2004 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dick Gephardt Formally Announces Presidential Candidacy

February 19, 2003 St. Louis, MO – Dick Gephardt today announced his candidacy for the Presidency of the United States at the Mason Elementary School where Gephardt was educated and raised.

“My dad was a milk truck driver, a proud member of the Teamsters,” Gephardt said.  “My mother was a secretary.  Neither of my parents finished high school.  They didn’t have much money.  But they saved what they could – five, ten dollars a week – so I could get an education and live out my dreams.  I want to dedicate this day to my mother Loreen and my late father, Lou Gephardt.  This campaign is for them -- and for all who seek and strive to do right by their kids.  They’re the true American heroes; they’re the people I’m fighting for.

“We’re all bound together.  If a child doesn’t have health insurance, we all pay the price when she shows up at the emergency room. If a child drops out of school and joins a gang, or goes on welfare – we all pay the price of violence, dependence, and indigence. If a family can’t afford to put a child through college, we all pay the price of sinking productivity, of shattered human potential.

“I thank God for the love of my parents, the strength of this community, the values and discipline I learned here at Mason Elementary School. I thank God for my mother’s savings, the church scholarship, and the government loans that were the only way this Teamster’s son could go to college.  I want every child to have the chances I had, to go as far as their dreams and hard work can carry them.

“The fight for working families is in my bones.  It’s where I come from; it’s been my life’s work. With your help, we can take that fight to the most powerful office in the history of humankind. We can build an America where we grow together, instead of being pulled apart -- where our economy’s strong, because all our families are secure -- where nobody’s left out or left behind.”

Dick Gephardt announced his candidacy in St. Louis, Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.

Dennis Kucinich 2004 Web Site Launch

The Dennis Kucinich Web Site was launched with these words from the candidate. "Welcome! In response to tens of thousands of emails and countless phone calls, letters and personal appeals, I am moving forward to take the first step towards a candidacy fhe or the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

In the past year I have had the opportunity to meet with many of you in dozens of cities across our nation. The heart of America is yearning for dramatic, transformational change which can reconnect us with the vision of our nation's Founders, to be the light of the world.

In the next few months I will be returning to visit the neighborhoods of America. If the response continues to be strong, if the financial support is there, the encouragement and the participation continues, I will schedule a formal announcement of candidacy sometime in June.

I need to hear from you! I hope you enjoy our new website and I welcome your suggestions. And most of all, I need your help."

Dick Gephardt 2004 Web Site Launch

The Dick Gephardt  Web Site went live on February 10, 2003. The site, designed by Campaign Advantage is similar in design to the Dick Gephardt for Congress 2002 Web Site.

Howard Dean Web Site New Design

The Howard Dean web site was re-designed and this welcome message was posted. "Thank you for visiting my website and for your interest in learning more about my vision for a better future for our nation.

I believe I have a proven track record of doing the right thing-fighting the good fight, standing for what's right, even when it means standing alone.

As I travel the country, I am more and more convinced that voters are ready for a change. I hope you will join with me in my campaign for a brighter future for our kids."

Joe Lieberman 2004 Web Site and Announcement

In his hometown of Stamford, Connecticut, Joe Lieberman  announced that he was beginning an amazing journey to seek the Democratic nomination to become the next President of the United States.
He stated "I'm running for President because I want to preserve and sustain the vitality of the American Dream--which I've been blessed to live--for all Americans. Today that dream is in danger, threatened by terrorists and tyrants from abroad and a weak economy that makes it harder to live a better life here at home.
I am confident that we as nation have what it takes to overcome these challenges and renew the American Dream. But we must have the courage to rise above partisan politics and put our country first. I believe I have the strength, vision, and values to lead our nation to higher ground."
"A presidential campaign is not about one person. It is about the hard work and shared dreams of thousands of dedicated Americans. I hope that you'll join me on this journey. I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail in the weeks and months ahead."

John Edwards Launches 2004 Presidential Exploratory Committee

RALEIGH, NC - U.S. Senator John Edwards, D-NC, announced Thursday the formation of a committee to explore a bid for the Democratic nomination for President. Edwards informed friends and supporters of his plans at his North Carolina home on Wednesday.
"I believe I can be a champion for regular people," explained Edwards. "My own life experience allows me to see things through their eyes. They are the people I grew up with, the people who worked with my father in the mill, the people I fought for as a lawyer. My vision for the country comes from them. They're not the insiders, they don't have lobbyists, but they're the heart and soul of this country and their voices should be heard."
Edwards began outlining his positive agenda for the country in several policy addresses delivered during Fall 2002.
"I have laid out ideas about how to make the American people safer, make the economy stronger, make our schools better and to open the doors of college to all who want to go," Edwards said. "That's not going to stop now. I am going to continue to lay out my ideas - and I am happy to have the American people judge me on them."
Edwards' exploratory campaign committee will be headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. The required paperwork will be filed today with the Federal Elections Commission.
John Edwards was born in Seneca, South Carolina and raised in Robbins, North Carolina. The son of a mill worker, he was the first in his family to go to college. After graduating from law school, Edwards spent nearly twenty years representing children and families across North Carolina. He was elected to the Senate in 1998. Edwards has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 25 years. They have had four children.
The John Edwards website is now available.

John Kerry Announces Formation of 2004 Presidential Exploratory Committee

With some changes to the logos, the John Kerry for Senate campaign web site became the John Kerry for President web site. John Kerry appeared on NBC's "Meet The Press" on December 1st and announced that he is forming a committee to explore a White House bid. Other topics included Iraq, the war on terrorism and presidential politics 2004 in general.