2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Rudy Giuliani’s Statement On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s Statement on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

New York City – Mayor Rudy Giuliani released the following statement on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:

“On December 7th, 1941, the United States of America was attacked at Pearl Harbor. We lost not only 2,403 brave Americans, but also the sense of security that had come from being a nation separated from wars in Europe and Asia by two oceans. Today, 66 years after the attacks, we remember the heroism of those who lost their lives, and we honor the courage of those men and women in uniform who still stand ready to defend our liberty.

“In the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack, an entire generation mobilized overnight and dedicated itself to defeating the dictatorships of the Axis Powers. The example of the Greatest Generation inspires us in our own struggle against the tyranny of terrorism.  As we mark this anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks, we remember their sacrifice and honor their success in expanding the reach of freedom around the world.”

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Not Politically Correct"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "NOT POLITICALLY CORRECT"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Not Politically Correct."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's record of fighting for conservative principles in the bluest of blue states.  When it was not politically correct, Governor Romney stood up for life, required English in the classroom and fought for marriage as between a man and a woman.  Governor Romney believes that we can strengthen America by bringing pro-family, conservative change to Washington.

The ad will be airing as part of the campaign's rotation in Iowa.

Script For "Not Politically Correct" (TV:30):

ANNOUNCER: "When it wasn't politically correct, he stood up for life in Massachusetts.

"When it wasn't politically correct, he fought for English in the classroom. 

"When it wasn't politically correct, he said marriage should be between a man and a woman."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "You strengthen the American people by strengthening the American family.

"Marriage must come before children, because every child deserves a mother and a father."

ANNOUNCER: "A stronger America."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message."

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Announces Minnesota Leadership

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Announces Minnesota Leadership

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced its Minnesota campaign leadership on the state and local levels. Leading the Minnesota team as State Chairman is U.S. Senator Norm Coleman.

“As a former mayor myself, I admire Mayor Giuliani’s achievements in reducing crime, cutting taxes and turning a deficit into a surplus in New York City,” said Senator Coleman. "Rudy is a true leader, and I am proud to have a strong team of supporters rallying behind him all across Minnesota.”

Rudy’s Minnesota State Leadership Team:

Rob Hewitt, Minnesota Grassroots Chair
Arlan Stangeland, Former U.S. Representative
Ian Alexander, Minnesota Surrogate Chair
Carol Liege, Minnesota Women for Rudy Co-Chair
Jean Simon, Minnesota Women for Rudy Co-Chair
Teresa Hewitt, Minnesota Catholics for Rudy Chair
Sheriff Rich Stanek, Minnesota Law Enforcement for Rudy Chair*

Minnesota State Fundraising Team:

Wheelock Whitney, Minnesota Finance Chair
Bonnie Spear McGrath, Fundraiser
Dennis E. Hecker, Fundraiser
George W. Pillsbury, Fundraiser
Sally W. Pillsbury, Fundraiser
Lesley Schlegel, Fundraiser
Stanley S. Hubbard, Fundraiser
Timothy P. Owens, Fundraiser

Minnesota County Leadership Team Members:

Christine Deuker, Anoka County Chair
Larry Howes, Cass County Chair
Scott Brooks, Hennepin County Chair
Michele Medina, Hennepin County Grassroots Chair
Robert Olson, Hennepin County Surrogates Chair
Christopher Senn, Hennepin County Volunteer Coordinator
Willis Krumholz, Martin County Chair
Nancy Bagne, Otter Tail County Co-Chair
John Waller III, Otter Tail County Co-Chair
Dan Igo, Ramsey County Voter Contact Chair
Thomas Reale, Stearns County Chair

Minnesota City & Town Leadership Team Members:

Debbie Diekmann, Arden Hills Co-Chair
Benjamin Deggendorf, Blaine Chair
Sarah Gale, Bloomington Co-Chair
Gene Story, Bloomington Co-Chair
Scott Nystrom, Coon Rapids Chair
Leroy Peterson, Eagan Chair
Armando Alonso, Eden Prairie Co-Chair
Mark Cohn, Eden Prairie Co-Chair
John Henry Swon IV, Edina Chair
Tom McElligott, Golden Valley Co-Chair
Susan McElligott, Golden Valley Voter Contact Chair
Joseph Schomacker, Luverne Chair
Lisa Chesley, Mankato Chair
David Guell, Maple Grove Chair
Jesse Stebbins, Minneapolis Chair
Charles Cudd, Minneapolis Surrogates Chair
Joel Johnson, Minneapolis Volunteer Coordinator
Kristine Donatelle, Minneapolis Voter Contact Chair
Eric Petersen, Minnetonka Co-Chair
Anthony Stanius, Minnetonka Co-Chair
Amy Barsness, Minnetonka Voter Contact Chair
Justin Zenanko, Minnetrista Chair
Katherine McVay, Mound Chair
Matthew Castillo, North Branch Chair
David Stein, Plymouth Co-Chair
Derek Brigham, Plymouth Co-Chair
Timothy Erlander, Richfield Chair
Jason Cole, Richfield Voter Contact Chair
James Rogers, Rochester Chair
Sharon Peterson, Rosemont Chair
Daniel Gardner, Shakopee Chair
Michael Held, St. Louis Park Chair
Jayne Jones, St. Paul Co-Chair
Alicia Long, St. Paul Co-Chair
John Nolde, Stillwater Co-Chair
Susan Barritt, Stillwater Co-Chair
Irene Hewitt, Wayzata Chair
Anthony Tedesco, Woodbury Chair

Obama Announces New Campaign Ad Titled “Moment,” Featuring Footage From JJ Speech

Obama Announces New Campaign Ad Featuring Footage from Widely Praised JJ Speech

DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today released a new campaign ad titled “Moment,” which features footage from Obama’s widely-praised Jefferson-Jackson dinner speech.

In the ad, Obama talks about his desire to move past the old “textbook” campaign that pits “red” vs. “blue” America.

The Washington Post called Obama’s speech the “oratorical winner”.  The Des Moines Register’s David Yepsen called the speech “moving” and “excellent” and said it could be a “turning point” in the campaign.

Below please find the script of the ad:

VISUAL:
Grayscale intro card fading in

BARACK V/O:
I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner

BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
We are in a defining moment in our history.

VISUAL:
Audience members from the JJ Dinner

BARACK V/O:
Our nation is at war. The planet is in peril.

VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner

BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
The dream that so many generations fought for…

VISUAL:
Audience-perspective shot, close-up of elderly lady

BARACK V/O:
Feels as if it’s slowly slipping away.

VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner

BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
And that is why, the same old Washington textbook campaigns….

VISUAL:
Black Screen

SUPER:
“For Obama, it’s not politics as usual.”

Cedar Rapids Gazette 10/27/07

BARACK V/O:
Just won’t do.

VISUAL:
Black Screen

SUPER:
“Scrupulous honesty.”

Joe Klein, Time Magazine, 11/12/07

BARACK V/O:
That’s why, telling the American people what we think they want to hear…

VISUAL:
Black Screen

SUPER:
“Vision” to lead the nation

Concord Monitor, 10/11/07

BARACK V/O:
Instead of telling the American people what they need to hear, just won’t do.

VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner

BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
America, our moment is now.

VISUAL:
Audience-perspective shot

BARACK V/O:
I don’t wanna spend…

VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner

BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
The next year or the next four years…

VISUAL:
Black Screen

SUPER:
“Across the Divide.”

Newsweek, 7/16/07

BARACK V/O:
Re-fighting the same fights that we had, in the 1990’s. 

VISUAL:
Barack standing at JJ Dinner

BARACK AT JJ SYNC:
I don’t wanna pit red America, against blue America, I wanna be the President…

VISUAL:
Obama Logo fades in, dark blue background

SUPER:
Iowa.BarackObama.com

Approved by Barack Obama.  Paid for by Obama for President.

BARACK V/O:
Of the UNITED States of America

Mitt Romney "Faith in America" Speech Streamed On USTREAM

Excerpts Of Governor Romney's "Faith In America" Address

EXCERPTS OF GOVERNOR ROMNEY'S "FAITH IN AMERICA" ADDRESS

College Station, TX – Speaking at The George Bush Presidential Library, Governor Romney will address the American people about his views on religious liberty, our country's grand tradition of religious tolerance and how faith would inform his Presidency.

Excerpts Of Governor Romney's Remarks (As Prepared For Delivery):

"There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us.  If so, they are at odds with the nation's founders, for they, when our nation faced its greatest peril, sought the blessings of the Creator.  And further, they discovered the essential connection between the survival of a free land and the protection of religious freedom.  In John Adam's words: 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion... Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people.'

"Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God.  Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone."

"When I place my hand on the Bible and take the oath of office, that oath becomes my highest promise to God.  If I am fortunate to become your president, I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest.  A President must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States."

"There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church's distinctive doctrines.  To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution.  No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith.  For if he becomes President he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths."

"It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions.  And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it's usually a sound rule to focus on the latter – on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course.  Whether it was the cause of abolition, or civil rights, or the right to life itself, no movement of conscience can succeed in America that cannot speak to the convictions of religious people.

"We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning.  They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God.  Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life.  It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America – the religion of secularism. They are wrong.

"The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation 'Under God' and in God, we do indeed trust.

"We should acknowledge the Creator as did the founders – in ceremony and word.  He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places.  Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our Constitution rests.  I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.'"

"These American values, this great moral heritage, is shared and lived in my religion as it is in yours.  I was taught in my home to honor God and love my neighbor.  I saw my father march with Martin Luther King.  I saw my parents provide compassionate care to others, in personal ways to people nearby, and in just as consequential ways in leading national volunteer movements."

"My faith is grounded on these truths.  You can witness them in Ann and my marriage and in our family.  We are a long way from perfect and we have surely stumbled along the way, but our aspirations, our values, are the self -same as those from the other faiths that stand upon this common foundation. And these convictions will indeed inform my presidency."

"The diversity of our cultural expression, and the vibrancy of our religious dialogue, has kept America in the forefront of civilized nations even as others regard religious freedom as something to be destroyed.

"In such a world, we can be deeply thankful that we live in a land where reason and religion are friends and allies in the cause of liberty, joined against the evils and dangers of the day. And you can be certain of this:  Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me. And so it is for hundreds of millions of our countrymen: we do not insist on a single strain of religion - rather, we welcome our nation's symphony of faith."

Today, sharing his views on religious liberty, Governor Romney addressed the American people in a speech titled "Faith in America" at the George Bush Presidential Library. (Romney for President Photo/ Abby Brack)

Governor Mitt Romney Prepares For "Faith In America" Speech

Governor Mitt Romney made edits to his speech "Faith in America" this Monday. On Thursday, December 6, Governor Romney will travel to College Station, Texas, to deliver the address at the George Bush Presidential Library. (Romney for President Photo/ Abby Brack)

Iowa State Daily Endorses Barack Obama For President

Iowa State Daily Endorses Barack Obama for President
First Daily Paper in Iowa to Endorse Presidential Candidate

DES MOINES – The Iowa State Daily, a daily newspaper serving the Iowa State University student body and Story County, endorsed Barack Obama for President yesterday, saying: “What Obama brings above all else is a renewed sense of hope…We have lost a national direction, and Obama can restore that.”  The Iowa State Daily is the first daily newspaper in Iowa to make an endorsement of a presidential candidate this cycle.

The Iowa State Daily’s endorsement cited Senator Obama’s realistic plan to end the war in Iraq, his plans to make the United States energy independent, his commitment to our environment, and his promise to provide universal health care for all Americans by the end of his first term in office.  The paper wrote:

“He has ignited a passion for a change in the direction this country is headed. Jump on board, because just like Obama, we're fired up and ready to support him in his quest for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.”

The Iowa State Daily’s endorsement comes on the heels of a successful rally Senator Obama held this Sunday, December 2, at Iowa State University’s Howe Hall.  The Iowa State Daily has a circulation of over 13,900 and readership of over 27,800. 

General Wesley Clark Speaks In New Clinton Iowa Ad

General Wesley Clark Speaks In New Clinton Ad
New Iowa Ad Highlights Clinton’s Foreign Policy Credentials

The Clinton campaign today released a new ad in Iowa featuring General Wesley Clark.  In the ad, General Clark dismisses the recent attacks against Hillary Clinton as “politics” and says he trusts her to deal with the many challenges that America faces around the world.  “I’ve known Hillary Clinton for twenty-four years.  I know she has what it takes to end the war in Iraq, avert war with Iran, and restore our country’s standing in the world,” General Clark says in the thirty-second ad.

After 34 years of service in the United States Army, General Clark rose to the rank of four-star general as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. General Clark commanded Operation Allied Force, which saved 1.5 million Albanians from ethnic cleansing in Kosovo, and he was responsible for the peacekeeping operation in Bosnia.

General Clark endorsed Hillary Clinton in September.

Following is the script for the ad:

“Wes Clark”
TV: 30

Clinton: I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Clark:  I see that Hillary’s opponents have started attacking her.  That’s politics.  What this country needs is leadership.

Clark: I’m Wes Clark; I commanded our forces in Europe when we won the fight to halt ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. 

Clark: I’ve known Hillary Clinton for twenty-four years.  I know she has what it takes to end the war in Iraq, avert war with Iran, and restore our country’s standing in the world.

Clark: These are tough times and Hillary Clinton is the right choice for America.

Huckabee Announces Formation Of Iowa Pastors Coalition

Huckabee Announces Endorsement of Tim and Beverly LaHaye, Iowa Family Values Activist Chuck Hurley & Formation of Iowa Pastors Coalition

Des Moines, IA – Flanked by several dozen members of the Iowa clergy, Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee today announced his campaign’s Iowa Pastors Coalition, the endorsement of Iowa family values leader Chuck Hurley and the support of nationally known religious leader Tim LaHaye and his spouse, Beverly LaHaye, who founded Concerned Women of America.

“I'm honored to have the support and encouragement from this fine group of faith leaders,” Huckabee said. “We share a commitment to preserving life, strengthening families and making this country a better place for all Americans.”

Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas who now leads the polls in Iowa and has vaulted to second place in national polls, also announced the support of Luana Stoltenberg, a Davenport pro-life activist.

Hurley, the president of the Iowa Family Policy Center, is a former state legislator who has devoted his career to strengthening Iowa’s families by championing traditional values. “I’m humbled and honored to support such a fine man for such a vital office at this vital time,” said Hurley, who noted the endorsement was a personal one and not on behalf of the IFPC.

Stoltenberg has been involved with Crisis Pregnancy Center in the Quad Cities. She also has been a board member and spokesperson for the Life and Family Coalition. A former supporter of Sen. Sam Brownback’s presidential effort, Stoltenberg is active in Operation Outcry: Silent No More.

Huckabee said he welcomed the support as candidates continue to battle for support as the Iowa caucuses are just 30 days away.

The LaHayes are prominent national leaders who have provided a strong moral compass for America. “During the 25 years I have known Mike Huckabee, he has proven himself to be a Christian conservative who stands without apology for the pro-life, pro-marriage platform that is so important in this time of moral collapse,” Tim LaHaye said.

Beverly LaHaye said, “I support Mike Huckabee because he is genuinely pro-life – true to Biblical morality – a man of absolute faith in God and courageous enough to try to do something to bring America back to its foundation.”

For 25 years, Tim LaHaye pastored one of the nation's outstanding churches in San Diego, Calif., which grew to three locations. It was during this time he also founded two accredited Christian high schools, a school system of 10 Christian schools, San Diego Christian College and assisted Dr. Henry Morris in the founding of the Institute for Creation Research, the nation’s foremost exponent of creationist materials. LaHaye has written more than 50 non-fiction books on a wide range of subjects such as family life, Bible prophecy, the will of God, Jesus Christ, and secular humanism. His books have been translated into 32 languages, with more than 13 million in print.

Beverly LaHaye is chairman of the board and founder of Concerned Women for America. The LaHayes have been married for over 55 years and live in southern California. They have four grown children, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Speaking on behalf of the pastors coalition, Pastor Brad Sherman of the Solid Rock Christian Church, Coralville, said he endorsed Huckabee because he was “first struck by, not only his position on the issues, but his skill at communicating his position in way that made sense.”

Sherman added, “Then I noted that he is governed by principle, not by the direction of the political breeze. He holds the same positions today that he did yesterday. That is a solid indicator where will stand tomorrow. This nation badly needs Mike Huckabee in the White House.”