2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Biden Announces More NH Campaign Hires

BIDEN ANNOUNCES MORE NH CAMPAIGN HIRES 

CONCORD, NH (July 16, 2007) - The Biden for President Campaign today announced four new staff members to serve as Regional Field Directors for Senator Biden’s New Hampshire campaign. Julia Barnes of Nashua will serve Hillsborough County, Kristin Stewart of Concord will serve Merrimack County and the Lakes region, Nick Collins of Dover will serve Rockingham and Strafford Counties and John Hayden of Manchester will serve the North Country. 

“We are thrilled to have these talented individuals come on-board,” said Biden State Chair Jim Ryan. “Their experience and enthusiasm will make an immediate impact on our campaign as we criss-cross the state in support of Joe Biden.”

Biden Receives The Endorsement Of Three Iowa State Representatives

BIDEN RECEIVES THE ENDORSEMENTS OF THREE IOWA STATE REPRESENTATIVES

Des Moines, Iowa – The Biden for President Campaign today announced the endorsements of three prominent Iowa State Representatives. House Assistant Majority Leaders Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames) and Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston) along with Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids) all endorsed Joe Biden for President at an afternoon press conference in Des Moines.

“I have long admired Joe Biden for his passionate support of women’s issues from Title IX to the landmark Violence Against Women Act which he wrote in 1994,” said Rep. Heddens. “I am supporting Joe Biden for President because America does not have time to engage in on-the-job training. I am convinced his plan for Iraq is the best way forward.”

“Joe Biden is the right person at the right time,” said Rep. Reasoner.  “His foreign policy experience, vision, and intellect are qualities the next President of the United States must possess in order to promote the United States’ interests an increasingly complex world. Joe's love of this country, his devotion to his family, and his ability to relate to the concerns of average Americans, shows a leader who cares about people and who has worked tirelessly to improve their lives.  Joe will make a great President.” 

“Joe is a true patriot,” said Rep. Taylor. “As a veteran I think his plan for Iraq is the best way to support our troops because it lays the foundation for a political solution. Another reason I’m supporting Joe is because he is second-to-none when it comes to supporting our union movement in this country.”

Prominent Seacoast Democrats Endorse Joe Biden

Prominent Seacoast Democrats Endorse Joe Biden
Biden Team Growing In New Hampshire

Concord, NH - The Biden for President Campaign today announced the endorsements of five prominent Democrats from the New Hampshire seacoast. Former Mayor Eileen Dondero Foley (Portsmouth), Mary Carey Foley (Portsmouth), former State Senator Bob Preston (Hampton), Representative Mike Marsh (Greenland) and Stratham Planning Board member Joe Russell (Stratham) all announced their support for Joe Biden for President of the United States.

"I'm honored to have the support of these great New Hampshire leaders," said Senator Joe Biden. "I know that their guidance and experience will be invaluable over the course of the campaign."

"Senator Biden is a real leader through and through," said Mayor Foley. "I'm honored to be a part of his campaign. He has the vision and conviction to put this country back on the right track."

"I'm delighted to endorse Senator Joe Biden for President," said Sen. Preston. "He has shown himself to be a true friend of our troops, he has the only plan that will get us out of Iraq without leaving chaos behind us, and has authored some of the most important domestic legislation over the last 15 years including the historic 1994 Crime Bill, which included the COPS program. He is a proven leader with the courage and passion that we need in our next President."

Joe Biden At The Third Debate

JOE BIDEN DEMONSTRATES PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP AT THIRD STRAIGHT DEBATE

Washington, DC – Tonight Sen. Joe Biden drew on over 30 years of experience to demonstrate his leadership on the critical issues of civil rights and equal opportunity in our country.

“Joe Biden once again showed why he is ready to be president,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro. “Since he began his career on the County Council in Wilmington and continuing through 34-years in the Senate, Sen. Biden has been on the front lines of every major civil rights issue in this country. Tonight, that leadership and experience was obvious.”

Sen. Biden, on question after question, offered specific solutions for major issues related to equal rights, equal opportunity and income disparity in America. Tonight Sen. Biden called for mandatory preschool at age 4 and rebuilding the New Orleans infrastructure.

In addition, Sen. Biden continued to press his proposal to institute a No Fly Zone in Darfur and focused attention on the need for a Democratic President to change the direction of the Supreme Court.

“Joe Biden showed tonight why we need a president who is prepared to act immediately on the challenges facing our country,” said Navarro.

J. B. White To Lead Veterans For Biden

IRAQ WAR VETERAN J. B. WHITE TO LEAD VETERANS FOR BIDEN COMMITTEE Cites Biden’s Plan for Iraq and Commitment to Protect Troops

Wilmington, DE  – The Biden for President Campaign today announced that J. B. White, an Iraq war veteran from McComb, Mississippi, will serve as National Coordinator of Veterans for Biden.

“I owe it to my brothers and sisters who remain in Iraq to do what I can to give them the best chance to return home safely,” said White, who is currently on the campaign trail in Iowa, where he is working  to mobilize veterans and their family members for Biden.  “For me, that means supporting Sen. Biden for President as he is the only candidate from either party to put forward a realistic vision to resolve the Iraq war.”

White also pointed out that Sen. Biden was the only Democratic presidential candidate who voted for the Iraq War supplemental bill last month that provided funding for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, which will dramatically reduce casualties in Iraq. 

“Sen. Biden has shown that his foremost concern is for the safety and well-being of those who have placed themselves in harm’s way,” said White. “That’s why veterans and their family members throughout the country are rallying in support of Sen. Biden.”

“We are thrilled to have the enthusiastic leadership of J. B. and other veterans and their family members who have expressed their commitment to Sen. Biden and our campaign,” said Luis Navarro, Biden for President Campaign Manager.  “Throughout his career, Sen. Biden has been committed to supporting our men and women in uniform.”

The Biden for President Campaign will feature ‘Veterans for Biden’ on its website and allow veterans throughout the country to sign up online and become part of the campaign.

Biden Campaign Announces New Hampshire Steering Committee

BIDEN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES NEW HAMPSHIRE STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIR Building Granite State Grassroots Organization

Concord, NH (June 19, 2007) –Today the Biden for President campaign announced that Milford Democratic activist Ron Pieper will lead their New Hampshire Steering Committee.  

“I’m delighted that Ron is taking a principal role on the steering committee,” said State Representative Jim Ryan, New Hampshire Chair of the Biden for President Campaign. “As a leader in his community for years, Ron brings a wealth of knowledge to the campaign and knows what it takes to win in New Hampshire.  This committee will be an integral part of our grassroots effort, as we continue to reach out to voters across the state and talking about how Joe Biden is the most qualified and prepared candidate in the race.”  

“Joe Biden is the most experienced candidate in the field, Republican or Democratic,” said Pieper. “During the debate at St. Anselm’s College, he was honest and direct with New Hampshire voters and that’s what Joe Biden is all about.  I am honored to serve on the steering committee and I look forward to helping elect the next President of the United States.  He exemplifies the leadership skills that Americans expect from their President.”

Biden Receives Unanimous Endorsement Of The Delaware State AFL-CIO

BIDEN RECEIVES UNANIMOUS ENDORSEMENT OF THE DELAWARE STATE AFL-CIO

Wilmington, DE (June 14, 2007) – Today, Sen. Joe Biden received the endorsement of the Delaware state AFL-CIO for the Democratic nomination for President.  Sen. Biden is the first Democratic candidate for President to receive an endorsement from a state chapter of the AFL-CIO. 

“Sen. Joe Biden is labor’s favorite son and he has been loyal to labor his entire career in the United States Senate,” said Sam Latham, the President of the Delaware state AFL-CIO.  “We proudly and unanimously support Senator Biden’s nomination for President and appreciate his commitment to America’s working women and men.”

Sen. Biden has worked tirelessly on the issues important to America’s working families -- especially in his home state of Delaware, where he has made protecting jobs and promoting the growth of the various manufacturing industries a priority. 

He has fought to make sure that workers are free to organize and has supported the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.  Sen. Biden co-sponsored the original legislation to establish guidelines to protect the health and safety of American workers on the job.  He also supports the Healthy Families Act, which would require employers with 15 or more employees to provide seven paid sick days to care for their own and their families' medical needs, providing millions of Americans with the flexibility they need to both take care of their families and remain working.  Sen. Biden has consistently supported an increase in the minimum wage, the rights of workers to receive overtime and the protection of Davis-Bacon wages.  Sen. Biden is also in support of a fund to make sure that workers exposed to asbestos get the proper medical care they deserve. 

The Delaware state AFL-CIO is made up of local representatives from various unions including the Commercial Foodworkers, Transportation Workers, Pipefitters and Plumbers, Bricklayers, Steelworkers, Ironworkers and Musicians unions.

Jim Ryan To Lead Biden Campaign In New Hampshire

KEY STRATEGIST TO LEAD BIDEN CAMPAIGN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Rep. Ryan Will Leverage Experience from Historic Midterm Election Victories

Wilmington, DE (June 5, 2007) – The Biden for President Campaign today announced a key addition to its organization in New Hampshire as State Representative Jim Ryan comes onboard to serve as New Hampshire State Chairman. 

Rep. Ryan has played a key role in recent Democratic successes in New Hampshire.  As the Grassroots Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic State Committee since 2002, Rep. Ryan has visited over 200 town or county committees, working closely with local leaders to build a critical electoral infrastructure for future campaigns. 

“The addition of Jim Ryan to our great team in New Hampshire is more evidence of our momentum in the state,” said Biden for President Campaign Manager Luis Navarro.  “We are excited to have Jim on board.  Jim understands the importance of New Hampshire in the Presidential nominating process, and I know that his expertise and his leadership that helped to turn New Hampshire blue will prove to be invaluable to our campaign.”

Joe Biden NH Debate More Reviews

BIDEN’S A HIT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Granite State Audience Declares Biden The Best At The Debate

Goffstown, NH (June 3, 2007) – Last night, the eight candidates took to the stage at St. Anselm College in Manchester, but it was Senator Joe Biden that struck a chord in New Hampshire and emerged as the clear winner.

Biden Wins The Debate - WMUR

“Another successful performance was given by Biden who gained thirteen points and moved in the ranking from 6th to first place among tonight’s focus group participants. Biden received the strongest gain among women.”

[WMUR, 6/4/07]

http://www.wmur.com/realtimeresponse/13435363/detail.html

Sen. Biden “Seizes The Moment” – Michael McCord, Portsmouth Herald

“Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware seized his moments by speaking passionately about taking action on Iraq, Darfur, Iran and campaign finance reform.”

Michael McCord, Portsmouth Herald

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070604/NEWS/706040324

A Passionate, Break Out Performance – Beth LaMontagne, NHPols.com

“[Sen. Biden] did manage to have that break out performance, speaking passionately on allowing gay men and women to serve in the military, the war in Iraq and genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan. State Rep. Jim Ryan, D-Merrimack, and co-chair on the Biden campaign, said he felt the senator came across as passionate and decisive. His mention of Darfur, saying it was America’s ‘moral authority’ to help, was the highlight of his performance.”

[NHPols.com, 6/3/07]

http://campaignsandelections.com/NH/articles/?ID=227

Biden Funny, Forceful, and Knowledgeable – Scott Lehigh, Boston Globe

“Biden was forceful -- and funny -- about letting gays and lesbians serve openly in the military. The candidate who seemed most knowledgeable about foreign affairs, he also spoke powerfully and passionately about establishing a no-fly zone to help end genocide in Darfur.”

[Boston Globe, 6/4/07]

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2007/06/04/a_night_for_obama_and_biden/

Biden Brings Passion, Conviction and Substance To The Table – Dante Scala, NHPR Guest and St. Anselm Professor

I think Biden is going to stick to his principles no matter what. He’s not in the same position as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama and I think he’s going to speak out with passion and conviction and try to speak out with substance and bring that to the table and see whether that attracts voters or not.

On Darfur: For that moment, if you didn’t know anything about the polls, you’d think that Joe Biden was the frontrunner and everyone else was just following in his wake.

Biden experienced and passionate, it’s hard to beat Joe Biden on foreign policy – Scott Spradling, NHPR Guest and Co-Moderator of the Democratic Presidential Debate

On Darfur: That answer, his credibility, his foreign policy experience and the passion that he brought to that answer, is exactly why Republicans are happy right now that he’s not the frontrunner, because when it comes to the global war on terror and foreign policy issues, it’s hard to keep up with Joe Biden”

[NHPR, 6/4/07]

http://www.nhpr.org/taxonomy/term/15001

Joe Biden NH Debate Reviews

BIDEN GARNERS EXCELLENT DEBATE REVIEWS

Manchester, NH (June 4, 2007):  Joe Biden earned high marks from commentators and Democratic strategists for his second straight strong debate performance. Last night during the Democratic Presidential Debate in Manchester, New Hampshire, Senator Biden exhibited strong leadership and showed a command of the issues that Americans care about most. 

“Senator Biden had another good night.”

- James Carville, Democratic strategist

“I thought Joe Biden was on fire. He came in tonight knowing he had to move a little bit up front on the second tier and I think he did himself very well.  Overall, I thought all the top tier candidates did well and Joe Biden in the second tier.”

- Donna Brazile, Democratic strategist

“I don't think there was anyone who broke out, with the possible exception of Joe Biden. I thought Joe had a very good command of the issues. I thought he made a very good point in terms of supporting the supplemental appropriation for the troops. I thought he gave a very good explanation, sound, truthful explanation. We'll see what happens and see if he gets a bump out of that.”

- J.C. Watts, former Congressman

[CNN, Post-debate Analysis, 6/3/07]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vKPcK-XPqY

“By and large Joe Biden had a very, very good night.”

- David Gergen, Editor-at-Large, U.S. News & World Report

[CNN, Post-Debate analysis, 6/3/07]

“Joe had a great night last night. … He was very honest. He said, "Look, we can't end the war. We need 67 votes." When he talked about earmarks. When he was so passionate about those dying in Sudan. I think what his role is really going to be is sort of the John McCain role and that is, he is going to be Mr. Straight Shooter, Mr. Personality. That's where he can excel really; challenging the other candidates.”

- Roland Martin, WVON Radio broadcaster

[CNN American Morning, 6/4/07]