2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Obama Unveils New TV Ad Touting Obama’s Universal Health Care Plan

Obama to Host ‘Senior Town Hall’ in Ames on Friday Afternoon
Unveils New TV Ad Touting Obama’s Universal Health Care Plan

DES MOINES – The presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama today announced he will host a “Senior Town Hall Meeting” – bringing together senior citizens and high schools seniors -- in Ames tomorrow.  At the meeting, Obama will answer questions and participate in a conversation about his vision for uniting Americans, young and old, behind the effort to change Washington.

“Americans of all ages, from high school seniors to senior citizens, are tired of being divided by Washington politicians looking to score political points,” Obama said.  “We’re building a grassroots movement of generations of Americans who are ready to challenge the divisive, special interest-driven system in Washington and unite the country around our shared values.”   

Obama’s campaign will also begin airing a new 30-second television ad in Iowa on Friday in which Obama highlights his commitment to changing the system in Washington and reforming our nation’s health care system.  The ad, titled “Mother”, opens with Obama talking directly to the camera about how his mother was burdened by a failing health care system as she battled cancer during the last few months of her life.  To view the ad: click here.

“For twenty years Washington’s talked about health care reform and reformed nothing,” Obama says in the ad.  “I’ve got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone.  But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists, we’ll be in the same place 20 years from now.”

On Friday, the Quad City Times will publish an op-ed from Senator Obama in which he writes about his commitment to strengthening Social Security and firmly opposing any effort to privatize Social Security.

Obama Campaign Announces New TV Advertisement "Believe"

Obama Campaign Announces State Leadership Committee and New TV Advertisement In Advance of Statewide Canvass

DES MOINES – The Obama for America Campaign today announced a 164-member State Leadership Committee (SLC) to lead grassroots organizing efforts for Barack Obama’s Iowa campaign.  The SLC will immediately begin reaching out to local communities by helping to organize the Obama Campaign’s statewide canvass this Saturday, September 22nd.

“Barack Obama is the best candidate to strengthen our communities and bring our country together,” said Iowa’s first female Supreme Court justice, Linda Neuman.  “I trust his leadership and judgment which guided him to stand up against the war in Iraq when others in Washington wouldn’t.  As president, Barack Obama will use that same leadership and judgment to tackle the tough issues we face like bringing our troops home and providing affordable, high-quality health care for all Americans.”

Statewide Leadership Committee members from across Iowa will advise the campaign and organize in their local communities. The SLC is comprised of community leaders across the state committed to spreading Barack Obama’s message of unity and hope for our country.   

“As a community organizer, I understand the importance of local leaders and everyday people coming together to spark the change we so desperately need,” Senator Obama said.  “That’s why I’m so proud to have the support of these Iowans who have agreed to join me as we work to challenge the status quo in Washington, D.C. and transform our country.”

To supplement Barack Obama’s strong grassroots operation, the campaign also announced the airing of a new television ad titled Believe that details Senator Obama’s experience taking on lobbyists and bringing Democrats and Republicans together to solve the tough problems our country faces.

New Barack Obama Iowa TV Ad "Believe" Script

Every time I speak about my hope for America, the cynics in Washington roll their eyes.

You see, they don't believe we can actually change politics and bring an end to decades of division and deadlock. They don't believe we can limit the power of lobbyists who block our progress, or that we can trust the American people with the truth.

And that’s why we face the same problems and hear the same promises every four years.

My experience tells me something very different.

In twenty years of public service, I've brought Democrats and Republicans together to solve problems that touch the lives of everyday people.

I've taken on the drug and insurance companies and won. I defied the politics of the moment, and opposed the war in Iraq before it began.

This is Barack Obama. I approve this message to ask you to believe -- not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington. I'm asking you to believe in yours.

Obama Announces Major Middle Class Tax Relief Plan

Obama Announces Major Middle Class Tax Relief Plan   

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Barack Obama today announced a bold and innovative plan to reform America’s tax code so that it works for the middle class in a speech to the Tax Policy Center in Washington, DC. Obama’s plan would provide a substantial tax cut for nearly all working Americans, for homeowners, and for low- and middle-income seniors.   

Obama made the case that our current tax code reflects the wrong priorities by rewarding wealth instead of work, and he pledged to restore fairness to the tax code to strengthen the American economy.

Obama’s middle class tax relief plan would provide $80-85 billion in tax cuts to America’s workers, seniors and homeowners by:

• Cutting taxes for 150 million Americans and their families, allowing them to get a tax cut of up to $1000.
• Easing the burden on the middle class by providing a universal homeowner’s tax credit to those who do not itemize their deductions, immediately benefiting 10 million homeowners, the majority of whom make under $50,000 per year.
• Eliminating the income tax for any American senior making less than $50,000 per year, eliminating income taxes for about 7 million American seniors.
• Simplifying tax filings so millions of Americans can do their taxes in less than 5 minutes.

Obama would pay for his tax reform plan by closing corporate loopholes, cracking down on international tax havens, closing the carried interest loophole, and increasing the dividends and capital gains rate for the top bracket.

Obama Campaign Announces Generation Obama Iowa Steering Committee

Obama Campaign Announces Generation Obama Iowa Steering Committee

DES MOINES – The Obama Campaign today announced the 42-member Generation Obama Iowa (GO) Steering Committee which is composed of young professional Iowans who are playing a leading role in Senator Obama’s effort to unite America to address the challenges our nation faces. Steering Committee members will lead efforts to grow GO Chapters across Iowa starting with kickoff events in Des Moines, Elkader, Davenport, Webster City, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids tonight and in the coming weeks.  These events are open to the press and the public. 

“Barack Obama inspires me in a way no other politician has,” State Representative Tyler Olson said.  “His early stand against the war in Iraq and his message of hope motivate me to get involved and do what I can to ensure Barack Obama is our next President.” 

Here in Iowa, Generation Obama will engage young professionals by giving them the tools to become active participants in the Obama campaign and in their communities.  Through caucus trainings, informational forums, house parties, fundraisers and more, GO Chapters will engage and empower young professionals across Iowa. 

“Young people will play a vital role in shaping our campaign and transforming our country,” Senator Obama said.  “That’s why I’m proud to have the support of these ambitious young Iowans who are tired of the status quo in Washington, D.C. and are ready for real change.”

GO Chapters across the country are energizing young people to get involved in the political process and organize in their local communities.

Obama Announces Federico Pena to Serve as National Campaign Co-Chair

Obama Announces Federico Pena to Serve as National Campaign Co-Chair

Chicago, IL – The Obama campaign announced the endorsement today of former Energy Secretary Federico Pena and named him a National Campaign Co-Chair.  Pena was the Mayor of Denver in the 1980’s before President Clinton selected him to serve as the Secretary of Transportation and later the Secretary of Energy in the 1990’s.   Pena will also attend the Univision Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum on Sunday in Miami, Florida.

“I look forward to working with Federico to bring about the transformation this country desperately needs.  His vision for change as Mayor of Denver and his strong record on energy and transportation issues brings invaluable experience to our team,” said Senator Barack Obama.

“I have spent years working with Presidential administrations and world leaders and what I see in Barack Obama is the kind of judgment this country needs to usher in a new era of global leadership.  The challenges we are facing in Colorado, in the Hispanic community and across the country are formidable and it is time for bold and thoughtful leadership in the White House, ” said Secretary Federico Pena.

In 1983, Pena upset a 14 year incumbent Mayor to become Denver’s first Hispanic Mayor.  He proved to be one of Denver’s most ambitious mayors working to provide the  city with a world class international airport, a major league baseball team, a new convention center and numerous economic development and infrastructure additions throughout the city.  Because of his great success he was selected by President Bill Clinton to serve as the Transportation Secretary through the end of the first term and later served as the Secretary of Energy. In those capacities, he supported investments in transit and highway projects, developed a new international aviation policy opening new routes throughout the globe, and helped restore damaged infrastructure during the California Northridge earthquake and Gulf Coast hurricane in the 1990s.

He was the first U.S. Cabinet official to visit Vietnam after relations were normalized in the l990s. As Secretary of Energy, he helped develop our energy strategy in the Caspian Sea and was involved in  negotiations with Russia on plutonium reductions and fortifying unguarded nuclear facilities in the former Soviet Union.  Since l999, Mr. Pena has been actively involved in business as a Managing Director of Vestar Capital Partners, a private equity fund headquarted in New York, with offices in Boston, Denver, Paris, Milan, Munich and Tokyo. Mr. Pena has served on several corporate boards. Among his various civic involvements, he is the lead co-chair of “A+ Denver”, a 100 member citizens committee dedicated to improving the Denver Public Schools.

Obama Campaign Announces Iowa Latino Steering Committee

Obama Campaign Announces Iowa Latino Steering Committee

DES MOINES -- The Obama Campaign today announced a 26-member Latino Steering Committee that will engage Latinos across Iowa, talk with them about Obama’s commitment to changing Washington, and provide input on the direction of the Iowa campaign.   

“Senator Obama will bring our country together and make progress on the many issues that have stalled under the current Administration,” Dr. Hector Avalos said.  “I trust his judgment on tough issues such as the war in Iraq and providing accessible health care coverage for our families, and I know he is the best candidate to work across the aisle to reform our broken immigration system.  His courageous decision on the Iraq war proved to me that wisdom is more important than the experience of Washington elites.”

Barack Obama has continued to fight for the Latino community by expanding opportunities for Latinos in education, health care, and economic development. Obama has been a leader in the fight for comprehensive immigration reform and is committed to putting politics aside and offering a complete solution that strengthens our security while reaffirming our heritage as a nation of immigrants. 

“Real change comes from the bottom up and the Latino community is a vital part of our grassroots movement for change in Iowa,” Senator Obama said.  “Our campaign is committed to empowering and engaging Latinos across Iowa and I’m proud to have the support of these leaders in the Latino community.

During Latino Heritage Month -- which spans several weeks in September and October -- the Obama Campaign will visit more than 50 Latino festivals, conferences, lunches and dinners across Iowa.  The Latino outreach team also will work to register Latinos across the state and organize caucus and citizen education programs

Obama Campaign Announces Iowa Faith Steering Committee

Obama Campaign Announces Iowa Faith Steering Committee

DES MOINES – The Obama Campaign today announced that 32 Iowans of different faiths will participate on the Faith Steering Committee for Barack Obama’s Iowa Campaign.  Today’s announcement comes as the Obama Campaign kicks off a 10-day faith tour to give Iowans an opportunity to discuss faith, values, and politics.   

“One of the reasons I support Barack Obama is because of his unique ability to discuss faith in a unifying way that doesn’t exploit religious differences for political gain,” Rev. Matt Perkins of the United Church of Christ said.  “His faith, compassion and commitment to bringing people together are exactly what we need in our next President.”

The Faith Steering Committee will lead outreach efforts to religious communities across the state and discuss Senator Obama’s commitment to challenging conventional thinking in Washington, D.C.

“Our campaign is committed to reaching out to people of all faiths as we build our grassroots movement to challenge the status quo in Washington, D.C.,” Senator Obama said.  “That’s why I am honored to have the individual support of these leaders in the faith community who are dedicated to working in communities across Iowa to help us build our unifying movement.”   

On June 16th of this year, Barack Obama discussed his faith as he addressed the Iowa United Church of Christ statewide conference.  Obama has been a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, a Protestant Church in Chicago, for almost twenty years. He, his wife Michelle and his daughters are active in the Trinity faith community

Obama Campaign Announces Iowa Labor Steering Committee

Obama Campaign Announces Iowa Labor Steering Committee

DES MOINES – The Obama for America Campaign today announced a 25-member Labor Steering Committee to lead union outreach efforts for Barack Obama’s Iowa campaign.  These steering committee members from across Iowa will serve as a sounding board for the labor community, lead efforts to organize union workers and discuss Barack Obama’s commitment to fighting special interests and protecting workers’ rights.

“From the picket lines of Chicago to the halls of the U.S. Senate, I have consistently fought to protect the rights of our workers,” Barack Obama said.  “That’s why I am honored to have the support of these union members from across Iowa who are committed to transforming the way we do politics in Washington, D.C. and will play an instrumental role in leading our outreach efforts to the labor community.”

As a community organizer on Chicago’s South Side, Barack Obama stood side by side with workers affected by steel mill closings.  As he’s done throughout his career in public service, Obama brought together different groups of people – local residents, activists, churches, and local workers – to restore economic opportunity and hope to the community.  In the U.S. Senate, Obama continued the fight by cosponsoring the Employee Free Choice Act and working to expand collective bargaining rights, overtime pay, and workers’ rights. 

“Throughout his career, Barack Obama has been a consistent champion of the organized labor movement, fighting for workers’ rights and to improve the lives of working families,” union member Greg Simpson of Dubuque said.  “This commitment is the reason why we’re proud to support Barack Obama’s campaign to challenge the conventional thinking in Washington, D.C. that has continued to block progress on the tough issues we face.”

Obama Pledges To Honor Role Of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire And South Carolina In Choosing Democratic Nominee For President

Obama Pledges to Honor Role of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina in Choosing Democratic Nominee for President 

CHICAGO, IL - US Senator Barack Obama today announced his commitment to follow the presidential nomination process sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee.

Obama signed a pledge written by the Democratic Party Chairs in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina saying the process ensured that candidates would be tested by the rigors of a retail political campaign while appropriately incorporating the regional and ethnic diversity of the Democratic Party.

“As I have campaigned across America over the last six months, it’s become clear that Governor Dean and the Democratic National Committee have put together a presidential nomination process that’s in the best interests of our party and our nation,” said Senator Obama.  “I look forward to continuing the dialogue with voters and building the kind of grassroots movement in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina and the rest of the country that will send a clear signal to Washington that the American people are ready for change.”

Obama campaign officials also urged states in danger of violating DNC rules to adjust their plans to comply with the DNC’s calendar, so that every state contributes delegates to the nominating process.

“To become the Democratic nominee for president, a candidate must secure a majority of delegates to the national convention,” said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.  “Because states that violate DNC rules will not be allowed to contribute to the delegate tally, we urge all states to ensure their compliance with DNC rules so they can participate in our Democratic nominating process. Our campaign will work within the rules established by the DNC to earn the support of Democrats across America and run a grassroots campaign to unite Americans around Senator Obama’s commitment to challenging the conventional thinking in Washington.”

Next week, Senator Obama will celebrate Labor Day in New Hampshire before kicking off a two-day swing through western Iowa.  Obama is scheduled to campaign in Nevada on Thursday.

Iowa Women For Obama Announce Leaders In 50 Iowa Counties

Iowa Women for Obama Announce Leaders in 50 Iowa Counties 

DES MOINES – Today, the Obama for America Campaign announced Women for Obama County Leaders in 50 Iowa counties.  Senator Obama’s commitment to changing the conventional thinking in Washington, D.C. has galvanized women across Iowa and inspired them to act. 

To commemorate Women’s Equality Day, the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Women for Obama will come together for more than 30 organizing parties across Iowa to reach out to other women and discuss why they believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to build consensus and make progress on vital issues important to women.    

“The kind of real change we need to transform our country must happen from the bottom-up, not the top-down,” Senator Barack Obama said.  “That’s why I’m honored to have the support of these women across Iowa who have made the commitment to join me as we work together to change the way we do politics in Washington, D.C. and change our country.”

Each Women for Obama party will have an organizing element to build on Senator Obama’s grassroots movement for change.  Following a conference call with actress Alfre Woodard, women will gather to make phone calls, knock on doors, and write postcards to their friends and neighbors discussing Senator Obama’s vision for changing the politics as usual in Washington, D.C. 

Throughout his career, Senator Obama has fought to ensure that every American has equal rights and opportunities, regardless of gender.  For a fact sheet on Senator Obama’s commitment to women and the vital issues women face, click here.