2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Quad City Times Endorses Hillary Clinton For President

QUAD CITY TIMES ENDORSES HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT

“Hillary Clinton passes test after test after test.”

The Quad City Times, a major daily newspaper serving Iowa and Illinois, today endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, calling her “tested” and citing her experience and ability to solve problems.

According to the endorsement editorial, the newspaper found Hillary Clinton to be “a proven, passionate, intelligent leader with a breadth of legislative and executive experience that is the best of a good bunch.”

Hillary has also been endorsed by the Des Moines Register and the Vinton Eagle.

New TV Ad “Enough” Highlights Obama’s Commitment To American Workers

Obama Vows to Protect Workers from Unfair Trade Deals
New TV Ad “Enough” Highlights Obama’s Commitment to American Workers

INDIANOLA – U.S. Senator Barack Obama today discussed his commitment to fight for fair trade for America’s workers, reject trade agreements that weren’t in American workers’ best interest, and enforce the agreements we do have.  The Obama Campaign also released a new television ad, Enough, in which Obama vows to end tax breaks for companies moving jobs overseas and reward companies that invest in America.  To view “Enough”, click HERE.

The Bush Administration has done little to protect Americans whose livelihoods are being threatened by globalization and changes in technology.  By failing to enforce U.S. trade agreements, overseas companies and workers have been given an unfair and sometimes illegal advantage over American workers. 

“American workers deserve better. When I’m President, we’ll make sure our trading partners live up to their agreements,” Obama said.   “We’ll have a trade representative who’s actually representing American workers. And we’ll do more to stop countries like China from acting unfairly when it comes to trade – because no country should get a free pass if they’re bending the rules.”

Obama will make enforcement the top priority of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Office, and he will increase resources for the USTR so it can carry out its responsibility to protect American interests.  As President, Obama will only negotiate trade agreements that benefit American workers and have strong and enforceable labor and environmental standards in the body of the agreement.  In addition, Obama will help workers hurt by the effects of globalization get back on their feet by strengthening training programs and providing assistance for health care costs.      

“When I’m President, we’ll give you training before you lose your job if there’s a good chance it will get shipped overseas,” Obama said.  “We’ll give you an education account that you can use to retrain. We’ll help ensure that losing your job doesn’t also mean losing your health care by giving you some extra money to pay for it. And we’ll make sure employers give you an additional month’s notice before letting you go – so you have 90 days’ notice, instead of just 60.  We’re not going to be able to stop globalization in its tracks, but what we can do is have a President who’s standing up for American farmers and workers. That’s why I’m running for President.”

Below is the script of “Enough”:

Visual
Audio

B&W still of BO
BO VO:

I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

BO speaking to town hall sized crowd
BO Synch: Ordinary people all across the country are struggling from paycheck to paycheck.

If the plant moves to China, and you’ve been working there for 20, 30 years and suddenly you have the rug pulled out from under ya…

And you don’t have healthcare, and you don’t have a pension, you’re on your own.

We gotta stop giving tax breaks to companies that are moving overseas and give those tax breaks to companies that are investing right here in IA

In the United States of America.

Barack Obama for President

Iowa.barackobama.com

Approved by Barack Obama.  Paid for by Obama for President.
Enough is enough.

Biden Garners Two More Iowa Legislative Endorsements

Biden Garners Two More Iowa Legislative Endorsements
Iowa State Reps. Dennis Cohoon and Eric Palmer Bring Biden’s Total To 16

Des Moines, IA (December 22, 2007) – Today, Sen. Joe Biden received endorsements from two key Iowa elected officials.  State Representatives Dennis Cohoon of Burlington and Eric Palmer of Oskaloosa become the 15th and 16th Iowa State legislators to endorse Sen. Biden. 

“I am supporting Sen. Biden because he’s the most prepared to be president from Day One,” said Rep. Cohoon.  “And as a high school special education teacher for thirty years, I know Sen. Biden can accomplish the education reforms we need to get kids in preschool earlier and give them the opportunity to go to college.”

Rep. Palmer stressed Sen. Biden’s experience in world affairs and his commitment to civil rights: “The Des Moines Register talked about knowledge and experience in their endorsement. To me Joe Biden exhibits real knowledge and experience in foreign affairs and his understanding of the constitution, both qualities not exhibited by this White House.  As Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, I am particularly impressed with Sen. Biden’s expertise in constitutional law, which will be critical to getting America back on track.”

In commenting on the endorsements, Biden for President National Political Director Danny O’Brien said, “These are two huge endorsements for Senator Biden that point to his growing momentum in the state.  Eric and Dennis were highly sought after and the fact that they chose Joe Biden demonstrates that Iowans are beginning to focus in on what really matters in a president, authenticity and readiness for office.”  Added O’Brien, who is also serving as Iowa State Director for the campaign, “We are very grateful to Eric and Dennis for stepping up at this critical time.”

In accepting the endorsement, Senator Biden said, “Getting the endorsement of two men I respect so much is a great tonic for the final push in Iowa.  I know that what matters most in Iowa are the voices inside the caucuses who have the most respect from their constituents.  That voice belongs to state and local officials.  I have such tremendous gratitude for Rep. Cohoon and Rep. Palmer for their support and their confidence in our campaign.”

Reps. Cohoon and Palmer join an impressive group of Iowa state legislators who have endorsed Senator Biden including: State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Des Moines), Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Polly Butka (Clinton), Rep. John Whitaker (Hillsboro), Rep. Doris Kelley (Waterloo), Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids), Rep. Roger Thomas (Elkader), Rep. McKinley Bailey (Webster City), State Senator Herman C. Quirmbach (Ames), Rep. Mary Gaskill (Ottumwa) and Rep. Bruce Hunter (Des Moines).

Biden Campaign Announces Caucus Countdown Tour

BIDEN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES CAUCUS COUNTDOWN TOUR
Biden to Barnstorm State in Final Campaign Swing

Des Moines, IA (December 21, 2007): The Biden Campaign announced today that Sen. Joe Biden will return to Iowa on Wednesday, December 26th, to kick-off the campaign’s ‘Caucus Countdown Tour’.  The tour will begin with a Caucus Countdown Rally in Des Moines on Wednesday evening. 

The following day, Biden will hit the trail for an eight-day barnstorm of the state which will take him through 28 counties. Over the course of this campaign Biden will have visited 90 of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Further details on countdown tour events are forthcoming.

Former NH Senator Bob Smith Endorses Duncan Hunter For President

FORMER NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATOR BOB SMITH ENDORSES DUNCAN HUNTER FOR PRESIDENT
"Hunter is the Inspirational Leader America Needs"

Tuftonboro, NH–Former Senator Bob Smith, a staple of the New Hampshire Republican conservative movement, today endorsed Congressman Duncan Hunter for President of the United States.  Describing him has an "inspirational leader" and the one best qualified to carry the "Reagan Torch," Senator Smith sent a letter to his fellow conservatives throughout New Hampshire making them aware of his support, a copy of which is provided.

Smith was initially elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from 1985-1990, before being elected to the U.S. Senate where he served until 2003.  During his congressional tenure, Senator Smith established himself as a strong Republican and the most conservative leader in the Northeast.

"I am honored and privileged today to receive the endorsement of my good friend Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire," stated Hunter.  "For many years, we have worked together to bring conservative values to Washington D.C.  On several issues, including building America's military, the sanctity of human life, and protecting American's 2nd Amendment rights, Senator Smith has led with conviction and principle.  It means a great deal to have the confidence of a leader who has done so much for our nation."

Senator Smith's endorsement letter follows:

Dear New Hampshire Friends:

"After spending several weeks listening to all of the candidates, I have decided to support Congressman Duncan Hunter for President. I do not take this decision lightly. There are a lot of fine men running for this office and I know that many of you may have already made your choice.  Your vote in the "First in the Nation Primary" is a very precious and personal right. Your decision will likely determine who will be the next leader of the free world. What an awesome responsibility! I only ask that you give serious consideration to the points that I make in this letter of endorsement for Congressman Hunter before you vote..."

Edwards To Return To Iowa For Eight-Day Tour Leading Up To Iowa Caucuses

EDWARDS TO RETURN TO IOWA FOR EIGHT-DAY TOUR LEADING UP TO IOWA CAUCUSES

Des Moines, Iowa – On Thursday, December 27th, Senator John Edwards will return to Iowa for an eight-day tour across the state leading up to the caucuses.  The tour will begin the afternoon of December 27th at approximately 12:00 noon in Waukon, Iowa.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2007

Waukon
Decorah
Waverly
Waterloo

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2007

Independence
Dubuque
Cedar Rapids
Tipton
Davenport

The remainder of the schedule is still being finalized, and further details will follow in the coming days.

Obama To Make Stops Across Iowa Before Caucuses On “Stand for Change” Tour

Obama Makes Last Swing Before Caucuses on “Stand for Change” Tour
Obama To Make Stops Across Iowa December 26 – January 3

DES MOINES – The Obama Campaign today announced U.S. Senator Barack Obama will travel across Iowa on the “Stand for Change” Tour on Wednesday, December 26 through Caucus Day, Thursday, January 3rd.  Obama will ask Iowans across the state to “Stand for Change” by caucusing for him on January 3rd and taking the first step towards truly transforming our country and our politics. 

Clinton Campaign Announces: Big Challenges, Real Solutions Iowa Tour

Clinton Campaign Announces: Big Challenges, Real Solutions Tour - Time to Pick A President

Final Swing Through Iowa Before The Caucuses To Focus On Hillary’s Ability to Deliver Meaningful Change For Americans

Hillary Clinton will return to Iowa on December 26th to launch her final campaign tour through Iowa before the caucuses.  During the “Big Challenges, Real Solutions Tour – Time To Pick A President,” Hillary will articulate what is at stake for caucus goers in this election.  Citing her experience as an agent for positive change for 35 years, Hillary will outline the challenges that Americans face at home and around the world and how her unique background makes her the most qualified person to be the next President of the United States. 

While many candidates talk about change, Hillary Clinton is the only one with the record, strength, and experience that demonstrates that she is able to deliver.  From providing universal health care to strengthening the economy to ending the war in Iraq, Hillary Clinton is the only candidate who knows how to produce real results for Americans. 

She will kick-off the tour in Mt. Pleasant.  Hillary will be joined by President Bill Clinton, Governor Tom Vilsack, and Christie Vilsack.   

“As Iowans know, picking a President is an awesome responsibility and our nation faces unprecedented challenges.  We need someone with tested strength, experience and leadership to get the job done,” said Governor Vilsack.  “Some people say you can demand change.  Others say we can hope for change.  Hillary believes that you have to work for change.  That’s what she has been doing for 35 years and that’s exactly what she’ll do as our next president.”   

Fred Thompson Receives the Endorsement of Bill Salier

Fred Thompson Receives the Endorsement of Bill Salier

Mclean, VA - Today the Fred Thompson campaign announced the endorsement of Bill Salier, a staunch pro-life, small government conservative who made an impressive showing as candidate for U.S. Senate in 2002. Salier recently served as Iowa State Chairman of Congressman Tom Tancredo's Presidential Campaign.

"I am honored to endorse Senator Fred Thompson for President," said Bill Salier.  "Senator Thompson has been a consistently strong advocate in securing our borders and enforcing the rule of law.  He has the leadership and experience we need guiding this nation and serving the people of Iowa."

A former Marine who completed his tour of duty in Somalia, Bill Salier took the Iowa political scene by surprise when the then-unknown family farmer and former Marine ran a true grassroots campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2002. Salier garnered 42 percent of the vote in the Republican primary against then-Congressman Greg Ganske.  Most recently, Bill served as the Iowa State Chairman of Tom Tancredo's Presidential Campaign.  A graduate of Iowa State University, Bill and his wife Karla operate the family farm near Nora Springs, Iowa.

"I am very pleased to have the support of Bill Salier," said Senator Thompson.  "A native Iowan and veteran of the Marine Corps, Bill is a true conservative leader in Iowa who understands the increasing challenges facing this nation.  We share the same conservative principles and I look forward to working with him as we spread our message of consistent conservatism to the great people of Iowa."

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "It's Personal To Me"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "IT'S PERSONAL TO ME"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "It's Personal To Me."  In the ad, Governor Romney talks about his agenda to strengthen Michigan.  Born and raised in Michigan, Governor Romney is proud of his roots in the state and believes it is "inexcusable that Michigan is undergoing a one-state recession."  To strengthen the economy, Governor Romney believes we must, in part, invest in technology, open markets and keep taxes down.  After a successful private sector career, Governor Romney is the only candidate who understands the business world and how the economy works. 
The ad will begin airing today as part of the campaign's rotation in Michigan.

Script For "It's Personal To Me" (TV:30):

GOVEROR MITT ROMNEY: "And for me, Michigan is personal.

"It's inexcusable that Michigan is undergoing a one-state recession.

"High levels of unemployment, industry is shrinking here, jobs are going away.

"We're going to invest in technology and research to make sure that American goods are pushing into other markets.

"We're also going to have to do a better job keeping our taxes down.

"I think I'm probably the only guy on this stage who spent most of his career in the business world.

"I understand how the economy works.

"There's a lot we can do to strengthen Michigan.

"I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."