2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Former New Jersey Giuliani Supporters Endorse John McCain

FORMER NEW JERSEY GIULIANI SUPPORTERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the endorsement of former members of Mayor Giuliani's New Jersey Leadership Team. Chairman George Gilmore of Ocean County served as Giuliani's State Chair and will now join John McCain's New Jersey Steering Committee. Mr. Gilmore will be joined by other former leaders of Mayor Giuliani's campaign in New Jersey, including U.S. Congressman Frank LoBiondo, former Governor Donald DiFrancesco and Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr.

"John McCain is the one candidate in the race who has proven that he has the experience and judgment to keep our country safe," said Chairman Gilmore. "Our country faces dangerous threats at home and abroad, we need a commander in chief with the national security experience to keep our families safe."

John McCain thanked the new members of his New Jersey Steering Committee, saying, "I am grateful for the support of Mayor Giuliani and his former New Jersey Leadership Team. I look forward to their counsel as we work toward victory on Super Tuesday."

ADDITIONS TO JOHN MCCAIN 2008 NEW JERSEY STEERING COMMITTEE

Chairman George Gilmore of Ocean County -- Former Giuliani NJ State Chairman
U.S. Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R -- 02)
Former Governor Donald DiFrancesco
Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R -- Westfield) -- Former Giuliani NJ Hon. State Chairman
Deputy Senate Minority Leader Diane Allen (R -- Burlington)
Deputy Conference Leader Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R -- Somerville)
Republican Assembly Whip Jon Bramnick (R -- Westfield)
Assemblyman Dr. Eric Munoz (R -- Summit)
Assemblyman John Amodeo (R -- Linwood)
Assemblyman Vince Polistina (R -- Egg Harbor Twp)
Chairman Rob Ortiz of Bergen County
Chairman David Von Savage of Cape May County
Chairman John Sette of Morris County
Chairwom an Loren Oglesby of Gloucester County
Chairman Paul Reed of Salem County
Chairman Dale Florio of Somerset County
Chairman Phil Morin of Union County
Chairman Doug Steinhardt of Warren
Chairman Henry Kuhl of Hunterdon County
Chairman Jose Arango of Hudson County
Chairman Larry Pepper of Cumberland County
Chairman Roy Wesley of Mercer County
Former Chairman Col. Mike Warner of Burlington County

The Minnesota Daily Editorial Board Endorses Barack Obama For President

A real voice for change
The editorial board endorses Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States.

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Minnesota voters will gather to choose nominees for the next president of the United States. On Tuesday, the Editorial Board urges you to make your voice heard and to consider Sen. Barack Obama for your vote.

MPR Poll: Clinton, McCain Leading In Minnesota

Poll: Clinton, McCain leading in Minnesota
by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio
January 31, 2008

"With just five days until Minnesota's precinct caucuses, a new statewide poll shows Republican John McCain and Democrat Hillary Clinton leading in the race for president. The Minnesota Public Radio News/Humphrey Institute poll shows McCain with a 19-point advantage over his nearest GOP rival. Clinton's lead was seven points over Barack Obama."

Two New Ads Highlight Need For Real Solutions To America’s Economic Challenges

Two New Ads Highlight Need For Real Solutions To America’s Economic Challenges

With the stakes higher than ever, the Clinton Campaign today launched two new ads in February 5th states across the country touting Hillary’s ability to tackle the economic challenges facing America 

The first 30-second spot, entitled "Free Fall,” features a skydiver free falling as headlines flash across the screen detailing the housing foreclosure crisis and stock market woes. As the parachute opens, the ad makes the case that Hillary is the candidate who can address the problems plaguing our economy and protect our children’s future.

In the second 30-second spot, entitled “Can Do,” Hillary vows to carry Americans’ voices with her to the White House and bring people together to solve America’s problems. The ad outlines her plan to jumpstart our economy and create millions of new jobs.

Following are the scripts for the ads.

Hillary for President

“Free Fall”

[On Screen] A skydiver free falls, as the ground quickly approaches. Newspaper headlines with bad economic news.

[Announcer]  Our economy could be heading into freefall.

[On Screen] Free fall continues. More newspaper headlines.

For millions of Americans, foreclosures, interest rates, and health care costs are spinning out of control.

With your job and family security in the balance, the stakes have never been higher in choosing our new president.

[On Screen] Skydiver’s parachute opens

The person you can depend on to fix the economy and protect our future.

[On Screen] Still shot of Hillary Clinton

[Hillary Clinton:]  I’m Hillary Clinton and approved this message.

***

Hillary for President

“Can Do”

[Hillary Clinton:] Americans still have that can-do spirit.

We know you can't solve economic problems with political promises.

The stakes are too high, the future too important.

We can turn our economy around and build a new age of prosperity.

I will bring more than my 35 years of experience to the White House.

I will bring your voice... and your spirit.

We are Americans, and together there's no problem we can't solve...

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message because the stakes have never been higher.

Obama Raises $32 Million Dollars In January

Obama Raises $32 Million Dollars In January

David Plouffe in a conference call this morning stated that "In the month of January we have acquired 170,000 new donors for the campaign, which puts us at a total of about 650,000 for the campaign in it's entirety. And we will report raising at least $32 million for the Primary in the month of January."

Rudy Giuliani Message To Supporters And Endorsement Of John McCain

Rudy Giuliani Message To Supporters And Endorsement Of John McCain

Over the past year, as I traveled around the country, people from all walks of life welcomed me into their homes and communities with open arms. From house parties to parades to town halls and rallies, I have shared in some wonderful moments with you all and for that I am eternally grateful.

Thank you for sharing your concerns with me. Thank you for working with me to provide our children with a brighter and more prosperous future. Thank you for your support and trust and faith. And thank you for being a part of this wonderful journey.

A New York Republican named Teddy Roosevelt once said “aggressive fighting for the right is the noblest sport the world affords.” Like most Americans, I love competition. I don't back down from a principled fight.

But there must always be a larger purpose.

Elections are about more than just a candidate. Elections are about fighting for a cause larger than ourselves. They are about identifying the great challenges of our time and proposing new solutions.  Most of all, they are about handing our nation to the next generation better than it was handed to us.

Although we were unsuccessful in our endeavor, the fight to strengthen America goes on. Our nation's next President must understand and make a commitment to keep us on offense in the Terrorists' War on Us. He must understand that stimulating our economy requires cutting taxes, because you make better decisions with your money than Washington bureaucrats. He must be committed to ending illegal immigration and securing our borders. And he must use free-market principles to make health care more affordable for all Americans.

I believe John McCain is that man. He is the right leader to move us forward, unite our party and transform Washington. I hope that you will join me in supporting him to be the next President of the United States.

As I look forward to the road ahead, I am optimistic because I believe America's best days are still to come. Our country has a bright future, but we must work together to ensure that our shared prosperity creates new and better opportunities for us all.

Best Wishes,

Rudy Giuliani 

Mike Huckabee At The GOP Debate At The Ronald Reagan Library

Former Arkansas Governor Delivers a Strong Performance at the GOP Debate at the Ronald Reagan Library

Little Rock, AR - Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee spoke to the American people about the vital issue of the economy at the GOP Presidential Debate at the Reagan Library.  Huckabee reiterated a common theme of his campaign, that average Americans are struggling in the current economy.

"If you talk to people driving trucks, they'll tell you fuel prices are higher.  They are not making more money to haul items, but they are spending more to do it," Huckabee said.  "I think what Americans are looking for is someone who will talk straight with them. We need to have someone who will address policies, not just for the people at the top, but for the average American."

Huckabee said a new infrastructure package would help stimulate the U.S. economy. "For every dollar we spend, it would create jobs.  Let's create more jobs with American workers, American concrete and American steel," he said.

Huckabee has the most executive leadership of any Republican candidate, having served as governor of Arkansas for more than ten years.  He believes that experience makes him the best qualified person to lead this country.

"When you're a governor, you manage a microcosm of the federal government," Huckabee said.  "Washington doesn't understand how states operate, but states understand how Washington operates because we had to deal with unfunded mandates."

Huckabee touted his conservative credentials, earned while serving as governor of Arkansas.    

"I created the first broad-based tax cut with a 90 percent Democratic legislature. I balanced a budget every year, I consistently supported the human life amendment, I also supported the marriage amendment - two conservative hallmarks," he said. "I believe in less government and lower taxes."

On the issue of illegal immigration, Huckabee spoke of his plan to build a border fence.

"What we have to do is have a secure border fence and I propose to do that within 18 months of office," Huckabee said.  "We have to have a process where the people who are here have to go to the back of the line and start over, that way we create a system that's legal and protects the dignity of all Americans."

Huckabee said he supports the "Reagan doctrine" on peace through strength.  "We must have enough troop strength of the regular Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine, so that we don't have extended deployments out of the National Guard."

On the issue of Iraq, Huckabee said the U.S. needs to do what it takes to "get out of there with victory and honor.  We owe it to those who have gone before - so that they have not gone in vain, and for our future sons and daughters, so that they don't have to go there again soon." 

Huckabee said he has a consistent record of being pro-life.

"I value every human life, I would make every decision on the side of life." It goes to the heart of who we are as a country," Huckabee said.  "I'm pro-life."

Noting that the last four of out of five presidents were governors, Huckabee said that "governors understand leadership.  There is no such thing as an isolated issue - education, health care, economic development, they are all related.

"Governors don't get to specialize - we don't have that luxury.  We need to be able to handle on any given day, a variety of issues, and understand how they are woven together.  "Real leadership recognizes what your decisions do to people at the bottom - it's seeing the whole field," he said.

When asked if President Reagan would endorse his candidacy, Huckabee said "I endorse President Reagan and let me tell you why:  Ronald Reagan was more than a policy wonk - he loved this country and he inspired us to believe in ourselves again. He loved America and he knew it is a good nation.

"We need to recapture that American can-do spirit. He brought that to our country and made us believe in ourselves. I hope we continue to believe in ourselves again, and what made him a great American."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT: Governor Mitt Romney At The Second Reagan Library Debate - Vol. II

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE SECOND REAGAN LIBRARY DEBATE – VOL. II

Fox News' Frank Luntz: FOX NEWS' FRANK LUNTZ: "First off, who won the debate tonight? I always begin that way." VOTER: "Romney." LUNTZ: "Who says John McCain won the debate tonight raise your hands, 3, only 4 of you. Who says Mitt Romney, about half of you." (Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," 1/30/08)

Watch The Luntz Post-Debate Focus Group: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZOSDnNoQyg

National Review's Kathryn Jean Lopez: "He hit back and defending his honor and truth on Iraq. I don't think most Americans get "timetables was a buzzword." I think they get that neither of these guys are Harry Reid. The sum of it is oddly, unnecessarily, McCain came off badly during an Iraq round." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Is Romney Reading the Corner?" National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Lopez: "I think Romney came off effective and competent." (Kathryn Jean Lopez, "Weird, Irritating Debate," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com/=, Posted 1/30/08)

Townhall's Mary Katharine Ham: "Mitt Romney is exactly right on letting states take the lead on global warming and emissions standards if they want to tighten them, but he does the work McCain wouldn't do by pointing out that those actions have consequences in higher costs and lost jobs. When he talks these issues, he is smart and right." (Mary Katharine Ham, "Global Warming Mania!" Townhall Blog, www.townhall.com, Posted 1/30/08)

Captain's Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Mitt Romney won this debate. He looked crisp, sharp, had facts at his command, and exuded confidence." (Ed Morrissey, "Live Blog And Wrap Up," Captain's Quarters' Blog, https://www.captainsquartersblog.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

CNN's Bill Schneider: "A couple of Romney's answers were quite good, particularly on the Iraq timetables issue." (Bill Schneider, "The Night's Big Winner: Huckabee," CNN's Political Ticker Blog, https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Schneider: "Romney's giving a pretty interesting conservative explanation of a health care plan that otherwise makes conservatives nervous. As he explains, it forces people to pay their own way — which they get." (Bill Schneider, "Romney Makes A Sale On Health Care," CNN's Political Ticker, https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Schneider: "Romney's giving a full-throated rebuttal to McCain's charge that he proposed a timetable on Iraq withdrawal – and he's right. That was a strong answer." (Bill Schneider, "Romney Calls McCain Out," CNN's Political Ticker, https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

National Review's Mark Hemingway: "I think I can say that Romney was the clear winner in the debate." (Mark Hemingway, "For the First Time," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Hemingway: "[Gov. Romney] showed an admirable fighting spirit." (Mark Hemingway, "For the First Time," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Hemingway: "Romney kept his head about him and remained gracious even as a number of his charges against McCain stuck." (Mark Hemingway, "For the First Time," National Review's The Corner Blog, https://corner.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder: "Applause from audience when Romney says Reagan would have found the dirty tricks reprehensible." (Marc Ambinder, "Debate Wire," Atlantic Online, https://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

· Ambinder: "Romney gives a strong answer that weaves together his experience with his resume...notes that Abe Lincoln wasn't a military leader..." (Marc Ambinder, "Debate Wire," Atlantic Online, https://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

Instapundit's Glenn Reynolds: "GOOD POINT BY ROMNEY about how McCain shouldn't 'demean' people who start businesses. McCain has been doing that a lot, acting as if meeting a payroll is somehow less honorable than working for the government." (Glenn Reynolds, "Good Point By Romney," Blog, https://instapundit.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: About Governor Mitt Romney At The Second Reagan Library Debate

WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE SECOND REAGAN LIBRARY DEBATE

National Review's Jim Geraghty: "When Romney takes his shots at McCain, it's both strong and fair - he acknowledges that McCain has some areas in which he's a conservative, but he takes several fair shots - McCain Feingold; voting against the Bush tax cuts twice (McCain noted earlier that he had voted to make them permanent)." (Jim Geraghty, " How Rarely I Get To Write This: Romney Takes McCain To School," National Review's The Campaign Spot, https://campaignspot.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Geraghty: "I like that Romney says that the original version of the McCain-Kennedy immigration legislation wasn't so bad, and that it got worse as it moved through the process. It shows familiarity with the legislative details." (Jim Geraghty, " How Rarely I Get To Write This: Romney Takes McCain To School," National Review's The Campaign Spot, https://campaignspot.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Geraghty: "'Let me help you with the facts, Senator.' Wow. Romney nails him for pointing out the study McCain is referring to in his answer about job creation and loss includes his predecessor, Jane Swift, who lost many jobs on her watch." (Jim Geraghty, " How Rarely I Get To Write This: Romney Takes McCain To School," National Review's The Campaign Spot, https://campaignspot.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Geraghty: "Where the heck has this Romney been? He just calmly and clearly took McCain to school." (Jim Geraghty, " How Rarely I Get To Write This: Romney Takes McCain To School," National Review's The Campaign Spot, https://campaignspot.nationalreview.com, Posted 1/30/08)

The American Spectator's John Tabin: "Romney corrects some of McCain's facts – McCain confused Romney's lieutenant governor with his predecessor, among other things. I think Romney won this exchange." (John Tabin, "Romney Vs. McCain," The American Spectator Blog, www.spectator.org, Posted 1/30/08)

CNN's Bill Schneider: "Romney's response scores big points with conservatives – and with a lot of Americans who aren't conservative." (Bill Schneider, "Big Points For Romney On Immigration," CNN's Political Ticker, https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

· Schneider: "Romney is winning this big-time — McCain's wrong. We already have timetables for everything in Iraq, whether we stick to them or adjust them later on." (Bill Schneider, "Romney Has McCain On The Ropes," CNN's Political Ticker Blog, https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com, Posted 1/30/08)

National Review's Mark Hemmingway: "Not that I needed anyone to tell me the McCain-Lieberman cap-and-trade program is a bad idea, but Romney's dissection of it was clear and compelling." (Mark Hemmingway, "Not That I Needed Anyone," National Review's The Corner, https://corner.nationalreview.com=, Posted 1/30/08)

Captains Quarters' Ed Morrissey: "Romney dominating near the close -this debate is owned by Mitt." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Dominating Near The Close," Heading Right, https://headingright.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

· Morrissey: "Romney's Playing Ball Control. He's answering in depth, and by doing so he gets more air time. He's using the format to his advantage." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Dominating Near The Close," Heading Right, https://headingright.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

· Morrissey: "Romney is getting the best of this exchange … Romney does a good job of keeping the tone even and factual while scolding McCain for getting the data incorrect." (Ed Morrissey, "Romney Is Getting The Best Of This Exchange," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Posted 1/30/07)

Commentary Magazine's John Podhoretz: "Mitt Romney is doing a great job. Very commanding. He's far more substantive than McCain." (John Podhoretz, "Mitt Romney," Commentary Magazine, https://www.commentarymagazine.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

Ankle Biting Pundits' Bull Dog Pundit: "We're 45 minutes in and I'm not going to go point by point, but I have to say that Romney is hitting the notes he needs to." (Bull Dog Pundit, "GOP Debate," Ankle Biting Pundits, https://www.anklebitingpundits.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

· Bull Dog Pundit: "Purely on substance Romney hit it exactly right when he started talking about the need for entitlement reform.  When he said we have to 'change the deal' on Social Security and Medicaid for people in their 40's I almost stood up and cheered. He also did a great job of pointing out John McCain's conservative apostasies." (Bull Dog Pundit, "GOP Debate," Ankle Biting Pundits, https://www.anklebitingpundits.com/, Posted 1/30/08)

Heading Right's Douglas Gibbs: "Romney's expertise …and knowledge of economics and facts is outshining his opponents." (Douglas Gibbs, "Romney's Expertise," Heading Right Blog, https://headingright.com/, Posted 1/30/07)

Heading Right's Faust Wertz: "Romney's answers are great … Clear, to the point but explaining what needs to be explained, and he looks comfortable." (Faust Wertz, "Romney's Answers Are Great," https://headingright.com/, Heading Right Blog, Posted 1/30/07)

Governor Mitt Romney Addresses His Vision To Strengthen America

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ADDRESSES HIS VISION TO STRENGTHEN AMERICA

Simi Valley, CA – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the California Republican Presidential debate:

"Since the Republican candidates first met to debate at the Reagan Presidential Library in May, two diverging visions for this nation have emerged.  One is steeped in Washington and places a higher premium on misleading attacks.  Tonight, Governor Romney spoke to another vision that believes Washington is broken and in need of fundamental change.  As President, Mitt Romney will bring conservative change that lowers taxes, controls spending and streamlines government.  In less than a week, Americans from across this country will head to their primary or caucus location.  To change Washington, we need someone from outside Washington."