking Americans – including plant worker Mike Evatt of Seneca, Dr. James Blassingame of Sumter and soul food restaurant owner Martha Grant.

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

The launch of this ad builds on Edwards’ growing momentum in South Carolina. Edwards leads Democratic candidates in both campaign stops and money raised in the Palmetto state. Edwards became the first Democratic candidate to launch television ads in South Carolina with his first ad, “American Jobs, America’s Workers” which aired in November. Since then,the campaign has aired two additional ads, including a special Thanksgiving Day message and “Born,” which highlights Edwards’ South Carolina roots and features him outside his childhood home in Seneca, South Carolina. The latest ad, “Heroes,” features hardworking Americans from across South Carolina from Seneca to McClellanville, Columbia to Georgetown.

Last week, Edwards traveled to his hometown of Seneca with his parents, Bobbie and Wallace to visit his childhood home and open the new Oconee County Democratic Headquarters. Later in the day, Edwards addressed 1,000 newly registered voters at his father's high school alma mater, Walhalla High School, before attending the Charleston County Women's Democratic Holiday Party.

A full transcript of the script for the “Heroes” ad is included below.

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Full Transcript of Ad:
If you're looking for heroes, don’t look to me. Don’t look to Elizabeth. We have support. We have health care. We have the American people behind us.
Look to them. They are the ones who we speak for. They are the ones that we stand up for.
And Elizabeth and I decided, in the quiet of a hospital room, after 12 hours of tests and after getting very bad news, what we were going to spend our lives doing, for all those that have no voice.
We’re not going to quietly go away. Instead we’re going to go out and fight for what it is we believe in.
It is time for our party, the Democratic Party, to show a littlebackbone, to have a little guts. To stand up for working men and women. If we are not their voice they will never have a voice.
I'm John Edwards and I approve this message.

Dodd Campaign Announces “Chris Dodd’s 12 Days Of Results” Tour Across Iowa

DODD CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES “CHRIS DODD’S 12 DAYS OF RESULTS” TOUR ACROSS IOWA
Tour Will Highlight Dodd’s Record of Results for American Families and How He’ll Expand on Those Results as President

DES MOINES – In the spirit of the holiday season, the Dodd campaign will launch a “Chris Dodd’s 12 Days of Results” tour across Iowa, starting Thursday, December 13th, and concluding on Monday, December 24th.  In a campaign season full of rhetoric, only Chris Dodd has the record of results that proves to caucus-goers that he can deliver on his promises as President.

On each day of the tour, the Dodd campaign will highlight a different area of specific results that Chris Dodd has delivered for millions of Americans and how he’ll continue to expand upon those results as President.

The “12 Days of Results” tour will stop in Grinnell, Davenport, Dubuque, Epworth, Des Moines, Waterloo, Ames, Council Bluffs, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Clinton, Burlington, and Carroll.

In addition to the “12 Days of Results” tour, Dodd will host community forums in Vinton, Mason City, Monticello, Dyersville, Bellevue, and Cascade in the coming days.  He’ll also participate in the Des Moines Register debate, speak at a chili supper and fundraiser for State House candidate Josh Eaton in Story City, and speak at a Scott County Democrats dinner in Davenport.