2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Democrats Announce Headline Speakers Kicking Off Week-Long Convention Programming Roll-Out

THE 2008 CONVENTION: AMERICANS GATHERING TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF A NATION
Democrats Announce Headline Speakers Kicking Off Week-Long Convention Programming Roll-Out

DENVER – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America Campaign today announced the headline speakers for the 2008 Convention.  The Democratic National Convention will be held in Denver from August 25th through August 28th.

“The 2008 Convention will highlight Americans coming together to change the course of this nation,” said Kansas Governor and Convention Co-Chair Kathleen Sebelius.  “We are at a critical moment in our nation’s history.  The politics and policies that have divided us will not allow us to achieve the change we need.  Barack Obama is a leader to move America in a new direction and bring us together to turn moments of great challenge into moments of great opportunity.  This year’s Democratic Convention is the story of people from across the country who believe it is time for change.”

Sebelius noted that the Convention will use innovative techniques to highlight the people fueling this national movement for change.

“Just as the Obama Campaign uses the energy and passion of grassroots volunteers combined with state-of-the-art technology to bring people into their positive campaign for change, so will the 2008 Convention use the voices of the people through technology and innovative programming to lay out Barack Obama’s vision and policies for how to move America in a new direction,” Sebelius added.

Following today’s announcement of the headline speakers for the four nights of the Convention, the DNCC will unveil additional Convention program details and speakers throughout this week.  Monday through Wednesday’s Convention programs will be held at the Pepsi Center.  Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for President on Thursday, August 28th at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION HEADLINE SPEAKERS

Monday August 25th’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama.

Senator Hillary Clinton, who is a champion for working families and one of the most effective and empathetic voices in the country today, will be the headline prime-time speaker on Tuesday August 26th.

The headline prime-time speaker on Wednesday August 27th will be Barack Obama’s Vice Presidential nominee.

On Thursday, August 28th, the DNCC will throw open the doors of the Convention and move to INVESCO Field at Mile High so that more Americans can take part in the fourth night of the Convention as Barack Obama accepts the Democratic nomination.

Obama Victorious In St. Paul Saints’ Bobblection

Obama Victorious in St. Paul Saints’ Bobblection

ST. PAUL – U.S. Sen. Barack Obama handily defeated Sen. John McCain in the “Bobblection” held at Midway Stadium Saturday evening, before the St. Paul Saints beat the Fort Worth Cats 9-7. Obama’s strong showing in this important indicator of public opinion comes as his Minnesota campaign is gaining strength and momentum statewide. The Saints’ Bobblection track record cannot be questioned – in 2004, it correctly predicted the Minnesota results in the general election.

“Senator Obama is humbled that Saints fans recognize the need for real leadership to address the issues middle-class families are dealing with every day,” Obama’s Minnesota spokesman Nick Kimball said. “Saints fans are truly representative of Minnesota – hard working folks who enjoy a beautiful night of outdoor baseball.”

Obama Campaign Releases TV Ad To Run During Olympics On Obama's New Energy For America Plan

Obama Campaign Releases TV Ad to Run During Olympics on Obama's New Energy for America Plan
30-Second Spot Highlights Senator Obama's Energy Plan and a New Vision for Our Economy

Chicago, IL –Today the Obama Campaign unveiled a new ad that will run during the Olympics. The ad discusses Obama's plan to invest in a green-energy economy focused on harvesting wind and solar power and building the next generation of fuel efficient cars. Obama's plan provides immediate relief, invests in a clean energy future, and brings us closer to energy independence.

Hands will air on national cable and broadcast in all 50 states beginning Saturday.

Visual
 Audio

Footage of hands laying out construction plans
 ANNCR: The hands that

Footage of welder with mask and gloves on
 built this nation

Footage of Hands typing
 can build a new economy. 

Footage of hands holding potatoes freshly picked from ground
 The hands that harvest crops

Footage of woman looking into camera, with windmill in background
 can also harvest the wind. 

Footage of construction worker nailing a roof onto house in construction
  The hands that install roofs,

Footage of man installing solar panel
 can also install solar panels. 

Footage of modern-day assembly line and workers
  The hands that build today's cars,
 
Footage of modern looking car on display
 can build the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles. 

Close-up of Obama headshot
 Barack Obama. 

Obama shaking hands with man

SUPER: A New Vision for Our Economy
 A new vision for our economy.

Footage of windmill farm

SUPER: Fast-Track Alternative Fuels
 Fast-track alternative fuels. 

Footage of warehouse workers assembling around table then fade into footage of scientists and footage of woman on home-computer

SUPER: Create 5 Million American Jobs
 Create 5 million jobs developing home-grown energy technologies. 

Footage of Obama with factory worker
 Because America's future…

Footage of Obama reaching across table to shake hands with workers
 is in our hands.

Footage of Obama

CG: Read the Whole Plan – NewEnergyforAmerica.com

SUPER: Barack Obama. President.

Approved by Barack Obama.  Paid for by Obama for America.
 I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message.

John McCain 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Painful"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "PAINFUL"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its latest television ad, entitled "Painful." The ad highlights Barack Obama's record of voting to raise taxes on middle class families and his proposals for painful tax increases that will only further hurt those already struggling with higher gas prices, higher food prices and the threat of home foreclosure. The last thing we need to do is raise taxes that force families to make even tougher choices with less money in their pockets. The ad will air in key states.

Script For "Painful" (TV :30)

ANNCR: Life in the spotlight must be grand, but for the rest of us times are tough.

Obama voted to raise taxes on people making just $42,000.

He promises more taxes on small business, seniors, your life savings, your family.

Painful taxes, hard choices for your budget. Not ready to lead. That's the real Obama.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approved this message.

Richard Nixon 1968 Convention Speech Anniversary

Richard M. Nixon Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech at the Republican National Convention in Miami Beach, Florida on August 8, 1968.

"Sixteen years ago I stood before this Convention to accept your nomination as the running mate of one of the greatest Americans of our time -- or of any time -- Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Eight years ago, I had the highest honor of accepting your nomination for President of the United States.  Tonight, I again proudly accept that nomination for President of the United States.

But I have news for you. This time there is a difference.

This time we are going to win.

We are going to win because at a time that America cries out for the unity that this Administration has destroyed, the Republican Party -- after a spirited contest for its nomination -- for President and for Vice President stands united before the nation tonight.

I congratulate Governor Reagan. I congratulate Governor Rockefeller. I congratulate Governor Romney. I congratulate all those who have made the hard fight that they have for this nomination. And I know that you will all fight even harder for the great victory our party is going to win in November because we're going to be together in that election campaign.

And a party that can unite itself will unite America.

My fellow Americans, most important -- we are going to win because our cause is right.

The time has come for us to leave the valley of despair and climb the mountain so that we may see the glory of the dawn --a new day for America, and a new dawn for peace and freedom in the world."

Full Speech Text

McCain And Obama Campaigns To Go Head To Head at St. Paul Saints Bobblelection Saturday.

Statements from the Obama and McCain Campaign Offices

Help Barack Win the Bobblection!

We've been called to help in an important election....before November 4th. Join us on Saturday, August 9th at the St. Paul Saints Game, and help Barack Obama win the Bobblection. The first 2500 guests through the St. Paul Saints gates can choose a John McCain or Barack Obama bobblehead.

The St. Paul Saints take on the Fort Worth Cats. Game time is at 7:05 p.m., but we're encouraging our supporters to arrive earlier to participate in the Bobblection. Please RSVP so we know how many people are going to be there!

Join the Minnesota McCain Campaign at the St. Paul Saints "Bobblection" this Saturday

This Saturday at 5:30 the Minnesota McCain campaign will be meeting at the St. Paul Saints stadium to take part in the "Bobblection," in which fans will choose between Barack Obama and John McCain bobblehead dolls.

We'll be out in full force to make sure that John McCain wins this vital contest - passing out signs and literature, signing up volunteers, and helping to decide the next President of the United States.

Gametime is 7:05 PM - so we'll have a few hours of campaigning with the tailgaters and fellow fans before we can go in and get John McCain bobblehads of our own!

Presidential Race Begins With Bobblection 2008

ST. PAUL, MN (July 30, 2008) – CBS News Poll, Newsweek Poll, Gallup Poll and now the Goldklang Group Poll.  With everyone trying to predict who will be the next President of the United States the St. Paul Saints will hold their own poll, Bobblection 2008 presented by Lommen Abdo Cole King & Stageberg, P.A., along with the five other teams owned by the Goldklang Group.

Whether you bobble to the left or right, red or blue, Saturday, August 9 is a day for casual and political junkies alike as fans entering Skinny Water Park will choose between a bobblehead of Republican nominee John McCain or Democratic nominee Barack Obama.  There are 1,250 bobbleheads of each candidate and the first to run out will be declared the winner.

“This is a great way for everyone to become a part of the political process in an entertaining way,” said Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Derek Sharrer.  “Many consider Minnesota a swing state in this election and our fans will provide a good gauge of which way people are leaning.”

As fans enter the gates they will head to a voting booth.  They will then select either an Obama or McCain and for participating they will receive the bobblehead of the candidate they selected.

The Saints are owned and operated by the Goldklang Group which owns five other teams that will take part in bobbleection:
August 6:      New York (Hudson Valley Renegades)
August 7:      Massachusetts (Brockton Rox)
August 8:      South Carolina (Charleston RiverDogs)
August 10:    South Dakota (Sioux Falls Canaries)
August 11:    Florida (Ft. Myers Miracle)

The promotion was performed in August 2004 and was nationally recognized as one of the first polls during the 2004 election between George W. Bush and John Kerry.  Bush took four of the seven participating ballclubs with the closest race taking place in St. Paul where Kerry won by 18 bobblehead dolls.

Gametime is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Skinny Water Park as the Saints take on the Fort Worth Cats.  For tickets to the August 9 game fans may contact the Saints box office at 651-644-6659 or visit saintsbaseball.com.  From August 3-9, Midway Stadium will be known as Skinny Water Park as part of a unique one-week stadium naming rights agreement.

John McCain 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Family"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "FAMILY"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its latest television ad, entitled "Family." The ad highlights Barack Obama's support for higher taxes and increased government spending that will only put more burdens on America's small businesses and cost jobs. While Barack Obama is the biggest celebrity in the world, that doesn't do much to help American families who are hurting from higher gas prices and the threat of home foreclosure. John McCain has proposed an "all of the above" energy plan -- the Lexington Project -- to produce more energy here in America, invest in renewable energy, create jobs and achieve energy independence. The ad will air in key states.

Script For "FAMILY" (TV :30)

ANNCR: Is the biggest celebrity in the world ready to help your family?

The real Obama promises higher taxes, more government spending. So, fewer jobs.

Renewable energy to transform our economy, create jobs and energy independence, that's John McCain.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approved this message.

Build-Out Continues Into Third Week For 2008 Republican National Convention

Build-Out Continues into Third Week for 2008 Republican National Convention

Hundreds of Workers Continue Transforming Xcel Energy Center
in Advance of Sen. John McCain's Nomination

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today released a second behind-the-scenes, time lapse video of the ongoing transformation of the Xcel Energy Center into the podium for the Republican Party's nomination of Sen. John McCain.

In the two weeks since work began at the venue, workers have modified more than 30 suites into media studios, installed nearly 25 miles of cable and began rigging the trusses that will hold lighting, speakers and other production equipment. We invite you to view progress by clicking here.

 

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

RNC CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCES OFFICERS FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan today announced the principal officers for the 2008 Republican National Convention.

“I greatly appreciate the service and participation of the 2008 Republican National Convention officers, who will ensure that the Convention proceedings, particularly the nominations of Senator John McCain and his vice presidential nominee, are conducted under the great traditions and the rules of our Party this September in St. Paul, Minn.,” Duncan said.

U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio will serve as Permanent Chairman of the Convention.  Congressman Boehner was elected to represent the 8th Congressional District of Ohio for a ninth term in November 2006.  He continues to be a key leader in the fight for a more limited and accountable federal government. 

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will serve as Temporary Chairman of the Convention.  On Nov. 15, 2006, McConnell was unanimously elected Republican Leader in the 110th Congress by his Republican colleagues, and serves as the 15th Republican Leader and second Kentuckian to lead our Party in the U.S. Senate.

The 2008 Republican National Convention Deputy Permanent Co-Chairs include: Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer; former New Hampshire State Chairman Steve Duprey; David Roederer of Iowa; U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida; Kathleen Shanahan of Florida; and Michigan National Committeeman Chuck Yob. 

In addition, U.S. Rep. David Dreier of California will serve as Parliamentarian; South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster will serve as Chief Sergeant at Arms; former Massachusetts Republican State Chairwoman Jean Inman will serve as Convention Secretary; and James S. Bookwalter of Connecticut will serve as Chief Page. 

Convention Committee Chairmen include Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Jim Herring, who will serve as Credentials Committee Chairman; Georgia National Committeeman Alec Poitevint, who will serve as Convention Rules Committee Chairman; and former State Chairwoman Jayne Millerick of New Hampshire, who will serve as Chairman of the Committee on Permanent Organization.

U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy, of the 22nd Congressional District of California, will serve as Chairman of the Convention Committee on Resolutions (“Platform Committee”) and U.S. Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina will serve as Platform Committee Co-Chairman.

These newly named officers will join current Convention officers in overseeing the 2008 Convention proceedings, RNC Co-Chair and National Committeewoman of Ohio Jo Ann Davidson, who serves as Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements; Illinois National Committeeman Bob Kjellander who serves as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Arrangements; California National Committeeman Tim Morgan, who as Treasurer of the National Committee serves as Treasurer of the Convention; and Blake Hall, National Committeeman of Idaho, who as General Counsel of the RNC serves as General Counsel of the Convention.