2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Two New Barack Obama TV Ads Airing In February 5th States

Two new ads in Feb 5th states

These two new ads will be airing in February 5th states.

"Lift" featuring Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri and "First" featuring Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona

Bob Dole Among The First Lady's Guests At The 2008 State Of The Union

Guest List for the First Lady's Box at the 2008 State of the Union

Former Senator Bob Dole (R, KS), Co-Chair, President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors (Russell, Kansas)
In March 2007, President Bush selected former Senator Bob Dole as Co-Chair of the Commission on Care for Wounded Warriors along with former Secretary Donna Shalala of the Department of Health and Human Services under President Bill Clinton. The President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors conducted a comprehensive review of the care provided to service members returning from the Global War on Terror from the time they leave the battlefield through their return to civilian life. Born in Russell, Kansas, Senator Dole has served his country in several capacities, including as a soldier in World War II, a Representative, a Senator, national chairman of the Republican Party, President Gerald Ford's running mate, and the Republican Party nominee for president in 1996. In 1997, President Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also received the American Patriot Award in 2004 for his lifelong dedication to America and his service in World War II.

Barack Obama To Visit Minnesota Saturday

Barack Obama To Visit Minnesota Saturday

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced today that Barack Obama would visit Minnesota on Saturday, February 2, 2008. A check of possible Minneapolis venues show that both the Target Center and University of Minnesota Sports Pavilion are available that day.

UPDATE: The event will be held Saturday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Obama’s Campaign for Change Comes to Minnesota

ST. PAUL – On Saturday, U.S. Senator Barack Obama will campaign in Minnesota. Obama will ask Minnesotans across the state to stand for change by voting for him at the precinct caucuses on February 5th and take the first step towards bringing to Washington the kind of change we can believe in.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Minneapolis, MN

RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
Target Center
600 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Doors Open: 1:30 PM

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. To RSVP for your free online ticket today please visit https://minnesota.barackobama.com/minneapolis or visit one of our ticket distribution locations listed below beginning Thursday, January 31st.

***For security reasons, bags are not allowed inside the event. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.***

Further details to be announced as they become available.

TICKET DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS.

Obama for America Minnesota State Headquarters
2233 University Ave W Suite 225
St. Paul, MN 55114
P:651-645-2008
Hours: 9AM to 10PM

Obama for America Minneapolis Office
212 N 3rd Avenue, Suite 340
Minneapolis, MN 55401
P: 651-528-9340
Hours: 9AM to 10PM

Obama for America Southwest Minnesota Office
2002 2nd Street SW, Suite 5
Rochester, MN 55902
P: 507-206-7941
Hours: 9AM to 10PM

Obama for America South Central Minnesota Office
505 Riverfront Ave.
Mankato, MN 56001
P: 813-465-4003
Hours: 9AM to 10PM

Obama for America Northeast Minnesota Office
126 W 1st Street
Duluth, MN 55802
P: 218-464-3895
Hours: 9AM to 10PM

Obama for America Central Minnesota Office
904 W. Germain Street
St. Cloud, MN 56301
P: 320-248-2335
Hours: 9AM to 10PM

Obama for America North Central Minnesota
15 Washington Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
P: 218-464-3896
Hours: 9AM to 10PM

University of Minnesota (Student Tickets)
Coffman Student Union
Fireplace Lounge
Minneapolis, MN 55455
P: 612-418-9936
Hours: 9AM to 10PM

John Edwards Campaign To Launch TV Ads In Minnesota

John Edwards Campaign To Launch TV Ads In Minnesota

The campaign will launch aggressive media buys starting in 10 states and likely expanding in the days leading up to February 5th. These will be significant media buys that will have a real impact on the race, particularly because voters in these states have not yet had broad exposure to John Edwards’ message. As we saw in South Carolina, once people have a chance to hear directly from John Edwards, the numbers move.

Minnesota: Edwards has the support of dozens of Democratic elected officials and party leaders from every region of the state including U.S. Representative Jim Oberstar, Chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, State House Majority Leader Tony Sertich and Former MN State Senator Ted Mondale.

Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy Endorses Barack Obama

During a rally at American University in Washington, DC, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Representative Patrick Kennedy, and Caroline Kennedy today endorsed Barack Obama for President.

Here are the remarks of Caroline Kennedy as prepared for delivery...

"Good Afternoon Everyone, and thank you, Patrick, for that introduction and for continuing our family’s proud tradition of public service.

It’s a special privilege to come to American University where President Kennedy made his immortal call for a  peaceful world - a world made safe for diversity—a world that cherishes our children’s future.

Over the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wish they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This longing is even more profound today.  Fortunately, there is one candidate who offers that same sense of hope and inspiration and I am proud to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President.

I am happy that two of my own children are here with me, because they were the first people who made me realize that Barack Obama is the President we need. He is already inspiring all Americans, young and old, to believe in ourselves, tying that belief to our highest ideals - ideals of hope, justice, opportunity and peace – and urging us to imagine that together we can do great things.

My Uncle Teddy feels the same way, and I am proud to stand with him today. For more than four decades in the Senate, Teddy has led the fight on the most important issues of our time: civil rights, social justice, and economic opportunity. Workers, families, the elderly, the disabled, immigrants, and men and women in uniform – all have no stronger champion. He has stood with teachers, students and parents to improve our public schools and help with the high price of a college education. When it comes to fighting for quality, affordable health care, Teddy is in a league of his own.

I know his brothers would be so proud of him. He is an inspiration to all the members of our family – always looking to the future, never the past, always hopeful, always believing that we are capable of our very best. You know him well but I’m honored to introduce him now – Senator Edward Kennedy."

Here are the remarks of Senator Ted Kennedy as prepared for delivery...

"Thank you, Caroline.  Thank you for that wonderful introduction and for your courage and bold vision, for your insight and understanding, and for the power and reach of your words.  Like you, we too “want a president who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again.”  Thank you, Caroline.  Your mother and father would be so proud today.

Thank you, Patrick, for your leadership in Congress and for being here to celebrate and support a leader who truly has the power to inspire and make America good again, “from sea to shining sea.”

Thank you, American University.

I feel change in the air.               

Every time I’ve been asked over the past year who I would support in the Democratic Primary, my answer has always been the same:  I’ll support the candidate who inspires me, who inspires all of us, who can lift our vision and summon our hopes and renew our belief that our country’s best days are still to come.

I’ve found that candidate.  And it looks to me like you have too.

But first, let me say how much I respect the strength, the work and dedication of two other Democrats still in the race, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. They are my friends; they have been my colleagues in the Senate.  John Edwards has been a powerful advocate for economic and social justice.  And Hillary Clinton has been in the forefront on issues ranging from health care to the rights of women around the world.  Whoever is our nominee will have my enthusiastic support.

Let there be no doubt: We are all committed to seeing a Democratic President in 2008.

But I believe there is one candidate who has extraordinary gifts of leadership and character, matched to the extraordinary demands of this moment in history.

He understands what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called the “fierce urgency of now...”

...Now, with Barack Obama, there is a new national leader who has given America a different kind of campaign—a campaign not just about himself, but about all of us.  A campaign about the country we will become, if we can rise above the old politics that parses us into separate groups and puts us at odds with one another...

..And in Barack Obama, I see not just the audacity, but the possibility of hope for the America that is yet to be.

What counts in our leadership is not the length of years in Washington, but the reach of our vision, the strength of our beliefs, and that rare quality of mind and spirit that can call forth the best in our country and our people.

With Barack Obama, we will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion.

With Barack Obama, we will close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, ethnic group against ethnic group, and straight against gay.

With Barack Obama, we will close the door on the old economics that has written off the poor and left the middle class poorer and less secure.

He offers a strategy for prosperity—so that America will once again lead the world in better standards of life.

With Barack Obama, we will break the old gridlock and finally make health care what it should be in America—a fundamental right for all, not just an expensive privilege for the few... 

...Barack Obama is the one person running for President who can bring us that change.

Barack Obama is the one person running for President who can be that change.

I love this country. I believe in the bright light of hope and possibility. I always have, even in the darkest hours. I know what America can achieve. I’ve seen it.  I’ve lived it—and with Barack Obama, we can do it again.

I know that he’s ready to be President on day one.  And when he raises his hand on Inauguration Day, at that very moment, we will lift the spirits of our nation and begin to restore America’s standing in the world.

There was another time, when another young candidate was running for President and challenging America to cross a New Frontier.  He faced public criticism from the preceding Democratic President, who was widely respected in the party. Harry Truman said we needed “someone with greater experience”—and added: “May I urge you to be patient.” And John Kennedy replied: “The world is changing. The old ways will not do…It is time for a new generation of leadership.”

So it is with Barack Obama. He has lit a spark of hope amid the fierce urgency of now.

I believe that a wave of change is moving across America. If we do not turn aside, if we dare to set our course for the shores of hope, we together will go beyond the divisions of the past and find our place to build the America of the future.
My friends, I ask you to join in this historic journey -- to have the courage to choose change.

It is time again for a new generation of leadership.

It is time now for Barack Obama."

Here are the remarks of Senator Obama as prepared for delivery...

"Thank you Congressman Kennedy and Caroline and Senator Kennedy for your words, your support, and the service you’ve rendered to this country.

I stand here today with a great deal of humility. I know what your support means. I know the cherished place the Kennedy family holds in the hearts of the American people. And that is as it should be. Because the Kennedy family, more than any other, has always stood for what’s best about the Democratic Party, and about America. That each of us can make a difference and all of us ought to try. That no frontier is beyond our reach when we’re united, and not divided. And that those of us who are not content to settle for the world as it is, can remake the world as it should be – that together, we “can seek a newer world.”

No one embodies this proud legacy more than the people we’ve just heard from. For a woman who was introduced to America in the spotlight, Caroline has worked out of public view to bring about change in our communities. Whether it’s her work with New York City’s public schools or the Profile in Courage Award or through books on politics, civil rights and history, Caroline has been a quiet force for change in this country. And it’s an honor to have her support.

It’s also an honor to have Congressman Kennedy’s support. He’s been a real leader in the fight to make sure every American has equal access to the quality mental health care they need. It’s one of the great civil rights issues of our time, and it’s an issue I’m proud to have worked on with him. He’s not just part of the next generation of Kennedy leaders, he’s part of the next generation of Democratic and American leaders, and I look forward to fighting by his side in the months and years to come.

And it is a special honor and privilege to have the support of the Congressman’s father, Senator Kennedy. In the year I was born, President Kennedy let out word that the torch had been passed to a new generation of Americans. He was right. It had. It was passed to his youngest brother...

...Today isn’t just about politics for me. It’s personal. I was too young to remember John Kennedy and I was just a child when Robert Kennedy ran for President. But in the stories I heard growing up, I saw how my grandparents and mother spoke about them, and about that period in our nation’s life – as a time of great hope and achievement. And I think my own sense of what’s possible in this country comes in part from what they said America was like in the days of John and Robert Kennedy.

I believe that’s true for millions of Americans. I’ve seen it in offices in this city where portraits of John and Robert hang on office walls or collections of their speeches sit on bookshelves. And I’ve seen it in my travels all across this country. Because no matter where I go, or who I talk to, one thing I can say for certain is that the dream has never died.

The dream lives on in the older folks I meet who remember what America once was, and know what America can be once again.  It lives on in the young people who’ve only seen John or Robert Kennedy on TV, but are ready to answer their call.

It lives on in those Americans who refuse to be deterred by the scale of the challenges we face, who know, as President Kennedy said at this university, that “no problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.”

And it lives on in those Americans – young and old, rich and poor, black and white, Latino and Asian – who are tired of a politics that divides us and want to recapture the sense of common purpose that we had when John Kennedy was President.

That is the dream we hold in our hearts. That is the kind of leadership we need in this country. And that is the kind of leadership I intend to offer as President.

So make no mistake: the choice in this election is not between regions or religions or genders.  It’s not about rich versus poor; young versus old; and it is not about black versus white.  It’s about the past versus the future.

It’s about whether we’re going to seize this moment to write the next great American story. So someday we can tell our children that this was the time when we healed our nation. This was the time when we repaired our world. And this was the time when we renewed the America that has led generations of weary travelers from all over the world to find opportunity, and liberty, and hope on our doorstep.

One of these travelers was my father. I barely knew him, but when, after his death, I finally took my first trip to his tiny village in Kenya and asked my grandmother if there was anything left from him, she opened a trunk and took out a stack of letters, which she handed to me.

There were more than thirty of them, all handwritten by my father, all addressed to colleges and universities across America, all filled with the hope of a young man who dreamed of more for his life. And his prayer was answered when he was brought over to study in this country.

But what I learned much later is that part of what made it possible for him to come here was an effort by the young Senator from Massachusetts at the time, John F. Kennedy, and by a grant from the Kennedy Foundation to help Kenyan students pay for travel. So it is partly because of their generosity that my father came to this country, and because he did, I stand before you today – inspired by America’s past, filled with hope for America’s future, and determined to do my part in writing our next great chapter.

So I’m asking for your hands. I’m asking for your help. And I’m asking for your hearts.  And if you will stand with me in the days to come - if you will stand for change so that our children have the same chance that somebody gave us; if you’ll stand to keep the American dream alive for those who still hunger for opportunity and thirst for justice; if you're ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell you you must accept, and finally reach for what you know is possible, then we will win these primaries, we will win this election, we will change the course of history, and light a new torch for change in this country – and “the glow from that fire can truly light the world."

Janet Huckabee Northwestern College, Roseville, Minnesota Photos

American Nurses Association Endorses Clinton

AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION ENDORSES CLINTON

The Clinton campaign today announced the endorsement of the American Nurses Association (ANA). The ANA represents the interests of the nation’s 2.9 million registered nurses.

“Too many Americans must do without high quality health care, and this country deserves a president that will make health system reform a priority,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “Senator Clinton has shown a commitment to implementing real change in our health care system to ensure high quality, affordable and accessible care. She has also recognized the importance of educating, recruiting and retaining, RNs, and the need to improve nurses’ work environment which includes addressing safe and appropriate staffing. America’s 2.9 million registered nurses represent the largest group of health care professionals. We have long advocated for the critically needed reforms vital to the improvement of health care and will use our power in the voting booth to make health care a priority.”

“I am honored to have the support of the American Nurses Association,” said Clinton. “We owe nurses a great debt of gratitude for the critical role they play every day in providing quality care. As President, I will continue to support efforts to attract and retain qualified nurses, especially in rural and urban areas, and to improve working conditions. I look forward to working with America’s nurses to deliver affordable, quality health care to every American.”

Hillary has a history of working for America’s nurses. In the Senate, Hillary introduced the Nursing Education and Quality of Care Act, which would expand the number of programs that address nursing faculty shortages and increase the supply of nurses in rural areas. As part of the Nurse Reinvestment Act, she helped create grants that expanded nurse Magnet hospitals. Hillary also supported increased funding for both Title VII and Title VIII, which help to address the higher education needs of nurses and nursing faculty. Finally, she has supported programs to attract nurses to the field, including efforts to improve the quality of the working environment for nurses.

Hillary’s American Health Choices Plan will cover all Americans and improve health care by providing consumers new choices, lowering costs and improving quality. Under Hillary’s plan, Americans who like the insurance they have can keep it and stay with their doctor. But Americans who don’t like the coverage they have will be able to pick from the same set of plans Members of Congress choose for themselves. Under Hillary’s plan, insurance companies won’t be able to deny people coverage for a pre-existing condition and tax credits will ensure that working families never have to pay more than a limited percentage of their income for quality health care. People who change jobs will be able to keep their health care.

ANA has been making presidential endorsements since 1984. The endorsement process includes sending a questionnaire on nursing and health care issues to all of the Democratic and Republican candidates, an invitation to all of the Democratic and Republican candidates for a personal interview and an online survey of ANA’s membership regarding which candidate is most supportive of nursing’s agenda.

Ron Paul TV And Radio Ads Run In Minnesota

Ron Paul TV And Radio Ads Run In Minnesota
“Ron Paul is the only Republican committed to win Minnesota”

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Republican Texas Congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul begins to run television and radio ads in Minnesota today.  The ads will run focusing on the economy and Ron Paul’s unmatched Republican record.

“Ron Paul is the only Republican candidate committed to win Minnesota,” says Ron Paul Minnesota State Coordinator, Marianne Stebbins. “

With eight days until the February 5 Republican caucus, Minnesotans can expect more from the Ron Paul campaign.

“We have the numbers and organization statewide to compete in Minnesota,” says Stebbins. “We plan on surprising many people on February 5.”

"Who Is Ron Paul?" Radio Ad Script

Narrator: Who is Ron Paul, the Republican candidate for President? 
Ron Paul served his country as a flight surgeon after the Cuban Missile crisis.

As a young doctor, Ron Paul worked nights in the emergency room of an inner city hospital, taking care of everyone, whether they could pay or not.

As an OB-GYN, Ron Paul delivered over 4,000 babies. 

As a doctor, Ron Paul knows our health care system needs real change--where patients and doctors are in charge, not big corporations or government bureaucrats.

As a Congressman for almost two decades, Ron Paul knows our Constitution is there to protect our freedom and limit government in our lives.

He has never voted for a tax increase or an unbalanced budget.  His record clearly shows he will cut taxes and stop runaway spending.  People who know him call him the taxpayers’ best friend.

To learn more about this remarkable man, go to RonPaul2008.com.  That’s Ron Paul 2008.com.

Ron Paul: I’m Ron Paul and I approve this message.

“Trouble” TV Ad Script

Ron Paul: I’m Ron Paul and I approve this message.

Ron Paul: Our nation is in serious trouble. It breaks my heart to see the foreclosures, jobs leaving our country, and tense cities on the edge of empty neighborhoods. For years I’ve warned against the bad policies destroying our dollar and bankrupting our nation. Now the crisis is here.

Narrator: Guided by the Constitution and the principles that made our country great. Ron Paul is a proven leader. Ron Paul has the answers for our economic crisis. Ron Paul for president.

“Economy” Radio Ad Script

Narrator: Our dollar, our economy, and our nation are in serious trouble. The dollar is falling. Gas and heating oil are at record highs. All our children and grandchildren’s future is mortgaged to the tune of two hundred thousand dollars each. Who saw it coming? Ron Paul. Who can lead us back to prosperity? Ron Paul.

Ron Paul: Our nation is in serious trouble. It breaks my heart to see the foreclosures, jobs leaving our country, and tense cities on the edge of empty neighborhoods. For years I’ve warned against the bad policies destroying our dollar and bankrupting our nation. Now the crisis is here.

Narrator: Ron Paul will stop the reckless spending that weakens our dollar and endangers social security and the future of our children and grandchildren. Ron Paul will free Americans to use their creativity to bring prosperity back to us again. Ron Paul will return this country to sound principles, to sound money, to the constitution. Ron Paul has the answers.

Ron Paul: I’m Ron Paul and I approve this message.

Narrator: Paid for by Ron Paul 2008 PCC

"Defender of Freedom" TV Ad Script

Narrator: “He defends our freedom, and his record shows it…  Ron Paul.

“Answering our country’s call, Ron Paul became a flight surgeon in the Air Force.

“As a doctor, Ron Paul delivered over 4,000 babies and is a leading defender of life.

“In Congress, Ron Paul never voted to raise taxes, never voted for an unbalanced budget, never voted to restrict gun rights or raise congressional pay.

“Protecting our God-given freedom… Ron Paul for President.”

Congressman Paul: “I’m Ron Paul and I approve this message.”

Six California Newspapers Endorse John McCain For President

SIX CALIFORNIA NEWSPAPERS ENDORSE JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

The Stockton Record, the Los Angeles Daily News, the Chico News & Review, The San Jose Mercury News, the Santa Cruz Sentinel and The Sacramento Bee endorse John McCain

"Make no mistake: McCain is a staunch Republican. He's willing to stray from partisanship for partisanship's sake. He's willing to take stands that aren't popular with members of his party and forge coalitions with Democrats." -- The Stockton Record

"In McCain, Republicans have a candidate who is true to their party's ideals but not a lackey to its leadership. ... [W]hen it couldn't have been less popular, McCain pushed for the surge. History has proved him right on that score, too. And many U.S. troops and Iraqis' lives have been saved because of it." -- The Los Angeles Daily News

"Among the viable Republican candidates, John McCain is the best choice. On several issues -- immigration, global warming and trade among them -- he is as good as any candidate, Republican or Democratic ... [He's] consistently fought to expose wasteful, pork-barrel spending. He's long championed campaign-finance reform. As a former POW, he understands that torture is unworthy of America, and has pledged never to use it and to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. -- The Chico News & Review

"Six month ago, McCain's campaign was in shambles. What has caused voters to give him a second look are his integrity and authenticity. ... At 71, McCain would be inaugurated as the nation's oldest president. But with age has come a maturity and steadfastness of purpose." -- The San Jose Mercury News

"McCain has the kind of grit and determination that comes to a man who has suffered and overcome. ... He is the most electable Republican running and he's conservative enough. He's a politician who delivers straight talk; a man who has been down and doesn't stays there." -- Santa Cruz Sentinel

"As a senator with 20 years experience, a former Navy pilot and Vietnam prisoner of war, McCain has the independence, moral compass and public service ethos to renew the presidency and his party." -- The Sacramento Bee

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches “Not Endorsed”

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches “Not Endorsed”

Winter Park, FL – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the launch of a new web video, entitled “Not Endorsed.”

Script for “Not Endorsed”:

Voice Over: “Rudy Giuliani is not endorsed by The Tampa Tribune. Not endorsed by the Orlando Sentinel. Not endorsed by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. In fact, he’s not endorsed by any of the liberal newspapers. When you’re responsible for cutting people’s taxes by an incredible seventeen percent …”

Chyron: “Rudy cut taxes 17%”

Voice Over: “… and announce a plan to give Americans the biggest tax cuts in history …”

Chyron: “Announced plan to give biggest tax cut in history”

Voice Over: “… when you fight to appoint conservative federal judges …”

Chyron: “Fought for Conservative Judges”

Voice Over: “… want to grow America’s military to make sure our families are protected …”

Chyron: “Wants to Expand the Military”

Voice Over: “… demand that new citizens learn to read, write and speak English …”

Chyron: “New Citizens must Read, Write, and Speak English”

Voice Over: “… and that welfare recipients work for the benefits …”

Chyron: “Required Welfare Recipients to Work for Benefits”

Voice Over: “… you’re the last person on earth to be endorsed by the liberal New York Times.  Rudy Giuliani. Tested.  Ready.  Now.”

Chyron: “Tested.  Ready.  Now.”

Mayor Giuliani: “I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message.”