2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Lamar Alexander 1996 Announcement

Lamar Alexander announced his 1996 candidacy in Maryville, Tennessee on February, 28, 1995.

"Because I am absolutely committed to moving responsibility out of Washington, D.C. and giving us the freedom to make decisions for ourselves, because deep down in my heart I believe that we know what to do, and because I am determined to help renew the American spirit the old fashioned way, neighborhood by neighborhood, block by block and family by family -- I am announcing today that I am a candidate for the office of President of the United States.

If you agree that the problem is the arrogance of Washington, D.C. and the answer is the character of our people, then this campaign is for you.

My friends, I invite you to Come On Along!

Thank you. God Bless You. God Bless the United States of America."

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Phil Gramm 1996 Announcement

Phil Gramm Announcement Speech in College Station, Texas on February 24, 1995

"With a love for America and a resolve to make her right again, I today declare myself a candidate for president of the United States.

I believe that America is worth fighting for, and with God's help I believe that we can and will win this fight. Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America."

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Dick Gephardt 1988 Announcement

On February 23, 1987, Democrat Dick Gephardt announced his candidacy for President of the United States.

"Today, surrounded by my family and friends, and not far from where I grew up and on the site where Harry Truman accepted victory-I am announcing my candidacy for President of the United States. I am the first Democrat to declare And one year, eight months, and eight days from now, when America elects the next President, I Intend, with your help, to finish first."

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Ralph Nader 2000 Announcement

"This campaign will challenge all Americans who are concerned with systemic imbalances of power and the undermining of our democracy, whether they consider themselves progressives, liberals, conservatives, or others. Presidential elections should be a time for deep discussions among the citizenry regarding the down-to-earth problems and injustices that are not addressed because of the gross power mismatch between the narrow vested interests and the public or common good."

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Walter Mondale 1984 Announcement

February 21, 1983 Mondale for President Announcement Speech.

"Today I declare my candidacy for President of the United States.

I do so with thanks to the people of Minnesota. Because of you, for twenty years I have been privileged to serve in this Capitol, in the United States Senate, and in the second highest office in the land. Today I ask your help again.

In the small communities of southern Minnesota where I grew up, we believed in some old American value's that don't need any updating."

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Dick Gephardt 2004 Announcement

Remarks by Richard A. Gephardt at his Announcement of Presidential Candidacy on February 19, 2003 at Mason Elementary School in St. Louis, Missouri.

"With your help, we can take that fight to the most powerful office in the history of humankind.  We can build an America where we grow together, instead of being pulled apart - where our economy's strong, because all our families are secure - where nobody's left out or left behind.

"Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless these United States of America."

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Gary Hart 1984 Announcement

Statement of Candidacy of Senator Gary Hart on February 17, 1983 in Denver, Colorado.

"I am a candidate for President of the United States in 1984.

I will carry our campaign into every state. And with your help, we will win the Democractic nomination, and then the Presidency -- and then we will win back our nation for all the people."

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Wilbur Mills 1972 Announcement

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Richard Nixon 1968 Announcement

"I hardly need to remind you of the importance of the New Hampshire Presidential primary -- both to the candidates and to the country. This importance stems from more than the fact of its being first. It stems also from the spirit in which New Hampshire's voters approach the election, keenly aware of their special responsibility, of the broad influence of their votes.

I have visited New Hampshire often -- as a candidate, as a public official, and as a private citizen. I appreciate the many courtesies you have paid me. I am deeply grateful for your support in past elections. But in asking your support now, I ask it not on the basis of old friendships. We have entered a new age. And I ask you to join me in helping make this an age of greatness for our people and for our nation."

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George McGovern 1972 Announcement

Senator George McGovern (D.-S.D.) announced his candidacy for the 1972 Democratic Presidential Nomination in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on January 18, 1971.

"Today I announce my candidacy for the presidency of the United States.  My wife, Eleanor and I have come home to South Dakota to make this announcement because here we shaped our basic political faith; here we were given the opportunity of public service.  We are grateful to you for that opportunity and for your faith.  We shall conduct this new effort to the honor of South Dakota, the nation, and ourselves."

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