2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Obama Receives Endorsement From Only Iraq War Veteran In Congress And Addresses VFW

Today: Obama Receives Endorsement from Only Iraq War Veteran in Congress and Addresses VFW 

Congressman Patrick Murphy Endorses Obama while Obama vows to Keep “Sacred Trust” With America’s Troops and Veterans

CHICAGO, IL – Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA), the first and only Iraq War Veteran to serve in Congress, announced today his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President.   Congressman Murphy’s endorsement comes as Senator Obama addresses the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Kansas City, MO today.   Obama will discuss his agenda to ensure that America’s military continues to be the strongest fighting force in the world, and to make certain we honor our nation’s sacred trust to care for veterans and their families.

“When I returned from Baghdad, I saw that we needed to go in a new direction -- both here at home and in Iraq.  I am inspired by Senator Obama's call to service and believe he is best suited to bring about the changes we need in our country,” Murphy said. “Senator Obama truly wants to unite America and speaking as a former Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, I know that he has the judgment we need to be our next Commander-in- Chief.”   

Congressman Patrick Murphy deployed twice after 9/11, first in Bosnia (2002) and then in Baghdad (2003-2004).  He also taught constitutional law at West Point. In Congress, he has worked with Senator Barack Obama, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, on the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 to stop troop addition and develop a plan to redeploy American troops.

“I’m honored to have Congressman Murphy’s endorsement,” Obama said. “Congressman Murphy is a part of the new generation of American leaders that’s bringing a fresh voice to our nation’s capitol. He knows that we need fundamental change in our politics and our foreign policy if we want to make the progress America so desperately needs.” 

In an address to the 108th National Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, U.S. Senator Barack Obama today articulated his plan to keep America’s sacred trust with our active duty servicemen and women and our veterans, rebuild our overstretched military, and develop the capabilities we need to face the challenges of the 21st century. 

Barack Obama believes that America hasn’t been keeping its sacred trust with our servicemen and women and our veterans.  We haven’t been giving our troops the support they need when they’re fighting overseas or when they return home. And we aren’t keeping faith with our veterans after they transition to civilian life. Barack Obama has been a leader on veterans’ issues in the U.S. Senate, and the plan he outlined today for our veterans includes a reformed 21st-century Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides vets with reliable, accessible services and maintains zero tolerance for vets falling into homelessness.

Obama’s comprehensive plan to support our troops and veterans includes:

Deploying troops on predictable rotations and at an appropriate state of readiness.
Improving mental health screening and treatment at all levels, from enlistment, to deployment, to reentry into civilian life.
Building a 21st-century VA to serve our veterans and fully fund the VA medical center.
Ensuring that veterans receive the very best health care without having to travel long distances or get on long waiting lists.
Establishing a world-class Actuary and Planning Division at the VA to work with the Pentagon to anticipate the needs of the 21st century’s veterans.
Enforcing zero tolerance for veterans falling into homelessness.

“We enter into a sacred trust with our veterans from the moment they put on that uniform”, said Obama.  “That trust is simple – America will be there for them just as they have been there for America. As a candidate for the presidency, I know that I am running to become Commander-in-Chief – to safeguard this nation’s security, and to keep that sacred trust. There is no responsibility that I take more seriously”

The Reviews are in... Obama is the winner

The Reviews are in... Obama is the winner

Fox (Frank Luntz): You've got a clear winner here... Obama is the winner.  (Based on the focus group of Iowa voters he conducted which showed that Obama won over converts through his performance.  Full transcript below.)

ABC (Klein): "...Obama still gets applause by saying we should have figured out how to get out of the war before we got in. Clearly Democrats still care about who was against the war from the start..."
LINK  

Washington Post (Cillizza): "Obama: On Message": "A nice moment for Obama: Remind voters of his initial opposition to the war and cast himself as the unconventional candidate in the field." LINK  

ABC (Goldman) "Dems Come out Swinging on Experience vs. New Vision": "With the debate focused in its first moments on Obama, the first-term senator took the opportunity to lighten the mood. 'To get ready for this debate I rode the bumper cars at the state fair,' he said. LINK  

Focus Group Transcript: Worth the read...

Luntz:  Our respondents here have a very interesting reaction.  How many of you walked in here backing Barack Obama as your first choice? Raise your hands.

(Few hands go up.)

Luntz:  How many of you honestly thought Obama won the debate?

(Clear majority of hands go up.)

Luntz:  Almost everybody.

Frank: Now you are not a supporter of his but you thought he won why?

Participant: I feel that the first ten minutes of the debate pile on Barack. They were attacking him and his comeback to about going to the fair, practicing bumper cars to practice for the debate it immediately put the man in control.

Frank: So you liked his humor

Participant: He was sincere, he was comfortable with himself

Frank: Christian?

Christian: I think he continues to demonstrate that he's got a nuanced approach to the answers and he understands that they are not easy and he is willing to look at all siudes and involve that in his policy.

Frank: more than any other candidate?

Christian: More than any other candidate and he's more precise with how he responds.

Frank: You also were not an Obama person but you thought he won. Tell me why?

Participant: I thought he was very relaxed and very honest and he seemed very open. Willing to answer any question straightforward.

Participant: he seemed very sincere.  I was disappointed in Edwards I came in here as an Edwards supporter. And he just seemed too staged too not with it. Obama just seems to stand behind what he says.

Frank: was that enough to change your support?

Participant: At this point yes

Frank: Did anyone else switch from who they came in here for

Participant: Hillary

Frank: Hillary to...?

Participant: I probably would say more Barack Obama now.

Frank: How many of you thought that she was the biggest disappointment of the debate, raise your hand

Frank: Why? Did she not look presidential to you

Participant: She looked very staged. She looked very cold and I was fairly disappointed coming in as a Hillary supporter. Im not saying that it changed my view, but it did disappoint me quite a bit.

Frank: Tell me why?

Participant: She came across as being very, she was very outgoing and very in control but her answers were wishy washy.

Frank: Great. That was, you've got a clear winner here you've got Obama is the winner.  Hillary Clinton is the disappointment of the debate. You know that every time that we do this there is a different answer, there is a different response based on the people that we have here at Des Moines University, but one thing is for clear, Obama is getting better and better as time goes on. The language he uses, the way that he presents himself, his use of facts and figures, he's becoming a whole candidate and I think you'll see that in the polls in the coming weeks.

Barack Obama Iowa Federation Of Labor Photos

Barack Obama Cedar Falls Iowa Photos

Obama Campaign Begins Airing New Television Ad in Iowa "What If?"

Obama Campaign Begins Airing New Television Ad in Iowa “What If?” 

DES MOINES – The Obama campaign today announced it will continue to supplement its aggressive grassroots outreach operation in Iowa by running a new television advertisement called “What If?” that discusses the biography and record of Barack Obama and highlights his ability to inspire hope and to unite America.   

The television ad presents hypothetical question “What If?” and challenges Iowans to join Obama in his belief that the American people will be better served by a politics of hope instead of fear, a politics of unity instead of division.  The ad recounts Senator Obama’s success in bringing people together to solve important challenges.  The 60-second ad will run on broadcast and cable outlets across Iowa beginning today.   

“All over the state, Iowans are responding to Senator Obama’s vision for bringing Americans to build a movement to change Washington,” said Obama’s Iowa Communications Director Josh Earnest.  “By learning how Obama has successfully dedicated his life to these values, Iowa voters will better understand that Obama’s vision for bringing the country together to solve important problems is not just campaign rhetoric, but the cause of his life.” 

Yesterday, the Obama for America campaign announced a contest called “Grilling with Barack” that will give Senator Obama the opportunity to have dinner with 10 Iowans on August 18, the day before the ABC debate at Drake University.  Iowans will submit questions they’d like to ask Obama online at Iowa.BarackObama.com to be chosen for the event.   

Obama “What If” :60 for TV 

VISUAL  VOICE

The Obama Story: Inspiring Hope
OBAMA: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

What if?
ANNCR V/O: What if?
ANNCR V/O: What if there was hope…instead of fear? Unity…instead of division? What if we had a President who believes that we are one nation?
OBAMA: There is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. Thank you.
ANNCR V/O: Barack Obama.

Grassroots organizer
Helped devastated communities
ANNCR V/O: An organizer who helped communities devastated by plant closings.

State legislator
Worked across party lines
ANNCR V/O: A state legislator who brought Republicans and Democrats together.

State legislator
Won healthcare for 150,000
ANNCR V/O: Who won healthcare for 150,000 people.

Courageous leader
Opposed war before it began
ANNCR V/O: A leader with the judgment to oppose the Iraq war before it began.

U.S. Senator
Reined in lobbyists
ANNCR V/O: A Senator who championed reforms to rein in the power of lobbyists.
ANNCR V/O: What if we could restore America’s place in the world…and people’s faith in our government?

Join us.
Obama ‘08
BarackObama.com
APPROVED BY BARACK OBAMA AND PAID FOR BY OBAMA FOR AMERICA
OBAMA: We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

Obama Campaign Unveils TV Ad, "Not Paid for" Signs in Offices Across Iowa

Obama Campaign: Not Paid for by PAC or Federal Lobbyist Money
Campaign Unveils TV Ad, “Not Paid for” Signs in Offices Across Iowa

DES MOINES – U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s (D-IL) campaign today highlighted its commitment to decreasing the influence of Washington lobbyists and political action committees by hanging “Not Paid for by PAC or Federal Lobbyist Money” signs in dozens of offices across the state. The campaign also announced a new TV ad called “Take it Back” that highlights Obama’s record of reform that will begin running statewide on Wednesday.

“I am extremely proud of amount of money our campaign has raised, but I’m even more proud of how we did it,” Obama said. “We didn’t take a dime from Washington lobbyists or special interest group because if we’re going to truly change the way Washington works, we need to break the stranglehold that the lobbyists and special interests have on our democracy.”

In 25 campaign offices across the state this week, community leaders as well as local supporters and donors will talk about why Senator Obama’s record of reform and refusal to accept money from Washington lobbyists or PACs is important to them. Obama has proposed the most far-reaching ethics and lobbying reform plan of any candidate in this race, pledging that no one working in an Obama Administration will be allowed to lobby the White House after they leave.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller headlined the campaign event in Des Moines, and said that Obama’s record of fighting for reforms means that he is the candidate most capable of achieving results and truly changing Washington.

“Barack’s efforts to reform our government haven’t always been popular with politicians, but he knows they’re the right thing to do for America,” Attorney General Miller said. “As a State Senator in Illinois, he worked to pass the toughest campaign-finance law in Illinois history that banned the personal use of campaign money by Illinois legislators and banned most gifts from lobbyists. Eight years later when he arrived in Washington, Obama introduced and helped pass in the Senate the strongest ethics reform since Watergate, including a full ban on gifts and meals from lobbyists, an end to subsidized travel for lawmakers on corporate jets and more.”

The campaign also announced that on Wednesday, it will begin running a new ad titled “Take it Back” that highlights Obama’s record and commitment to ethics and lobbying reform.

To view the ad, click: http://www.barackobama.com/takeitback.html

Script of Take it Back:

Still of Obama.
CG: The Obama Story:
Changing Washington

OBAMA V/O:  I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Obama announcement event.

OBAMA SYNC:  I know that I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But, I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change. 

Obama portrait.

Newspaper graphic: Obama is Democrats’ Point Man on Ethics

Chicago Tribune 1-18-06

ANNCR V/O:  In the Senate, Barack Obama challenged both parties to pass tough new ethics rules and rein in the power of lobbyists.

Various shots of Obama talking with people.

CG: Refusing contributions from PACs and Washington lobbyists

Chicago Tribune 4-1-07

And he’s leading by example, refusing contributions from PACs and Washington lobbyists who have too much power today.

Cut to Obama announcement event.

OBAMA SYNC:  They think they own this government.  But we're here today to take it back. 

Cut to card.

CG: Obama ’08

Iowa.BarackObama.com

Approved by Barack Obama and PAID FOR BY OBAMA FOR AMERICA

Sfx: applause

Congressman Paul Hodes Endorses Obama

Congressman Paul Hodes Endorses Obama Freshman Rep elected to shake up Washington praises Obama as “the candidate for real change”

CHICAGO , IL —Congressman Paul Hodes of New Hampshire’s Second District announced today that he is endorsing Senator Barack Obama’s campaign to change American politics.  Congressman Hodes was elected to the U.S. House last November on a platform of change—including an insistence on ending the war in Iraq and a commitment to cleaning up the mess in Washington.

Hodes, who soon after being sworn in was elected president of the newest class of Democratic members of congress, said he sees Obama’s grassroots movement as the natural extension of the new representatives’ dedication to fix our broken political system and address the critical problems that we face.

“Barack and I share an optimistic vision for this country and we share the belief that change is possible when people come together,” Congressman Hodes said. “Campaigning across New Hampshire this fall, people told me that they believe this country can be great again—but they know that we need a new kind of politics if we’re going to make progress on the issues that confront us around the world.  In Barack Obama, we have a leader who will turn the page on our narrow-minded foreign policy, a leader who will end the war in Iraq and who realizes, just like JFK and Ronald Reagan did, that being a strong nation means having the strength to talk to our enemies.”

Congressman Hodes will serve as a national co-chair of the Obama campaign.

“Paul represents the very best in American politics,” Obama said. “In the face of deep skepticism he ran a true grassroots campaign on the values that Granite Staters hold dear: accountability, responsibility, and common sense. Like me, he ignored the insiders who said it was too risky to oppose the war in Iraq , and instead he spoke his conscience. One year later, he’s a leader in Washington and a phenomenal representative for New Hampshire. I’m thrilled to have his support for this movement for change.” 

Steve Rothman to Serve As Northeast Regional Co-Chair For The Obama Campaign

Congressman Steve Rothman to Serve as Northeast Regional Co-Chair for the Obama Campaign

CHICAGO, IL— Barack Obama announced today that Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) will be a leader of his efforts in New Jersey and serve as Northeast Regional Co-Chair of his campaign.  Rothman praised Obama’s dedication to ending the war in Iraq and changing the politics in this country, declaring that Obama is the best candidate to unite all Americans and reverse the damage created by the Bush administration at home and abroad.   

“Last week’s National Intelligence Estimate proves that we are no safer than we were before the attacks of September 11th,” said Rothman.  “It’s time to turn the page and bring an end to the Bush-Cheney foreign policy that has left Americans vulnerable here at home and reduced matters of war and national defense to signs and slogans.  Barack Obama is the best candidate for President, with the strength and character to change our broken politics and restore America’s standing in the world.  He will engage in the aggressive diplomacy necessary to hold countries that pose the greatest threats to our national security accountable. Senator Obama also possesses the resolve to use military force, if necessary, to protect America.”

Steve Rothman is serving his sixth term in Congress representing the 9th District of New Jersey.  As Congressman, Rothman has been a champion for working families and a tireless advocate for improving Americans’ security and quality of life. Recognized as a leader in Congress on veterans’ issues, he shares Barack Obama’s commitment to ensuring that our men and women serving abroad also receive the support they deserve when they return home. 

“I am honored to have the support of Congressman Rothman and proud to have him represent the Obama campaign in the Northeast,” Senator Obama said.  “Congressman Rothman has been a dedicated fighter for justice and equality for New Jersey and a leader in efforts to bring the war in Iraq to an end.  I am pleased to have him join our grassroots movement for change and look forward to working with him to share with people across New Jersey and this country how we can transform our politics.”   

Congressman Rothman’s endorsement comes as leading national security experts sent a letter praising Obama’s judgment in opposing the war in Iraq before it began and understanding of the importance of tough-minded diplomacy when it comes to making Americans more secure.  Rothman, whose district sits in the shadow of Ground Zero and includes the George Washington Bridge, Teterboro airport and other potential terrorist targets, has been a leader on homeland security issues in the House of Representatives. Having represented northern New Jersey for over a decade, Rothman knows first-hand the importance of strong and capable leadership when it comes to our nation’s homeland security.

As Northeast Regional Co-Chair, Rothman will be a leader for Obama campaign efforts in the region, which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Obama Campaign Announces Contributions from 1,864 Iowans In First 6 Months

Obama Campaign Announces Contributions from 1,864 Iowans in First Six Months of Campaign. 93 Percent of Contributions Less than $200

DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today announced that in the last five months, 1,864 Iowans have donated to the campaign – an impressive early measure of grassroots support across the state. In the second fundraising quarter alone, Obama received contributions from 1,209 Iowans.

“Each donation to this movement is a show of commitment to the idea that we can change our politics and elect a leader who will inspire and unite this country,” said Josh Earnest, Obama’s Iowa Communications Director. “Senator Obama doesn’t accept contributions from Washington lobbyists or PACs, so small contributions from average Americans are the foundation of this effort. We are thrilled that thousands of people across Iowa contributed to this movement for change.”

Earnest said 1,104 of the campaign’s 1,209 donation from Iowans in the second quarter were less than $200. Of the 1,864 total donations from Iowa donors since Obama announced his candidacy, 1,737 were less than $200 dollars. About one third of Obama’s total contributions in the second fundraising quarter consisted of donations of less than $200.

In the past 5 months, Obama has received contributions from more than 258,000 individuals across America. 

Mayor Adrian Fenty Endorses Barack Obama

Mayor Adrian Fenty Endorses Barack Obama

WASHINGTON, DC .—Mayor Adrian Fenty announced today his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President. Fenty praised Obama’s effort to change our politics, declaring that Obama is the only candidate who can bring Americans together and heal the country.  Fenty, in addition to publicly endorsing Obama, will serve as the Chairman of his Washington, D. C. campaign. 

"I believe a new era of hope is upon us—in both the District of Columbia and the entire nation," said Mayor Fenty. "Barack Obama is the candidate that can reach across party lines and inspire pride in our government again."

"We are the only capital of a democracy in the world without a vote in the national legislature,” Fenty added. “Senator Obama has committed to empower those who have been locked out of our political process for far too long, and his commitment to helping Washington obtain full representation in Congress is particularly important to our residents.”

Adrian Fenty, the current mayor of the District of Columbia, is the youngest mayor in the city’s history. 

“ Washington is fortunate that it gets to count on Adrian Fenty.  Today, I’m proud to declare that I can count on Adrian as well,” Senator Obama said.  “Last fall, Mayor Fenty brought a new generation of leadership to Washington by knocking on every door and practicing the kind of grassroots, bottom-up politics that can bring about real change.  That’s what we’re trying to do in this campaign, and I’m honored that he’s joining us in that effort.”

Mayor Fenty’s endorsement comes as Senator Obama prepares to lay out his urban poverty agenda tomorrow at THEAR C in Ward 8 of Washington, D. C.  Obama will address ways to transform our politics so that we can change the odds for urban America, a commitment he shares with Mayor Fenty and a cause that first led him into public service as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago almost twenty-five years ago.