2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Alan Keyes 2000 Announcement

Alan Keyes Announcement Speech in Iowa on September 20, 1999.

"Thank you, please have a seat. Thank you all for coming. I want first to make it very clear that the purpose of bringing you all together tonight is to clarify, if there had been any doubt in anybody's mind, that I am seeking and do intend to pursue the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

What we must try to do within the Republican Party today is bring the healing influence of the real grass roots to a cadre of leadership that has lost its way in the confusions of ambition and power. This is something that from time to time the people of this country are called to do if we are to preserve our heritage of self-government. It is hard work. It will require that in spite of all hesitation and embarrassment and this and that, we show a willingness to stand in our own circles, in our own families, amongst our own friends and our own workplaces, in our own churches, to issue the call for an unequivocal commitment to this agenda of principle. But I believe that if we are willing to do so, then that faithfulness will indeed be rewarded by our God, with a victory that will help to restore the hope that alone can come in this country from our dedication to the moral spirit of reverence for truth and for God that is in fact the basis of our claim to rights, and our hope for justice and liberty. Thank you very much."

Full Speech Text

Wes Clark 2004 Announcement

Announcement Speech of Wesley K. Clark  on September 17, 2003 in Little Rock, Arkansas

"My name is Wes Clark. I am from Little Rock, Arkansas, and I'm here to announce that I intend to seek the Presidency of the United States of America.

Well for my family and me, it's been a long journey from Little Rock. From West Point to Vietnam, 34 years in the United States Army, through war in the Balkans, back to Little Rock for business. And I'm proud to have made that journey, proud to have served my country in uniform, and proud to be back home today in Little Rock.

Now we're talking about a new journey. This is a journey I couldn't begin without all of you, friends and family, high school classmates, business colleagues, close personal friends, from all over the state, especially I want to recognize the hundreds of people who are here because of the Draft Clark movement. Thank you.

So that's our campaign. We're firm in our intent, we're clear in our purposes, we're mustering the resources, building the nucleus, drawing the support of people from all across this great land. We're underway and moving forward, we need your help here in Little Rock. Here in Arkansas and across America. But I want to reach out especially to those in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and everywhere across America. Get ready, we're moving out!"

Full Speech Text

John Edwards 2004 Announcement

John Edwards Presidential Announcement Address on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 in Robbins, North Carolina.

"Good morning. Welcome to my hometown, Robbins, North Carolina.

I grew up in an American town, and I grew up with America's dream. I owe everything I have to the America I grew up in.

And so this is where - today - to make opportunity the birthright of every American, I declare myself a candidate for President of the United States.

I am running for president because I have lived in the bright light of the blessing of America. I am running for President because the great gift of an equal chance is the greatest gift I know. I am running for President, because the greatness of America that has come before is nothing compared to the greatness of America that lies ahead."

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Pete du Pont 1988 Announcement

Pete du Pont Announcement For The Presidency in Wilmington, Delaware on September 16, 1986.

"I want to talk with you today about the future of our country, and about how together, we might help shape that future.

As a nation we will soon be without the graceful, confident leadership of Ronald Reagan. Under his leadership, we've known what we stood for as a people and where we wanted to go as a nation. Sooner than we realize he will step down from the presidency; so we must begin to think about who will next lead this country, and in what direction.

One hundred eighty-seven years ago a man named Pierre Samuel du Pont and his two sons left France to find opportunity in a freer world. They and their descendants enjoyed that freedom and prospered with it. Today one of those descendants has been given another extraordinary opportunity. He has been allowed the privilege of dreaming to lead the nation his ancestors risked everything to join.

I'm sure old Pierre is smiling as he looks down from the heavens to hear his namesake say, yes, I am a candidate for the president of the United States of America.

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Tom Harkin 1992 Announcement

Remarks Prepared for Delivery by Senator Tom Harkin at the Harkin Steak Fry on September 15, 1991.

"Let introduce myself: I'm Tom Harkin. And I'm running for President.

I'm running for president because I believe the American people are hungry for a New Vision of America. A New Vision of America based on strong, fundamental, enduring values.

The values that my parents gave to me and your parents gave to you.

You know, the older I get, and the more I learn, the more I realize that all I ever needed to know I learned growing up in the small town of Cumming, Iowa -- population 151, up the dusty road about 20 miles north of here.

I believe there are people in every city and town who share that New Vision, who are ready to roll up their sleeves, put the axe to the grindstone, and make it happen.

If you're ready for that kind of America, then give me your support, and together, we'll put a good, common sense, progressive Democrat in the White House."

Full Speech Text

Doug Wilder 1992 Announcement

Remarks made to the People of the Commonwealth at 12:30 P.M. on September 13, 1991 at the State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia by Governor L. Douglas Wilder.

"I want to talk to you today about the future .... your future; your children's future; Virginia's future; America's future; and --- yes --- my future. Perhaps most importantly, I want to talk about the future of those Americans and Virginians who have continued to wait to enjoy the opportunities of those basic freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

After many months of deliberation and hours of private thought and reflection on my commitment to Virginia and my obligation to my country...

I have decided to run for President of the United States in 1992.

I ask for your patience, support and---above all---your prayers in this effort for Virginia and the nation.

The most wrenching and prayerful consideration in my decision has been my commitment and promise to Virginia.

Twenty months ago, I committed and promised Virginians that I would work to solve the pressing problems of Virginia and position Virginia for the future. I will not shirk from that commitment one iota, nor fall short on my promise one scintilla.

In seeking the Presidency, I recognize that I am the longest of long shots. I may not win. I may not get but a few votes.

But I would not be doing my job as Governor---indeed, I would not deserve to be who I am---if I failed to step forward at this critical juncture in our nation's history.

For if we fail to heal this nation in 1992, it may not be healed in my lifetime. If we fail to put this country on a sound fiscal posture in 1992, then order may not be restored in my lifetime.

If elected, I pledge to all of you that I will do everything in my power to heal the growing divisions among us; to restore economic vitality....so that more people can enter the middle class....and to secure peace around the world through American economic and military strength.

I want my legacy to be that I expanded the economic and political rights of all men and women;

.... and that --- as we enter the next century --- America will have secured peace and prosperity for those Americans who will work for it .... and for all countries who will join us in this quest.

May God bless you, the Commonwealth ... and may God bless America."

Full Speech Text

George McGovern 1984 Announcement

Presidential Announcement Speech of George McGovern at George Washington University at 11 a.m. in Washington, DC on Tuesday, September 13, 1983.

"I have decided to seek the Presidency of the United States. I shall make that effort on a platform of realism and common sense. Fantasy may be good entertainment on the movie screen; it is not good policy for a great nation.

The new realism calls for a revival of the old common sense that has guided our greatest leaders since George Washington who gave this University its proud name.

But let me remind you: the success of this campaign lies in your hands. Please, those of you at George Washington University and those who watch on television, if you will volunteer send your name, and if you can contribute send your dollars to the McGovern for President campaign. And let us now as Democrats and as Americans join hands around the table of common purpose and then go forward with a strong and active faith."

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Bill Bradley 2000 Announcement

Speech by Bill Bradley in Crystal City on September 8, 1999

"Today, I want to be as clear as that glass about who I am and why I am running for President of the United States.

I have come back to my hometown because for me, this is where the world of possibility and hope all began, a world I want to open for all Americans.

I believe America should be made whole, but I don't want to erase our differences. It's those differences that give us our uncommon energy and wonderful creativity. The beautiful paradox of America is this:

The leadership that is called for at this moment goes beyond a presidency, and into every home and heart. The renewal of the American Dream has to shine so bright that we can dream dreams we never thought possible before.

I have confidence in this Dream because it is the theme of my life - because without a famous family name or great wealth, I was given the encouragement and love and the opportunity that enabled me to forge a path on my own.

I've never forgotten the people who were my support, many in this town to whom I will always be grateful. They were ordinary Americans who did extraordinary things for me."

Full Speech Text

Second Pawlenty Ad Touts Support For Education

New Pawlenty Ad Touts Support for 70% in Classroom

(St. Paul) ­ New Communications Director Brian McClung unveiled the second television ad of the Pawlenty for Governor campaign, titled "In the Classroom." It starts running today in the Twin Cities, Rochester, Moorhead and Mankato media markets.

"We're funding our schools at a record level, but we also have to hold them accountable for results and ensure that the money is well-spent," Governor Pawlenty said. "That's why it's important to get at least 70 percent of the money the state spends on education directly to the classroom, where it matters most."

The ad touts Governor Pawlenty's proposal to require that at least 70 percent of school funds be spent in the classroom and that no more than 30 percent be spent in areas such as administrative costs

Script: Governor Pawlenty: Our kids deserve the best education. So let's increase funding for our schools, but let's also hold them accountable for better results. Let's put at least 70% of the money here. In the classroom. Not here. On more bureaucracy. Here. On kids. KID: Hi. Governor Pawlenty: Not here. Minnesotans deserve that kind of accountability. But I'm the only candidate who'll fight for it.

"In The Classroom" Tim Pawlenty TV Ad