2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

New Joe Biden For President Website Launched

This welcome message greeted visitors to the new Joe Biden Website that launched today.

Welcome to JoeBiden.com

Thank you for visiting JoeBiden.com

I want to thank all of you who have encouraged me with your support and contributions to run for President.

Please take a few moments to explore this website by following the links below. I hope you will get to know who I am, how my life has prepared me for this campaign, and what we hope to accomplish in the days and months ahead. Then I hope you will join the campaign by joining our email list or making a contribution.

A presidential campaign is an exciting journey. Along with my wife, Jill, and our children Beau, Hunter and Ashley, we look forward to spending time with you as we campaign across America.

Thank you,

Joe Biden

Mike Huckabee Announces Future Plans And Website

Mike Huckabee posted these comments on his new website and by e-mail to supporters regarding his plans for the future.

Mike Huckabee's comments regarding his plans for the future...

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Over the past several months, I have received growing encouragement from conservative activists and leaders for me to become a candidate for President. I have sought counsel and advice from my family, close friends, political advisers, and most importantly from above. Our nation only stays strong as we are willing to take a stand, take a risk, and hopefully make this country a safer, more prosperous, and healthier place. Today, I am ready to take that stand.

I ask you to join me in the effort to take a message of hope and optimism to the people of America. This morning on "Meet the Press" with Tim Russert I announced that on Monday, January 29, 2007, I am filing papers creating the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.

Soon, a new website will be available at http://www.explorehuckabee.com/. I encourage you to visit the website as soon as it is available and register if you haven't already done so. There is also a link for you to "Tell a Friend" and I really need your help in doing just that. Please take the time to click on the "Tell a Friend" link and let others know how they can become involved too. You will find a place to list one or more email addresses and type in your own email message. Please set a goal of letting at least five friends know today how they too can become involved with the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc...

I learned a lot in training for the 4 marathons I've run. The hardest part is taking the first step and saying "I will do it." I've taken that step. The road ahead is not a sprint, but truly a marathon. The journey begins and I hope you'll be with me for every step of the way!

With gratitude and hope,

Mike Huckabee

New Duncan Hunter For President Website Launched

The new Duncan Hunter for President website went live late tonight with this statement.

Peace through strength is my belief and conviction

“Peace Through Strength” are three words that, when uttered with conviction by a man of principle and great leadership, and backed up by decisive action, had the power to free hundreds of millions of people from the oppression of communism and saved this country from the specter of “mutually assured destruction.” 

It was in a speech entitled, “A Time for Choosing”, that Ronald Reagan ignited the conservative movement in America and began the death knell of communism. “Peace Through Strength” became our charge. I firmly believe that it will take continued, unwavering dedication to that same calling to achieve victory against the evil terrorist threat we now confront.

I firmly believe that it will take continued, unwavering dedication to that same calling to achieve victory against the evil terrorist threat we now confront.

I was swept into office by that Reagan revolution, arriving in Congress the same year Reagan arrived in Washington. He ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity by cutting taxes, limiting government and wining the Cold War. It is a time for choosing again.

Do we as a people choose appeasement in the name of tolerance and political correctness?
If so, then we are saying to the world that what we are really willing to tolerate is evil in the World. Or, instead, do we stand firm in our resolve that this nation shall remain a beacon of freedom to people of goodwill everywhere?

Do we as a people choose dependence on a bigger, and ever-more-intrusive government?
Or do we choose self-reliance, recognizing that we know better than government how to spend our money, raise our children, provide for our families.  I hope you agree with me that we Americans have the self-reliance and the character to remain free.

Join me in a new American sunrise of opportunity, faith and freedom for the citizens of our great nation.

Yours for America,
Duncan Hunter

Hillary Clinton Announces "I'm In" On New Presidential Exploratory Website

Hillary Cinton Announces "I'm In" on her 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee Website.

I'm in. And I'm in to win.

Today I am announcing that I will form an exploratory committee to run for president.

And I want you to join me not just for the campaign but for a conversation about the future of our country -- about the bold but practical changes we need to overcome six years of Bush administration failures.

I am going to take this conversation directly to the people of America, and I'm starting by inviting all of you to join me in a series of web chats over the next few days.

The stakes will be high when America chooses a new president in 2008.

As a senator, I will spend two years doing everything in my power to limit the damage George W. Bush can do. But only a new president will be able to undo Bush's mistakes and restore our hope and optimism.

Only a new president can renew the promise of America -- the idea that if you work hard you can count on the health care, education, and retirement security that you need to raise your family. These are the basic values of America that are under attack from this administration every day.

And only a new president can regain America's position as a respected leader in the world.

I believe that change is coming November 4, 2008. And I am forming my exploratory committee because I believe that together we can bring the leadership that this country needs. I'm going to start this campaign with a national conversation about how we can work to get our country back on track.

This is a big election with some very big questions. How do we bring the war in Iraq to the right end? How can we make sure every American has access to adequate health care? How will we ensure our children inherit a clean environment and energy independence? How can we reduce the deficits that threaten Social Security and Medicare?

No matter where you live, no matter what your political views, I want you to be a part of this important conversation right at the start. So to begin, I'm going to spend the next several days answering your questions in a series of live video web discussions. Starting Monday, January 22, at 7 p.m. EST for three nights in a row, I'll sit down to answer your questions about how we can work together for a better future. And you can participate live at my website. Sign up to join the conversation here.

I grew up in a middle-class family in the middle of America, where I learned that we could overcome every obstacle we face if we work together and stay true to our values.

I have worked on issues critical to our country almost all my life. I've fought for children for more than 30 years. In Arkansas, I pushed for education reform. As First Lady, I helped to expand health care coverage to millions of children and to pass legislation that dramatically increased adoptions. I also traveled to China to affirm that women's rights are human rights.

And in the Senate, I have worked across party lines to get billions more for children's health care, to stop the president's plan to privatize Social Security, and to make sure the victims and heroes of 9/11 and our men and women in uniform receive the fair treatment they deserve. In 2006, I led the successful fight to make Plan B contraception available to women without a prescription.

I have spent a lifetime opening opportunities for tens of millions who are working hard to raise a family: new immigrants, families living in poverty, people who have no health care or face an uncertain retirement.

The promise of America is that all of us will have access to opportunity, and I want to run a 2008 campaign that renews that promise, a campaign built on a lifetime record of results.

I have never been afraid to stand up for what I believe in or to face down the Republican machine. After nearly $70 million spent against my campaigns in New York and two landslide wins, I can say I know how Washington Republicans think, how they operate, and how to beat them.

I need you to be a part of this campaign, and I hope you'll start by joining me in this national conversation.

As we campaign to win the White House, we will make history and remake our future. We can only break barriers if we dare to confront them, and if we have the determined and committed support of others.

This campaign is our moment, our chance to stand up for the principles and values that we cherish; to bring new ideas, energy, and leadership to a uniquely challenging time. It's our chance to say "we can" and "we will."

Let's go to work. America's future is calling us.

"Tancredo For A Secure America" Presidential Exploratory Committee And Website Launched

Tom Tancredo announced his presidential exploratory committee, "Tancredo for a Secure America" with this message on his website.

Dear Friend,

I am writing to you today as a friend, and as a fellow believer in the cause of securing America's borders.

My purpose is to obtain your support as I embark upon a path that may lead to the Republican nomination for the presidency of the United States.

The decision to pursue this arduous and undeniably uphill battle is because I, like you, have a duty to do everything I can to keep faith with those who risked their "lives, fortunes and sacred honor" to create this wonderful place we call America.

I am considering this campaign because of my commitment to real immigration reform: reform that first and foremost is dedicated to the security and well-being of the citizens of the United States, and to respect for the rule of law in our beloved nation.

I am also considering this campaign because I believe the Republican Party and its leaders must recommit themselves to limited, smaller government; fiscal responsibility; and honesty in public office.

Last November, the Republican Party paid a high price for abandoning those principles; we will not regain the trust of the voters and a congressional majority until we reclaim them. I am proud that I was one of a handful of Republican members of Congress who voted against both "No Child Left Behind," a federal betrayal of local control of education, and the fiscally irresponsible Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit.

When I was elected to Congress in 1998, I made immigration reform my top priority, much to the scorn and derision of the political and business elites who are addicted to the flow of cheap illegal labor into America.

But, as I look at the current presidential candidates, Republican and Democratic, I simply do not see one who reflects the grassroots, majority belief of Americans that our borders must be secured, that employers who hire illegals must be prosecuted, and that no one who has broken our immigration laws should ever be put on a "pathway to citizenship."

After a lot of prayer, and long talks with my wife Jackie and our children, I have decided I am willing to put myself forward as a candidate for president in order, above everything else, to advance our immigration reform agenda, and to reclaim the Republican Party for its core conservative values.

So, I am seeking your advice and counsel. Do you believe I should seek the Republican presidential nomination, to fight to secure our borders and to reassert traditional conservative Republican principles including limited, smaller government, fiscal responsibility and honesty in office? But this campaign cannot just be about me.

It has to be about securing our nation at its borders, protecting American jobs, respecting our laws and our cultural identity, and reclaiming the Republican Party for its best values.

That means for this campaign to go forward and succeed, it must be about us...you and me.

You and I need to agree that we will work together to battle the special interests which now control both parties, and which are so committed to open borders and amnesty for illegal aliens. You and I need to agree that we will dig in, work hard, and raise the money to effectively challenge the deep pockets of the Republican candidates who are talking a good game about immigration, but who are, in fact, supporting amnesty.

If you and I decide I should run, I am not going to ask you to travel with me to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina in the months ahead, on the many weekend and overnight trips away from my family that I will commit my time to between votes in Congress. That will be my job.

But I will count on you to tell your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers and your family about our campaign....and invite them to join it!

And I also will count on you to help me with your financial support, especially now. I simply cannot move ahead without your help, and the help of thousands of patriotic Americans like you . I am ready to be David against the establishment's Goliath, but I need you to help me load my sling-shot!

Thank you for your commitment to the struggle to secure our borders. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Sincerely,

Tom Tancredo

P.S. So many wonderful people in the critical primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have already asked if they could volunteer to help us. There is tremendous excitement building! It would be a big help to me as I make my decision if I could hear back from you as soon as possible.

Tommy Thompson Announces 2008 Exploratory Committee And Website

Former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson Explores Run for President

Tommy Thompson announced his 2008 Exploratory Committee with this press release. Thompson's exploratory committee's Website went live today at http://www.tommy2008.com

America must come together and get to work solving problems, building country

MADISON, Wis. – Former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said today he is exploring a run for President because we need to start building America again with common sense solutions for the common problems facing American families.

The son of a small-town grocer, Thompson said his unifying brand of common sense conservatism and strong track record of accomplishment is what America needs as it faces unprecedented challenges domestically and abroad. America must rely on its ingenuity to develop innovative initiatives that address its challenges and a unified determination to get the job done, he said.

“Let’s bring America together again. And together, let’s start solving the tough problems and creating greater opportunity,” Thompson said. “Americans are tired of the cynicism and divisiveness that too often stymies progress. We need to get back to work solving their problems and building on the great hopes they have for their families and their country.

“Despite some real challenges, America still enjoys the highest quality of life. There is nowhere in the world where a newborn child will be afforded more opportunity and freedom than the United States of America. We need to rise up to meet the great expectations we have always held for our future generations.”

Thompson would bring to the GOP presidential primary a proven track record of innovation and accomplishment that is unrivaled by other potential candidates. Thompson’s reform programs on welfare, education, health care, crime and the environment have come to serve as national models of success. As HHS Secretary, he worked to add a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. And his global work on medical diplomacy, HIV/AIDS, trade, bioterrorism and health crises have made a positive mark on the international stage.

“This campaign needs to be about ideas. It needs to be about solving some of the toughest problems America has faced in generations,” Thompson said. “More importantly, it needs to be about how we’re going to come together as a nation to get things done. My entire career, I’ve brought people together to tackle some of society’s toughest issues with innovative programs that made a lasting difference in people’s lives.”

Thompson said he will be spending a great deal of time in Iowa over the coming months talking about his ideas for America. Thompson, who grew up roughly 80 miles from the Iowa border in Elroy, Wis., has already visited Iowa often since Labor Day and is building a strong campaign structure in a state he frequented often as Governor.

Steve Grubbs, a highly respected former Iowa State Representative and Iowa Republican Party Chairman, has joined the Thompson Exploratory Committee as senior advisor. Grubbs previously served as GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole’s Iowa Caucus Chairman in 1996 and senior advisor to candidate Steve Forbes, who finished second in the Iowa Caucus in 2000 behind President Bush. Brian Dumas, who works with Grubbs at Victory Enterprises, also has joined the Thompson team. Thompson also will be visiting with residents of New Hampshire in coming months and is building an exploratory organization there as well.

Thompson said his ideas for the future will focus on the pocketbook issues affecting the everyday lives of Americans: health care, energy and education. The rising costs of health care, fuel and school are threatening the economic health of families and the nation. He also will forward ideas on Iraq, defense and foreign policy in coming months.

“Washington is talking quite a bit right now about a new way forward in Iraq. And, indeed, that is needed,” Thompson said. “But just as importantly, we need a new way forward in America. It’s time for Washington to get back to work addressing the challenges Americans face in their everyday lives – pocketbook issues that have been put aside for too long by political posturing.”

Governor Mitt Romney Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee And Launches New Website

Mitt Romney's campaign issued this press release to answer questions about the forming of his presidential exploratory committee.

Governor Mitt Romney Forms Presidential Exploratory Committee
Wednesday, Jan 03, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - Today at 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, National Counsel Ben Ginsberg filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) announcing the formation of Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's presidential campaign exploratory committee.

"After talking to my family, I have decided to take this initial step of forming an exploratory committee in order to raise the resources and build the campaign organization required to pursue the highest office in our country," Governor Romney said. "I look forward to continuing to talk with the American people to determine how best we can meet a new generation of challenges."

Immediately after the filing, the Romney for President Exploratory Committee launched its official website: www.MittRomney.com.

Questions And Answers About Governor Romney's Presidential Campaign Exploratory Process

Q:  What is the name of the exploratory committee?

A:  Romney for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.

Q:  When will Governor Romney formally declare his candidacy?

A:  Governor Romney has not made a decision on when he will officially and formally declare his candidacy.

Q:  What is the difference between this exploratory committee and formally announcing Governor Romney's candidacy?

A:  This committee has been registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) allowing it to begin soliciting resources and organizing a federal campaign committee structure in anticipation of a formal announcement in the near future.  Once an announcement is made, the word "exploratory" will be removed from the name. The committee formed today will use the money raised before and after a formal announcement.

Q:  Can money raised by the exploratory committee be used by an eventual Romney for President Campaign Committee?

A:  Yes. In fact, it's the same account.

New John Edwards '08 Website Goes Live

This message greeted vistors to the new John Edwards '08 website.

"This campaign is about each of us taking responsibility for our country's future -- and ensuring America’s greatness in the 21st century. It is a campaign not just about what we can do in the White House -- but what we can do on the way.

We all must take responsibility and take action now to:

Provide moral leadership in the world
Strengthen our middle class and end poverty
Guarantee universal health care for every American
Lead the fight against global warming
Get America and other countries off our addiction to oil
If we want to live in a moral and just America tomorrow, we cannot wait until the next President is elected to begin to take action.

Tomorrow begins today."

New Rudy Giuliani 2008 Exploratory Committee Website

As you may know, I've been traveling the country campaigning for Republicans and listening to Americans across the nation. With the midterm elections over, now is the right time for me to seriously consider running for President of the United States in 2008.

Let's Keep Moving Forward,

Rudy

New Dennis Kucinich For President 2008 Website

This introductory message in appeared on the new Dennis Kucinch for President 2008 website in both text and video formats.

Hi, everyone. Dennis here.

The response to our campaign has been very encouraging. People from all over the country want to know what they can do to get involved; and this website is going to be an essential organizing tool. And we're asking you to participate. So, it's important for you to be around; kind of hang around the site, check on it every day, see the kinds of things that we're doing, check on the media [News] section and see how the media is finally getting engaged in following our campaign.

It's really interesting to see people respond because, in the past, we organized the campaign and then I made an announcement. This time I made the announcement, and the campaign is beginning to gather around us quite quickly. So stay tuned! But more than that, stay involved, help us plan, help us organize, help us raise funds, help us set the stage for a new direction for America.

People know that my position on the war is the position that is going to bring our troops home. People know that when I say that we have the money to bring the troops home now, that I'm right. And people know that the Democrats ought to rally behind the will of the American people expressed in November to bring our troops home. It's just not right for leaders to be talking about giving the president another $160 billion that will keep our troops in Iraq until the end of the president's term.

So we have the power to create a new direction. And we're going to do it with your help. And I'm so grateful for that. I look forward to hearing from you. This is your campaign; it's not about me, it's about all of us. It's about our endeavor to create a world of peace and to create a world that we can relate to people all over the world. We know that this is the time for us to open up our hearts and to reveal the power that is within each of us to create a new world.

Thank you very much, and you'll be hearing from me often.