2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Eugene McCarthy 1968 Announcement

Press Conference of Senator Eugene J. McCarthy in the Senate Caucus Room, Washington, D.C. on November 30, 1967.

"I intend to enter the Democratic primaries in four states: Wisconsin, Oregon, California and Nebraska. The decision with reference to Massachusetts, and also New Hampshire, will be made within the next two or three weeks.

My decision to challenge the President's position and the Administration's position has been strengthened by recent announcements out of the Administration--the evident intention to escalate and to intensify the war in Vietnam and, on the other hand, the absence of any positive indications or suggestions for a compromise or for a negotiated political settlement. I am concerned that the Administration seems to have set no limit to the price which it is willing to pay for a military victory.

I am hopeful that this challenge which I am making--which I hope will be supported by other members of the Senate and other politicians--may alleviate at least in some degree of this sense of political helplessness and restore to many people a belief in the processes of American politics and of American government; that on the college campuses especially and also among adult, thoughtful Americans, it may come to the growing sense of alienation from politics which I think is currently reflected in a tendency to withdraw from political action, to talk of non-participation, to become cynical and to make threats of support for third parties or fourth parties or other irregular political movements. 

I do not see in my move any great threat to the unity and strength of the Democratic Party--whatever that unity may be today and whenever that strength may be. 

Let me say that—as I am sure I shall be charge—I am not for peace at any price, but for an honorable, rational and political solution to this war; a solution which I believe will enhance our world position, encourage the respect of our Allies and our potential adversaries, which will permit us to get the necessary attention to other commitments--both at home and abroad, militarily and did not militarily--and leave us with resources and moral energy to deal effectively with a pressing domestic problems of the United States itself.  In this total effort, I believe we can restore to this nation a clear sense of purpose and of dedication to the achievement of our traditional purposes as a great nation in the twentieth century."

Full Speech Text

George Romney 1968 Announcement

Governor George Romney of Michigan announced his candidacy for President of the United States at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Detroit on November 18, 1967.

"One was aspires to the Presidency should be confident he can be useful and capable of providing the needed leadership. 

I decided to fight for and win the Republican nomination and election as President of the United States.  I have made my decision with a great earnestness. 

We can, we must, solve the problems on which the Federal bureaucracy has so obviously failed. Our national government must lead in identifying national problems, establishing priorities, and encouraging maximum state, local, and private effort in their solution. To succeed we must decentralize problem-solving responsibility and action.

If we do those things at home, we will have taken the first giant step for re-establishing the influence of the United States in the World.

To apply these principles, to achieve these goals, to build a new America, we must have a Republican President.

The Republican Party has the faith in the individual, and voluntary cooperation, private competitive enterprise, free collective bargaining, and state and local government needed to apply these principles at home. A Republican President can work for a just peace in Vietnam unshackled by mistakes of the past. A Republican President can restore truth to government and regain the confidence of the people.

We need leadership that can elevate religion and morality to their position of paramount importance and thus eliminating growing selfishness, and immorality, and materialism. We must end the spirit of “anything goes,” and restore the importance and quality of our personal lives.

A New America requires leadership which, by word and deed, merits the confidence of the people and is worthy of God’s blessing.

Because I believe that, working together, we can build a New America, I will work toward this goal with all my heart, mind, and new spirit. I pledge energy and honesty to the task."

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Ronald Reagan 1980 Announcement

Ronald Reagan delivered this speech to the nation, announcing his candidacy for President of the United States at the New York Hilton, New York, NY on November 13, 1979

"Good evening. I am here tonight to announce my intention to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

I'm sure that each of us has seen our country from a number of viewpoints depending on where we've lived and what we've done. For me it has been as a boy growing up in several small towns in Illinois. As a young man in Iowa trying to get a start in the years of the Great Depression and later in California for most of my adult life.

I've seen America from the stadium press box as a sportscaster, as an actor, officer of my labor union, soldier, officeholder and as both a Democrat and Republican. I've lived in America where those who often had too little to eat outnumbered those who had enough. There have been four wars in my lifetime and I've seen our country face financial ruin in the Depression. I have also seen the great strength of this nation as it pulled itself up from that ruin to become the dominant force in the world.

To me our country is a living, breathing presence, unimpressed by what others say is impossible, proud of its own success, generous, yes and naive, sometimes wrong, never mean and always impatient to provide a better life for its people in a framework of a basic fairness and freedom.

Someone once said that the difference between an American and any other kind of person is that an American lives in anticipation of the future because he knows it will be a great place. Other people fear the future as just a repetition of past failures. There's a lot of truth in that. If there is one thing we are sure of it is that history need not be relived; that nothing is impossible, and that man is capable of improving his circumstances beyond what we are told is fact.

A troubled and afflicted mankind looks to us, pleading for us to keep our rendezvous with destiny; that we will uphold the principles of self-reliance, self-discipline, morality, and--above all--responsible liberty for every individual that we will become that shining city on a hill.

I believe that you and I together can keep this rendezvous with destiny.

Thank you and good night."

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Bob Dole 1988 Announcement

Announcement Speech of Senator Bob Dole in Russell, Kansas on November 9, 1987.

"I know many of you have come a good distance, and I'm thankful for that. I also recall a time in 1976 when President Gerald Ford joined me here, and that was another great day for Russell. I enjoy showing Russell off, although it doesn't take a whole lot longer now than it did when I was a boy.

When I look out on Main Street this morning, I see the faces of people who know me best -- or their children or grandchildren -- people who have always accepted me, and believed in me.

There are people standing here who long ago put quarters they couldn't spare in this cigar box. That generosity helped reshape my life.

I remember the experience -- many years ago -- that began when I felt a sting in the shoulder. I remember the first thing I thought about was home.

The goodness of the people of Russell over the years has been the source of my inspiration and my strength. The people who settled this community, like so many others across America, were immigrants and frontiersmen and homesteaders who knew that grit and endurance and reliance on one's neighbors were needed to build a better life for their children. They were optimists and builders; they harnessed invention and hard work to carve a life out of the wilderness. I have carried the spirit of this place with me throughout my life.

That is why I have come back home today to announce before family and friends, that I am a candidate for my party's nomination to the office of President of the United States."

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Howard Baker 1980 Announcement

Presidential Announcement Statement by Honorable Howard H. Baker. Jr.

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

The greatness of America has always been written in the confidence of her people as they summon the will to shape their future. Throughout our history, days of trouble have turned to years of pride through a renaissance of the American spirit. Once again America knows days of trouble. Once again we will recover in pride. But only if we are honest enough to admit our peril.

I don’t honestly know whether I can beat both Jimmy Carter and Teddy Kennedy on this treaty this November. It is very close. But I guarantee you that I’ll beat either Jimmy Carter or Teddy Kennedy in the voting booth next November.

Watch me. Judge me. Then come with me. Let's reach for the future and make it ours."

Full Speech Text

Jerry Brown 1992 Announcement

Edmund G. Brown Jr.'s Announcement Speech at Independence Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 21, 1991.

"We gather today at the most sacred site of American democracy. It was right here two centuries ago that our forebearers forged the miracle of America, and they called it "A New Order of the Ages."

In that hall, ordinary people not any different from you and me, struggled and argued and finally agreed on the ideas which make our government and the people of the United States stand apart from all others.

I have come here today because I care about my country and its future, and I care about the future of this earth on which we all depend.

I love being an American and I love the freedom and the creativity it makes possible.

I love the things which our democracy stands for--the ideals and truths which were worked out just a few feet away. These ideas have power and they are stirring the human imagination in Eastern Europe and Burma and the furthest reaches of Asia.

In that spirit, I am here in Philadelphia to stand as a candidate for President of the United States in 1992."

Full Speech Text

Governor George W. Bush 2000 Website Redesign

The George W. Bush Website was redesigned on this day in 1999.

Governor Bush Unveils Innovative New Website
AUSTIN, TX –Governor George W. Bush today launched an innovative new design for his presidential campaign website, www.georgewbush.com, that includes personalization, a Hispanic site, a special section for children and 50 individual state websites.
"The internet is an efficient and innovative way to reach people directly with information and issue positions," said Gov. Bush. "This new design allows individuals to personalize the website to their interests and to get the latest news about the campaign in both Spanish and English. I hope it will be a useful tool for people who are interested in learning more about my presidential campaign."
The redesigned site allows people to create a personalized page with news and information in which they are interested. For example, a voter from Virginia who is most interested in education and economic issues can create a home page that always contains the latest news on those issues, information about the campaign in Virginia and photos and details about the Governor’s travel to Virginia. After the individual site is created, it comes up on the screen each time the person logs in.
The new website also includes a comprehensive Hispanic site. This site provides information in Spanish including campaign speeches, positions on issues, news releases, and video testimonials of Hispanic supporters.
The Youth Zone portion of the website is designed to teach children more about the presidential election by using America’s game, baseball, as a kid-friendly reference point. Children can learn about the election process and see the differences and similarities between politics and baseball in a fun and appealing way.
The newly redesigned website also offers the following information and options:
• Campaign activities in each of the 50 states;
• Photos and details of Gov. Bush’s travel across the country to meet with voters;
• Text of Gov. Bush’s speeches, including a video link to view a speech;
• A photo journal of Gov. Bush’s life from his childhood in Midland, to the birth of his twin daughters to his work as the managing general partner of the Texas Rangers;
• The opportunity to sign up for volunteer activities;
• Information about Gov. Bush policy proposals.

Dennis Kucinich 2004 Announcement

Dennis John Kucinich Formal Announcement Speech in Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, October 13, 2003.

"Thank you for joining me for this important moment, not only for myself but for the Cleveland community. My brothers and sisters will remember this story. There is a fiery torch which lights the night skies over our beloved Cleveland. It rises from the furnace of a steel mill. I remember a time when that light played against the interior of our car. As a young child I pressed my face against the car window and watched as the flame reached up. It filled me with wonder, it gave me a spark of hope. It made me forget that my mom and dad, my brothers and sisters, all seven of us, were living in that car.

Light has the power to enkindle dreams. And though we lived in 21 different places by the time I was 17, including a couple of cars, I breathed in the image of blazing light and I breathe it out at this very moment.

The scriptures bid us to send forth our light and our truth and when children carry within their hearts the torch of hope, they learn the darkness yields not only to man-made fire, but to starlight, the rising sun, and to the light of the soul.

So I dedicate this day to the light bearers of today and tomorrow. The children who seek hope, who seek homes, who seek our help to be lifted up, to learn how to look for the light, how to read, how to dance, how to sing, how to play, how to love, how to summon from seemingly nothing the new realities which some call miracles. Miracles occur when our faith meets inner vision, where believing is seeing.

This moment, this moment, which evolved as the dream of an inner city child who once lived in a car, to become President of the United States celebrates not my potential but the creative potential of each and every child to be somebody, to be loved, to serve, to lead, to be carried into the myth and magic of the express power of the American Dream and our responsibility to make each child's dreams come true.

Cleveland is my home. Cleveland is where my heart resides. Cleveland is where my dreams started. Cleveland is where I've learned the lessons I want to share with every American: The lesson that one person can make a difference; the lesson that anyone can, and anyone should be able to rise from humble beginnings to lead a nation; the lesson that we can change the outcome; the lesson of the power of the human heart, and the power of the human spirit to transform the world. I have seen miracles. I have seen the people of Cleveland create miracles. During my career you have helped me to save a municipal electric system when it was already sold. You have helped me to keep hospitals open when they were already closed. You have helped me to save a steel mill, to help keep that bright light burning over the industrial valley when other communities' hopes were extinguished. Because of you, because of you, because of you, I know the power of hope, the power of optimism, the power of light!

So, by the lights which guided my grandfather to America; by the light still shining celebrating public power; by the lights which still emblazon the sky over Cleveland's steel valley, I stand here, ready to light up America. I am Dennis John Kucinich and I am running for President of the United States!"

Full Speech Text

George Bush 1988 Announcement

George Bush Announcement Speech in Houston, Texas on October 12, 1987

"I am here today to announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. I mean to run hard, to fight hard, to stand on the issues -- and I mean to win.

For seven years, I have devoted myself, as a Vice President should and must, to helping a President conduct the most difficult job on earth. The President asked for, and received, my candor he never asked for, but received, my loyalty. I had much to say to him, and I spoke with trust. But now I am a candidate for President, and now it is my responsibility to turn to the American people and share with them my hopes and intentions, and why I wish to lead.

I am following a great Presidency -- and a great President. Ronald Reagan returned dignity and good sense to the high office he holds. Seven years ago, a nation that needed to trust again turned to him -- and refound its spirit. I am proud to have been his partner; I am proud to have been part of his great work. 

For seven years now, I have been with a President -- and I have seen what crosses that big desk. I have seen the unexpected crises that arrive in an urgent cable; I have seen the problems that simmer on for decades and suddenly demand a resolution. I have seen modest decisions made with anguish, and crucial decisions made with dispatch.

The Presidency isn't like anything else. It isn't like the Senate, only more so. And it isn't like a governorship. A presidency can shape an era -- and it can change our lives. A successful presidency can give meaning to an age; a failed presidency can give us problems it takes generations to undo.

And so I know what it all comes down to, this election -- what it all comes down to, after all the shouting and the cheers -- is the man at the desk. And who should sit at that desk.

I am that man.

I love my country too much -- I love my children and grandchildren too much -- to campaign for the job if I didn't think, if I didn't know that I am the best man for it.

And so it begins. And I ask for your help.

Will you join me?

Will you help me complete our triumph? It's going to be a great adventure. Come -- and we'll do it all, with trust in the future, with trust in each other -- together, as one nation, under God.

Thank you all -- thank you very much."

Full Speech Text

Clinton Gore '96 Announce Innovations to Web Site

New innovations to the Clinton Gore Web Site are highlighted in this press release issued September 30, 1996.

President Clinton’s and Vice President Gore’s re-election campaign is breaking new ground on the information superhighway. Clinton/Gore ‘96 is relaunching its world wide web site to showcase state of the art technological advances, announced Clinton/Gore ‘96 Campaign Manager Peter S. Knight. President Clinton and Vice President Gore understand that continuing investments in technology represent an investment in our nation’s future. Technology opens doors, creates jobs, and makes possible the opportunity for all of our citizens to reach out for the American dream. "We are excited about these additions and innovations on our web site. Through these interactive components, our web site users can be a part of our campaign and see first hand how the campaigns are strategizing to win the electoral college on November 5th," said Knight.

One of the most exciting changes in the website is a new main menu which features a "java script mouse-over application." Animated icons appear as the mouse rolls over the headings for each section offering the viewer a "sneak peak" of each section of the site. "We have not found any other site that has implemented this unique viewing option," stated Clinton/Gore ‘96 Director of Technology Adam Sohn.

Another new, interactive aspect of the web site is an electoral college simulation game. The simlulator allows users to learn about the state-by-state electoral voting system in a fun, easy to use interactive, map-driven game. As users choose states for each candidate, the electoral process is revealed and a presidential candidate becomes the winner.

The web site also includes a new multimedia presentation entitled, "The Challenges Ahead" to keep web browsers informed about the issues important to them. This visually stimulating presentation features streaming audio and still photographs, and will be continually updated with short segments of President Clinton’s vision for the challenges that face our nation.

President Clinton’s trademark of listening to communities and appealing to people all across America to become involved has been incorporated into the web site in a new feature called, "America’s Home Page." Each week, Clinton/Gore ‘96 web site users submit testimonials and stories on why they support the Clinton/Gore ticket. These are made available to read each week in the "America’s Home Page" newsletter. It is an opportunity for web users to share how they have been affected by President Clinton and the work of this Administration and another example of the Clinton/Gore ‘96 campaign’s commitment to community involvement.

With all these new services available, Clinton/Gore ‘96 has added a new technology which allows users to select specific content from the web site and register to have it automatically updated whenever they are on the web. Every time a user logs back into the Internet, the server automatically begins downloading the updated information from the Clinton/Gore ‘96 page in the background. The viewer is alerted when it is done. This exciting technology will keep Clinton/Gore ‘96 web site users updated on information including the President’s campaign speeches and additions to the "Challenges Ahead" video.

The web site will continue to provide instant access to statements by the President, position papers, and detailed accounts of the Clinton Administration’s record. Those who want to get involved can register to volunteer, while journalists will also gain access to valuable information quickly and easily. Finally, no campaign is complete without bumper stickers and buttons. The Clinton/Gore ‘96 web site has available bumper stickers and buttons in addition to screen savers and wallpaper.

For the next five weeks this virtual campaign headquarters will take the President’s vision for the next four years and his proud record of achievement directly to America’s voters.