2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

GOP Convention Unveils Enhanced 2008 Website

GOP Convention Unveils Enhanced 2008 Website

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - Six months from Saturday, the gavel will drop on the Republican Party's most technologically savvy and successful presidential nominating convention ever. To mark the milestone, the 2008 Republican National Convention today unveiled a redesigned and expanded official website, www.GOPConvention2008.com. The newly enhanced site offers visitors more information and greater interactive capabilities, including video features, user-generated content, and a convention blog.

"As momentum builds behind our eventual Republican nominee, the stage will be set in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for our Party's most dynamic and innovative nominating convention ever," said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. "Our redesigned website is a showcase for the Party's principles and convention headquarters for an engaged and excited GOP."

The site will soon feature an expanded delegate section where those attending the convention as a delegate or alternate delegate will be able to learn more about travel planning and the important role they will play in September. For other visitors, the site will also make it possible to share in the excitement of the delegate experience from home. Supporters can soon register to become a "digital delegate" and will be able to participate in convention week activities happening from coast to coast.

The site also features historical videos from past Republican National Conventions. Visitors can watch great moments from conventions past - and are invited to share their own favorite memories. A newly launched convention blog will provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes perspective of convention preparations from members of the team on the ground in Minnesota. Special guest bloggers will also be featured, along with posts submitted from visitors across the country.

Convention planners have also enhanced several interactive features, including the popular CONVENTION iNSIDER, which allows visitors to pose questions about planning and progress in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The second phase of the website adds an interactive CONVENTION iNSIDER map that allows visitors to see exactly where questions are coming from, as well as who has asked what. Convention staff members have already responded to nearly 500 questions from 46 states and around the world.

These features join the site's existing news archive, convention FAQs, fact sheets, Official Venue Guide, media credentialing information, volunteer registration, and convention newsletters. Visitors can sign up to have the latest convention news delivered to their inbox. Members of the media can request to receive press releases and access applications for credentials.

The enhanced www.GOPConvention2008.com is the latest step to make the 2008 Republican National Convention the most technologically savvy in GOP history.

Previously, Google was tapped as Official Innovation Provider to enhance the GOP's online presence. Google products and applications, including video services provided by YouTube, are being utilized by the convention. As Official Video Streaming Provider, Ustream.TV technology will be used to provide live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the convention, as well as to proactively engage bloggers and traditional media outlets unable to travel to Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the event. As Official Wire Service Provider, PR Newswire will provide simultaneous, electronic distribution of news releases, media advisories, and convention materials.

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 attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the convention. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit www.GOPConvention2008.com.

Mike Huckabee Launches New Ad in Texas

Mike Huckabee Launches New Ad in Texas
"Stand Up" Highlights Huckabee's Record & Vision of Principled Convictions

Little Rock, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee launched a new 30-second television ad in Texas to air through the March 4, 2008 Republican Primary. "Stand Up" highlights Huckabee's principled conservative convictions and the American belief in "standing for something so you don't fall for anything."   

Huckabee, who received a major endorsement from Dallas Cowboys' football legend Cliff Harris, will return to the Lone Star State tomorrow for campaign events.  The 30-second spot will complement his campaign visits, reaching 100% rotation in the Dallas and Houston markets.

"All across America , my authentic conservative message of faith, family, and freedom has resonated – not because I am the candidate of the establishment, but because I am the candidate who stands for principles, not politics; convictions, not convenience; and Main Street, not K Street," Huckabee said.

"This ad highlights Texans history of standing up for what is right regardless of what others may think, say, or do. I hope voters all across Texas will continue to affirm their core conservative values, because on March 4th, it's time to stand up and be counted," said Huckabee.  "There have been many flags over Texas , and not a single one of them was the white flag of surrender."

Script of "Stand Up":
Mike Huckabee for President –30 Second TV Ad

MH ON CAMERA:
"Being independent is being Texas .  Not going along just to 'get along.'  It means standing for something so you don't fall for just anything.

"This election is about principled convictions – not political correctness.  I'm the only candidate supporting the Human Life Amendment, stopping illegal immigration with a real border security plan, and the Fair Tax, which kills the IRS before it kills even more American businesses.

"I'm Mike Huckabee and I approve this message because it's time to stand up and be counted-not lie down and be conquered."

Statement By John McCain On The Passing Of William F. Buckley Jr.

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY JR.

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today issued the following statement by John McCain on the passing of William F. Buckley Jr.:
"I am profoundly saddened to hear of the passing of William F. Buckley Jr., and offer my deepest condolences to the Buckley family.  Bill had many friends, including my parents, who he visited when they were stationed at the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii.  My father and mother very much admired him and so did their son. 

"With Bill's passing, freedom has lost one of its greatest defenders.  Bill was a great American who helped change the course of history.  When conservatism was a lonely cause, he bravely raised the standard of liberty and led the charge to renew the principles and values that are the foundation of our great country.  A man of tremendous vision and big ideas, he founded the National Review in 1955 and through its pages and his other endeavors, as a lecturer, commentator, debater and author of dozens of books, inspired many and advanced an intellectual rigor that transformed American politics.  Bill was an American giant who shall be missed."

Mike Huckabee Comments On Passing Of William Buckley

MIKE HUCKABEE COMMENTS ON PASSING OF WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY

Little Rock, AR -- Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee has issued the following comment in response to the death of William F. Buckley:

"Janet and I were sad to hear the news of William F. Buckley's passing.  As one of the founders of the modern conservative movement, William Buckley helped turn the intellectual and political tide, shifting America  from liberalism to conservatism.   Our country, and our world, are better for his 82 years on this earth.

"Bill Buckley was also one of a kind-a scholar, an activist, a wit, a harpsichord player.  As a young man, he wrote God and Man at Yale, an enduring critique of secular liberalism.  In 1955, his National Review burst into prominence, influencing many millions of young conservatives, including one youngster from a little town in Arkansas.  To this day, his magazine stands as one of the most important voices of conservative opinion.  In addition, he produced a seemingly endless quantity of books, novels, articles, columns, and TV shows.    

"So all conservatives owe Bill Buckley a great debt.   Today, while our thoughts and prayers are with the Buckley family, we conservatives continue to draw inspiration from his life and work.  But there is more to be done.   It is up to us to carry on, fulfilling his enormous legacy."

RNC Statement On The Passing Of Wwilliam F. Buckley Jr.

RNC Statement On The Passing Of Wwilliam F. Buckley Jr.

WASHINGTON – RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement today:

“The news of William F. Buckley Jr.’s death today is deeply saddening to everyone in the conservative community. He committed decades of his life to defending our principles and shaping the future of the Republican Party.  Mr. Buckley’s contributions to the conservative movement in America are countless, and we are comforted to know his legacy is carried on through the publication he founded, National Review. I send my condolences to his family and hope the memory of his many accomplishments will serve as a tribute to his life.”

Senator Byron Dorgan Endorses Barack Obama

Senator Byron Dorgan Endorses Barack Obama

Chicago, IL – Today, United States Senator Byron Dorgan endorsed Barack Obama, citing his longstanding commitment to American workers and to enforcing our trade agreements, his plan to invest in American jobs, and his ability to win in typically “red states” like North Dakota.

Senator Dorgan said, “Senator Obama has the ability to inspire and motivate the American people to move our country in a new direction. He can attract support in what have been traditional red states in Presidential elections, proven in part by his decisive win in the North Dakota Caucus with 62% of the vote.

“Senator Obama has also shown a strong commitment to reversing the disastrous trade policies of the past years and moving forward with a progressive agenda that puts American workers first. He has proven his commitment through a lifetime of fighting for for American families – from his time as a community organizer in Chicago to his work in the United States Senate.

“The strong, positive response to Senator Obama’s campaign is an affirmation by the American people that this election must be about the future.  He is calling on the best in all of us to work together to put America back on track toward a better and brighter future, and I’m happy to endorse him for president.”

Senator Obama said, “Senator Dorgan has been a champion for the rights of American workers for decades in Congress, and I’m honored to have his support. I look forward to fighting by his side to increase the minimum wage, invest in American jobs, and make sure our trade deals serve workers’ interests, not special interests.  Together we will change our country and put American workers first.”

Obama Campaign Airs Two New Television Ads Across Texas

Obama Campaign Airs Two New Television Ads Across Texas

Austin, TX - The Obama Campaign announced two new television ads will begin running across Texas today. In Voices, Senator Obama highlights his commitment to pushing back against the special interests in Washington, DC and notes his refusal to accept donations to his presidential campaign from PACs and federal lobbyists. Oportunidad, in Spanish, outlines Senator Obama's commitment to reclaiming the American Dream for working families and making sure a college education is within every student's reach.

Script for Voices.

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

BO SYNCH: If you are ready for change, then we can go head and tell the lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda are over.

ANCR VO: In the Senate, Barack Obama challenged both parties and passed tough new ethics laws reigning in the power of lobbyists. And he's the only candidate refusing contributions from PACs and Washington lobbyists who have too much power today.

BO SYNCH: They have not funded my campaign, they will not run my White House and they will not drown out the voices of the American people.

Graphic:

Vote Tuesday
Polls Open 7 am - 7 pm
866-675-2008
Texas.BarackObama.com

Approved by Barack Obama. Paid for by Obama for America.

See below for the script for Oportunidad.

Spanish English
El costo de la universidad es una gran preocupación para muchas familias.  The cost of a college education is a real worry for many families. 
Pero con el Plan de Obama, un estudiante se ganará los primeros $4,000 en colegiatura cumpliendo con servicio comunitario.  But under the Obama Plan a student can earn the first $4,000 of tuition through community service. 
Poniendo una educación unviersitaria al alcance de todos.  Putting a college education within everyone's reach.
Y el Plan de Obama ofrece becas para reclutar más maestros para asegurar que nuestros niños estén listos.  And the Obama Plan offers scholarships to recruit a more teachers to make sure our children are ready (also smart/prepared).
Con Obama … una nueva oportunidad.  With Obama … a new opportunity.
BO: Soy Barack Obama y apruebo este mensaje.  BO: Soy Barack Obama y apruebo esta mensaje. 
Pagado por Obama por America Paid for by Obama for America.

The Reviews Are In: Barack Obama At The Democratic Debate In Cleveland, Ohio

The reviews are in: Obama scores higher, “Won,” “Quick on his feet,” “Well prepared and focused,” “Excellent command”

TIME (Joe Klein): He won. He not only won by not losing, but he also won on points--and on demeanor, and on quickness… LINK

Time (Jay Carney): Hillary Clinton missed some opportunities tonight. Her complaint at the beginning about the format of the debate seemed to fall flat. LINK

TIME (Mark Halperin) …Obama: B+, Clinton: B- “Avoided lofty rhetoric and focused on presenting himself as cool, deliberative, and substantive. Well prepared and focused.” LINK  (On Clinton: “Her conviction that the media is biased against her seemed to throw her off throughout, and she was too distracted by her frustration with Obama and the press to truly shine.”)

NBC (Mark Murray): … Obama has an excellent command of his plan and his defense. LINK

MSNBC (David Gregory): …What you see time and time again with Barack Obama is a coolness about him. He absorbs a particular attack or a question or a pointed statement and tries to maybe acknowledge the point and then turn it around.
Washington Post (Chris Cillizza) …Obama successfully parried most of Clinton's offense and even turned some of her aggressiveness against her. LINK

Politico (Ben Smith) “Back to the war”: … it's always been Obama's trump card, and he returns to it tonight LINK

AMERICAblog (Joe Sudbay): … Obama was steady on a broad range of issues … In my view, the win goes to Obama. A clean win. LINK
The New Republic (Michael Crowley): …Obama is quick on his feet and good humored. He also conveys a certain bemused remove from the bizarre conventions of traditional insider politics LINK

ABC (Rick Klein): …Notice that Obama is the first to try to turn the argument to Sen. McCain -- their battle has already begun, if tentatively, and Obama welcomes it. LINK

Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe Statement On The Ohio Debate

Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe Statement On The Ohio Debate

Tonight, Barack Obama showed why he’s the one candidate who has the judgment to serve as Commander-in-Chief and can draw a clear contrast on foreign policy with John McCain.  Barack Obama opposed this war in Iraq from the start, and said that it would distract us from the terrorists in Afghanistan.  When he is President, he will end this war, take the fight to al Qaeda, restore respect for America in the world, and bring this country together to deliver the kind of change that will help struggling families afford health care, stay in their homes, and send their children to college.

Statement By Governor Ted Strickland

Statement By Governor Ted Strickland

"Hillary Clinton showed Ohioans again tonight why she is uniquely qualified to be president and begin turning our economy around on her first day in office. Hillary is the fighter, the doer and the champion Ohio's working families need. No one is better prepared to deliver quality, affordable health care for every American and lead our country as commander in chief."