2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

2008 Republican National Convention Hosts Media Walk-Through At Xcel Energy Center

2008 Republican National Convention Hosts Media Walk-Through at Xcel Energy Center
Media Coverage Will Present the Convention, Minneapolis-Saint Paul to the World

St. Paul, MN. The 2008 Republican National Convention today welcomed hundreds of news media representatives to the Xcel Energy Center for an informational briefing and tour of the convention complex. The Committee on Arrangements, the MSP 2008 Host Committee, and other local officials are rapidly preparing to accommodate the 15,000 members of the media expected in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the nominating convention.

"We appreciate the critical role the news media will play in bringing the 2008 Republican National Convention - a showcase for our party's strong principles and hopeful message - into the homes of millions around the world," said convention President and CEO Maria Cino. "We are working hard to anticipate and attend to the media's needs."

The walk-through addressed a wide range of topics, including the media credentialing process, administrative and logistics needs, work space requests, and housing requirements. Media representatives were also given the opportunity to tour the full convention complex, including the Xcel Energy Center and media workspace that will be developed in the neighboring Saint Paul RiverCentre convention center and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. In the coming months, convention staff will work closely with members of the media to prepare each organization's credentials, on-site workspace, and other operational needs.

"Ten months from now, Republicans will be gathering here in Minneapolis-Saint Paul to nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States," RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan said. "And when we do, we will be taking advantage of new technologies and new methods of communicating and interacting, so that reporters from around the country, in both new and traditional media, will have every opportunity to bring this convention to the country and the world in ways we've never seen before. This will be an exciting convention, and an exciting time for our Party and our nation."

"The media walk-through is another example of the profound economic impact the convention will have on the host cities," said RNC Co-Chairman and Committee on Arrangements Chairman Jo Ann Davidson. "Preparations are underway long before the gavel drops and local communities are already beginning to benefit from the convention being here."

The anticipated 45,000 convention participants, of which the media is expected to number 15,000, will dine, shop, and overnight throughout the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area next September. The host cities are projected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the convention.

Many visitors are already traveling to the host cities in advance of next year's event. These pre-convention guests, including attendees of the fall media walk-through, have logged about 1,000 nights in area hotels. Pre-convention visits, which also mean increased business for local restaurants, shops, and area attractions, will continue through next fall.

"We are thrilled to welcome members of the media this week - and it is an honor to introduce them to the people and places of Minneapolis-Saint Paul," said Host Committee Chairman Douglas Leatherdale. "The Xcel Energy Center is a world-class venue and the entire metropolitan area is full of exciting possibilities."

Walk-through attendees also got an up-close look at one of Saint Paul's other fine venues, as the Host Committee hosted an evening reception at the Science Museum of Minnesota for the media representatives.

There are currently more than 20 convention staffers in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area who are living, dining and shopping locally, and that number will eventually grow to nearly 150. The Committee on Arrangements and Host Committee continue to work closely with Governor Pawlenty, Senators Coleman and Klobuchar, Mayors Rybak (Minneapolis), Coleman (Saint Paul), and Winstead (Bloomington), and many others at the Convention and Visitors' Bureaus to plan every aspect of the convention.

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 participate in the convention.

John Edwards For President Unveils New Television Ad, "Together"

JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT UNVEILS NEW TELEVISION AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
"Together" ad features Edwards talking about his plans to guarantee truly universal health care to every man, woman, and child in America

Manchester, New Hampshire– On the first day of “Building a Better America Week,” the John Edwards for President campaign unveiled its latest New Hampshire television ad entitled “Together.”  The ad features John Edwards speaking directly to New Hampshire voters about the critical importance of guaranteeing truly universal health care to every man, woman, and child in America.

“John Edwards has been standing up to the insurance companies, drug companies, and HMOs on behalf of everyday, working people his entire life,” said New Hampshire state director Beth Leonard.  “When he is president, he will continue to fight them head on.  John Edwards believes that we can achieve universal health care because there is nothing we cannot do if we do it together.”

Edwards was the first candidate to introduce a truly universal health care plan in February of this year.  He has also been the most candid about how his universal mandate will be enforced.

"Together" is the fourth ad to air in New Hampshire since the summer.

Full transcript:

“TOGETHER” TRANSCRIPT

We don’t have universal health care because of drug companies, insurance companies and their lobbyists in Washington, DC. 

And anybody who argues that every American’s not entitled to health care, I want them to explain to you what child in this country is not worthy of health care?

You’re going to sit at a table with drug companies and oil companies, and they’re going to give away their power? Right. You have to take their power away from them.

There is nothing we can’t do if we do it together. 

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

Congressman Bruce Braley Endorses John Edwards For President

CONGRESSMAN BRUCE BRALEY ENDORSES JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
Endorses Edwards As The Best Democrat To Win The White House And Lead Our Country

Waterloo, Iowa – Today, at a community meeting in Waterloo, Congressman Bruce Braley is endorsing Senator John Edwards for president.  Braley is the most senior Iowa Democrat to endorse a candidate during this campaign, and is supporting Edwards because he believes Edwards is the best candidate to take on the special interests, take back the White House and bring real change to our country.  Braley’s endorsement comes as Edwards continues to gain support throughout the state.  Last week, more than 50 county elected officials announced their support for Edwards at a meeting of the Iowa State Association of Counties.

"Today, I'm proud to endorse John Edwards for president," said Braley. "Throughout this campaign, on issue after issue, John has proposed bold ideas to end the power of special interests in Washington and restore our government to the American people.  John is the only Democratic candidate who grew up in rural America, and he has most specific, most progressive and most far-reaching ideas.  I truly believe he is the best Democratic candidate to lead us to victory in 2008. With his leadership, I believe we can make his vision of One America a reality." <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]-->

“I am honored to receive Bruce’s support,” said Edwards.  “He is a true leader and a strong voice on behalf of Iowa’s families.  Bruce is committed to ending the power of special interests and making sure all hard-working Iowans have the opportunity to work hard, get ahead, and leave their children a better future.  I look forward to joining with Bruce to change our country.”

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie Backs Obama

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie Backs Obama

DES MOINES – At a press conference at the State Historical Society, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie appeared with Senator Barack Obama and endorsed his campaign for president.  Mayor Cownie cited Senator Obama’s work to increase our investments in renewable fuels and praised Obama for his commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and make America 50% more energy efficient by 2030.

“The real promise of Senator Obama’s presidency isn’t just the plans he’ll bring with him into the White House, it’s the visionary leadership he’ll demonstrate once he gets there,” Mayor Cownie said.  “Barack Obama will put an end to the bitter partisanship that’s stopped us from making progress on the urgent challenge of global warming. He’ll tell the American people what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear.  As President, he’ll restore America’s standing in the world and lead a global effort to meet this challenge once and for all.”

Before elected mayor, Crownie served on the Des Moines City Council where he led the Gray’s Lake Study and Planning Committee and Des Moines’ long-term economic growth strategy, the “2020 Plan.” 

"Mayor Cownie has shown real leadership on environmental issues, and all Americans - not just the people of Des Moines - have benefited from it." Obama said. " I commend him for what he's doing and I look forward to working side-by-side with Mayor Cownie in the months and years to come."

Mike Huckabee Surges In The Polls

Huckabee Surges In The Polls
Former Arkansas Governor Ups Lead in Iowa to 5, Takes Second Place Nationally

LITTLE ROCK, AR –  New poll numbers released by the Des Moines Register show former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee leading in Iowa by 5 points, while yet another national poll by Rasmussen shows Huckabee in possession of second place.

Poll numbers this week released throughout last week show Huckabee leading in Iowa, double digits and climbing in both New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida, and in second place nationally.

“The numbers show we are climbing in the early states as well as nationally. My conservative message of faith, family, and freedom is resonating with the American people. They know it’s authentic. Ironically, the more we get attacked, the more our numbers soar,” said Huckabee.

“There's no substitute for message -- and the voters know it.  That is why we’ll be out front in the only polls that really matter – those on the respective primary and caucus days," he said.

Key findings of the Des Moines Register poll show Huckabee wins the support of 29 percent of Iowans who say they definitely or probably will attend the Republican Party's caucuses on Jan. 3 – up 17 percentage points from an earlier poll taken in October.  Huckabee leads Governor Romney, his nearest rival, among men, 28 percent to 20 percent, and he has more support among caucus-goers between the ages of 35 and 54 and is preferred 2:1 by those who wish their presidential candidate to be a social conservative.

Huckabee also outscores the entire Republican field as the candidate who is the “most socially conservative, the most civil in tone and the most principled.”

DesMoines Register Iowa Caucus Poll: December 1, 2007
Huckabee    29%
Romney          24%
Giuliani    13%
Thompson         9%
McCain         9%

Rasmussen Iowa Poll: November 28, 2007
Huckabee      28%
Romney         25%
Giuliani         12%
Thompson     11%
McCain          4%

vantage/Maj. Opinion

Rasmussen National Tracking Poll: December 1, 2007
Giuliani    24%
Huckabee          15%
Thompson        14%
McCain          13%
Romney          10%

American Research Group South Carolina Poll: November 30, 2007
Giuliani        23%
Romney          21%
Huckabee       18%
Thompson        13%
McCain          10%

Rasmussen New Hampshire Poll: November 30, 2007
Romney:      34%
Giuliani     15%
McCain       15%
Huckabee    14%
Thompson       3%

Insider Advantage Florida Poll: November 28, 2007
Giuliani      26%
Huckabee    17%
McCain        13%
Romney        12%
Thompson        9%

“This recent flurry of polls showing upward momentum is great news, but what matters is performance. I’m going to continue to campaign hard to win the hearts and minds of the voters who I believe will be receptive to my positive message of change for America’s future,” said Huckabee.

NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the announcement of the New Hampshire Union Leader's endorsement:

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of the New Hampshire Union Leader, the only statewide newspaper in the Granite State. It is yet another indication that I have the momentum to win the first-in-the-nation primary. New Hampshire voters deserve straight talk, and it is a privilege to answer their questions in living rooms and town hall meetings across the state.

"I alone have the experience, knowledge and judgment to lead as commander in chief from day one, and my candidacy will rally the Reagan coalition to win a great victory next November."

In Remarks At DNC Fall Meeting, Obama Pledges To Deliver Change We Can Believe In

In Remarks at DNC Fall Meeting, Obama Pledges to Deliver Change We Can Believe In

Washington, DC— In remarks at the Democratic National Committee’s annual fall meeting, Barack Obama today pledged to bring an end to the bitter partisanship that has divided the country and unite Americans behind a sense of common purpose.  Rather than re-fight the partisan battles of the 1990s, Obama said he would build a new majority focused not just on winning, but on governing, and deliver change that is more than just a slogan – change we can believe in.

As Prepared for Delivery:

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
Democratic National Committee Fall Meeting
Friday, November 30th, 2007
Washington, DC

Less than a year from now, you will go into the voting booth and you will select the President of the United States of America.

Now, here's the good news - the name George W. Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin Dick Cheney will not be on the ballot. We've been trying to hide that for a long time. Everybody has a black sheep in the family. The era of Scooter Libby justice, and Brownie incompetence, and Karl Rove politics will finally be over.

But the question you're going to have to ask yourself when you vote this year and next is this:

"What's next for America?"

We are in a defining moment in our history. Our nation is at war. The planet is in peril. The dream that so many generations fought for feels as if it's slowly slipping away. We are working harder for less. We've never paid more for health care or for college. It's harder to save and it's harder to retire. And most of all we've lost faith that our leaders can or will do anything about it.

We were promised compassionate conservatism and all we got was Katrina and wiretaps.

We were promised a uniter, and we got a President who could not even lead the half of the country that voted for him.

We were promised a more ethical and more efficient Washington, and instead we have a town that is more corrupt and more wasteful than it was before. And the only mission that was ever accomplished is to use fear and falsehood to take this country to a war that should have never been authorized and should have never been waged.

It is because of these failures that America is listening, intently, to what we say here today - not just Democrats, but Republicans and Independents who've lost trust in their government, but want to believe again.

And it is because of these failures that we not only have a moment of great challenge, but also a moment of great opportunity. We have a chance to bring the country together in a new majority - to finally tackle problems that George Bush made far worse, but that had festered long before George Bush ever took office - problems that we've talked about year after year after year.

And that is why the same old Washington textbook campaigns just won't do in this election.  An electoral strategy that starts out leaving half the country behind just won't do.  Telling the American people what we think they want to hear instead of telling the American people what they need to hear just won't do. Triangulating and poll-driven positions because we're worried about what Mitt or Rudy might say about us just won't do. If we are really serious about wining this election Democrats, we can't live in fear of losing it.

This party - the party of Jefferson and Jackson; of Roosevelt and Kennedy - has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people when we led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction; when we summoned the entire nation to a common purpose - a higher purpose. And I run for the Presidency of the United States of America because that's the party America needs us to be right now.  A party that doesn't just offer change as a slogan, but real, meaningful change - change that America can believe in.

That's why I'm in this race.  I am in this race to tell the corporate lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over. I have done more than any other candidate in this race to take on lobbyists - and won. They have not funded my campaign, they will not get a job in my White House, and they will not drown out the voices of the American people when I am President.

I'm in this race to take those tax breaks away from companies that are moving jobs overseas and put them in the pockets of hard working Americans who deserve it. And I won't raise the minimum wage every ten years -I will raise it to keep pace so that workers don't' fall behind.

That is why I am in it.  I'm in this race because I want to stop talking about the outrage of 47 million Americans without health care and start actually doing something about it. I expanded health care in Illinois by bringing Democrats and Republicans together. By taking on the insurance industry. And I have put forth a universal health care plan that will do more to cut the cost of health care than any other proposal in this race.  Here’s the truth – if you can’t afford health insurance right now, you will when I’m President.  Anyone who tells you otherwise is more interested in scoring points than solving problems.  And I’m in it because we’ve had enough of that. 

I run for president to make sure that every American child has the best education that we have to offer- from the day they are born to the day they graduate from college. And I won't just talk about how great teachers are - as President I will reward them for their greatness - by raising salaries and giving them more support. That's why I'm in this race.

I am running for President because I am sick and tired of Democrats thinking that the only way to look tough on national security is by talking, and acting, and voting like George Bush Republicans.

When I am this party's nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq; or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran; or that I supported Bush-Cheney policies of not talking to leaders that we don't like. And he will not be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether or not it is ok for America to torture - because it is never ok. That's why I am in it.

As President, I will end the war in Iraq. We will have our troops home in sixteen months. I will close Guantanamo. I will restore habeas corpus. I will finish the fight against Al Qaeda. And I will lead the world to combat the common threats of the 21st century - nuclear weapons and terrorism; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease. And I will send once more a message to those yearning faces beyond our shores that says, "You matter to us. Your future is our future. And our moment is now."

America, our moment is now.

Our moment is now.

I don't want to spend 2008 re-fighting the same fights that we had in the 1990s.  That’s exactly what Mitt and Rudy want.  That’s they’re only hope of winning because they know that if this election is about health care, or ending this war, or making college affordable, then they will lose.  They are counting on the same bitter partisanship and the same electoral map we’ve had for far too long. 

I believe I can transform that map.  In my Senate race I won some of the reddest, most Republican counties in Illinois.  In 2006, when House and Senate candidates in states like Missouri, and Nebraska, and Tennessee, and Virginia, and Indiana needed someone to come campaign for them, I was the one they called.  And I’m attracting more Independents and Republicans to our cause than anyone else in this campaign. 

It’s because I believe we can build that new majority – not just to win, but to govern – to actually get something done.  I don't want to pit Red America against Blue America, I want to be President of the United States of America.  And that won't just be a Democratic victory; that will be an American victory.

And that is a victory America needs right now.

I am not in this race to fulfill some long-held ambitions or because I believe it's somehow owed to me. I never expected to be here, I always knew this journey was improbable. I've never been on a journey that wasn't.

I am running in this race because of what Dr. King called "the fierce urgency of now." Because I believe that there's such a thing as being too late. And that hour is almost upon us.

I don't want to wake up four years from now and find out that millions of Americans still lack health care because we couldn't take on the insurance industry.

I don't want to see that the oceans have risen a few more inches. The planet has reached a point of no return because we couldn't find a way to stop buying oil from dictators.

I don't want to see more American lives put at risk because no one had the judgment or the courage to stand up against a misguided war before we sent our troops into fight.

I don't want to see homeless veterans on the streets. I don't want to send another generation of American children to failing schools. I don't want that future for my daughters. I don't want that future for your sons. I do not want that future for America.

I'm in this race for the same reason that I fought for jobs for the jobless and hope for the hopeless on the streets of Chicago; for the same reason I fought for justice and equality as a civil rights lawyer; for the same reason that I fought for Illinois families for over a decade.

Because I will never forget that the only reason that I'm standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world.

That's why I'm running, Democrats – to give our children and grandchildren the same chances somebody gave me.

That's why I'm running - to keep the American Dream alive for those who still hunger for opportunity, who still thirst for equality.

That's why I'm asking you to stand with me, that's why I'm asking you to vote for me, that's why I am asking you to stop settling for what the cynics say we have to accept. In this election - in this moment - let us reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed. A world repaired. An America that believes again. Thank you very much everybody.

Edwards Delivers Remarks At DNC Fall Meeting

EDWARDS DELIVERS REMARKS AT DNC FALL MEETING
Tells Democrats he will break down the wall that separates Washington from the American people

District of Columbia – Today, at the DNC fall meeting in Washington, D.C., Senator John Edwards will tell Democrats that he is the candidate who will fight to build One America and break down the wall that separates Washington from the American people.

Included below are excerpts from Edwards’ remarks:

“There’s a wall around Washington and we need to take it down.  The American people are on the outside.  And on the other side, on the inside, are the powerful, the well-connected and the very wealthy.  That wall didn’t build itself or appear overnight.  For decades, politicians without convictions and powerful interests gathered their bricks and their stones and their mortar, and they went to work.  They went to work to protect their interests, to block the voice of the American people, and to stop our country’s progress.  They went to work to protect, defend, and maintain the status quo. 

“That wall around Washington, it protects a system that's rigged and guess who struggles as a result?   Every single day, working men and women see that wall when they have to split their bills into two piles pay-now and pay-later; when they watch the factory door shut for the last time; when they see the disappointment on their son or daughter’s face when there’s no money to pay for college.  Every single day they see that wall when they have to use the emergency room as a doctor’s office for their son because they can’t afford to pay for health care.   This is not okay.  That wall has to come down.

“That’s why America needs a fighter, Democrats.  We need one to break down that wall so that we can see Our America—imagine Our America—and build one America. 

“This is bigger than politics. Bigger than any candidate or political party. Because the truth is that it’s not just Republicans who built this wall.  Democrats helped too.  Too many politicians from both parties are choosing self-preservation over principle, compromise over convictions. 

“You have a choice in this election.  You have to decide what kind of person you want as your next president.  Do you want someone who is going to pretend that wall around Washington isn’t there, or defend the people who helped build it?  Or do you want someone who is going to lead with conviction and tell you the truth, and have a little backbone? Do you want someone who is going to hope that the people who spent millions of dollars and decades building that wall, and have billions more invested in keeping it up, are going to be willing to compromise, to take it down voluntarily?  Or do you want someone who is going to stand up to those people and fight for your interests, when the chips are down, when your backs are against the wall, every single day?

  “We have a choice in this election.  We can keep trying to shout over that wall.  We can keep trying to knock out a chink here and there, to punch little holes in it and hope our voices get through.  We can settle for baby steps, half-measures and incremental change, and try to inch our way over that wall and toward a better future.  Or we can be bold and knock it down.   

“This is going to be the fight of our lives.  I know because I’ve spent my whole life fighting the powerful on behalf of hard-working people, and I can tell you this:  they are not going to give up their power easily.  But I can also tell you this: if you fight them – and you are right – you can win. 

“Democrats, America needs a fighter because this campaign is about something much bigger than celebrity politics, who’s up and who’s down.  It’s about a great moral test of our time. Twenty generations of Americans have passed this simple but profound test: Can our generation leave this country better for our children than it was when our parents gave it to us?  In the best of times and the worst of times, in the middle of wars and droughts and depressions like we’ve never seen, they found a way to leave the country better than it was given to them.  But, now, let’s be honest with ourselves.  We – this generation sitting here today – may be the very first generation of Americans since the founding of our republic to fail this test"

“We have to fight for our future—for our America.  Because when we look our children in the eye, what will we tell them?  Will we be forced to say that we left this mess to them, because the challenges were just too great?  Or will we be able to look at them and say that in the face of great challenges, we changed our country.  We rose to the day.  We fixed a broken system and made our country stronger, safer and more prosperous than ever before.   This is our moment.”

ABC News, WMUR-TV And Facebook Host Back-To-Back Debates In New Hampshire On Saturday, January 5, 2008.

ABC News, WMUR-TV and Facebook Host Back-To-Back Debates in New Hampshire

ABC News' Tahman Bradley Reports: Days before Granite State residents head to the polls to vote in the nation's first presidential primary, ABC News, Hearst Argyle's WMUR-TV and Facebook host back-to-back Democratic and Republican presidential debates in New Hampshire on Saturday, Jan 5, 2008.

The 90 minute debates, which take place on the campus of St. Anselm in Manchester, come two days after the Iowa caucuses.

ABC's "World News" anchor Charles Gibson will moderate with additional questions from WMUR anchor and political director Scott Spradling.

The first debate airs at 7:00 pm ET/PT on the ABC Television Network with the second debate immediately following it.

The order of the debates will be decided later by a coin toss.

"Coming on the heels of the Iowa Caucuses, these back-to-back primetime events will let voters in New Hampshire and throughout the country see the candidates challenge each other at a moment in the campaign when the stakes couldn't be higher," ABC News President David Westin said in a statement.

"WMUR is proud of its tradition of informing New Hampshire voters," added WMUR President and General Manager Jeffrey Bartlett. "We're excited to once again produce these important debates."

Congressman Duncan Hunter's - "Chuck Endorsement"

Hunter uses CNN’s vast audience to unveil major endorsement
American’s No. 1 hero steps forward

November 29, 2007 San Diego, CA…More than three million Americans saw WW II hero Chuck Yeager choose his candidate for President of the United States. The general, who was first to break the speed of sound, may be the first major endorsement for California Congressman Duncan Hunter.

Yeager told the vast CNN audience during their joint debate with UTUBE, that he wanted Hunter to lead this country. “Duncan Hunter served with the 173rd Airborne and 75th Rangers in Vietnam,” said Yeager.  “As a member, and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, he has kept our country strong.  Duncan is the best candidate for President because he has integrity, tenacity, courage, and diplomacy.  He is intelligent and thoughtful, does his research and acts on it,” added Yeager.

The CNN and YouTube debate was held Wednesday night in Petersburg, Florida. The candidates submitted thirty second commercials to be aired during the debate. Yeager began the Hunter commercial with, “I am General Chuck Yeager, United States Air Force, Retired, and I endorse Duncan Hunter for president.”  His West Virginia drawl played well with the huge audience who applauded his endorsement at the conclusion of the commercial.

Yeager is familiar with military action. He shot down 13 enemy aircraft in World War II, and became the nation’s No. 1 military hero. He made world news by breaking the speed of sound in 1948, and was proclaimed, “The best pilot alive” in the movie The Right Stuff.

“Chuck Yeager’s support is incalculable,” said Hunter. “To have an American hero to support me has given our campaign a tremendous boost. He is an enormous help.”