2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Senator Chris Dodd Endorses Barack Obama for President

Senator Chris Dodd Endorses Barack Obama for President

Cleveland, OH - Today, at a press conference in Cleveland, Ohio, United States Senator Christopher Dodd endorsed Barack Obama for president.

Below is Senator Dodd's statement:

"I am here to express my strong support for the candidacy of Barack Obama. This is a moment of unity in our country, a time where we need to come together as a Democratic party and to get behind a candidacy that expresses the aspirations, the hopes, the ambitions of millions and millions of Americans. And I believe that Barack Obama has demonstrated that not only in the campaign, but also in his service to his state and his country.

"Four years ago, we met a man who refused to resign himself to fear. A man who reminded us that all of us -- red states and blue states, white and black and Latino and Asian - are united by far more than that which divides us. In debates, in town hall meetings, before unprecedented crowds in rural Iowa and Virginia, he called us to share in our sacrifice. He told us uncomfortable truths yet inspired us as so many of our greatest leaders have with new faith in the promise of America.

"The question has always been the same: "Yes, but is he ready?" Since that time, he has been poked and prodded, analyzed and criticized, called too green, too trusting, too lofty. And for all of that, he's already won half of our nation's states and primaries and caucuses and the votes of more than 10 million Americans, showing judgment, grace and poise in the process.

"Over all that time, I've been watching, on the Foreign Relations Committee, on the Labor Committee in which we served, and as a fellow candidate for the presidency of the United States. I'm proud to be the first 2008 presidential candidate to endorse Barack Obama. He is ready to be President.

"Over the last number of years I've listened to people talk about ‘Reagan Democrats.' I now stand next to a candidate where we talk about ‘Obama Republicans' because his appeal is reaching far beyond the politics of our own party. It is reaching into circles of Independents, Republicans, who are desirous and anxious for change.

"And so having been an individual involved in the Family and Medical Leave Act, involved in family issues, I am completely convinced that Barack Obama will stand up for American families and make a difference. Having served on the Foreign Relations Committee, having been a Peace Corps volunteer, I am convinced that Barack Obama will make a difference when it comes to the international politics of our nation, to develop a kind of support we need to deal with global terrorism and to end the terrible war in Iraq.

"I'm also convinced as a former Peace Corps volunteer that Barack Obama will appeal and excite the imagination of younger people, to stand up and contribute, to give something back to our country. Barack pointed out how I was inspired by a former American president. I've been asked a million times over the last forty years why I joined the Peace Corps. I did because an American president asked me to. I think today we are witnessing across this country that people are asking for leadership to ask them to be involved in things larger than themselves. And this candidacy of Barack Obama inspires that.

"When I was in the Peace Corps, I was asked over and over again by the people of the little village of Monción in the Dominican Republic where I served as a volunteer. The Spanish question was "¿Por que viniste? Por que viniste a Moncion?" "Why did you come to Moncion?" The answer I gave over and over again was someone had asked me to, to make a difference.

"The question may be asked this morning here in Ohio and in Texas. ¿Por que viniste Cleveland or Texas? And the answer I'll give is because someone asked me to. Someone who wants to make a difference for our country. Someone who wants to see get America back on its feet again. To become strong and vibrant again. To become young again. To be full of confidence and optimism as we face the challenges, significant challenges, at home and abroad. I believe that individual who can make that difference is the man standing next to me, the next President of the United States, and I'm honored to stand with him in this effort."

Below is Senator Obama's statement:

"It has been my pleasure to serve alongside Chris Dodd in the United States Senate and share a stage with him during his principled run for the presidency. Chris Dodd loves his country - and believes in the ideal of public service - as much as anyone I know. From his years as a young Peace Corps worker in the 1960s to this very day, Senator Dodd has devoted his life to building a stronger, fairer, healthier America; and a more just and secure world.

"Whether it was his work to protect voting rights; his long, determined battle for the Family and Medical Leave Act; his leadership on U.S. relations with Latin America; or his defense of our Constitution - Chris Dodd has been at the forefront of some of the most important issues of our time. He has worked hard to preserve the right of workers to organize despite an onslaught from a hostile administration. He has been an advocate for our children, and no one has fought harder to improve our schools. He has been a voice for unity amid the often bitter debate over immigration reform. And I have seen firsthand on the Foreign Relations Committee his commitment to restoring our standing in the world.

"But as passionate as Chris Dodd is about the causes he champions, he also has that rare ability to disagree without being disagreeable. He is respected on both sides of the aisle for his authenticity, reason, and civility. And that is how, time and again, he's been able to bring Democrats and Republicans together to make a real difference in the lives of the American people.

"He conducted his campaign for President with that same character. He resisted the cheap and easy shots, and elevated the debate with important ideas about how to address the great challenges we face. He and I share a deep commitment to take our country in a new direction, and I am grateful for his endorsement."

Chris Dodd Endorses Barack Obama For President

Chris Dodd e-mail to supporters announcing his endorsement of Baack Obama.

We have been through a lot in this past year and your friendship and support have meant so much to me.  That is why I wanted to let you know of my decision to endorse a Democratic candidate for President - and that I have decided to support Barack Obama.

We all understand how much is at stake in this election and that it is more important than ever that we put a Democrat in the White House.

And while both of our Party's remaining candidates are extremely talented and would make excellent commanders-in-chief, I am throwing my support to the candidate who I believe will open the most eyes to our shared Democratic vision.

I'm deeply proud to be the first 2008 Democratic presidential candidate to endorse Barack Obama.  He is ready to be President.  And I am ready to support him - to work with him and for him and help elect him our 44th President.

Put simply, I believe Barack Obama is uniquely qualified to help us face this housing crisis, create good jobs, strengthen America's families in this 21st century global economy, unite the world against terrorism and end the war in Iraq - and perhaps most importantly, call the American people to shared service and sacrifice.  In this campaign, he has drawn millions of voters into politics for the first time in their lives and shown us that we are united by so much more than that which divides us.

That is why I believe the time has come for Democrats to come together as a Party and focus on winning the general election.  The stakes are too high not to.

The last seven years have been as difficult as any I can remember. More than ever, we need a President who will inspire us to take part in the political process and change our country's path.

Today, when we need it most, we are hearing a new call from Barack Obama.  And I hope you, like me, will answer it in the affirmative.

Please get involved in Barack Obama's campaign now.

Sincerely,

Chris Dodd

Caucus Night Remarks Of Senator Christopher J. Dodd

Remarks of Senator Christopher J. Dodd
Caucus Night Remarks
The Temple for Performing Arts, Des Moines
Thursday, January 3, 2008

Thank you, Iowa – thank you. 

I want to congratulate the other candidates for running a spirited campaign representing the best of what we stand for as Democrats and Americans. 

This evening Democrats sent a clear message that this party is united in our belief that our nation needs change to restore our security, our Middle Class and all that makes this country great.   

Our campaign has been about results.  And even though tonight we didn’t get the result we all were hoping for, this experience has been one of the most rewarding in my life of public service.

It was 47 years ago this month that I was seated with my family on the East Front of the United States Capitol in the bright winter cold and heard President Kennedy ask all Americans to be a part of something larger than ourselves. 

It was a moment every American took part in.  A moment that changed us as individuals and as a country. 

For a generation of us, that moment fueled a hunger to answer the call of our President.

A hunger to make a difference. 

A year ago, announcing my campaign at the Old State House in Connecticut where the first written constitution guaranteeing the right to representative government was enacted, I spoke about the need for just such a moment again – for our next President to renew that call. 

Despite the results this evening, I still believe that is true.

I always knew this endeavor would be an uphill battle against very tough odds.

But just as I have learned again and again in my life – from that day with my family…to my two years in the Peace Corps…to my 26 years in the United States Senate:

Only when you try can you truly make a difference.

And that, my friends, we did. 

While we came up short in the race for caucus votes tonight, our campaign has more than kept pace in the race of ideas. 

By raising ideas no other Presidential candidate has ever proposed, let there be no doubt that this campaign has set the standard. 

When we began this race, every Democrat was for ending the war in Iraq – a war that has made us not more secure, but less so.

But it was only when we stood up and said this President wouldn’t get another penny to fight that war that other candidates committed to doing what was necessary to actually end it.

When we began this race, every Democrat—every American—agreed that in America, we should never need a national crisis to bring the country together with national purpose.

But only when we proposed a universal national service plan to create the first generation in history that served our country did the national service debate begin in earnest – to create that renewed sense of community we all want.

And after 7 years of insecurity and watching this President have to go into hiding when he traveled abroad, we were all for stopping this President’s assault on the Constitution.

But it was only when I stood up and you stood with me—it was only when tens of thousands of Americans stood together and said we would do whatever it took to stop this President from shredding the rule of law—that we actually did stop him. 

And that fight goes on.

Tonight I am withdrawing from the Presidential race.  But let me assure you, we do not exit this race with our heads hanging – rather, we do so with our heads held high. 

Whether it is restoring the Constitution to the American people, standing up to this President to end this war, or starting the discussion about what it will really take to tackle global warming and bring the country together, we stand confident that the difference we made in this race will endure longer than any speech, any election or any political campaign.

And none of it would have been possible without the friendship and support of so many along the way. 

In the last few months, Iowans have learned what Connecticut has known for years:

That Jackie Clegg Dodd is something else. 

Elegant, eloquent, relentlessly on message – a Presidential candidate could learn a thing or two from a gal like her.

And our girls, Grace and Christina – honorary Iowans these last few months.  I keep telling them that Connecticut audiences will appreciate their ice skating and Irish dancing just as much as Iowans have.

My brother and sisters, Martha, Bernie, Tom, Carolyn, Gina, Chris, and Kelly and our nieces and nephews – no one could ask for a more supportive, loving family. 

And all the members of the Connecticut delegation.  All of them came out and campaigned their hearts out in the Iowa cold. 

Jackie and I want to thank the caucus-goers in Iowa and voters around the country stood with me in this race. 

Your support allowed us to energize this race with new ideas rooted in our strongest, most enduring Democratic principles. 

Tonight we thank all Iowans for welcoming us into their homes and hearts. 

Jackie and I agree – the sincerity and generosity Iowa families have offered us in this campaign has been overwhelming.  Your warmth and hospitality.

One thing I’ve learned these last few months is that this process starts here in Iowa for a reason. 

You understand that you aren’t just making a choice – you’re making history. 

And you are making it on behalf of a nation. 

You dig and prod and poke – and you demand direct answers to direct questions. 

Candidates, the process and most importantly the country are better served for it. 

I want to thank my friends and staff – the motley crew known collectively as “The Dodd Squad.”

They say that you can measure how people feel about you by how hard they are willing to work for you.

If that’s the case, then as blessed as I have been in my life, tonight I am more fortunate than I ever realized. 

Each of these men and women—and I wish I could name them all—has worked their hearts out for this campaign. 

I want to say a special thank you to the friends we made in New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada – but most of all, my friends and constituents in Connecticut. 

Thank you for allowing me to share our common concerns and confidence in a bright future with the rest of the country. 

My friends at the International Association of Fire Fighters who have been out there day after day for me, especially Harold Schaitberger. 

Harold, you’ve always said that fire fighters stand by those who stand by you.  Well, in this campaign, you proved it. 

You didn’t follow the polls – you followed a higher power. 

You followed your heart.

As I said when the fire fighters endorsed me back in August, for them it was never about who was in the lead, but who ought to lead. 

It always has been. 

I’ll never forget the trust you put in me, Harold.

And lastly, the hundreds of thousands of citizens online who stood up time and again with us – the NetRoots. 

In this campaign, you helped us show just what is possible when we stand up on principle, like when we stopped that terrible FISA bill in the Senate just a few weeks ago. 

Tonight, I am infused with a renewed sense of purpose and energy, having learned so much from the hopes and dreams of the good people of Iowa, New Hampshire and others around the country. 

I will carry the determination and courage of this campaign, as well as the result-oriented leadership I offered, back to the important battles that need to be won for the future of our country. 

As I have for 26 years, I intend to serve by building broad, bipartisan support for bold ideas rooted in Democratic principles, turning them into national policies. 

I commit that the fights we’ve waged in this campaign will not end tonight, from our Constitution to reversing global warming.

Whether it is the dozens that worked the field…the hundreds that worked the phones…or the tens of thousands that took to the blogs, I will make sure that the voices that spoke with us in this campaign are not forgotten but amplified. 

Not ignored – but championed.

Nearly 40 years ago, my father said, “There’s no other calling in life where you can do as much for as many people as you can through public service.”

“Lawyers only have so many clients.

“Doctors only so many patients.”

“But a well-intentioned public servant can make a difference in the lives of millions.”

Tonight, I commit to work my heart out for the eventual nominee our Party chooses from this very talented field of candidates.

That remains our calling, our vocation, yours and mine. 

Thank you, friends and family. 

Thank you all for the gifts you have given Jackie and me – for your generosity. 

Thank you, Iowa.

Iowa Democratic Veteran’s Caucus Chair Bob Krause Endorses Dodd for President

DEMOCRATIC VETERANS CHAIR BOB KRAUSE JOINS OTHER PROMINENT IOWA VETS IN ENDORSING CHRIS DODD FOR PRESIDENT
Krause: “I Trust Him More Than Any Other Candidate to Lead the Nation When the Unexpected Occurs.”

DES MOINES – Calling Chris Dodd the candidate who will get results for America’s veterans and provide the leadership to restore American security and standing in the world, Iowa Democratic Veteran’s Caucus Chair Bob Krause today personally endorsed Dodd for President.  Krause joins prominent Iowa Democratic veterans Al Flyr, John Feller, and Joe Hays, as well as Iraq War veteran and State Representative Ray Zirkelbach, in supporting Dodd’s campaign.

“While we do have an excellent field of candidates, I'm caucusing for Chris Dodd because I trust him more than any other candidate to lead the nation when the unexpected occurs and to deliver results for his fellow veterans,” said Krause.   

“As a 28-year veteran of the Army Reserves, I know we need a Commander-in-Chief who is ready to take on the job from Day One.  Chris Dodd is the only major Democratic candidate who has served in the military, and he’s spent the last 26 years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  I know that he will provide the leadership to restore America's security and good name around the world, as well as produce results on our challenges at home.”

Dodd praised Krause’s service on behalf of veterans. 

“Bob Krause is a leading voice for veterans’ issues in Iowa, and he has been a tireless advocate on behalf of veterans within the Democratic Party,” said Dodd.  “As a fellow veteran, I am honored and humbled to have his support.  As President, I will ensure that we never forget the debt we owe to those who have served our country, and I’m proud to have earned Bob’s trust and his endorsement.”

Dodd served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Army National Guard from 1969 to 1975.

In addition, Dodd has received the endorsements of prominent Democratic veteran John Feller. Feller served in World War II and the Korean War, now serves as Membership Chair for Des Moines VFW Post 9127, and was a State Co-Chair of Veterans for Kerry in 2004.

Dodd Campaign Announces Schedule For The "Caucus For Results Bus Tour"

DODD CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR FINAL DAYS OF “CAUCUS FOR RESULTS” BUS TOUR

Presidential candidate Chris Dodd will continue his “Caucus for Results” bus tour all the way through Caucus Day.  The tour will continue taking Dodd throughout the state, bringing Iowa caucus-goers together around his message of proven leadership and a record of results for America’s families.

On New Year’s Eve, Dodd will visit Oelwein, Waverly, and Waterloo, before ringing in the New Year at a party in Dubuque.

On New Year’s Day, Dodd will campaign in Clinton, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, and Marshalltown.

On Wednesday, Dodd will be campaigning in Colo, Ames, Indianola, Ottumwa, Fairfield, and Burlington.

On Caucus Day, Dodd will make stops in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines. 

The Dodd Caucus Night Celebration will be held at the Temple for the Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines.

New Dodd Ad "Together" Draws Contrast On Experience, Ability To Produce Results

DODD CAMPAIGN RELEASES NEW AD DRAWING CONTRAST ON EXPEREINCE, ABILITY TO PRODUCE RESULTS
Statewide buy to begin today

WASHINGTON, DC - The Dodd for President Campaign today released its eighth television ad, entitled "Together," pointing to Sen. Dodd's proven experience bringing people together to produce results for the American people. Drawing a clear distinction between he and his opponents, Sen. Dodd asks "Some people may say I have too much experience to run for President, but the more you hear my opponents, the more you wonder if they have enough."

The ad, which will play statewide on network and cable beginning today, also highlights Sen. Dodd's ability to bring Democrats and Republicans together on crucial issues such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, his electability, and more importantly, his readiness to be President.

The script for "Together" is below

[Dodd:]

Some people say that I have too much experience to run for President.

But the more you hear my opponents, the more you wonder whether they have enough.

I've spent my life bringing Democrats and Republicans together to create real change. 

I know I can win the general election and I am ready to be President.

I'm Chris Dodd, I'd appreciate your support on caucus night.

I approved this message because it's time America had a President with the experience to lead.

Chris Dodd Statement From The Des Moines Register Debate

DODD WINS FINAL DEMOCRATIC DEBATE OF THE SEASON
EXHIBITS EXPERIENCE, ELECTABILITY AT DES MOINES REGISTER DEBATE

DES MOINES – Emphasizing his record of results and leadership in achieving real change for American families, Presidential candidate Chris Dodd proved at today’s Des Moines Register Presidential Debate that his experience and ability would make him the most electable candidate in the general election and the most prepared leader to sit in the Oval Office. In the final debate before the Iowa Caucuses, Dodd made the most powerful case to Iowa’s still-undecided majority that, when celebrity, money, and rhetoric fizzle away, he stands as the candidate with proven results, proven electability, and proven ability to lead the country to real change.

Dodd repeatedly demonstrated the breadth and depth of his knowledge on the critical and complex issues that will arise both on the general election campaign trail and in the White House.  His understanding of the federal budget showed when explaining how he would balance domestic priorities with the financial burden of the Iraq war:

“We need to have an economy that’s driving to growth and creating jobs – which is the best social program anyone ever created – with a sense of optimism,” said Dodd.  “And then simultaneously, as you grow and deal with the underlying waste that’s occurred, bring an end to the war in Iraq, which costs us $10 billion every month.  Then we can begin to put that discipline back into the process, which all Americans are looking for.” 

Having just completed a speaking tour across Iowa on the importance of the rule of law to our nation’s security, Dodd emphasized the role of human rights in our nation’s foreign policy:

“It needs to be understood in the very beginning of my Presidency that if you're going to do business with the United States, human rights is fundamentally important,” said Dodd, who is a senior member of the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee.  “We care about it; the world cares about it, and that's one way to enhance our reputation, restore our footing and moral authority in the world by insisting that this be a part of that seamless conduct of the nation's foreign policy.”

Dodd differentiated himself from the rest of the candidates when speaking about America’s relationship with China.  As Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Dodd has been working to create more of a level playing field on which the United States can compete with China:

“I think Americans are tired of this conversation somehow that it’s ‘business as usual.’  It’s not. We don’t have the same access to their shelves, to our services that we’d like to sell in their country, they’re very, very restrictive. We need to get a lot tougher on this. Fair – not loud, but fair – if we’re going to have a better relationship or before long, this will no longer be the most desirous market for them. We will have disadvantaged our country substantially. This is a major, major issue that needs to be addressed with a lot more thoughtfulness than it’s getting today.”

Des Moines Register Debate Chris Dodd Photo

Dodd Campaign Announces “Chris Dodd’s 12 Days Of Results” Tour Across Iowa

DODD CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES “CHRIS DODD’S 12 DAYS OF RESULTS” TOUR ACROSS IOWA
Tour Will Highlight Dodd’s Record of Results for American Families and How He’ll Expand on Those Results as President

DES MOINES – In the spirit of the holiday season, the Dodd campaign will launch a “Chris Dodd’s 12 Days of Results” tour across Iowa, starting Thursday, December 13th, and concluding on Monday, December 24th.  In a campaign season full of rhetoric, only Chris Dodd has the record of results that proves to caucus-goers that he can deliver on his promises as President.

On each day of the tour, the Dodd campaign will highlight a different area of specific results that Chris Dodd has delivered for millions of Americans and how he’ll continue to expand upon those results as President.

The “12 Days of Results” tour will stop in Grinnell, Davenport, Dubuque, Epworth, Des Moines, Waterloo, Ames, Council Bluffs, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Clinton, Burlington, and Carroll.

In addition to the “12 Days of Results” tour, Dodd will host community forums in Vinton, Mason City, Monticello, Dyersville, Bellevue, and Cascade in the coming days.  He’ll also participate in the Des Moines Register debate, speak at a chili supper and fundraiser for State House candidate Josh Eaton in Story City, and speak at a Scott County Democrats dinner in Davenport.

Dodd Campaign Releases New Ad In Iowa Entitled, "I Am"

DODD CAMPAIGN RELEASES NEW AD IN IOWA
Ad Points to Dodd's Experience and Record of Results

WASHINGTON, DC - The Chris Dodd for President campaign today released a new ad entitled, "I Am," which is the first of at least two spots in a statewide media buy beginning tomorrow. The ad will air on broadcast and cable television. 

In "I Am," Dodd points to his experience and record of producing results - from authoring the Family and Medical Leave Act to helping to resolve conflict in Central America and Northern Ireland  - as proof of his readiness to tackle challenges the next President will face.  And just as he brought people together to solve big problems, Dodd argues that he is uniquely qualified to bring people together to win a general election in a highly polarized environment. 

The full transcript is below.

Chris Dodd: "I Am" 30 Sec.

Chris Dodd: As you might have guessed, I'm not a former First Lady, or a celebrity.

But I am the only democrat running who's a veteran and I served in the Peace Corps.

I am the candidate who authored the Family and Medical Leave Act.

I am the candidate who negotiated the end to wars.

These aren't campaign slogans. It's what I've done over a lifetime of service.

I'm Chris Dodd and I approve this message because I'm the candidate who can win next November and I am ready to be President.