2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

New Ad Highlights Hillary’s Historic Popular Vote Total

New Ad Highlights Hillary’s Historic Popular Vote Total

With two days to go until the South Dakota and Montana primaries, the Clinton campaign today unveiled a new television ad, “17 Million.”

The 30-second spot highlights Hillary’s lead in the popular vote. Over 17 million Americans have voted for Hillary Clinton, earning her more votes than anyone in the history of Democratic primaries.
 
The ad will begin airing statewide in Montana and South Dakota tomorrow morning.

Following is the complete script of the ad:

“17 MILLION”
TV: 30 

Tuesday, it’s up you.

You can join over 17 million people who’ve voted for a leader to fix the
economy.

[17 million]….for a Commander in Chief to bring our troops home from Iraq

17 million who want to beat John McCain.

17 million Americans have voted for Hillary Clinton...more than for any
primary candidate in history.

Some say there isn’t a single reason for Hillary to be the Democratic
nominee.

They’re right.

There are over 17 million of them.

HRC:  “I’m Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.”

Statement from The Clinton Campaign On RBC Decision On Seating Florida And Michigan Delegates

Statement from The Clinton Campaign
Harold Ickes and Tina Flournoy made the following statement this evening:

Today’s results are a victory for the people of Florida who will have a voice in selecting our Party’s nominee and will see its delegates seated at our party’s convention.  The decision by the Rules and Bylaws Committee honors the votes that were cast by the people of Florida and allocates the delegates accordingly.

We strongly object to the Committee’s decision to undercut its own rules in seating Michigan’s delegates without reflecting the votes of the people of Michigan.
 
The Committee awarded to Senator Obama not only the delegates won by Uncommitted, but four of the delegates won by Senator Clinton. This decision violates the bedrock principles of our democracy and our Party.
 
We reserve the right to challenge this decision before the Credentials Committee and appeal for a fair allocation of Michigan’s delegates that actually reflect the votes as they were cast.

Argus Leader: Clinton Is Top Candidate For Dems

Argus Leader: Clinton Is Top Candidate For Dems

Editorial Board
Argus Leader

https://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080530/VOICES01/805300306/-1/voices01

Excepts follow below:

For the first time in memory, every state will play a role in choosing a nominee for the nation's highest office.

Some of those parts are small, but not ours: as one of the last two primary elections, South Dakota Democrats suddenly and improbably find themselves in a starring role.

That's an unlikely turn of events, as our state has improbably become a battleground in the long, hard race between two Senators seeking a spot at the top of the Democratic ticket: Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Clinton of New York.

...

But Clinton is the strongest Democratic candidate for South Dakota.

Her mastery of complex policy detail is broad and deep, and her experience as a senator and former first lady matches that.

Measured against her opponent, Clinton is philosophically more moderate. That is likely a good thing for South Dakota.

Clinton's energy policy is forward thinking and wise. She advocates a broad federal research initiative to help solve our looming oil crisis. It's a plan that would join university researchers, private industry and individual inventors behind a common goal.

...

Clinton has demonstrated a real commitment to Native American issues and will have visited several South Dakota reservations before the race is over. Clinton is precisely correct when she says that people outside the region have a poor understanding of the troubling trends on our reservations. Federal attention could help. That includes but is not limited to higher-ranking posts in the federal bureaucracy.

Her truly universal health care plan would be welcomed by thousands of South Dakotans. Even on reservations, where health care is nominally universal already, such a plan would be welcome. The federal government would never be allowed to subject everyday Americans to the kind of care Native Americans living on reservations routinely receive.
...

Her resilience and determination never should be questioned. She has met or overcome every challenge or roadblock in her way, and there have been many. Her determination to carry the nomination process through to its real conclusion has perhaps earned her a grudging respect from those who would never support her.

Clinton might not win this race. In fact, it's a long shot. But whatever some might say, the race is not over, and her name is on the ballot. Win or lose, she's also the best Democratic candidate for South Dakota.

Ricky Martin Endorses Hillary for President

Ricky Martin Endorses Hillary for President

Today, the Clinton campaign announced the endorsement of Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin.

"These elections will have historic repercussions both in the United States and the world. Senator Clinton has always been consistent in her commitment with the needs of the Latino community. Whether fighting for better education, universal health care and social well-being, as First Lady and Senator from New York -- representing millions of Latinos --she has always fought for what is most important for our families," said the 5-time Grammy award winning artist.

"I am honored to have Ricky Martin's support," said Senator Clinton. "In addition to his great talent, Ricky is committed to improving the world through his philanthropic work, and I am grateful for his support. He is a very important voice in the Latino community and together we will work to improve the lives of families and children across the country."

Martin joins other figures -- including Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, Eva Longoria, Jack Nicholson, America Ferrera, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Michael Douglas, Robert Kennedy Jr., Quincy Jones and Magic Johnson, among others -- in support of Hillary Clinton.

In First Montana TV Ad Hillary Says “I Intend To Be A President Who Stands Up For All Of You”

In First Montana TV Ad Hillary Says “I Intend To Be A President Who Stands Up For All Of You”

The Clinton campaign today unveiled is first Montana television ad, “Only One.” In the 30-second spot, Hillary says “it’s time to level the playing field against the special interests,” and states that she intends “to be a President who stands up for all of you.”

The ad highlights that Hillary is the only candidate in the campaign who voted against the Bush energy bill, the only one with a universal health care plan, and the only who will end the 55 billion dollars in giveaways to corporate special interests and cut taxes for the middle class.

The ad will be being airing statewide today.

Following is the complete script of the ad.

"ONLY ONE"
TV :30

HRC:  "It's time to level the playing field against the special interests."

ANNCR: She's the only one in this campaign who voted against the Bush energy bill against six billion dollars to the oil companies, the only one taking on the insurance companies to guarantee health coverage for every American and she's the one who'll end fifty five billion dollars in giveaways to corporate special interests and cut taxes for the middle class instead.

HRC: "I intend to be a President who stands up for all of you."

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

HIghlights Of Letter To Superdelegates On Why Hillary Is The Strongest Candidate

WHY HILLARY IS THE STRONGEST CANDIDATE

*In a letter and memo sent to superdelegates today, Hillary lays out the case for why she is the strongest candidate to put together a winning coalition and beat John McCain in the Fall.

*Hillary has earned more votes than anyone in the history of the Democratic primaries, and she will lead in the popular vote with more than 17 million ballots cast when the primaries conclude on June 3rd.

*Not only is Hillary the top vote-getter, poll after poll shows she fares better against Sen. McCain in large swing states than Sen. Obama. She is the only candidate winning in the battlegrounds of Ohio and Florida.

*Hillary’s candidacy has attracted a broad coalition of new voters. In fact, the highest increases in turnout have come among her core supporters—millions of new women, Latinos and people over 45 voted in the primaries for the first time.

*In the coming days, superdelegates will have a clear choice: who is ready to serve as President on day one and who is best able to beat John McCain in November? When you look at her wins in the important swing states and her strength against Sen. McCain in head-to-head matchups, there’s no question that Hillary is the strongest candidate.

One Week Out: Campaign Announces A Clinton In South Dakota Every Day Leading Up To June 3

One Week Out: Campaign Announces A Clinton in South Dakota Every Day Leading Up to June 3
Clinton Campaign's Commitment to South Dakota is Clear.

The Clinton campaign today announced that Hillary, President Clinton or Chelsea Clinton will combine to visit South Dakota every day leading up to June 3.

One week from election day, the campaign continues to build on the surging momentum and grassroots energy generated by the Hillary and President Clinton’s previous visits and their continued travel to the state. 

"The people of South Dakota have an important voice in picking who should be the next President and they deserve to see and hear from those of us who are seeking their support," Hillary said. "That is why Bill, Chelsea and I plan on returning as often as possible over the next seven days to present real solutions to the challenges families here face."

During an incredible Memorial Day weekend kicked off by events in Brandon and Brookings with Senator Clinton and capped by events with President Clinton in Fort Thompson, Mission and Wagner, as well as dozens of Family Phone Banks and statewide canvasses, the campaign contacted or spoke directly with  thousands of voters over the phone or door to door. Additionally, South Dakotans for Hillary today announced additional grassroots activities across the state, including "Our Voices Matter" phone banks happening tonight across the state. Details are below.

The Clinton campaign also released two new ads that began airing statewide today, including a new television ad focused on Senator Clinton's commitment to reigning in reckless government spending and getting back to balanced budgets as well as a radio ad entitled “Matters” encouraging voters to “Let South Dakota be heard.”

New Ad: South Dakota Can "Pick a President"

New Ad: South Dakota Can "Pick a President"

Two new statewide ads focusing on Hillary’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and the importance of South Dakota’s primary will begin airing statewide today.

The ads, a 30-second spot TV spot entitled "Responsibility" and a 60-second radio spot entitled “Matters,” hit the airwaves one week before election day.

Following are the scripts for the ads.

"RESPONSIBILITY"
TV :30

Hillary Clinton: We are nine trillion dollar debt.

Announcer: George Bush's spending has sent the economy into a tailspin and put social
security in jeopardy.

Hillary Clinton:  "We borrow money from the Chinese to buy oil from the Saudis."

Announcer: Hillary Clinton will stop spending money America doesn't have.  She'll end fifty five billion dollars in giveaways to corporate special interests, reduce the deficit and protect Social Security.

Hillary Clinton: I will get us back to fiscal responsibility.

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

‘MATTERS”
:60 RADIO

Announcer: In Washington, some people say the presidential primary in South Dakota doesn't much matter.  That your voice doesn't really count.

But you know what?

Tuesday, we can show 'em.

We can pick a President.

After all, just because South Dakota comes last in the primaries doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be heard loud and clear.

And we can pick the candidate who'll stand up for us.

Hillary Clinton.

She’s tackling the national debt that George Bush is leaving us – nine trillion dollars – because she knows we've got to stop borrowing money from the Chinese to buy oil from the Saudis.   Hillary knows we’ve got to stop spending money we don’t have so we can protect social security and get back to fiscal responsibility.

Hillary Clinton will turn this economy around.  We’ve done it before.  We can do it again.

Tuesday. Get out and vote. Let South Dakota be heard.

Stand up for Hillary Clinton.  She'll always stand up for us.

Hillary Clinton:  I'm Hillary Clinton, candidate for President, and I approved this message.

Announcer:  Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President.

Statement from Hillary Clinton on Memorial Day

Statement from Hillary Clinton on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a solemn day for every American; a day to express our profound gratitude to the men and women who have given their lives in military service. A day to join in our thoughts and prayers with the families mourning loved ones. A day to cherish the freedoms and opportunities that so many have served, sacrificed, and died to defend.

On this Memorial Day, I’m reminded of the words of a poet and a veteran named Archibald MacLeish. He served in World War I and witnessed incredible service and sacrifice. Before the close of World War II, to commemorate those who had died, he wrote of the responsibility of all of us who survive them.

In his poem entitled “The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak,” he reminds us that those we have lost: “have a silence that speaks for them at night…They say: We have done what we could but until it is finished it is not done…They say: our deaths are not ours; they are yours; they will mean what you make them…They say: we leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.” 

How do we give these lives their meaning?  I believe we must honor our service members by doing our best to serve the men and women who have served us. And I believe we must honor the lives we’ve lost by honoring the values for which they fought. That is our duty. And on this Memorial Day, let us recommit ourselves to fulfilling this sacred responsibility every single day.

The United States has the finest military on the planet because we have the best soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. We owe them our support and resources while in-service and when they come home as our Veterans. We owe them a GI Bill of Rights that sees to their health care, housing, education and overall wellbeing. In many ways, everyday should be Memorial Day to honor and remember all they do for our nation, our communities and our families.

Our moral obligation is significant for the simple reason that the sacrifice of those who serve and have served in our military demonstrates a profound example of commitment and love for our nation. We must return to them all they have given and we must remember and honor those who gave their all, their lives, for our great nation.

Hillary: Why I Continue To Run

Hillary: Why I Continue To Run

Excerpts follow below:

This past Friday, during a meeting with a newspaper editorial board, I was asked about whether I was going to continue in the presidential race.

I made clear that I was - and that I thought the urgency to end the 2008 primary process was unprecedented. I pointed out, as I have before, that both my husband's primary campaign, and Sen. Robert Kennedy's, had continued into June.

Almost immediately, some took my comments entirely out of context and interpreted them to mean something completely different - and completely unthinkable.

I want to set the record straight: I was making the simple point that given our history, the length of this year's primary contest is nothing unusual. Both the executive editor of the newspaper where I made the remarks, and Sen. Kennedy's son, Bobby Kennedy Jr., put out statements confirming that this was the clear meaning of my remarks. Bobby stated, "I understand how highly charged the atmosphere is, but I think it is a mistake for people to take offense."

I realize that any reference to that traumatic moment for our nation can be deeply painful - particularly for members of the Kennedy family, who have been in my heart and prayers over this past week. And I expressed regret right away for any pain I caused.

But I was deeply dismayed and disturbed that my comment would be construed in a way that flies in the face of everything I stand for - and everything I am fighting for in this election.
…

I am running because I still believe I can win on the merits. Because, with our economy in crisis, our nation at war, the stakes have never been higher - and the need for real leadership has never been greater - and I believe I can provide that leadership.
…

I am running for all those women in their 90s who've told me they were born before women could vote, and they want to live to see a woman in the White House. For all the women who are energized for the first time, and voting for the first time. For the little girls - and little boys - whose parents lift them onto their shoulders at our rallies, and whisper in their ears, "See, you can be anything you want to be." As the first female candidate in this position, I believe I have a responsibility to finish this race.

I am running for all the men and women I meet who wake up every day and work hard to make a difference for their families. People who deserve a shot at the American Dream - the chance to save for college, a home and retirement; to afford quality health care for their families; to fill the gas tank and buy the groceries with a little left over each month.
…

Finally, I am running because I believe I'm the strongest candidate to stand toe-to-toe with Sen. McCain. Delegate math might be complicated - but electoral math is not. Our campaign is winning the popular vote - and we've been winning the swing states we need to get 270 electoral votes and take back the White House: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Arkansas, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Michigan, Florida and West Virginia.

But no matter what happens in this primary, I am committed to unifying this party. Ultimately, what Sen. Obama and I share is so much greater than our differences. And I know that if we come together, as a party and a people, there is no challenge we cannot meet, no barrier we cannot break and no dream we cannot realize.