EDWARDS STATEMENT ON TRAGIC BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards issued the following statement about the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis.
"Elizabeth and I are heartbroken by the tragedy in Minneapolis. We join all Americans in mourning those whose lives were taken, and send our prayers and deepest sympathies to their families.
"This is a tragic reminder that America must be vigilant to ensure the safety of our nation's infrastructure."
EDWARDS TO BARNSTORM ACROSS IOWA DURING 2007 "FIGHTING FOR ONE AMERICA" BUS TOUR Seven-Day Trip Will Take Edwards’ Message of Bold Change to 30 Counties and the Iowa State Fair
Des Moines, Iowa – Senator John Edwards will kick off a week-long bus tour across Iowa on August 13, 2007, stopping in 30 counties and meeting with thousands of caucus goers. The 2007 "Fighting for One America" bus tour will take Edwards from the Iowa State Fair to town hall meetings and community gatherings across the state, culminating in the August 19th Democratic Presidential Debate at Drake University.
“I’m looking forward to this trip and talking with Iowans about our fight to build One America – an America where everyone has a chance to get ahead and where the needs of regular Americans come before the needs of powerful special interests,” Edwards said. “This will be a great opportunity to meet with Iowans from across the state and share with them my vision for bold change in America.”
During the 7-day tour, Edwards will once again drive the Democratic agenda by leading with bold vision and ideas, including discussions of his specific plans to fight for real change in Iowa and all across America.
The route and communities Edwards will visit are listed below.
“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 1 - MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007
Des Moines
Perry
Jefferson
Carroll
Denison
Onawa
“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 2 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2007
Sioux City
Ida Grove
Rockwell City
Pocahontas
Clarion
Clear Lake
“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 3 - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007
Manly
Osage
Charles City
Waterloo
Waverly
“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 4 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2007
Grundy Center
Ames
Des Moines
Oskaloosa
Ottumwa
“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 5 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2007
Centerville
Bloomfield
Keokuk
Burlington
Wapello
Iowa City
“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 6 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007
Dubuque
Davenport
Cedar Rapids
“Fighting for One America” Bus Tour Day 7 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2007
Des Moines
EDWARDS PRAISED AT DEBATE FOR LEADING ON THE ISSUES
WashingtonPost.com’s “The Fix”: Edwards “Seemed the Boldest of the Three in His Call for Bold Action.” Chris Cillizza wrote after the debate, “While the dominant dynamic of the night was between Clinton and Obama, it was former Sen. John Edwards (N.C.) who seemed the boldest of the three in his call for bold action. ‘If you want real change you need someone who has taken on these people and beat them over and over and over,’ said Edwards. At another point in the debate, Edwards warned: ‘We can't trade our insiders for their insiders.’ Edwards also powerfully seized a question on health care to talk about a man in West Virginia who had been unable to have a cleft lip surgically repaired until he was 50 years old. While anecdotes can be too cute by half, it was clear Edwards was affected by the man's story; it was a moment of real emotion for the former Senator, and a good one.” [http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/07/change_vs_experience.html, 7/23/07]
ABC News’ “Political Radar”: Edwards Found His Voice on Health Care. ABC News’ “Political Radar” noted, “8:50 pm: Edwards finds his voice on healthcare, and even Anderson Cooper can't cut him off. ‘We should be outraged by these stories.’ An effective answer -- Clinton's talk of a ‘national commitment’ and Obama's promise to fight the insurance companies come off as rather hollow by contrast.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/live-blogging-f.html <http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/live-blogging-f.html> , 7/23/07]
NBC’s Chuck Todd: Edwards Appeared to Get the Best of Clinton and Obama on Health Care. NBC’s Chuck Todd wrote, “We're getting toward the end of this debate but on the issue of health care, Edwards appeared to get the best of both Clinton and Obama on the issue. Until that answer, it wasn't clear Edwards was going to have one memorable moment.” Todd also wrote, “His story about the man who couldn't get the operation in order to talk until he was 50 was riveting.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285777.aspx <http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285777.aspx> and http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285828.aspx, 7/23/07]
MSNBC’s “First Read” Highlighted a “Poignant Moment for Edwards.” MSNBC’s Mark Murray wrote that when Anderson Cooper referred to Citadel grad, Shane Childers, who died in Iraq, “His picture was on the big screen in the debate hall. When the camera turned to the candidates, some were scribbling notes, except for Edwards (in that particular screen shot), who just stared at Childers' photo. It was a pretty powerful moment.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285671.aspx, 7/23/07]
Marc Ambinder: Edwards “Seemed on His Game.” After the debate, Marc Ambinder of The Atlantic Online wrote in his report card on the candidates, “A brief report card in no particular order: John Edwards -- He seemed on his game, although a noisy audience deprived him of the chance to impress a questioner on gay rights. His calling out of audience members didn't seem forced.” [http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/07/tonights_debate_was_supposed_t.php, 7/23/07]
WashingtonPost.com’s “The Fix”: Edwards’ Frank Talk Helped Him Stand Out. Chris Cillizza wrote, “Edwards, Clinton and Obama have all started off well… Edwards' aggressive tactics and frank talk have helped him stand out.” [http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/07/how_are_they_doing.html, 7/23/07]
AMERICAblog.com: “Edwards' Video Is Brilliant.” John Aravosis blogged on AMERICAblog.com, “CNN is doing a bad job actually showing us the candidates’ YouTube videos. I had no idea the ‘Hair’ video was from Edwards, or what it actually showed. Looking at it now, it's brilliant. See if you ‘get it.’” [http://www.americablog.com/2007/07/edwards-video-is-brilliant.html, 7/23/07]
ABC News’ “Political Radar”: “The Edwards Ad Was Clever.” ABC News’ “Political Radar” wrote, “7:45 pm: From ABC's Karen Travers: "The Edwards ad was clever - I thought, hmm a dig at the media, but it allowed them to spin that issue to their favor. I think the use of ‘Hair’ and seeing the images used under the song will make people think more about the 60s and protesting an unpopular war more than they will think about Edwards' pricey haircut. I thought it was a clever way to address the point but make it about something larger.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/live-blogging-f.html <http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/live-blogging-f.html> , 7/23/07]
MSNBC’s “First Read”: “Pretty Clever.” About Edwards’ video during the CNN/YouTube debate, MSNBC’s “First Read” wrote that Edwards video “had the song ‘Hair’ playing....pretty clever.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285654.aspx, 7/23/07]
Talking Points Memo’s Josh Marshall: Edwards Video “Was Pretty Good.” Josh Marshall wrote about Edwards’ YouTube video, “Most campaign videos are pretty lame. But this one from Edwards on the Youtube debate tonight was pretty good.” [http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/015726.php, 7/23/07]
Politico.com’s Ben Smith: Edwards Uses New Media to Criticize Media Focus on the Superficial. The Politico.com’s Ben Smith wrote, “Like Dodd, John Edwards uses the new media forum to criticize the old media focus on the superficial, but with a bit more of an edge: The song ‘hair’ juxtaposed with images of America in crisis.” [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0707/Hair.html, 7/23/07]
JOHN EDWARDS TO RIDE WITH LANCE ARMSTRONG IN RAGBRAI Edwards Will Ride Portions of Day 4 Route on Wednesday
Des Moines, Iowa – The John Edwards for President Campaign today announced that Senator John Edwards’ will join cancer survivor and seven consecutive Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in this year’s RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Edwards will join riders on Wednesday for a portion of the fourth day of the week long ride. starting in Hampton.
RAGBRAI is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state and is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. Always the last full week of July, this year’s 472-mile ride begins today, Sunday the 22nd, and ends on Saturday the 28th.
“RAGBRAI is a great Iowa tradition that is renowned across the country and across the world,” Edwards said. “Elizabeth and I have always admired Lance Armstrong not only for his achievements but for his commitment to the fight against cancer. I am looking forward to joining with him and so many other RAGBRAI riders to call attention to this important cause.”
Edwards Campaign Unveils First TV Ad Featuring Elizabeth Edwards in New Hampshire Today
Manchester, New Hampshire – The John Edwards for President campaign today unveiled its second New Hampshire TV ad of the campaign and the first featuring Elizabeth Edwards. The ad, entitled “30 Years,” features Elizabeth Edwards, the person who knows John Edwards best, discussing her husband’s strength and character.
“We are proud to unveil the campaign’s first ad featuring Elizabeth Edwards in New Hampshire this week,” said Deputy Campaign Manager Jonathan Prince. “This ad is a continuation of the discussion that Senator and Mrs. Edwards have begun with New Hampshire families as they have traveled across the Granite State listening to voters’ concerns and talking about John Edwards’ bold plans to build one America that works for everyone.”
“30 Years” will run on broadcast state-wide and is the next piece of the Edwards campaign’s continued efforts to expand its New Hampshire operation. This ad follows “Strength of America,” a 30 second spot that began airing in New Hampshire on June 26th and highlighted John Edwards’ belief that we all share the responsibility to build a better America. “30 Years” also debuts on the heels of the campaign opening eight new field offices across New Hampshire and hiring an additional 11 field staffers, bringing its New Hampshire payroll total to 40 employees.
John and Elizabeth Edwards are currently traveling to eight states across the country to help shine a light on the crisis of poverty in this country.
Full Script of “30 Years”
Elizabeth Edwards:
"I have been blessed for the last 30 years
To be married to the most optimistic person that I have ever met
But at the same time he has an unbelievable toughness
Particularly about other people and that is his ability to fight for them
You’re not going to out smart him
He works harder than any human being that I know, always has
It’s unbelievably important that in our president we have someone
Who can stare the worst in the face
And not blink"
John Edwards:
“I’m John Edwards and I approve this message”
EDWARDS CAMPAIGN EXPANDS STAFF
Democratic advisors Paul Blank and Chris Kofinis join the team
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – As Senator John Edwards’ campaign continues to expand and gain support across the country, the campaign today announced two new additions to the team. Paul Blank has joined the campaign as Deputy Campaign Manager and Chris Kofinis has joined as Communications Director. Edwards’ campaign to build One America continues to grow, opening new offices and hiring more staff.
“We are thrilled that Paul and Chris are joining our team,” said Campaign Manager David Bonior. “Our campaign continues to grow and gain strength as more and more Americans respond to Senator Edwards’ vision of One America, where every person has the chance to work hard and get ahead. Paul and Chris’ talent and experience make them valuable additions to our team.”
Blank previously worked as Director of Trippi & Associates and as the National Political Director for Governor Howard Dean’s presidential campaign.
Kofinis’ political career involves a number of grassroots and political campaigns, including the draftwesleyclark.com campaign, the first successful draft campaign of a presidential candidate in American history, a Senior Advisor to presidential candidate Wesley Clark,
EDWARDS STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF LADY BIRD JOHNSON
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Senator John Edwards released the following statement about the death of former first lady Lady Bird Johnson.
“Elizabeth and I join the nation in mourning the loss of Lady Bird Johnson. Mrs. Johnson helped lead the country through a difficult time and brought grace and dignity to the White House and everywhere she went. Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to her family during this difficult time.”
EDWARDS CAMPAIGN RAISES MORE THAN $9 MILLION DURING 2ND QUARTER
Campaign raises small change for big change for America; Expands grassroots base
Chapel Hill, North Carolina - The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that it raised more than $9 million during the second quarter fundraising period, double what it raised during the second quarter of the 2004 campaign and putting the campaign ahead of pace to raise the $40 million needed to implement the campaign's plan.
Senator John Edwards' campaign has been built on reaching out to all Americans - not just those who can give the maximum donation, so this quarter the campaign focused on its "Small Change for Big Change" program to expand its donor base and energize supporters. Small Change for Big Change raised low-dollar money through low-dollar fundraising events, and online, mail and telephone donations. Edwards' campaign relies on grassroots support to get his message out to voters. Edwards has never taken a dime from PACs or Washington lobbyists, and this quarter more than half of the amount raised came from grassroots fundraising. Ninety-three percent of contributions were $100 and under this quarter compared to last quarter when 80 percent of contributions were $100 and under.
"We are thrilled with the support we've received from people across the country," said Deputy Campaign Manager Jonathan Prince. "Americans from every walk of life are responding to Senator Edwards' message and bold plans to build One America. The campaign wants to thank all of our supporters for their hard work - because of their efforts we will have the resources we need to be competitive and win the nomination."
The campaign expanded its donor base this quarter as more and more Americans join Edwards' campaign to build One America, where every person has the same opportunities to succeed that he has had. This year, more than 100,000 Americans have contributed to Edwards' campaign for change, and 4,000 contributors attended the campaign's "Small Change for Big Change" fundraisers.
Americans from across the country realize that the stakes are too high to not elect a Democrat to the White House in 2008 and believe Edwards is both the most electable candidate and the candidate with the boldest plans to truly change our country. Edwards has support from Americans from every part of the country, receiving contributions from every state. Additionally, more than 30 percent of contributions came from red states.
Second quarter fundraising figures from the John Edwards for President campaign include:
- More than $9 million raised total.
- More than $4.7 million raised from grassroots fundraising.
- More than 100,000 contributors from across the country this year.
- About $3.5 million raised online.
- 93% of contributions were $100 and under.
- More than 30% of contributions were from red states.
PROMINENT LATINOS ENDORSE EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that numerous Latino elected officials and community leaders are endorsing Senator John Edwards for president. Latino leaders supporting Edwards include U.S. Representatives Raul Grijalva (AZ) and Charlie Gonzalez (TX), and former New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid, Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus Vice-Chair Trey Martinez Fischer and former Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund Chair Frank Herrera, Jr.
“I am proud to have the support of these prominent leaders,” said Edwards. “Too many Americans today are separated from the opportunities of this country, but working together, we can build One America where all people have the chance to work hard and get ahead. We can guarantee health care for every man, woman and child in this country, eliminate poverty and protect the right to organize, and ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to succeed that I’ve had.”
These leaders are supporting Edwards because of his vision to build One America, where every person has the chance to succeed regardless of race, gender or income. Edwards has proposed bold policies to lift up Latino communities. He has proposed a truly universal health care plan, which would cover every man, woman and child in American, including the one out of every three Latinos who lack coverage. Edwards also has detailed plans to end poverty in America, expand our middle class and strengthen our education system.
"I strongly believe that John Edwards is the right man for the Democrats to nominate for the White House in 2008," said Grijalva. "He has shown principled leadership on the way in Iraq and on economic opportunity in America."
“John Edwards and I share a commitment to improving the lives of working families,” said Gonzalez. “He understands, as I do, that the key to economic development is making sure that our society honors and rewards hard work. Any American who is willing to work hard should have the opportunity to create a better life for his or her family, and John Edwards has spent his life fighting to make this happen.”
"I am proud to endorse my friend, Senator John Edwards," said Madrid, the first Hispanic woman ever elected to the position of state Attorney General. "He has always fought for real change in women's lives—working tirelessly to raise the minimum wage, end poverty and guarantee universal health care."
“The issues that John Edwards cares most passionately about and talks about everywhere he goes -- eliminating poverty, creating economic opportunities, bringing about universal health care, raising the minimum wage, and making the dream of home ownership more accessible to all Americans – are kitchen table issues for Latino families everywhere in this country,” said Fischer.
Latino leaders endorsing Edwards include:
U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva (AZ)
U.S. Representative Charlie Gonzalez (TX)
Former New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid
President of Unidos of Iowa Lena Avila Robinson
President of Quad City Mexican American Organization Celia Rangel
John Edwards For President Campaign Opens Eight New Offices In New Hampshire; Hires Additional Field Staff
Campaign Continues To Build Momentum After Release Of First New Hampshire Ad
Manchester, New Hampshire – The John Edwards for President Campaign announced that its grassroots New Hampshire campaign continues to grow with the opening of eight new offices, bringing the total to 10, and the hiring of additional field staff.
"Our campaign in New Hampshire continues to build momentum," said Beth Leonard, New Hampshire State Director. "As Senator Edwards travels the state, people are responding tremendously to his leadership on ending the war in Iraq, providing truly universal healthcare, and fighting poverty.
"With the release of our first ad, the opening of additional offices, and the hiring of more field staff we are making sure we have the resources to harness the growing grassroots support that Edwards is inspiring with his leadership across the state. We are going to be going after every single vote in New Hampshire, we will be competing everywhere."
The campaign is opening new community offices in Berlin, Keene, Laconia, Lebanon, Portsmouth and Strafford. The campaign already has community offices in Concord, Manchester, and Nashua.
The campaign is hiring an additional eleven field staffers, bringing the total of paid staffers to 40. They will be joining dozens of interns, countless volunteers and a grassroots Leadership Committee of elected officials, community leaders and activists across the state.
