2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Celeb"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "CELEB"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its latest television ad entitled "Celeb." The ad highlights Barack Obama's opposition to offshore drilling and proposals to raise taxes on energy sources that produce much of this nation's electricity. While Barack Obama is the biggest celebrity in the world -- attracting 200,000 fans in Berlin -- that doesn't do much to help American families who need relief from high gas prices today or answer the question of whether he's ready to lead. The ad will air on national cable and in key states.

Script For "Celeb" (TV :30)

ANNCR: He's the biggest celebrity in the world.

But, is he ready to lead?

With gas prices soaring, Barack Obama says no to offshore drilling.

And, says he'll raise taxes on electricity.

Higher taxes, more foreign oil, that's the real Obama.

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

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NASA

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NASA

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain issued the following statement on the 50th anniversary of NASA:

"Fifty years ago today, President Eisenhower signed the bill that launched the United States on the magnificent journey to space discovery and exploration. In doing so, he sent a powerful message to the world that the United State would harness its creativity, inventiveness and drive to lead all others into this most distant frontier. Since that time, Presidents of both parties have remained steadfast in guaranteeing U.S. leadership in space. Under current plans, the United States will retire the space shuttle in 2010 after its final mission to the international space station, and thus lose the capability to send on our own, an American to space. While my opponent seems content to retreating from American exploration of Space for a decade, I am not. As President, I will act to make ensure our astronauts will continue to explore space, and not just by hitching a ride with someone else. I intend to make sure that the NASA constellation program has the resources it needs so that we can begin a new era of human space exploration. A country that sent a man to the moon should expect no less.

Build-Out Continues For 2008 Republican National Convention

Build-Out Continues 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 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 week since work began at the venue, workers have removed 3,000 seats, built workspace for staff and media, and began technological enhancements needed to support the 45,000 participants expected. You can view progress on the GOP Convention's YouTube Channel here.

Stay tuned! The 2008 Republican National Convention plans to release a new video each Sunday, so that all can follow along with the six-week transformation.

Statement By Mayo Clinic On Senator McCain

STATEMENT BY MAYO CLINIC

ARLINGTON, VA -- Michael Yardley, Chair of Public Affairs at the Mayo Clinic, today issued the following statement:

"This morning, as part of his commitment to monitor his dermatological health on a regular basis, Senator John McCain visited the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a routine examination. As a precaution, a biopsy was ordered of a very small area on Senator McCain's right cheek. This is a routine minor procedure."

MSP 2008 HOST COMMITTEE AND MAYORS LAUNCH SPRUCE UP MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL CAMPAIGN

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE AND MAYORS LAUNCH SPRUCE UP MSP CAMPAIGN
Metro-Wide Clean-Up Day Planned and “Spruced Up” Photo Contest Announced

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (July 28, 2008) – Local dignitaries are asking residents and businesses to paint, primp and plant flowers in preparation for the 45,000 visitors expected for the 2008 Republican National Convention as part of the Spruce Up MSP campaign.

The campaign was launched today at a press conference by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Saint Paul Deputy Mayor Ann Mulholland, Cynthia Lesher, President of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee and Pam Wheelock, Executive Vice President and CFO of Xcel Energy Center. The group also unveiled a reward package that will be given to the Minnesotan who shows the most spruce up spirit through the “Spruced Up” photo contest, which will be featured on the Host Committee web site www.msp2008.com.

“This convention provides each and every Minnesotan with the unique opportunity to showcase to the nation and the world what we already know – that this is truly a wonderful place to live, work, vacation and raise a family,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “During the month of August we are asking all our residents to join this effort by putting a little extra sparkle in our homes and businesses as we welcome the convention visitors to our beautiful cities.”

Local residents are invited to participate in several events including Spruce Up Volunteer Day on Saturday, August 16 when the Mayors of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington as well as thousands of volunteers will participate in an area-wide effort to clean and polish windows, streets, parks and green spaces.

“The eyes of the nation and the world will soon be upon us and it is time for all of us to do our part to prepare to host this historic event,” said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our cities as well as our residents, who have the opportunity to not only spruce up our area but also to participate in several events that will be held in conjunction with the Convention.”

Individuals who choose to spruce up their homes and businesses will have an opportunity to submit a photo and win a Red Carpet Convention Package that includes a pair of tickets to three of the best parties during the Convention including the media party and the delegate welcome party. To participate in the “Spruced Up” photo contest, people should submit photos of their “spruced up” spaces to photos@msp2008.com. Photos will be judged by a representative from the Host Committee and the cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington.

“Our months of planning for this historic event are about to come to an end as we enter the home stretch and put out the welcome mat,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee.  “We look forward to seeing how Minnesotans will demonstrate their spruce up spirit.”

Residents and business owners are invited to spruce up their spaces by doing the following:

Tips for homeowners:

• Display at American flag
• Hang red, white, and blue decorations
• Plant, primp, and trim the yard and garden (petunias and impatiens come in red, white, and blue)
• Put a fresh coat of paint on your fence and touch up any chipped areas on your house
• Sweep your sidewalks, decks and porches

Tips for businesses:

• Display the American flag
• Hang red, white, and blue decorations
• Wash your windows
• Plant flowers
• Paint areas that are chipped or faded
• Remove graffiti
• Sweep the sidewalk
• Pick up trash surrounding your building

Additional events planned during the month of August include:

• Airport clean up and signage campaign
• Cab Wash at the Metrodome, August 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Spruce Up MSP volunteer clean-up day, August 16, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Metrodome parking lot (5th St. and 11th Ave.)

Saint Paul Conseco Upper Lot (Broadway Street and Kellogg Blvd.)

GOParty Card Participants will be given welcome buttons and window decals

• Mall of America is planting flowers, landscaping, and repainting.

Tim Pawlenty To Open Republican Party Of Iowa Victory ‘08 Office In Ames

Republican Party of Iowa Opens Victory ‘08 Offices Across Iowa

(Council Bluffs, IA) – Fifth District Representative Steve King will be the keynote speaker for the grand opening of the newest Iowa Victory ’08 office on Monday July 28th.  The Pottawattamie County Victory office will be located at 1851 Madison Ave, Suite 716 in Council Bluffs.  The program, which will include Rep. King and several local candidates, is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

"We are excited to open our headquarters so that we can continue our efforts to support and elect our local, state and federal Republican candidates," said Mary Ann Hanusa, chairwoman of the Pottawattamie County GOP.

The Pottawattamie County location will be the fourth Victory ’08 office opened by the Republican Party of Iowa this month and several more are set to open in August.  Victory ’08 offices are currently open in Urbandale, Dubuque, and Davenport. 

Offices in Ames, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids will open over the next two weeks.  Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota will join Fourth District Representative Tom Latham for the Ames opening on August 2nd.  Program details for the Waterloo and Cedar Rapids openings have not been finalized.

“Our volunteers are eagerly awaiting the Ames grand opening and the campaign,” said Russ Cross, chairman of the Story County GOP.  “Governor Pawlenty and Rep. Latham are two great Republican leaders and their visit will generate a lot of enthusiasm in the county and the Fourth District.”

John Kerry 2004 Convention Acceptance Speech Anniversary

Remarks of Senator John Kerry at the 2004 Democratic National Convention on Thursday, July 29, 2004 held at the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

"I'm John Kerry and I'm reporting for duty. (Salutes)

We are here tonight because we love our country.

We are proud of what America is and what it can become.

My fellow Americans: we are here tonight united in one simple purpose: to make America stronger at home and respected in the world.

My fellow Americans, this is the most important election of our lifetime. The stakes are high. We are a nation at war � a global war on terror against an enemy unlike any we have ever known before. And here at home, wages are falling, health care costs are rising, and our great middle class is shrinking. People are working weekends; they're working two jobs, three jobs, and they're still not getting ahead.

And in this journey, I am accompanied by an extraordinary band of brothers led by that American hero, a patriot named Max Cleland.  Our band of brothers doesn't march together because of who we are as veterans, but because of what we learned as soldiers. We fought for this nation because we loved it and we came back with the deep belief that every day is extra.  We may be a little older now, we may be a little grayer, but we still know how to fight for our country.

And standing with us in that fight are those who shared with me the long season of the primary campaign:  Carol Moseley Braun, General Wesley Clark, Howard Dean, Dick Gephardt, Bob Graham, Dennis Kucinich, Joe Lieberman and Al Sharpton.

I defended this country as a young man and I will defend it as President.  Let there be no mistake:  I will never hesitate to use force when it is required.  Any attack will be met with a swift and certain response. I will never give any nation or international institution a veto over our national security.  And I will build a stronger American military.

My fellow citizens, elections are about choices. And choices are about values.  In the end, it's not just policies and programs that matter; the president who sits at that desk must be guided by principle.                        

I learned a lot about these values on that gunboat patrolling the Mekong Delta with young Americans who came from places as different as Iowa and Oregon, Arkansas, Florida and California.  No one cared where we went to school.  No one cared about our race or our backgrounds. We were literally all in the same boat. We looked out, one for the other � and we still do.

That is the kind of America I will lead as President � an America where we are all in the same boat.

Never has there been a more urgent moment for Americans to step up and define ourselves. I will work my heart out.  But, my fellow citizens, the outcome is in your hands more than mine. 

It is time to reach for the next dream.  It is time to look to the next horizon.  For America, the hope is there.  The sun is rising.  Our best days are still to come. 

Goodnight, God bless you, and God bless America."

Full Speech Text

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "TROOPS"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "TROOPS"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its latest television ad entitled "Troops." The ad highlights Barack Obama's record of not calling a single oversight hearing on NATO's mission in Afghanistan, not visiting in Iraq for over 900 days, not supporting our troops when he voted against critical funding in 2007 and not visiting our wounded troops in Germany when he made time to go to the gym but cancelled trips to Ramstein and Landstuhl. The ad will air in key states.

Script For "Troops" (TV :30)

Anncr: Barack Obama never held a single Senate hearing on Afghanistan.

He hadn't been to Iraq in years.

He voted against funding our troops.

And now, he made time to go to the gym, but cancelled a visit with wounded troops.

Seems the Pentagon wouldn't allow him to bring cameras.

John McCain is always there for our troops.

McCain. Country first.

John McCain: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Convention Program Block Schedule

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Convention Program Block Schedule

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Maria Cino, Chief Executive Officer and President for the 2008 Republican National Convention, today announced the program block schedule for the upcoming Republican National Convention. The program blocks are as follows:

• Monday, September 1: 2:30 - 10:00 p.m. CDT*
• Tuesday, September 2: 6:20 - 10:05 p.m. CDT
• Wednesday, September 3: 6:20 - 11:20 p.m. CDT
• Thursday, September 4: 6:20 - 10:15 p.m. CDT

        *Note: there will be a 30-minute break at 6:30 p.m. CDT

"We are pleased to announce the official block schedule for the 2008 Republican National Convention and are confident this year’s compelling program will be one of the most exciting in GOP convention history," said Cino. "The convention will showcase Sen. John McCain and his vision for America to the 45,000 convention participants joining us from around the country and the millions more participating from home."

Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Prints 45,000 Eco-Friendly More To Minnesota GOParty Cards

HOT OFF THE PRESSES: MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE PRINTS 45,000 ECO-FRIENDLY MORE TO MINNESOTA GOPARTY CARDS
Program Designed to Drive Traffic to Minnesota Businesses During 2008 Republican National Convention

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (July 24, 2008) – As part of its effort to be friendly to the environment, the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee today printed 45,000 More to Minnesota GOParty Cards on a bio-plastic material that is derived entirely from plants.

The printing process took place at Premier Card Solutions in Roseville.  The More to Minnesota GOParty Card will provide discounts and special deals at area businesses, restaurants, lodging, attractions, and more to delegates, media, and Convention attendees.

“We want Convention attendees to enjoy all that the Minneapolis Saint Paul area has to offer, and these cards are designed to encourage our guests to visit many of the businesses that make our cities and our state great,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of the MSP 2008 Host Committee. “We are also thrilled to be able to print these with a local company that is environmentally conscious so that the GOParty cards, and their production leave little impact on the environment.”

More than 400 area businesses ranging from lodging around the state and golf courses throughout the Minneapolis Saint Paul area, to museums, restaurants and shops large and small are providing 20 percent off discounts and special deals from August 23 until September 7 as an incentive for Convention goers to come early and stay longer. A list of participating businesses can be found at www.msp2008.com.

The Host Committee worked closely with the local Chambers of Commerce, the Visitor and Convention Associations from Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, and representatives from Mall of America and Explore Minnesota to reach out to area businesses to garner their participation.  Participation in this program is free and included a company listing in the Official Convention Guide that will be distributed to all Convention attendees in addition to the listing on the Host Committee Web site. Participating businesses will also be identified by a window decal with the More to Minnesota GOParty logo.