2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

New Barack Obama TV Ad "Chances I Had" Focused On Education

Obama Campaign to Host 10 Education Roundtables Today and Tomorrow
Ten roundtables around the state coincide with release of new TV ad "Chances I Had" focused on education

MANCHESTER, NH—Senator Barack Obama's New Hampshire campaign will host ten roundtable discussions on education around the state today and tomorrow, November 15 and 16.  The discussions—many of which will be hosted by members of New Hampshire Educators for Obama—will bring Granite Staters together to learn more about Obama's commitment to excellence for every child and support for every teacher.

On Friday, the campaign will begin airing a new television ad in which Obama discusses his goals for our education system.  In the thirty-second spot, entitled "Choices I had," Obama discusses his plan to ensure every child gets the same educational opportunities that allowed him to succeed, and he stresses parents' responsibility to do their part in helping kids learn.  You can watch the ad and read the full script HERE.

As President, Obama will expand early childhood education, recruit an army of talented new teachers, and encourage parents to instill a sense of excellence in their children.

"Chances I Had" Script

My parents weren't rich. My father left me when I was very young.

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

We should give every child the same chances that I had.

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

Obama's Education Plan:

Expand early childhood education
Recruit a new generation of teachers

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

We've got to ask more of ourselves if we want the kind of world class education that they need.

Thompson Launches New TV Ad, "No Amnesty," In Iowa

Thompson Launches New TV Ad, "No Amnesty," in Iowa
Thompson: 'Giving up, by granting amnesty is not the answer'

McLean, VA - Following up on his tough Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan which emphasizes the need to secure our borders and enforce the law, Senator Fred Thompson launched a new 30-second television ad, titled "No Amnesty," that will begin airing today statewide in Iowa.  The 30-second spot is set in a diner, featuring the Senator sitting at a counter discussing the problem of illegal immigration.

The spot, titled "No Amnesty," can be viewed at http://www.fred08.com

Below is a transcript of the new advertisement.

No Amnesty (30 seconds)

Americans know we have an illegal immigration problem.

And most of us have a good idea about how to start fixing it-secure our borders, and enforce the law.

Giving up, by granting amnesty is not the answer.

It's unfair to those who have played by the rules and ignores the rule of law.

It's also a matter of national security.

We can do a lot better than this and with your help we will.

I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message.

Edwards To Launch TV Ad In South Carolina Entitled “American Jobs and America’s Workers”

Edwards first Democrat to launch TV ads in South Carolina, with 30-second spot entitled “American Jobs and America’s Workers”

Columbia, South Carolina – The campaign’s first South Carolina television ad, a 30-second spot entitled “American Jobs and America’s Workers” begins airing in South Carolina today. Senator Edwards is the first Democrat to launch a TV ad campaign in South Carolina

In the ad, Senator Edwards explains why we need leaders who stand up and fight for good jobs and working families. The message of the ad makes clear that, while many in corporate America are willing to outsource jobs for “profit and greed,” Edwards believes in “the dignity of a job and doing what’s right for America’s workers.”

The ad comes at a time of increased momentum for Edwards’ South Carolina operation.  In addition to recent new endorsements, Senator Edwards leads other Democrats in trips to South Carolina and fundraising in the state.  This ad buy further highlights the campaign’s long commitment to Senator Edwards’ native state of South Carolina and the issues and concerns of voters here. 

The new ad campaign, “America’s Jobs and America’s Workers,” reflects many of the pro-family policies Senator Edwards highlighted during his two-day swing through the state earlier this month when he focused on smarter trade policies to protect American workers, helping communities recover from massive layoffs, providing true universal health care and helping low-income families find work and join the middle class. 

“AMERICA’S JOBS AND AMERICA’S WORKERS” (TV -:30)

My father worked in this mill and others like it for 30 years.
I worked in it when I was young.
Now it’s closed, the jobs are gone. For too many, it’s just about profit and greed.
They’re wrong. It’s about the dignity of a job and doing what’s right for America’s workers.
I’m John Edwards and I approve this message because we don’t need another president that puts wealth above work.
So, if you’re ready to stand with me for American jobs and America’s workers, your time is now.

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches First Television Ad

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches First Television Ad

New York City - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today it will launch its first television ad of the campaign.  The ad, entitled “Tested,” will begin airing statewide in New Hampshire on Thursday.  “Tested” features Rudy Giuliani speaking to the camera about his record of results turning around New York as Mayor. 

“America deserves an authentic leader who has been tested in times of crisis and has a real record of results," said Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime.

The script is below.   

Script for “Tested”: 

MAYOR GIULIANI: “New York City is the 3rd or 4th largest government in the country.  It’s one of the largest economies in the United States.

“They used to call it unmanageable, ungovernable. A large majority of New Yorkers wanted to leave and live somewhere else.  It was a city that was in financial crisis.  A city that was the crime capital of America.  A city that was the welfare capital of America.  A city that was in very, very difficult condition when I became the Mayor.

“By the time I left office, New York City was being proclaimed as the best example of conservative government in the country.  We turned it into the safest large city in America.  The welfare to work capital of America.  And most importantly, the spirit of the people of the city had changed. Instead of being hopeless, the large majority of people had hope. 

“So, I believe I’ve been tested in a way in which the American people can look to me. They’re not going to find perfection, but they’re going to find somebody who has dealt with crisis almost on a regular basis and has had results. And in many cases exceptional results. Results people thought weren’t possible. I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approve this message.”

Tancredo Unveils New Media Television Ad “Tough on Terror”

Tancredo Unveils New Media Television Ad
“Tough on Terror” will begin airing in Iowa this week

(Des Moines, IA)-Presidential candidate Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) today unveiled a new hard-hitting television ad entitled “Tough on Terror” in Des Moines, IA. The ad depicts a terrorist who plants a bomb in a crowded shopping center in the United States while the voiceover assails, “…spineless politicians who refuse to defend our borders against those who come to kill.”

“The consequences of uncontrolled immigration are far more serious than our leaders want us to believe. The safety of Americans and the security of our way of life are on the line. We need action now,” Tancredo said in a prepared statement today.

While the television ad was the main attraction, Tancredo also introduced a complimentary radio ad in which he outlines his plan to resolve the problem this country faces from the irresponsible policies of Washington.

Tancredo concluded, “As President I promise never to be so stymied by political correctness as to hesitate to take the tough necessary steps to keep America safe and secure.”

Television ad: “Tough on Terror”

On screen: TeamTancredo.org
Paid for by Tancredo for a Secure America
Approved by Tom Tancredo

Con. Tancredo: Hi I’m Tom Tancredo and I approved this message because someone needs to say it.

Voiceover: There are consequences to open borders beyond the 20 million aliens who have come to take our jobs. Islamic terrorists now freely roam U.S. soil, Jihadists who froth with hate here to do as they have in London, Spain, Russia.

The price we pay for spineless politicians who refuse to defend our borders against those who come to kill.

{Explosion}

On Screen: Tancredo… before it’s too late.

Radio ad: “Tough on Terror 2”

Con. Tancredo: According to FBI reports, Al-Qaeda may be planning to strike at shopping malls here in America later this year, and the candidates for president are talking about health care and energy policy?

I’m Tom Tancredo and I say all issues pale in comparison to the fact that Islamic Jihadists are here and plotting our destruction. It’s time for real leadership in Washington, I will secure our borders and ports, I will stop all visa’s to nations that sponsor Terrorism and arrest and deport any alien who preaches violence and hatred whether that’s in coming from a Mosque or a street corner in a Mayday parade.

I’ll prosecute those who provide sanctuary to anyone who would harm us, deport all those who do not belong here, and put the military on the border if necessary, to keep them from coming back.

Leadership is about more than taking action after an attack, it’s about doing everything in your power to stop it, and I mean everything.

This is Tom Tancredo and I approved this ad because someone has to say it.

Female Voice: Paid for by Tancredo for a Secure America, call 1-888-GOTOM08 and ask for Rachael.

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad, "Outrageous"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "OUTRAGEOUS"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad, entitled "Outrageous," to run statewide in New Hampshire and in the Boston market. The new ad focuses on John McCain's commitment to ending wasteful pork-barrel spending in Washington.
John McCain, named a "Taxpayer Hero" by Citizens Against Government Waste, has led the fight against wasteful spending. Time Magazine said McCain has "spent his entire Senate career exposing wasteful pork-barrel projects" while National Journal called him a "longtime foe of pork-barrel spending."

Long before it was politically popular, John McCain was leading a tough and often lonely fight against pork-barrel spending and government waste. McCain was an original co-sponsor of the Line Item Veto more than a decade ago and routinely votes against irresponsible spending bills. McCain was one of only four senators to vote against the pork-laden Highway Bill that contained the infamous "bridge to nowhere."

As John McCain said in New Hampshire this weekend, "It's pretty clear that Senator Clinton is running for president to continue business as usual. I'm running for president to put the business as usual crowd out of business."

Script for "Outrageous" (:30-TV)

ANNCR: 233 million for a bridge to nowhere.

Outrageous.

3 million to study the DNA of bears in Montana.

Unbelievable.

A million dollars for a Woodstock Museum -- in a bill sponsored by Hillary Clinton.

Predictable.

Who has the guts to stand up to wasteful government spending?

One man.

John McCain.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'll stop wasteful spending by Congress. And restore Americans' trust in their government.

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

Clinton Vows To Work Toward Energy Independence In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

Clinton Vows To Work Toward Energy Independence In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

After a week spent highlighting Hillary’s plan to address America’s energy and environmental challenges, the Clinton campaign today launched new ads in Iowa and New Hampshire emphasizing Hillary’s commitment to lead our country toward energy independence.

The new 30-second spots, entitled, “Energy Independence,” feature Hillary discussing her plans to end our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of jobs by investing in alternative energy, and end tax subsidies for oil companies.

Hillary unveiled her energy plan in appearances across Iowa and New Hampshire this week, outlining her goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 1990 levels to avoid the worst effects of global warming, cut foreign oil imports by two-thirds from 2030 projected levels, and catalyze a thriving clean energy industry.

Hillary would transform our economy from carbon-based to green and energy efficient, jumpstarting research and development by investing $15 billion annually in basic energy research and development, and deployment of clean energy technology.  She would also spur the green building industry by funding the retrofitting and modernization of 20 million low-income homes and taking concrete steps to reduce electricity consumption, including enacting strict appliance efficiency standards and phasing out incandescent light bulbs. 

Read more about Hillary’s plan to power America’s future here.

Following is the script for the Iowa ad:

“Energy Independence”

CLINTON: We could create millions of new jobs if we got serious about dealing with energy efficiency, new forms of energy.  That’s what I will do.

CLINTON: I will create a Strategic Energy Fund that will put $50 billion to work with wind and solar and biofuels.  And help us move away from our dependence on foreign oil.

CLINTON: And where would I get the money?

CLINTON: I would take the tax subsidies away from the oil companies.

CLINTON: Let’s do it together.

ANNCR: If you’re ready for change, she’s ready to lead.

CLINTON:  I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Following is the script for the New Hampshire ad:

“Energy Independence”

CLINTON: We’ve got to get serious about ending our dependence on foreign oil.

CLINTON: We could create millions of new jobs through new energy.

CLINTON: Let’s start investing in what I’ve called a Strategic Energy Fund that will put $50 billion dollars to work with wind and solar and bio fuels

CLINTON: And where would I get the money?

CLINTON: I would take away the tax subsidies from the oil companies.

CLINTON: They don’t need your tax dollars any more.

ANNCR:  If you’re ready for change, she’s ready to lead.

CLINTON:  I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Change Immigration"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "CHANGE IMMIGRATION"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced its newest television ad, "Change Immigration."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's plan to reform our immigration system by securing the border, cutting back on funding for cities that ignore federal immigration laws and opposing amnesty.  Governor Romney has a record of enforcing our immigration laws.  He deputized the State Police to enforce federal immigration law, opposed driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, and vetoed in-state tuition for illegal immigrants.

The ad is airing as part of the campaign's rotation in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Script and viewing link are below.

Script For "Change Immigration" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "We all know Hillary Clinton and the Democrats have it wrong on illegal immigration.

"Our party should not make that mistake.

"As Governor, I authorized the State Police to enforce immigration laws.  I opposed driver's licenses and in-state tuition for illegal aliens. 

"As President, I'll oppose amnesty, cut funding for sanctuary cities and secure our borders.

"Legal immigration is great, but illegal immigration – that's got to stop.

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

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ad, “High and Dry”

Campaign Airs New TV Ad, “High and Dry”, on Keeping Promise to America’s Workers
Obama’s Discusses Plan to Strengthen Retirement Security and Reclaim American Dream

DES MOINES – At a roundtable discussion in Ottumwa, Senator Barack Obama today discussed his plan to reclaim the American Dream by strengthening retirement security, providing incentives to increase personal savings and ensuring retirees receive the benefits earned from a lifetime of hard work.    

“Americans who work hard their entire lives have earned a retirement that is secure and dignified,” Obama said today.  “But Washington is not working to preserve this fundamental part of the American dream. That’s why my agenda for retirement security will lift up savings for working people, and reform bankruptcy laws to protect your pensions.”

Senator Obama’s plan to strengthen retirement security includes steps to ensure private companies properly fund their pension plans.  Obama will also protect employees and retirees in corporate bankruptcy court by ensuring pension benefits and jobs aren’t the easiest thing for companies to shed. Click here for a fact sheet on Senator Obama’s plan to strengthen retirement security: http://iowa.barackobama.com/RetirementSecurityFactSheet

Today’s roundtable took place as the Obama Campaign aired a new television advertisement entitled, “High and Dry.”  The ad features David Hartgrave, a Cedar Rapids resident whose pension was raided when CEO’s decided to pull $19 million from the pension fund leaving Hartgrave with $379 each month.   

“I’m telling the CEOs it hurts America when they cash out, and leave workers high and dry,” Obama says in the television ad.  “It’s an outrage.  You’ve gotta have somebody in the White House who believes it’s an outrage.”

John Edwards For President Campaign Launched His New “Heroes” Ad In New Hampshire.

MOMENTUM BUILDS FOR EDWARDS CAMPAIGN IN KEY EARLY STATES

On heels of commanding debate performance, Edwards campaign launches ad buys in New Hampshire and Iowa, secures union endorsements and expands grassroots organizing efforts

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, the John Edwards for President campaign launched his new “Heroes” ad in New Hampshire. In the ad, Edwards reaffirms his commitment to honoring and fighting for America’s true heroes – the working men and women of our country. The ad features footage of Edwards speaking at a campaign event, interspersed with images of hardworking Americans.  A similar version of the ad went on the air in Iowa last Thursday.

“If you're looking for heroes, don’t look to me,” Edwards says in the ad. “Don’t look to Elizabeth. We have support. We have health care. We have the American people behind us. Look to them. They are the ones who we speak for. They are the ones that we stand up for. …It is time for our party, the Democratic Party, to show a little backbone, to have a little guts. To stand up for working men and women. If we are not their voice, they will never have a voice.”

The ad builds on the momentum from Edwards’ commanding debate performance last Tuesday in Philadelphia. Edwards proved himself to be the most effective and articulate challenger to Senator Clinton in the debate, pointing out her double-talk on ending the war in Iraq, going to war with Iran, releasing her records from her years in the White House to the public, and Social Security.

Edwards’ powerful performance at the debate added to the momentum already building for the campaign in the key early states and across the nation. Last week, Edwards won the endorsement of the New Hampshire Service Employees International Union. In October, the Iowa state council of the SEIU endorsed Edwards, along with 10 other state councils across the country, totaling more than 1.03 million rank-and-file SEIU members. These critical endorsements will allow SEIU members from any state that endorsed Edwards to travel to New Hampshire and Iowa to volunteer for the campaign. Edwards has also won key endorsements from the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, and the United Mine Workers of America. 

Momentum on the ground in key early states has continued to build as the campaign expands grassroots outreach efforts. Last week, Edwards became the first – and only – Democratic candidate to have visited and taken questions from Iowans in all 99 counties and the campaign is focused on building a strong organization across the state. Edwards is also the only candidate with county chairs for all 99 Iowa counties as well as rural county chairs for all 99 counties.

In New Hampshire over the weekend, Edwards’ campaign manager Congressman David Bonior opened two new field offices - one in Rochester and one in Conway – bringing the total to 12 offices statewide. 

During his 16th campaign trip to his native state of South Carolina last weekend, Edwards picked up 10 new endorsements from key elected and local leaders. The campaign has built organizations in all 46 South Carolina counties and has plans to open a second campaign office in the Palmetto State.

And yesterday, the campaign announced it was adding three new senior staff to Nevada to expand the field team. This builds on last month’s announcement that the campaign would be enhancing its Nevada organization with the addition of about two dozen field organizers and opening new Nevada offices.