2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Joe Biden Reaffirms Support For DNC Primary Calendar

BIDEN WITHDRAWS FROM MICHIGAN BEAUTY CONTEST
Reaffirms Support For DNC Primary Calendar

Wilmington, DE (October 9, 2007) – In keeping with the rules established by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) regarding the Democratic Presidential primary calendar, today the Biden for President Campaign announced that Sen. Biden would not participate in the Michigan State Democratic Primary and that formal steps were being taken to remove Sen. Biden’s name from the ballot in that state. 

“Today’s decision reaffirms our pledge to respect the primary calendar as established by the DNC and makes it clear that we will not play into the politics of money and Republican machinations that only serve to interfere with the primary calendar,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro.

Joe Biden Unveils Education Plan In Iowa

BIDEN UNVEILS EDUCATION PLAN
Keeps Promise To The Nation's Children To Strengthen Public Education

Des Moines, IA (October 4, 2007): Today at East High School in Des Moines, IA, Sen. Joe Biden proposed a plan to give every child in America access to 16 years of public education by providing two years of preschool to every child and at least two years of higher education.

"My mother has an expression:  ‘Children tend to become that which you expect of them.’  I want a country where we expect much from America's children," said Sen. Biden. "Every child must graduate from high school. Every qualified student should get a minimum of an associate’s degree."   

Sen. Biden pledged to expand early childhood development programs, including doubling the number of students in Head Start programs and quadrupling the number in Early Head Start and provide grants to states to expand high quality preschool programs.

Sen. Biden would make sure that, at a minimum, all students can afford at least two years of college by providing a $3,000 College ACCESS refund —equivalent to a $12,000 deduction—that would fully cover the average cost of tuition and fees at a two-year college and cover more than half the cost of tuition and fees at a public four-year college. The ACCESS program also provides low-income students with up to $9,300 of tuition assistance a year through the expansion of Pell Grants to $6,300.

"Today just two-thirds of students entering high school graduate and about two-thirds of those go on to college," said Sen. Biden.  "We are losing too many children in this country, wasting too much talent, leaving so much potential untapped.  We know what we need to do:  First, stop focusing just on test scores. Second, start education earlier.  Third, pay educators more.  Fourth, reduce class size.  Fifth, make higher education affordable."

Sen. Biden also announced initiatives to reduce class size and improve teacher pay. Joe Biden would hire 100,000 new teachers to reduce the average class size to 18 students, particularly in the early grades, by providing $2 billion a year in grants to states and districts to help them hire more teachers and provide incentives to attract new teachers.

Biden Receives The Endorsement Of Daughter Of Harold Hughes

BIDEN RECEIVES THE ENDORSEMENT OF PHYLLIS HUGHES EWING DAUGHTER OF HAROLD HUGHES

Des Moines, IA (October 2, 2007) - The Biden for President campaign today announced the endorsement of Phyllis Hughes Ewing, daughter of former Iowa Governor and Senator Harold Hughes. Hughes was a revered Governor of Iowa and later a courageous United States Senator who took on the political establishment to help end the war in Vietnam.

“Sen. Biden best exemplifies the courage and the character of my father,” said Hughes Ewing.  “No American public official has worked harder or longer to end the senseless war in Iraq or to bring attention to the genocide occurring in Darfur.  Joe Biden is the right man to lead our country.”

“We are delighted to have Phyllis’ support for our campaign,” said Biden for President Political Director Danny O’Brien. “Her conviction in associating the characteristics that defined father’s greatness with Sen. Biden’s will touch Iowans in a way no other surrogate can.”

Sen. Biden, who served with Sen. Hughes in the U. S. Senate for two years following his election in 1972, expressed his appreciation to Hughes Ewing for her enthusiastic support.  “We miss her father in the Senate during this critical time in our history,” he said.  “We could use his powerful voice today in the cause of peace and justice.”

Hughes Ewing, in a letter to the editor published on Monday by the Des Moines Register, wrote that “this is not a time for the inexperienced to learn on the job, nor is it a time for leaders who do not have the ability to inspire the American people.  As Iowans, we have an awesome responsibility.  What we do on a cold night in January will largely determine who will be the next president of the United States. It is about Iowa Democrats having the courage to go against conventional wisdom and demand the best.”

Urging her fellow Iowans to join her in “helping Joe Biden become the next president of the United States,” Hughes Ewing challenged “the conventional wisdom in the national press that only money matters and our choices are limited” to the current frontrunners in the polls.  “Time after time, we’ve seen candidates, seemingly out of the running, emerge on caucus night to become the most serious contenders for the nomination.”

Joe Biden Takes On Opponents

BIDEN TAKES ON GIULIANI AND DEMOCRATIC OPPONENTS

Hanover, NH (September 26, 2007) – Tonight, Sen. Joe Biden demonstrated that he is the one candidate who can take on Rudy Giuliani and the Republican Party on issues of National Security and Foreign Policy.

In tonight’s debate Sen. Biden said, “Rudy Giuliani doesn't know what the heck he's talking about. He's the most uninformed person in American foreign policy and now running for president, number one."

Biden Campaign Manager Luis Navarro also pointed out that several of the Democratic candidates showed serious errors in judgment related to critical issues of national security. 

Navarro said, “Sen. Obama said he would do everything possible to end the war in Iraq and emphasized the need for a political solution yet he failed to show up to vote for Sen. Biden’s critical amendment to provide a political solution in Iraq.  Sen. Clinton tried to defend her vote on the Kyl/Lieberman amendment on Iran, which could be an excuse for another dangerous folly by the Bush Administration.” 

“Gov. Richardson may have committed the most egregious mistake of all,” added Navarro, “by calling for a three month withdrawal of 240,000 troops “

“This is what I would do. I would bring them out through roads, through Kuwait and through Turkey. It would take persuading Turkey. The issue is light equipment. I would leave some of the light equipment behind,” said Richardson.

In fact, virtually every military expert says it will take at least a year – and possibly longer – to safely withdraw our troops from Iraq. 

On the other hand, earlier today, Sen. Biden did what no one else has been able to do -build a bi-partisan consensus which offers America a path out of Iraq that will not leave chaos behind for future generations.  His plan for a federal system in Iraq passed the Senate today by a vote of 75-23 garnering overwhelming support from a bipartisan group of leaders of both parties.  It was the first overwhelming bi-partisan rejection of the Bush administration’s Iraq policy. 

Tonight, Biden showed the presidential demeanor and confidence the American people are looking for in a Democratic president.

Statement Of Biden For President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro

BIDEN SHOWS PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DEBATE

Lebanon, NH (September 26, 2007) – Tonight at the MSNBC/NECN Debate at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, Sen. Joe Biden once again exhibited a command of the issues and demonstrated real presidential leadership. 

“Tonight, Sen. Biden demonstrated real presidential leadership,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro.  “After years of failed Bush policies, the next President will have to unite this country and tackle big issues including the war in Iraq, health care and education.  The next President will also have to produce results and Sen. Biden has shown that he can get the job done.  Today’s overwhelming support for Sen. Biden’s Iraq plan in the Senate is further proof that he is the only candidate for President that can bring Americans together to solve the toughest problems ahead of us.”

Polly Butka Endorses Joe Biden

IOWA SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE POLLY BUKTA ENDORSES JOE BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT
Support Within the Iowa House Leadership Team Continues to Grow

Des Moines, IA (September 24, 2007) – The Biden Campaign today announced the endorsement of Iowa House Speaker Pro Tempore Polly Bukta (D-Clinton). This marks the 9th Iowa legislative endorsement for the campaign, which currently includes five members of the House Leadership team.

Rep. Bukta has been a leading voice in the Iowa Legislature since 1996, when she was first elected. In just her second term, she was elected to serve on the Leadership team, and this past November she was selected to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore.

“I’ve known Joe Biden for over 20 years. His loyalty and honesty are second to none - and those are two critical qualities I am looking for in the next President” said Rep. Bukta. “However, perhaps even more important to me, is how we are going to bring our men and women home from Iraq safely. Joe Biden is the only candidate with a thoughtful and sensible political plan to do just that.”

“Polly represents the best our party has to offer” said Sen. Biden. “She is a mom, a school teacher, and a leading legislator in Iowa. She is a woman who knows what it takes to bring both parties together in delivering results for Iowa’s families.”

Bukta joins eight Democratic legislators in a growing list of elected officials supporting Joe Biden in the Hawkeye state: State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Des Moines), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo) Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), and Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids).

Biden Reaffirms Commitment To Seniors

BIDEN REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SENIORS
Pledges To Enhance Retirement Security

Davenport, IA (September 20, 2007) – Tonight at the AARP candidate forum in Davenport, Sen. Joe Biden pledged to keep our nation's promise to seniors and reaffirmed his commitment to the economic security of hard-working Americans and their families. 

"From protecting pensions to strengthening social security and providing affordable health care, we must keep our promises to America's seniors," said Sen. Biden.  "Americans who work hard all their lives should not live with the fear that their retirements are in jeopardy or that their economic security hangs in the balance.  We owe it to our parents and grandparents, as well as ourselves and our children, to make sure that Americans can retire with dignity."

Earlier this week, Sen. Biden unveiled his retirement security plan. Sen. Biden proposed to crack down on executives who get bonuses while companies walk away from employee pensions, require employers that don't provide retirement plans to allow employees to make direct deductions into Individual Retirement Accounts and make it easier to take retirement plans with you by automatically rolling over 401 (k) plans.  To begin the process of saving earlier in one's life, as President, Sen. Biden would invest $500 in a Kid's Account for every American child born after December 31, 2008.  He also reaffirmed his commitment to protect Social Security, not privatize it. Sen. Biden is also in favor of fixing the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D) by letting the federal government negotiate cheaper drug prices and closing the so-called donut hole – the gap in benefits that occurs once you've hit $2,250 in coverage.

Kevin McCarthy Endorses Joe Biden For President

IOWA HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER REP. KEVIN McCARTHY ENDORSES JOE BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT
Campaign Makes Major Announcement As it Kicks Off 4-Day Swing Through Iowa

Des Moines, IA (September 13, 2007) – Standing on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol this morning, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (D-Des Moines) became the 8th Iowa state legislator to endorse Joe Biden for President. Rep. McCarthy was joined by two of his colleagues, Reps. Doris Kelley (D-Waterloo) and Assistant Majority Leader John Whitaker (D-Hillsboro), both of whom endorsed Sen. Biden in recent weeks.

"Iraq is by far the single most important issue facing America today and Joe Biden has the most credible plan to get us out without causing further chaos” said Majority Leader McCarthy. “His plan - coupled with his unmatched foreign policy experience - make Joe Biden the best choice to lead America out of the crisis in Iraq...and besides...I like him."

“Representative McCarthy’s proven leadership and recent success in winning back control of the Iowa House brings a powerful dimension to our campaign” said National Political Director Danny O’Brien. “Kevin’s endorsement – and that of his colleagues – speaks volumes of the confidence Iowa’s elected officials have in Joe Biden’s unique ability to lead our country during these challenging times at home and abroad.”

“It is an honor to have Kevin join our Iowa team” said Sen. Biden. “Having watched Kevin lead the fight in taking back control of the House last year, I saw early on his leadership skills and drive to restore a Democratic agenda in Iowa. I look forward to Kevin campaigning with me as I work to win the Iowa caucus.”

McCarthy joins seven Democratic legislators in a growing list of elected officials supporting Joe Biden in the Hawkeye state: State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo) Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), and Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids).

Biden Remembers 9/11

BIDEN REMEMBERS 9/11

Wilmington, DE (September 11, 2007):  Sen. Joe Biden issued the following statement on the sixth anniversary of the September 11th attacks:

"Six years ago, our nation suffered a terrible tragedy. Today, on this solemn anniversary, we remember the thousands who lost their lives that fateful morning, and we offer our prayers to the family and friends they left behind.

“September 11, 2001, also brought to us enormous inspiration in the form of the many people who lined up for blocks and blocks, single-file, to give blood, even when they were told that blood was no longer needed. That American spirit of unity and sacrifice will enable us to overcome our challenges and emerge stronger, safer and more united than ever before.”

Iowa Rep. John Whitaker Endorses Joe Biden

ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER REP. JOHN WHITAKER ENDORSES JOE BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT
Legislator Cites Experience and Iraq Plan as key to his support

Des Moines, IA (September 5, 2007) –Assistant House Majority Leader John Whitaker (D-Hillsboro), whose son was deployed last week to Iraq, today became the 7th Iowa state legislator to endorse Joe Biden for President. Rep. Whitaker’s son, Gabe Whitaker is a member of the Iowa National Guard.

“Joe Biden is the only Democratic candidate for president who understands the impact of this war on the families of those soldiers serving our country” said Rep. Whitaker. Sen. Biden’s son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, is a member of the Delaware National Guard.

“Joe Biden has fought to get our troops Mine Resistant Vehicles which have the capability of saving the lives of thousands of soldiers, and his Veteran’s Plan offers our troops everything from improved healthcare and better handling of disability claims to job placement and educational services,” said Rep. Whitaker.

“I know that Sen. Biden will end this war in a way that will not leave behind chaos and will not require our troops having to go back later on down the road” Whitaker added.

While Sen. Biden is traveling in Iraq this week, the Biden Campaign was represented at today’s press conference in Fairfield by J.B. White, an Iraq veteran and the campaign’s National Veterans Coordinator.

“It is an honor for the Biden Campaign to have the endorsement of John Whitaker,” said White “The commitment of John, his family and especially his son Gabe represent the best in American values. His support is a demonstration of the respect many Iowans feel for Joe Biden and his plan to end this war in a way that protects America’s interests.”

Whitaker, a farmer, has served in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2003.  He is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, and is also a member of the Administration and Rules, Natural Resources, Public Safety and Transportation committees.

Whitaker joins six colleagues in the state legislature in a growing list of elected officials supporting Joe Biden in the Hawkeye state: State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), Rep. Doris Kelly (Waterloo) Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), and Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids).