2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain 2008 Launches Television Ads In Virginia, DC And Maryland

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES TELEVISION ADS IN VIRGINIA, DC AND MARYLAND

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released three television ads to run in Virginia, DC and Maryland in the run-up to the primaries on Tuesday, February 12th.

Two of the ads, entitled "Never Surrender" and "True Conservative," focus on John McCain's record of courageous service and leadership, commitment to conservative principles as well as his readiness to lead as commander in chief on day one.

The third ad, entitled "Trust," highlights Mitt Romney's history of running against the Reagan record and asks, "If we can't trust Mitt Romney on Ronald Reagan, how can we trust him to lead America?"

The ads will run in statewide in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Salisbury, Maryland.

Script For "Never Surrender" (:30-TV)

ANNOUNCER: One man sacrificed for his country.

One man opposed a flawed strategy in Iraq.

One man had the courage to call for change.

One man didn't play politics with the truth.

One man stands up to the special interests.

JOHN MCCAIN: Stand up. We're Americans, we're Americans and we'll never surrender, they will.

ANNOUNCER: One man does what's right, not what's easy. John McCain.

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

Script For "True Conservative" (:30-TV)

ANNCR: As a prisoner of war, John McCain was inspired by Ronald Reagan.

JOHN MCCAIN: I enlisted as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution.

ANNCR: Guided by strong conservative principles, he'll cut wasteful spending and keep taxes low.

A proud social conservative who will never waver.

The leadership and experience to call for the surge strategy in Iraq that is working.

John McCain:

The true conservative

Ready to be commander in chief on day one.

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

Script For "Trust" (:30-TV)

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

ANNCR: Mitt Romney on Ronald Reagan

CHYRON: Mitt Romney on Ronald Reagan

MITT ROMNEY: Look, I was an Independent during the time of Reagan-Bush. I'm not trying to return to Reagan-Bush.

CHYRON: In 1994 He Ran Against the Reagan Record
ANNCR: Mitt Romney was against Ronald Reagan before he was for him

CHYRON: Mitt Romney Was Against Ronald Reagan

CHYRON: Before He Was For Him

MITT ROMNEY: Yeah, I voted in the Democratic Primary. ... When I was running in 94, I wasn't trying to return to Reagan-Bush.

CHYRON: In 1992 He Voted for Liberal Democrat Paul Tsongas for President

ANNCR: If we can't trust Mitt Romney on Ronald Reagan, how can we trust him to lead America?

CHYRON: If We Can't Trust Mitt Romney on Ronald Reagan

CHYRON: How Can We Trust Him to Lead America?

MITT ROMNEY: I'm not running as the Republican view or a continuation of Republican values.

Obama Campaign Launches TV And Radio Campaign In Wisconsin

Obama Campaign Launches TV And Radio Campaign In Wisconsin
Announcement Shows Growing Strength of Campaign in Badger State

Madison, Wis. – Building on the growing momentum behind Senator Barack Obama’s campaign, Governor Jim Doyle today announced that the campaign is launching a statewide ad campaign on TV and radio.

“Barack Obama showed on Super Tuesday that he can win the support of Americans of every race and gender in every region of the country – and lead our party to victory,” Doyle said. “As the eyes of the nation turn to Wisconsin, we are working hard to build on his tremendous grassroots support and highlight his message of change. Wisconsin voters will get to see for themselves that Barack Obama is the candidate who can bring our country together to confront the great challenges we face at home and in the world.

The first Wisconsin radio and TV ads start today and will run statewide. They focus on Senator Obama’s commitment to ending the war in Iraq, solving the crisis of global warming, restoring America’s credibility in the world, and bringing this country together. They highlight the tremendous promise and possibility that he’ll bring to the presidency.

In the coming days, the campaign will be releasing additional ads to continue to help people in Wisconsin continue to get to know Senator Obama, what he stands for, and the change he represents.

Script of “Join” (30 second TV spot):

“I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message. We want an end to this war and we want diplomacy and peace. Not only can we save the environment, we can create jobs and opportunity. We’re tired of fear; we’re tired of division. We want something new. We want to turn the page. The world as it is, is not the world as it has to be.”

Video is available at http://wi.barackobama.com/wi_join

Script of “Because” (60 second radio spot)

Barack Obama: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Anncr: Maybe it’s because you want to end a war…

Brian: Obama was against the war in Iraq from the beginning.

Anncr: Maybe it’s because he gets where we’re coming from…

Dante: Obama is the candidate for our generation.

Anncr: Or because you’re looking for someone who’ll do what’s right instead of play political games.

Katie: Barack Obama just has an ability to bring people together.

Anncr: So Barack Obama’s the answer. But here’s the question. What are you doing February 19th?

The change we need begins with you. Vote Tuesday, February 19th from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Text WI to 62262 or visit Wisconsin.BarackObama.com to learn more.

Our generation has turned out in record numbers across the country and made the difference.

Now it’s your turn.

Because Barack Obama’s change we can believe in.

Barack Obama: I ask you to believe in this campaign, I ask you to believe in yourselves, I ask you to believe in the dream that we call America.

Anncr: It’s your world. On Tuesday the 19th – help change it.

Paid for by Obama for America.

Obama Campaign Will Run Targeted Super Bowl Ad in February 5th States

Obama Campaign Will Run Targeted Super Bowl Ad in February 5th States
Super Bowl Ad “Join” Also Running in States with Contests on February 9th, 10th and 12th

CHICAGO – The Obama for America campaign today announced that it will run an ad during the Super Bowl in the majority of states holding nominating contests on February 5th, 9th, 10th and 12th.

Obama’s ad will run during the Super Bowl in markets in the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

Below is the script of the ad:

“I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message. We want an end to this war and we want diplomacy and peace. Not only can we save the environment, we can create jobs and opportunity. We’re tired of fear; we’re tired of division. We want something new.  We want to turn the page. The world as it is is not the world as it has to be.”

Huckabee Campaign Promotes Faith And Pro-Tax Message In New Ad Buy

HUCKABEE CAMPAIGN PROMOTES FAITH AND PRO-TAX CUT MESSAGE IN NEW AD BUY

Little Rock, AR - Presidential Candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is hitting the airwaves with two television ads geared to help Feb. 5 primary state voters understand his record in public service, vision for America's future, and plans to strengthen the U.S. economy.

"Believe," a 30-second ad, will be a part of a national cable buy that was launched Jan. 31st.  It will also broadcast in key Southern states, including: Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

"Faith doesn't just influence me, it really defines me," says Huckabee on camera, echoing a sentiment he often expresses on the campaign trail.  "Believe" reiterates Huckabee's strong stand on pro-life issues, including his belief that life begins at conception, and dedication to conservative values.  "Let us never sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics.  Not now. Not ever."

The second 30-second ad, "Common Sense," begins airing on Friday, February 1st, on national cable networks.   "Common Sense" highlights Huckabee's Main Street message and the need for major reform in Washington, beginning with abolishing the IRS and ensuring that taxation, regulation, litigation are kept to the bare minimum.

The ad echoes a major campaign theme by Huckabee that he'll lead the fight to help Americans keep their jobs and paychecks. "This ad highlights a high priority for Governor Huckabee, that he wants to be the president that nails the going out of business sign on the IRS," said Campaign Manager Chip Saltsman.

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad: "True Conservative"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD: "TRUE CONSERVATIVE"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad to air across the nation in the run-up to Super Tuesday. The ad, entitled "True Conservative," focuses on John McCain's commitment to conservative principles on economic, social and national security issues as well as his readiness to lead as commander in chief on day one.
"True Conservative" will run on national cable and in select February 5th states starting today.

Script For "True Conservative" (:30-TV)

ANNCR: As a prisoner of war, John McCain was inspired by Ronald Reagan.

JOHN MCCAIN: I enlisted as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution.

ANNCR: Guided by strong conservative principles, he'll cut wasteful spending and keep taxes low.

A proud social conservative who will never waver.

The leadership and experience to call for the surge strategy in Iraq that is working.

John McCain:

The true conservative

Ready to be commander-in-chief on day one.

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

Romney For President Launches "Experience Matters" Television Ad In California

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES "EXPERIENCE  MATTERS" TELEVISION AD IN CALIFORNIA

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its "Experience Matters" television ad in California.  The ad highlights Governor Romney's belief that our nation's leader must have the experience "to run the largest enterprise in the world."  Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) does not have that experience and our nation cannot afford a leader who needs on-the-job training when it comes to executive leadership and the economy.  Governor Romney has led businesses, the 2002 Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  In each case, he brought change and turned around institutions.  As President, he will do the same for our government.

The ad will begin airing tomorrow in California.

Script For "Experience Matters" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "Hillary Clinton wants to run the largest enterprise in the world.  She hasn't run a corner store.  She hasn't run a state.  She hasn't run a city.

"She has never run anything.  And the idea that she could learn to be President as an internship just doesn't make any sense.

"I have spent my life running things.  I've learned how to run a business.  I've learned how to run a state.  I ran the Olympics.  In each case, I've brought change.

"And if there's ever been a time we needed change in Washington to bring strength to America, it's now.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

Obama Campaign Begins Airing Ads In Key Post Feb 5 Contests

OBAMA CAMPAIGN BEGINS AIRING ADS IN KEY POST FEB 5 CONTESTS

TV and Radio spots go up across WA, NE, LA, ME, DC, VA, and MD

CHICAGO, IL –The Obama campaign today announced that it will begin airing ads in key states holding caucuses and primaries on February 9th, 10th and 12th.  The television and radio spots will hit key markets in Washington State, Nebraska, and Louisiana which hold contests on February 9th, Maine, which holds its caucuses on February 10th and the February 12th primaries in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. In Maryland, we will begin airing a new ad, “Future,” that features Obama’s South Carolina victory speech.

THE FOLLOWING ADS WILL BEGIN RUNNING TOMORROW IN THE STATES BELOW:

Washington State:

“President”

Nebraska:

“President”

“Mother”

Rural Radio Spot featuring Senator Ben Nelson

Louisiana:

“Chances I Had”
Maine:

“Enough”

“President”

Washington, DC:

“President”

“Caroline”

Maryland:

“Enough”

“Future”

Virginia:

“Enough”

“President”

SCRIPTS BELOW:

Future:

Visual: Obama South Carolina Victory Speech

I’m Barack Obama and I approved this message. 

This election is about the past versus the future.

As hard as it may seem, we cannot lose hope because there are people all across this great nation who are counting on us who can’t afford another four years without healthcare.

They can’t afford another four years without good schools.

They can’t afford another four years without decent wages.

Don’t tell me we can’t change.

Yes we can.

Character:

SEN. NELSON:  This is Senator Ben Nelson, and I want to tell you about the man I am proud to support for President of the United States, Barack Obama.   

I believe we are too divided today, that there is too much bickering and harsh partisanship in Washington. As someone who has spent a career working across the aisle, I believe Senator Obama is our best hope for reconciliation. His plan strengthens family farms and promotes rural America's leadership in renewable energy.

And I know Barack is a man of great character and strong Christian values who will make us proud and inspire change. 

BARACK OBAMA: This is Barack Obama. Let’s bring Democrats, Independents and Republicans together, not just to win an election, but to transform a nation, and that’s why I approved this message.

NELSON This is Senator Ben Nelson.  I hope you’ll join me in supporting Barack Obama on February 9th.  Visit Nebraska.BarackObama.com to find out the time and location of your local caucus.  And vote for Barack Obama for change we can believe in. 

ANNCR:  Paid for by Obama for America. 

Caroline:

Visual
Audio

Color footage of JFK; B&W footage of JFK; footage of moon landing
CK VO: Once we had a President who made people feel hopeful about America and brought us together to do great things.

Color footage of BO in front of flag and walking in front of crowd.
CK VO: Today Barack Obama gives us that same chance.

Color stills of BO
CK VO: He makes us believe in ourselves again. That when we act as one nation we can overcome any challenge.

CK to camera
CK Synch: People always tell me how my father inspired them. I feel that same excitement now.

CK to camera
CK Synch: Barack Obama can lift America and make us one nation again.

Footage of BO with Kennedy family
VO BO: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message

President:

Visual
Audio

Barack V/O:

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Barack Sync:

I’ll be a president…

Visual

“Obama offers universal health care plan”  -- Associated Press, May 29, 2007
Barack V/O:

…who finally makes health care available…

Barack Sync:

…to every single American…

Barack V/O:

…by bringing Democrats and Republicans together.

Barack Sync:

I’ll be a president who ends the tax breaks for companies…

Visual

“Obama proposes tax cut for middle class, seniors” – Chicago Tribune, September 18, 2007
Barack V/O:

…that ship our jobs overseas, and put a middle class tax cut…

Barack Sync:

… into the pockets of working Americans.

Visual

“Obama opposed Iraq war from the start” –Associated Press, Oct 2, 2007
Barack V/O:

And I’ll be a president who ends this war in Iraq and finally brings our troops home.

Barack Sync:

We are one nation, and our time for change has come.

Approved by Barack Obama.  Paid for by Obama for America

Chances I Had:

Visual
Audio

Barack V/O: My parents weren't rich. My father left me when I was very young.

Barack SYNC: The one thing I was able to get was a great education.

Barack V/O: We should give every child the same chances that I had…

Obama's Education Plan:

- Expand early childhood education

- Recruit a new generation of teachers

Barack SYNC: By investing in early childhood education and recruiting a whole new generation of teachers. But, government alone is not going to solve the problem.

Barack SYNC: We need parents to turn off the television and instill in our children a sense of excellence.

Barack SYNC: We've got to ask more of ourselves…

Barack V/O: if we want the kind of world education that they need.

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

Barack V/O: I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Enough:

Visual
Audio

B&W still of BO
BO VO:

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

BO speaking to town hall sized crowd
BO Synch: Ordinary people all across the country are struggling from paycheck to paycheck.

If the plant moves to China, and you’ve been working there for 20, 30 years and suddenly you have the rug pulled out from under ya…

And you don’t have healthcare, and you don’t have a pension, you’re on your own.

We gotta stop giving tax breaks to companies that are moving overseas and give those tax breaks to companies that are investing right here in the United States of America.

Approved by Barack Obama.  Paid for by Obama for President.
Enough is enough.

Mother:

My mother died of cancer at 53. In those last painful months, she was more worried about paying her medical bills than getting well.  I hear stories like hers everyday.

For 20 years Washington has talked about health care reform and reformed nothing.  I’ve got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone. But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists we will be in the same place twenty years from now.

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message because to fix health care we have to fix Washington.

Obama Target Center Event Effectively "Sold Out"

Obama Target Center Event Effectively "Sold Out"

The Barack Obama event at the Target Center on Saturday is effectively sold out. Tickets are no longer available online and a very limited number of paper tickets are still available at our ticket distribution locations across the state. Minnesotans can add their name to a wait list and we will notify them as space becomes available. But we cannot guarantee that anyone from the wait list will be able to attend the event. The wait list can be accessed here:

https://minnesota.barackobama.com/minneapolis

This free event “sold out” less than 24 hours after tickets became available.

UPDATE: We have now given away a ticket for every seat in the Target Center and have more than 2,000 Minnesotans and growing on the waiting list. Tickets are no longer available.

Mitt Romney Announces Additions To The Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Additions To The Minnesota Statewide Steering Committee

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the addition of four members of Senator Fred Thompson's steering committee who have now joined the Minnesota Romney for President Statewide Steering Committee. These members join the previously announced members of the committee in spreading Governor Romney's message of conservative change in Washington to the citizens of Minnesota.

"I am pleased to have these four individuals join my Minnesota team," said Governor Romney. "These people share in my vision of creating a stronger America through conservative principles such as low taxes and restrained government spending. Together we can create a stronger America for our future."

"Governor Romney's vision, values and experience make him the best choice for Minnesota voters," said Minnesota Steering Committee Co-Chairman Jack Meeks. "Governor Romney is the only candidate in the race who spent his life in the private sector learning how America, not Washington, DC, works. When the state of the economy is on the minds of many Minnesotans, Governor Romney is the candidate with the knowledge and experience to provide the ideas and leadership to ensure that America's economy remains the strongest in the world."

Additions to the Minnesota Romney For President Statewide Steering Committee:

Michael Barrett: Barrett is a pharmacist at Long Prairie Memorial Hospital and a former candidate for Minnesota's 7th Congressional District. He serves on the Republican State Executive Committee.

Bridget Sutton: Sutton is a veteran Republican activist and sits on the board of the Inver Grove Heights Community Schools.

Margaret Cavanaugh: Cavanaugh is the Co-chair of the Third Congressional District Republicans and former Chair of the Third District Republican Coalition for Life. She resides in Bloomington.

Daniel Riojas: Riojas was Political Director for Barb White for Congress Committee and former delegate to the State Convention

Two New Ads Highlight Need For Real Solutions To America’s Economic Challenges

Two New Ads Highlight Need For Real Solutions To America’s Economic Challenges

With the stakes higher than ever, the Clinton Campaign today launched two new ads in February 5th states across the country touting Hillary’s ability to tackle the economic challenges facing America 

The first 30-second spot, entitled "Free Fall,” features a skydiver free falling as headlines flash across the screen detailing the housing foreclosure crisis and stock market woes. As the parachute opens, the ad makes the case that Hillary is the candidate who can address the problems plaguing our economy and protect our children’s future.

In the second 30-second spot, entitled “Can Do,” Hillary vows to carry Americans’ voices with her to the White House and bring people together to solve America’s problems. The ad outlines her plan to jumpstart our economy and create millions of new jobs.

Following are the scripts for the ads.

Hillary for President

“Free Fall”

[On Screen] A skydiver free falls, as the ground quickly approaches. Newspaper headlines with bad economic news.

[Announcer]  Our economy could be heading into freefall.

[On Screen] Free fall continues. More newspaper headlines.

For millions of Americans, foreclosures, interest rates, and health care costs are spinning out of control.

With your job and family security in the balance, the stakes have never been higher in choosing our new president.

[On Screen] Skydiver’s parachute opens

The person you can depend on to fix the economy and protect our future.

[On Screen] Still shot of Hillary Clinton

[Hillary Clinton:]  I’m Hillary Clinton and approved this message.

***

Hillary for President

“Can Do”

[Hillary Clinton:] Americans still have that can-do spirit.

We know you can't solve economic problems with political promises.

The stakes are too high, the future too important.

We can turn our economy around and build a new age of prosperity.

I will bring more than my 35 years of experience to the White House.

I will bring your voice... and your spirit.

We are Americans, and together there's no problem we can't solve...

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message because the stakes have never been higher.