2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Thompson to Begin TV Ad Campaign in Iowa, Nationally

Thompson to Begin TV Ad Campaign in Iowa, Nationally
Thompson: 'Our Rights Come From God, Not From Government'

McLean, VA -- Touting his 100 percent pro-life voting record and reminding voters that "our rights come from God and not from government," Senator Fred Thompson launched a pair of television ads set to begin airing on Wednesday statewide in Iowa and nationally on Fox News.  The 30- and 60-second spots are set in a diner, featuring the Senator sitting at a counter discussing his consistent conservative values.

"In eight years in the United States Senate, I fought for tax cuts, and for conservative judges," says Senator Thompson in the spot. "And if we stick to our basic conservative principles, we will win next November and the United States of America will be better for it."

The spots, both named "Consistent Conservative," can be viewed at https://www.fred08.com

In recent weeks, Sen. Thompson has aggressively campaigned in the early states, and will spend multiple days in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Iowa in the first half of this month. He has also recently campaigned in the early-voting state of Nevada. 

Below are the transcripts of both advertisements.

Consistent Conservative (60 seconds)

I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message.

I've been a conservative my whole life.

I grew up in a little hometown just like this.

Started the first Young Republican Club in Lawerenceburg, Tennessee. 

In eight years in the United States Senate, I fought for tax cuts, and for conservative judges.

And I'm proud to have had a 100 percent pro-life voting record.

Common sense conservative principles. Free people.  Free markets and a government that doesn't tax and regulate us to death, but defends us and protects our borders.

In a country where, if you play by the rules, you've got a fair chance to live the American dream.

My friends, we must remember that our rights come from God and not from government.

And if we stick to our basic conservative principles, we will win next November and the United States of America will be better for it.

Consistent Conservative (30 seconds)

I've been a conservative my whole life.

I grew up in a little hometown just like this.

I learned a long time ago that we're a country where, if you play by the rules, you've got a fair chance to live the American dream.

Common sense conservative principles. If we stick to those basic principles, we'll win next November and the United States of America will be better for it.

I'm Fred Thompson and I approve this message.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Experience Matters"

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Experience Matters"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Experience Matters." 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. 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 as part of the campaign's rotation today in New Hampshire. Script and viewing links are below.

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 approve this message."

Edwards’ Campaign Launches First Major Television Ad, A 60-Second Piece Entitled “Heroes”

EDWARDS KICKS-OFF “AMERICAN HEROES WEEK” TO STAND UP FOR HARDWORKING AMERICANS
Campaign launches first major ad buy in Iowa, where Edwards commits to fighting for America’s real heroes

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Today, Senator John Edwards kicked off  “American Heroes Week” to highlight his commitment to fighting for the real heroes of America – the men and women whose hard work makes our country great, but who have no voice in Washington. As president, Edwards will stand up to the powerful interests and fight for our real heroes, including  America’s workers, teachers, veterans, soldiers, first responders, and the people of New Orleans.

“American Heroes Week,” which lasts from Thursday, November 1st through Wednesday, November 7th, coincides with the launch of Edwards’ first major television ad, a 60-second piece entitled “Heroes” that begins airing in Iowa today. 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 – including retired Iowan farmers Bill and Helen Barrett, Leslie Gilbert, a working mother of four, and Doug Smith, a proud member of the Steelworkers union in Des Moines.

“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.”

On Friday, Edwards will kick-off the week with a visit to South Carolina to highlight the contributions of America’s workers. During the visit to his native state, Edwards will hold a town hall meeting in Cheraw, visit with former employees of the Springs textile mill in Lancaster, and tour a community center in the Blackmon Road community near Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Saturday, Edwards travels to Louisiana to honor the people of New Orleans who have shown great determination and commitment to rebuilding their city. The five winners of an online contest sponsored by the Edwards campaign will join Edwards and other Habitat for Humanity volunteers in New Orleans’ Upper 9th Ward for a day of rebuilding the area devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Later in the day, Edwards will deliver the keynote address on his plan to stop global warming at a National Day of Climate Action rally sponsored by Step it Up in New Orleans.

On Sunday, Edwards returns to eastern Iowa for a series of town hall meetings to highlight the service of America’s teachers. In Iowa on Monday, Edwards will focus on the heroism of America’s soldiers during a major foreign policy speech in Iowa City. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Edwards will travel to New Hampshire to hold events that call attention to the bravery of America’s veterans and first responders.

The launch of this ad builds on Edwards’ growing momentum in Iowa.  He recently reached an important milestone as he became the first candidate to visit – and answer questions from Iowans – in all 99 counties. He also earned the endorsements of the Iowa State Council of the Service Employees International Union and 11 other State Councils across the nation – including, most recently, New Hampshire. This is in addition to the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, the United Mine Workers of America. He's the only candidate with county chairs for all 99 counties as well as rural county chairs for all 99 counties, and continues to build a strong organization across the state.

A full transcript of the script for the “Heroes” ad is included below. Also included are short biographies of some of the real American heroes pictured in the ad.

-30-

Full Transcript of Ad:

If you're looking for heroes, don’t look to me. 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.

And Elizabeth and I decided, in the quiet of a hospital room, after 12 hours of tests and after getting very bad news, what we were going to spend our lives doing, for all those that have no voice. 

We’re not going to quietly go away. Instead we’re going to go out and fight for what it is we believe in.

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.

I'm John Edwards and I approve this message.

Dodd Campaign Releases Two New Ads Highlighting Dodd's Proven Record Of Results For The American People

DODD CAMPAIGN RELEASES TWO NEW ADS HIGHLIGHTING DODD'S PROVEN RECORD OF RESULTS FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

WASHINGTON, DC - The Chris Dodd for President campaign today released two new television ads highlighting Senator Dodd's proven ability to produce results for the American people. 

In making the case that Dodd is uniquely qualified to produce results on the nation's most pressing problems like health care, the ads, entitled "View from the Shop" and "Duets," point to his  success in bringing people together to pass landmark legislation like the Family and Medical Leave Act. 

“People across Iowa and all of America are frustrated with the bickering and fighting that have defined our recent political history and that have prevented us from solving the big challenges that face the country - like health care,” said Dodd Communications Director Hari Sevugan.  “What sets Chris Dodd apart from the field is that he offers a proven ability to bring people together to produce results.”   

The two 30-second spots, which will run in Iowa on cable and broadcast, feature the characters of John and Jesse, two fictional barbers at Jim's barbershop in Winterset, Iowa, who were introduced in Dodd's previous ad. 

New Chris Dodd TV Ad: "Duet"

New Chris Dodd Ad: "Duet"

This is the second new ad the Dodd campaign is putting on the air today.

New Chris Dodd TV Ad: "View From the Shop"

New Chris Dodd Ad: "View From the Shop"

One of two new ads going on the air today...

Edwards Launches 60-second Spot In Iowa Entitled “Heroes”

Edwards launches 60-second spot in Iowa entitled “Heroes” on Thursday, as part of seven-day “American Heroes Week”

Des Moines, Iowa – The campaign’s first major television buy, a 60-second spot entitled “Heroes,” begins airing in Iowa today. In the ad, Edwards reaffirms his commitment to stand up and fight for America’s true heroes – the working men and women of our country. The full ad can be viewed here: http://www.johnedwards.com/iowa.

The launch of the ad will kick-off “American Heroes Week,” where for seven days Edwards will travel to Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and New Orleans to focus on the real heroes of America, including America’s workers, the people of New Orleans, teachers, veterans, soldiers and our first responders.

Governor Bill Richardson Releases New Advertisement in Iowa "When I Began"

Governor Bill Richardson Releases New Advertisement in Iowa
"When I Began" to run in tandem with ad detailing Richardson's successful efforts to obtain release of hostages from Iraq

SANTA FE, NM-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today released a new ad in Iowa entitled "When I Began." The ad, which will run in conjunction with the campaign's "Only One" ad, features Governor Richardson speaking directly to voters about his character and vision for the country.

"I am Bill Richardson, and when I began this campaign for President, I was not sure what to expect," Richardson says in the ad. "I knew I would not have every answer, but I will always tell you what I really believe. And I will never mislead you. I know who I am, and I know how hard I will work for you."

Richardson also discusses the profound differences between his Iraq plan and those of the other major candidates.

"I knew there would be differences between the candidates, especially on Iraq," Richardson says in the ad. "I will get every soldier out. You cannot say you will end the war if you plan to leave thousands of troops behind; the Iraqis sure will not think the war is over. If you are wondering if anyone can really do all this, just look at what I have done in my life and how I have done it. Not by dividing people, but by earning their trust. And that is really where we need to begin in Iraq. There is a way out."

Campaign manager Dave Contarino spoke about the new advertisement.

"Iowans have witnessed Governor Richardson's humor and experience in the Job Interview ads, and they have learned about his heroic service rescuing hostages from Iraq in 'Only One,'" Contarino said. "This new ad allows Governor Richardson to tell voters in Iowa what he is about and why he has been so successful in bringing people together to get things done. Bill Richardson is the only candidate in this race with both experience and a real vision for change."

The sixty-second ad, produced by Mark Putnam and Steve Murphy of Murphy Putnam Media, will start running today in Iowa.

“WHEN I BEGAN”
Richardson for President

SCRIPT
“I’m Bill Richardson … and when I began this campaign for president, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I wouldn’t have every answer … but I’ll always tell you what I really believe. And I’ll never mislead you.

I knew there’d be differences between the candidates. Especially on Iraq. I’ll get every soldier out. You can’t say you’ll end the war if you plan to leave thousands of troops behind. The Iraqis sure won’t think the war is over.

And when I began this campaign, I knew we had to get rid of No Child Left Behind, reverse global warming, and cover every American with health insurance.

If you’re wondering if anyone can really do all this … just look at what I’ve done in my life and how I’ve done it. Not by dividing people. But by earning their trust. And that’s really where we need to begin in Iraq. There is a way out.

I approved this message because I’m sure not the best looking or the flashiest … but I know who I am. And I know how hard I’ll work for you.”

Clinton Highlights Record Fighting For Seniors In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

Clinton Highlights Record Fighting For Seniors In New Ad Airing In Iowa, New Hampshire

The Clinton Campaign is launching a new television ad in Iowa and New Hampshire focused on Hillary’s long record of fighting to preserve Social Security and improve the lives of America’s seniors.

The new 30-second spot, entitled “There For You,” details Hillary’s fight to stop the Bush Administration from privatizing Social Security and jeopardizing the bedrock of retirement security that 34 million Americans rely on.

The ad also describes Hillary’s multi-year effort to pass the Lifespan Respite Care Act, which helps 44 million Americans care for an adult family member who has a chronic illness or disability each year. The bill provides hundreds of millions in grants for states and localities to increase the availability of respite care and help families care for their loved ones.

Throughout the campaign, Hillary has outlined a series of measures aimed at protecting elderly consumers from fraud and deceptive marketing in the long-term care insurance market. She would crack down on the use of fine print clauses to deny seniors coverage and would discourage premium increases by requiring that a larger percentage goes to paying consumer claims—not to insurance company profits.

Following is the script for the ad:

Announcer: When George Bush threatened to privatize social security,

Hillary was there fighting every step of the way to stop him.

And she was there for every senior who needs round-the-clock-

Care, creating a law to ease the burden on family caregivers.

She's still there fighting to stop long term care insurance scams that prey on the elderly.

These days, it seems like every candidate on earth is coming here for

You.

But which candidate has been there for you all along?

Hillary Clinton: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

New Obama Ad: We Need An Honest Conversation About Social Security

New Obama Ad: We Need An Honest Conversation about Social Security

CHICAGO, IL –Obama for America today released a new television ad about the need to have an honest conversation about the future of Social Security. The ad entitled “Wind” starts airing in Iowa today.

The ad comes one day after Obama noted in a Des Moines townhall that Senator Clinton has repeatedly dodged opportunities to reveal her thinking about the best way to strengthen Social Security.  Obama was introduced at the event by Tod Bowman, a previously undecided Iowa caucusgoer and Maquoketa high school teacher, who asked Senator Clinton for more details about her position on Social Security at a campaign event in Iowa.  In the public forum, she declined to directly answer Bowman’s question, but later offered him a response when she thought no reporters were present.

Script of “Wind”:

OBAMA: I’m Barack Obama and I approved this message.

OBAMA: We’ve got 78 million baby boomers who are going to be retiring. There’s going to be more money going out than money coming in.

OBAMA: If we have failed to have a real, honest conversation about Social Security, it will not get fixed. This is a program that millions of people depend on.

The Obama Principles:

• Protect benefits
• No privatization of Social Security
• End Social Security tax exemption for the wealthy

OBAMA: I don’t want to just put my finger out to the wind and see what the polls say. I want to bring the country together to solve a problem. [Applause]