2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Bill Clinton 1992 Convention Speech Anniversary

Acceptance Speech to the Democratic National Convention by Governor Bill Clinton from Arkansas in New York, NY on July 16, 1992.

"My fellow delegates and my fellow Americans, I am so proud of Al Gore. (Applause)

He said he came here tonight because he always wanted to do the warm-up for Elvis. Well, I ran for President this year for one reason and one reason only: I wanted to come back to this convention and finish that speech I started four years ago. (Applause)

I salute the good men who were my companions on the campaign trial: Tom Harkin (Applause), Bob Kerrey (Applause), Doug Wilder (Applause), Jerry Brown (Applause), and Paul Tsongas (Applause).

And so, in the name of all those who do the work and pay the taxes, raise the kids, and play by the rules, in the name of the hardworking Americans who make up our forgotten middle class, I proudly accept your nomination for President of the United States.

Somewhere at this very moment a child is being born in America. Let it be our cause to give that child a happy home, a healthy family and a hopeful future. Let it be our cause to see that that child has a chance to live to the fullest of her God-given capacities. (Applause)

Let it be our cause to see that child grow up strong and secure, braced by her challenges but never struggling alone, with family and friends and a faith that in America, no one is left out; no one is left behind. (Applause)

Let it be our cause that when this child is able, she gives something back to her children, her community and her country. Let it be our cause that we give this child a country that is coming together, not coming apart, a country of boundless hopes and endless dreams, a country once again lifts its people and inspires the world. Let that be our cause our commitment and our New Covenant. (Applause)

My fellow Americans, I end tonight where it all began for me- I still believe in a place called Hope. God bless you, and God Bless America."

Full Speech Text

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ad: “America’s Leadership”

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ad: “America’s Leadership”
Ad Highlights Obama’s Bipartisan Work to Reduce Nuclear Threats

CHICAGO – In advance of U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s major speech on the war in Iraq and America’s national security priorities, the Obama campaign today released a new television ad entitled America’s Leadership.  The ad highlights Senator Obama’s bipartisan work with U.S. Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) to stop the smuggling of loose nuclear weapons and Obama’s commitment to restoring America’s leadership in the world.

America’s Leadership will air in Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

Today at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Obama will outline his strategy for addressing the most pressing threats facing America, which requires bringing the war to a responsible end, finishing the fight in Afghanistan, and pursuing our broader strategic objectives in the world.

America’s Leadership Transcript

BO at town hall: We are a beacon of light around the world.  At least that’s what we can be again.  That’s what we should be again.

BO in interview: The single most important national security threat that we face…

BO VO:…is nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists.

BO VO: What I did was reach out to Senator Dick Lugar, a Republican, to help lock down loose nuclear weapons.

BO in interview: We have to lead the entire world to reduce that threat.

BO at town hall: We can restore America’s leadership in the world.

BO VO: I’m Barack Obama, and I approve this message.

Republican Party Of Iowa Announces National Convention Delegation

RPI Announces National Convention Delegation

(Des Moines) – Following an energetic 2008 State Convention, the Republican Party of Iowa is announcing its delegation to the Republican National Convention. The national convention will be held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota from September 1 – 4.

Iowa Republicans will be represented by 40 delegates and 37 alternates. Twenty-two of the national delegates and their alternates were approved as a slate by the 1,347 voting delegates at Saturday’s convention. Fifteen delegates and alternates were chosen the night before at the District Presidential Caucuses with three delegates and alternates elected from each of Iowa’s five Congressional Districts.

The final three members of Iowa’s delegation will be RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson, National Committeeman Steve Roberts, and National Committeewoman Phyllis Kelly.

At-Large Delegates

Ike Ackerman, Bremer
Carmine Boal, Polk
Andy Christiansen, Polk
Bill Clark, Polk
Robert Cramer, Polk
Ed Failor, Jr., Muscatine
Sandy Greiner, Washington
Reid Houser, Pottawattamie
Roger Hughes, Hamilton
Morris Hurd, Des Moines
Drew Ivers, Hamilton
Katie Koberg, Polk
John Ortega, Scott
Kim Lehman, Polk
Bill Northey, Dickinson
Steve Scheffler, Polk
David Roederer, Polk
Loras Schulte, Benton
Lisa Smith, Wapello
Bob Vander Plaats, Plymouth
David Vaudt, Polk
Craig Williams, Carroll

At-Large Alternates

Jacob Bossman, Woodbury
Katherine Betts, Linn
Ray Dearin, Story
Ricky Dean, Mahaska
Tim DeMouth, Johnson
Katherine Farrand, Linn
David Fisher, Polk
Chuck Hurley, Polk
Drew Klein, Jasper
Mark Lundberg, Sioux
Ellen Markham, Dubuque
Chris McGowan, Plymouth
Shelly Pitts, Dallas
Lynn Proudfoot, Polk
Carmen Reitsma, Mahaska
Stephanie Laudner, Floyd
Liz Schofield, Clinton
Monte Shaw, Guthrie
Larry Smith, Madison
Scott Spray, Polk
Luana Stoltenberg, Scott
Jerry Tweeten, Winnebago

District Delegates

Sen. David Hartsuch, Scott
Matt Reitsetter, Black Hawk
Mike Knopf, Dubuque
Edward Thornton, Johnson
David Chung, Linn
David Miller, Jefferson
Diana Hansen, Poweshiek
Peggy Herman, Polk
Ted Sporer, Polk
Polly Granzow, Hardin
T.J. Augustine, Webster
Tamara Scott, Warren
Vergene Donovan, Dickinson
Ann Trimble-Ray, Sac
Mary Ann Hanusa, Pottawattamie

District Alternates

Steve Hoodjer, Butler
Nicole Baker, Clinton
Jeremiah Johnson, Dubuque
Bob Anderson, Johnson
Sarah Henderson, Linn
Rose Eaton, Linn
Roger Barr, Jasper
Charla Farnum
Wes Enos, Polk
Glen Massie, Warren
A.J. Spiker, Story
Crystal McIntyre, Warren
Linda Holub, Woodbury
Kurt Brown, O’Brien
Nancy Bowrey, Page

National Convention Committee Members

Credentials:
Steve Scheffler
Katie Koberg

Permanent Organization:
Loras Schulte
Vergene Donovan

Rules:
Steve Roberts
Sandy Greiner

Resolutions:
David Chung
Lisa Smith

John F. Kennedy 1960 Convention Speech Anniversary

Address of Senator John F. Kennedy accepting the Democratic Party Nomination for the Presidency of the United States at the Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California on July 15, 1960.

"With a deep sense of duty and high resolve, I accept your nomination.

I accept it with a full and grateful heart--without reservation-- and with only one obligation--the obligation to devote every effort of body, mind and spirit to lead our Party back to victory and our Nation back to greatness.

I am grateful, too, that you have provided me with such an eloquent statement of our Party's platform. Pledges which are made so eloquently are made to be kept. "The Rights of Man"--the civil and economic rights essential to the human dignity of all men--are indeed our goal and our first principles. This is a Platform on which I can run with enthusiasm and conviction.

And I am grateful, finally, that I can rely in the coming months on so many others--on a distinguished running-mate who brings unity to our ticket and strength to our Platform, Lyndon Johnson--on one of the most articulate statesmen of our time, Adlai Stevenson--on a great spokesman for our needs as a Nation and a people, Stuart Symington--and on that fighting campaigner whose support I welcome, President Harry S. Truman-- on my traveling companion in Wisconsin and West Virginia, Senator Hubert Humphrey."

Full Speech Text

Jimmy Carter 1976 Convention Speech Anniversary

In accepting the Democratic Party's nomination for President, Governor Jimmy Carter told the Democratic National Convention meeting at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 15, 1976:

"My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm running for President.

It's been a long time since I said those words the first time, and now I've come here after seeing our great country to accept your nomination.

I accept it, in the words of John F. Kennedy, with a full and grateful heart and with only one obligation: to devote every effort of body, mind and spirit to lead our party back to victory and our nation back to greatness.

It's a pleasure to be here with all you Democrats and to see that our Bicentennial celebration and our Bicentennial convention has been one of decorum and order without any fights or free-for-alls. Among Democrats that can only happen once every two hundred years. With this kind of a united Democratic Party, we are ready, and eager, to take on the Republicans-whichever Republican Party they decide to send against us in November.

This year we have had thirty state primaries--more than ever before-making it possible to take our campaign directly to the people of America: to homes and shopping centers, to factory shift lines and colleges, to beauty parlors and barbershops, to farmers' markets and union halls.

We will go forward from this convention with some differences of opinion perhaps, but nevertheless united in a calm determination to make our country large and driving and generous in spirit once again, ready to embark on great national deeds. And once again, as brothers and sisters, our hearts will swell with pride to call ourselves Americans."

Full Speech Text

Obama for Minnesota Campaign Builds Momentum, Organization, Opens Offices

Obama for Minnesota Campaign Builds Momentum, Organization

ST. PAUL – Since U.S. Sen. Barack Obama secured the Democratic nomination for president on June 3 at an event in St. Paul, Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change has demonstrated the ability to quickly grow in strength and depth, launching an unprecedented volunteer-based voter-contact effort to grow Obama’s movement for change. The campaign is focused on a direct conversation with voters about Obama’s ideas to bring about real change.

"Barack Obama’s campaign for change is recruiting and training thousands of volunteers and neighborhood leaders who will organize their communities and send a message that Minnesotans are ready to choose the future over the past and unite America around a common vision for change," Jeff Blodgett, Obama’s Minnesota state director, said. “Barack Obama has laid out clear plans to strengthen the economy, create good jobs and end the Iraq war by being as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. That’s the kind of change Minnesotans are hungry for.”

Since securing the nomination, Obama has enlisted more than 3,000 Minnesota volunteers, and his supporters have knocked on nearly 133,000 doors – registering new voters, bringing them into the process and talking about Obama’s ideas to get America back on track.

We're officially kicking off our general election efforts in the Twin Cities area this Thursday, July 17th, at 5:00 p.m., with the grand opening of our Campaign for Change Minnesota Headquarters in St. Paul.

Then we'll continue growing our Campaign for Change all across the state on Saturday, July 19th, at 10:00 a.m., when we open Campaign offices in Minneapolis, Wayzata, and five other towns.

Thursday, July 17th -- 5:00 p.m.

Minnesota Headquarters Grand Opening
777 Raymond Avenue
(North of Key's Café, off University Avenue)
St. Paul, MN 55114
 
Saturday, July 19th -- 10:00 a.m.

Minneapolis
504 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Wayzata
15700 Wayzata Boulevard
Wayzata, MN 55391

Obama’s Minnesota campaign has begun aggressive outreach to Minnesota supporters of U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and will continue to work to build a unified party heading into the November elections.

On June 3, Obama became the presumptive Democratic nominee for president at an event in St. Paul that attracted nearly 30,000 Minnesotans to the Excel Center.

CivicFest, Held In Conjunction With The Republican National Convention, Announces Exhibit Sponsors

50 Days Out: CivicFest Announces Exhibit Sponsors
Local companies commit to being a part of history by sponsoring more than a dozen exhibits at CivicFest

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, Minn. (July 14, 2008) – The Minneapolis Convention Center will transform into CivicFest central beginning Aug. 22 thanks in part to 15 corporate sponsors committed to civic engagement and being a part of history.

CivicFest, which is produced by the Minneapolis Saint Paul Host Committee, will be held in conjunction with the Republican National Convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center from August 29 to September 4, 2008. CivicFest is a nonpartisan celebration of American and Minnesota political and statehood history showcased through more than 35 world-class exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia.

Never again will these exhibits be displayed as a collection in one place.

"Minnesota has several unique and amazing assets, but one that stands out is the undying civic engagement of our corporate community," said Cynthia Lesher, president of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. "We are both proud and thankful that our corporations see the value in bringing American and state history to our community through their support of CivicFest."

CivicFest exhibits and corporate sponsors include:

• Information Booth – 3M Company
• President’s Walk Exhibit – Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
• Three Centuries of Political Memorabilia – Associated Bank
• Live Stage – Best Buy Co., Inc.
• Air Force One – The Boeing Company
• Presidential Timeline Exhibit – Carlson
• White House Entertaining Exhibit – Ecolab Inc.
• First Ladies Gown Exhibit – Medtronic, Inc.
• Convention Floor Exhibit – Qwest Communications International, Inc.
• Presidential Health Exhibit – St. Jude Medical, Inc.
• Oval Office Exhibit – Target
• Walleye School of Fish Exhibit – The Travelers Companies, Inc.
• Minnesota Greatest Generation Exhibit – UnitedHealth Group
• Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibit – U.S. Bank
• Hail to the Chief Exhibit – Xcel Energy Inc.

About CivicFest

CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration is a family-friendly, once-in-a-lifetime interactive and multimedia experience, featuring more than 35 education and entertaining exhibits, historic memorabilia and artifacts celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. presidency. CivicFest is being produced by Maxene Fernstrom for the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. For more information, visit www.civicfest.org.

George McGovern 1972 Convention Speech Anniversary

Acceptance Speech of Senator George McGovern at the Democratic National Convention in Miami Beach, Florida on July 14, 1972

"Tonight I accept your nomination with a full and grateful heart. 

This afternoon I crossed the wide Missouri to recommend a running mate of wide vision and deep compassion, Senator Tom Eagleton. 

I'm proud to have him at my side, and I'm proud to have been introduced a moment ago by one of the most eloquent and courageous voices in this land Senator Ted Kennedy.

My nomination is all the more precious and that it is a gift of the most open political process in all of our political history."

Full Speech Text

2008 Platform Committee Launches Interactive Web Site

2008 Platform Committee Launches Interactive Web Site
Republicans Across the Country to Actively Participate in Development of Party Platform

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, Platform Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.-22) and Platform Committee Co-Chairman U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.) announced the launch of www.GOPPlatform2008.com, the first, entirely web-based initiative that allows voters across the nation to actively participate in the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform.

"For more than 150 years, Republicans have met every four years to adopt a platform that outlines the principles and policies upon which the Party stands. We are proud that the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform will be more interactive, inclusive, and open than any other in political history," Duncan said.

"Today, new and innovative technology allows us to engage those who have not been involved in the political process before," said convention President and CEO Maria Cino. "Here at the 2008 Republican National Convention, we also remain committed to engaging as many Americans as possible through numerous interactive initiatives."

"We are seeking the most input through this historic opportunity to use a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week Internet town hall," McCarthy said. "We know Washington is not a place for solutions, so we are reaching out across the nation to create a forward-looking platform rooted in our core values with solutions that create prosperity today and for the next generation."

Burr said, "We are excited that this process will facilitate greater transparency and participation in the development of the 2008 Republican Party Platform than ever before. The Platform Committee will form the foundation for our future and this innovative tool will allow people with all points of view to participate in this critical discussion."

This process, unique to the Republican Party, will allow voters to provide input on a variety of issues important to the American people. Creating an account on www.GOPPlatform2008.com allows voters to have full, interactive access to the Web site. Account holders can use the text and video submission tools, participate in in-site polling, and monitor individual entries on a personalized index page. Every submission will be catalogued and reviewed leading up to the official Platform Committee meetings at the end of August in Minnesota to ensure every participant's voice is heard.

As part of its efforts to hold the most technologically savvy convention in GOP history, the 2008 Republican National Convention remains committed to providing increased interactive accessibility to millions of Americans through numerous innovative initiatives including social networks, YouTube, Ustream.tv, and through the GOP convention blog.

John McCain 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "God's Children"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "GOD'S CHILDREN"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its newest television ad entitled "God's Children." The ad features John McCain's remarks at a June 2007 debate in New Hampshire honoring the service and sacrifice of Hispanics in our Armed Forces. The ad will air in Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.

Script For "God's Children" (TV 1:00)

JOHN MCCAIN: My friends, I want you the next time you're down in Washington, D.C., to go to the Vietnam War Memorial and look at the names engraved in black granite. You'll find a whole lot of Hispanic names.

When you go to Iraq or Afghanistan today, you're going to see a whole lot of people who are of Hispanic background. You're even going to meet some of the few thousand that are still green card holders who are not even citizens of this country, who love this country so much that they're willing to risk their lives in its service in order to accelerate their path to citizenship and enjoy the bountiful, blessed nation.

So let's from time to time remember that these are God's children. They must come into country legally, but they have enriched our culture and our nation as every generation of immigrants before them.

Thank you.

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