2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dodd Campaign Releases Two New Ads "Amazing Grace" And "Split"

DODD CAMPAIGN RELEASES TWO NEW ADS
Candidate's Proven Leadership, Bold Vision for the Future Take Center Stage

WASHINGTON - Today, the Dodd for President Campaign announced two new ads, which will begin running today in Iowa and New Hampshire. The ads highlight Senator Dodd's experience and his vision for America as President.
The first ad, "Amazing Grace", which is narrated by Senator Dodd, features Grace Dodd, his eldest daughter, and details why Dodd is running for President. The second ad, "Split", draws attention to Senator Dodd's long commitment to public service, beginning when he was 22 and joined the Peace Corps and extending throughout his career in Congress. Dodd served in the Dominican Republic while in the Peace Corps, where he became fluent in Spanish.
"Chris Dodd is the only candidate who has the proven ability and bold vision to right the wrongs of the past six years," said Dodd Campaign Manager Sheryl Cohen. "With these two new ads voters will begin to see that Chris Dodd has a lifetime of leadership and proven track record of getting things done that America needs in its next President."
In recent months, Dodd has taken the lead among Presidential candidates in urging Congress to use its constitutionally-mandated power of the purse to end the war in Iraq and in his Comprehensive Energy Plan, which has been praised by Al Gore, Bill Bradley, John Kerry and the League of Conservation Voters, among others.

Both ads can be viewed at www.chrisdodd.com. The scripts for "Amazing Grace" and "Split" are below.

"Amazing Grace"
"I was blessed to become a first time father at age fifty-seven. Our daughter Grace was born two days after 9/11 into a very changed world. I want my campaign to be about all of our children and the kind of world we give them. I intend to offer the boldest most creative approaches I can to make our country more secure, to stop global warming and to restore our moral leadership.
"I'm Chris Dodd, I'm running for President, and I approved this message because I know that America can lead the world again."

"Split"
"At 22 he joined the Peace Corps building schools and trust.
"His Family and Medical Leave Act has allowed fifty million Americans to take time off to care for a newborn or sick family member.
"He's worked with world leaders to build alliances and end conflicts.
"Now Chris Dodd is running for President, with the strongest plan to get us out of Iraq, and the boldest plan for energy independence.
"Have you asked what the others have done?"
"I'm Chris Dodd and I approved this message."

Richardson Airs "Job Interview" TV Ad

Richardson Airs Third "Job Interview" TV Ad
Unique Ad Series Continues with New Spot Focusing on Global Warming

SANTA FE, NM - Governor Bill Richardson's campaign today released the third "Job Interview" TV ad in the series that has become the talk of the Presidential campaign. The spot features Governor Richardson making the case that, under his stewardship, "no other state has done as much as New Mexico" to fight global warming.

To view the ad, fact sheet and background document, please go to:

http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/content/askedyou/

"This ad was fun to make - watch the ending - you'll see why, but global warming is a serious subject that I think is critically important for the health of our planet. I think this ad communicates that in a memorable way," said Governor Bill Richardson.

Recent New Hampshire and Iowa polling has shown the Governor climbing into contention with between 8-10 percent of the primary and caucus vote. This polling comes on the heels of Governor Richardson's groundbreaking TV ad campaign - the first major presidential candidate to run humorous advertising in modern political history.

"We've gotten a tremendous response to both these ads and the Governor's record," said campaign manager Dave Contarino. "The excitement over the interview ads is clearly helping drive the Governor's rise in the polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire, where the ads have run."

In the new ad, Governor Richardson points out to the skeptical job interviewer that under his leadership, New Mexico passed tax credits for wind, solar and bio-fuels energy production. Utility companies are now required to produce energy from renewable sources, and he set tough standards to reduce greenhouse emissions. 

The League of Conservation Voters has praised Governor Richardson's environmental proposals as the most aggressive plan of any candidate for president, saying "Richardson sets the highest goals for reducing global warming pollution and increasing production from renewable energy sources." Sierra Club President Carl Pope said Governor Richardson's plan "raised the bar" in the fight against global warming, and is "much more aggressive than anything we've seen so far from the candidates. It is also significantly better elaborated ..." 

To read more of Governor Richardson's Clean Energy plan, please go to:

http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/issues/energy

The new commercial will begin running Monday, June 11th on broadcast affiliates and cable systems in Iowa, and will begin running soon thereafter in New Hampshire. The Governor's campaign commercials were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia.

"Asked You" -- Bill Richardson for President -- 30 second TV

[Governor Richardson in job interview setting] 

"Global warming is critical for the next president."
And no other state has done as much as New Mexico.
We passed tax credits for wind, solar and bio fuels.
Utility companies have to use renewable sources.
And I set tough standards to reduce greenhouse emissions.
President Bush doesn't follow the Kyoto Treaty, but my state does.
I can do all that as president. 

[Job Interviewer]
But what I asked you … was if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? 

[Video cuts to logo and music sting] 

[Governor’s voice off-camera]
"I’m Bill Richardson and I approved this message."

Dodd Releases New TV Ad Highlighting Bold Global Warming Policy

DODD RELEASES NEW TV AD HIGHLIGHTING BOLD GLOBAL WARMING POLICY

Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd's campaign today released a new television advertisement slated to run in Iowa and New Hampshire. The ad highlights Senator Dodd's understanding of the magnitude of what is at stake because of global warming and his bold energy plan to address the crisis.

"With global warming affecting the health of our planet as well as our national security, we can't afford half-measures," said Dodd Campaign Manager Sheryl Cohen. "Chris Dodd is the candidate that recognizes the urgency of the situation and is offering honest and bold solutions that turn our challenges into opportunities."

Dodd is the only candidate to call for a Corporate Carbon Tax, the proceeds from which -- estimated at approximately $50 billion annually -- would fund research into alternative energy sources in order to make America energy independent while taking the lead around the globe on solving the growing crisis of global climate change, all while creating new jobs for Americans.

Dodd's energy plan has won accolades from environmental leaders, including former Vice President Al Gore, who called the Dodd plan "very creative," and Senator John Kerry, who said it is "a serious policy to address a serious problem ... Americans are better off because of Chris' leadership." "Chris Dodd gets it," said former Senator Bill Bradley. Dodd's Corporate Carbon Tax, wrote the Los Angeles Times' Ron Brownstein, "sets Dodd apart from the field."

Read Chris Dodd's energy plan at http://www.ChrisDodd.com/energy_independence.

The full ad can be viewed at http://www.ChrisDodd.com.

Full script, "Global":

ANNOUNCER: All the Earth's creatures are threatened by global warming. One candidate for President is doing something to stop it: Chris Dodd. He's the only one with an energy plan that has a courageous Corporate Carbon Tax to transform American industry. It's the plan Al Gore and Bill Bradley call "creative," "honest and bold."

DODD: I'm Chris Dodd, and I approved this message, because stopping global warming is in our hands.

Dodd Campaign Launches It's Second Ad, "Ready To Lead"

DODD CAMPAIGN RELEASES NEW TV AD HIGHLIGHTING BOLD LEADERSHIP ON PRESSING ISSUES, READINESS TO LEAD

Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd's campaign released a new television ad that began airing today in New Hampshire and Iowa. The 30-second television ads highlight Dodd's bold leadership on the most pressing issues facing Americans today, including ending the war in Iraq and global warming.

"At a time when the stakes couldn't be greater for the nation, Chris Dodd is moving the debate away from half-measures to bold solutions on our most pressing issues," said Dodd Campaign Manager Sheryl Cohen. "Whether it's on ending the war in Iraq or meeting the energy crisis, Chris Dodd is demonstrating that he's ready to lead with boldness, clarity and conviction."

Last week, after Dodd reiterated his strong stand on responsibly ending the war in his first television spot, several Presidential candidates changed their positions and supported the Feingold-Reid-Dodd amendment that would set a firm deadline for redeployment that is tied to funding.

As a Washington correspondent for The Nation noted, "It is unlikely this would have happened without the timely intervention of the candidate [who] is moving the Democratic race in the right direction: Chris Dodd."

With his new ad, Dodd is again moving the debate on the critical issue of global warming away from politically cautious, half-measures toward the honest, forward-looking solutions that will affect real change. The ad highlights Dodd's leadership on addressing the energy crisis and points to praise for the Dodd energy plan which Al Gore called "creative" and Bill Bradley called "honest and bold."

Dodd's sweeping energy plan would institute a corporate carbon tax and raise fuel standards to 50 mpg. Chris Dodd "came out in favor of a carbon tax. And that's the good news. The bad news is he's the only one," said New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman in a speech to the Personal Democracy Forum last week.

Full script (Iowa): 30 Sec.

ANNOUNCER (VO): Chris Dodd has been challenging the other candidates to support the Feingold-Reid-Dodd amendment to end our involvement in Iraq's civil war. It worked. Now Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have changed their positions to follow Chris Dodd. Soon Chris Dodd will be talking in Iowa about his plan to stop global warming, the plan Al Gore and Bill Bradley have called "creative" and "bold." Maybe the other candidates will follow Chris Dodd on global warming, too.

CHRIS DODD (VO): I'm Chris Dodd, and I approve this message.

Full script (New Hampshire): 30 Sec.

ANNOUNCER (VO): Chris Dodd has been challenging the other candidates to support the Feingold-Reid-Dodd amendment to end our involvement in Iraq's civil war. It worked. Now Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have changed their positions to follow Chris Dodd. Soon Chris Dodd will be talking in New Hampshire about his plan to stop global warming, the plan Al Gore and Bill Bradley have called "creative" and "bold." Maybe the other candidates will follow Chris Dodd on global warming, too.

CHRIS DODD (VO): I'm Chris Dodd, and I approve this message.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Tested, Proven"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "TESTED, PROVEN"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Tested, Proven."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's strong conservative leadership making the toughest decisions in one of our country's most liberal states.  As Governor, he acted to cut spending, fought against tax increases, enforced immigration laws, championed traditional marriage and defended the sanctity of human life.

The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation on Thursday in Iowa, New Hampshire and on national cable.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Tested, Proven" (TV:30):

ANNOUNCER (Voice Over):  "In the most liberal state in the country, one Republican stood up and cut spending, instead of raising taxes.

"He enforced immigration laws, stood up for traditional marriage and the sanctity of human life."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "This isn't the time for us to shrink from conservative principles.  It's a time for us to stand in strength.  Strong military, strong economy, strong families."

ANNOUNCER (Voice Over):  "In the toughest place, Mitt Romney's done the toughest things."

GOVERNOR ROMNEY:  "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Secure Borders"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "SECURE BORDERS"

Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched its newest television ad, "Secure Borders."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's support for reforming our immigration system by strengthening our borders and implementing an employment verification system.  The remarks were made at an "Ask Mitt Anything" forum on April 3 in Derry, New Hampshire.

The ad will be a part of the campaign's spot rotation starting this weekend in markets in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Secure Borders" (TV:60):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "Yes Sir?"

QUESTIONER:  "How would you deal with the border issue?"

GOVERNOR ROMNEY:  "Number one, we should secure our border.

"And number two, we should put in place an employment verification system.

"And by that, I mean that everybody who is not a United States citizen, with a valid Social Security number, would be expected to get a card, with their name and their number and some biometric information.  And would indicate their work status, whether they have a visa that allows them to work here or not.

"And then when an employer is thinking of hiring someone, if they don't have a valid Social Security number, he asks for the card, or she asks for the card.  They input the number into the computer.  The federal database immediately tells them whether they're available to be working or not.

"If they're not, you can't hire them.  And if you do, you get the same penalties and fines as if you're not paying your taxes.

"Legal immigration is great.  But illegal immigration, that we've got to end.  Thank you.  And amnesty is not the way to do it.  Thanks so much, thank you.

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

"Civil" Chris Dodd 2008 TV Ad

Chris Dodd For President Launches First TV Ads

DODD FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES FIRST TV ADS
Ads Running In Iowa, New Hampshire And National Cable To Emphasize Dodd's Call For Action To End War In Iraq Responsibly

Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd today announced his campaign would begin running television advertisements highlighting his plan to bring the war in Iraq to a safe and responsible conclusion. The 30-second advertisements will run in Iowa and New Hampshire as well as on national cable TV stations.

"This ad draws a clear distinction between Senator Dodd and the rest of the Democratic field," said Dodd campaign manager Sheryl Cohen. "Chris Dodd understands that half measures aren't going to change George Bush's course in Iraq, and he's set himself apart by fighting for a plan that would use Congressional power to require the President to safely and responsibly redeploy American troops and bring an end to the war."

The ad highlights the plan Dodd is supporting, which would bring an end to the war by requiring the President to safely and responsibly redeploy all combat troops by March 31, 2008.

Unlike other proposals, Dodd's plan is the only measure which would use the Congressional power of the purse to end the war by a date certain and responsibly redeploy combat troops.

While Dodd supports de-authorization of the war, as seen during the Vietnam War, when the war continued for four years after the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution was de-authorized, he knows it will not bring an end to this conflict. Similarly, while Dodd supports beginning to redeploy combat troops immediately, his plan is responsible in that it does not set an arbitrary number on how many troops would be redeployed today.

Dodd, the only Presidential candidate to have co-sponsored the Feingold-Reid legislation, had indicated that he planned to join Senator Feingold in co-sponsoring a similar measure in the debate on the Iraq Supplemental funding bill.

The ad can be seen at www.chrisdodd.com. The full transcript is below.

"Civil": 30 TV
Chris Dodd for President
Script

CHRIS DODD: Half measures won't stop this president from continuing our involvement in Iraq's civil war. That's why I'm fighting for the only responsible measure in Congress that would take away the President's blank check and set a timetable to bring our troops home.

Unfortunately, my colleagues running for President have not joined me. I'm Chris Dodd. I'm running for President. I approved this message because we can't simply wait for a new President. We should have the conviction to stand up to this one.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Now Is The Time"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "NOW IS THE TIME"

Boston, MA – Romney for President today launched its newest television ad, "Now Is The Time."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's support for strengthening our armed forces to meet a new generation of global challenges.  Governor Romney has proposed expanding our armed forces by 100,000 soldiers and committing at least four percent of the gross domestic product to military spending. 

The ad will begin airing today in Iowa, New Hampshire and on national cable networks.  Scripts and viewing links are below.

Script For "Now Is The Time" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "This isn't the time for us to shrink from conservative principles. 

"It's a time for us to stand in strength.

"America must remain the world's military superpower.

"If we lock our arms together, we can forge the political will to rebuild our military might.

"Now is the time for us to lead a great coalition of strength.

"For our families, for our future, for America.

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

To view "Now Is The Time", please see:  http://mitt-tv.mittromney.com/?showid=51917

Edwards Launches First Ad In Iowa

Edwards Launches First Ad in Iowa; Expands Effort to Urge Congress to Stand Firm on Iraq
Invites Iowans to Join Him in Speaking Out Against the War

Des Moines, Iowa – The John Edwards for President campaign today launched its first advertisement in Iowa as Senator John Edwards invited Iowans to join him in speaking out against the war in Iraq.  The ad is running statewide, including cable and broadcast television, beginning today.  It features Iowans who call on Congress not to back down to President Bush’s veto of the Iraq war funding resolution. 

“The American people have given Congress a mission to end the war - but that mission hasn't been accomplished yet,” said Edwards.  “Since President Bush continues to ignore the will of the American people, Congress has an important responsibility to stand firm.  This is a time for political courage, not political calculation. Congress needs to hear the message of Iowans and use its power to bring this war to an end.”

Edwards is also inviting citizens to submit their own video messages using YouTube technology, and he will release an expanded version of the Iowa ad online as more and more video messages are submitted. A previous online advertisement launched last week has already reached more than 170,000 views on YouTube.

The new ad is available at http://johnedwards.com/wethepeople-iowa

Script:

President Bush isn’t listening to Iowans.

He vetoed Congress’s plan to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home.

We, the People, want Congress to stand firm.

Don’t back down.  Send him the same bill that you sent him before.

Iowans support our troops. And we have a responsibility to bring them home.

Because stopping a President who believes he can do no wrong...takes people with the courage to do what’s right.

I’m John Edwards and I approve this message.