2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Rob Hogg Endorses Hillary Clinton For President

Cedar Rapids State Senator Rob Hogg Endorses Hillary Clinton for President

DES MOINES, IA – Iowans for Hillary today announced State Senator Rob Hogg’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President.  With two endorsements announced today, Hillary Clinton has earned the support of 18 Iowa legislators.

"I am convinced Hillary Clinton is ready to lead our country and restore America's standing in the world," said Hogg.  "Her energy and climate plan would create thousands of new green jobs in Iowa, protect our environment, and break our dependence on foreign oil."

“Rob Hogg has been a true leader on environmental and public safety issues, and I am honored to have his support,” said Senator Hillary Clinton.  “With his help, we’ll bring our message of change across Iowa.”

Todd Taylor Endorses Hillary Clinton For President

Cedar Rapids State Representative Todd Taylor Endorses Hillary Clinton for President

DES MOINES, IA – Iowans for Hillary today announced State Representative Todd Taylor’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President.  With two endorsements announced today, Hillary Clinton has earned the support of 18 Iowa legislators.

“I took a thoughtful look at the field of presidential candidates, and Hillary Clinton is the only one who has the strength and experience to turn America around,” said Taylor.  “She has been a champion of education issues all her life, and I believe in her promise to reclaim the future for our children.”

“I am honored to have the support of Representative Taylor, whose tireless efforts on behalf of education and children have improved the lives of Cedar Rapids residents,” said Senator Clinton.  “His leadership and experience will add significantly to my organization in Iowa.”

Commission On Presidential Debates Announces Sites, Dates, Formats And Candidate Selection Criteria For 2008 General Election

Commission on Presidential Debates Announces Sites, Dates, Formats and Candidate Selection Criteria for 2008 General Election

Paul G. Kirk, Jr. and Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., co-chairmen of the non-partisan, non-profit Commission on Presidential Debates ("CPD" or "the Commission") today announced dates, sites and formats of three presidential and one vice presidential debates for the 2008 general election. The dates and sites are:

First presidential debate:
Friday, September 26
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS

Vice presidential debate:
Thursday, October 2
Washington University in St. Louis, MO

Second presidential debate:
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, TN

Third presidential debate:
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

The two backup sites are Centre College in Danville, KY and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.

The Commission also announced formats for the debates.

All debates will be ninety minutes in length and start at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Each debate will be administered by a single moderator.

The first presidential debate will focus on domestic policy; the third presidential debate will focus on foreign policy.

The second presidential (town meeting format) debate will include any issues raised by members of that audience, and the vice presidential debate will include domestic and foreign policy.

In each debate except the town meeting format, the candidates will be seated at a table with the moderator.

Kirk and Fahrenkopf introduced two format features different from CPD formats of the past. The first change will be incorporated in the first and third presidential debates as well as the vice-presidential debate.

Each of those debates will be divided into 8 ten-minute issue segments; the moderator will introduce each segment with an issue on which each candidate will comment, after which the moderator will facilitate further discussion of the issue, including direct exchange between the candidates, for the balance of that segment. Time will be reserved for closing statements by each of the candidates in each debate.

Kirk and Fahrenkopf noted that this change is aimed at increasing the educational value of the general election debates. "Our mission is to promote voter education. The public deserves to hear and see the candidates offer and defend their positions on the critical issues facing our country in the most thoughtful and in-depth manner that television time constraints will allow. Loosening the constraints within the ninety minutes debate will allow for more serious examination of complicated questions. This change will also open the possibility of the moderator inviting candidates to question each other. We want voters to benefit from as full an explanation of a topic as possible, and we feel certain that the candidates will welcome this change for the same reason."

The second departure from past CPD formats will be the introduction of internet access to the presidential town meeting debate. Questions solicited by Internet will be included with those from citizens on the stage with the candidates.

Kirk and Fahrenkopf said: "The Commission believes that by including questions from Internet participants, we will enhance and expand the effectiveness of the town meeting debate. This technique has been employed in different ways during many of the primary debates. We will continue to learn from its use in the primary season, and we intend to consult with experts in information technology who can help us integrate it into a general election town meeting in a manner consistent with our non-partisan charter."

The Commission also released the 2008 Candidate Selection Criteria which will be used to determine who is invited to participate in the general election debates. In addition to being constitutionally eligible, candidates must appear on a sufficient number of state ballots to have a mathematical chance of winning a majority vote of the electoral college, and have 15% support in national polls before the debates.

The Gallup Organization will advise the CPD in the application of its criteria to polling data as it did in 2000 and 2004. View the 2008 Candidate Selection Criteria.

The co-chairmen noted that moderators for the four debates would be chosen in the summer of 2008.

The CPD was established in 1987 and sponsored all presidential and vice presidential debates in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004.

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "American Family"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "AMERICAN FAMILY"

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "American Family."  The ad highlights Governor Romney and Ann Romney talking with other parents about our country's future and the importance of strengthening families in America.  As President, Governor Romney will stand alongside parents by lowering tax burdens, ensuring a strong defense and strengthening laws that protect our children. 

The ad will begin airing today as part of the campaign's rotation in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Script and viewing link are below.

Script For "American Family" (TV:30):

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "I'm Mitt Romney, and I approve this message.

"The future of this country is more affected by the work that goes on within the four walls of the home than anything else.

"You teach kids about what TV to watch.  You teach them how to read."

ANN ROMNEY:  "And that's how we raised our boys, is knowing that they were the focus."

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY:  "It's just essential to have a home where faith, where love of country, where determination, where all of these features that are so much a part of America's culture are tied to our kids.

"And without that, I don't see how a society continues to lead the world."

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Television Ad, “Leadership”

Rudy Giuliani Campaign Launches New Television Ad

New York City - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced the launch of a new television ad entitled, “Leadership.”  The ad is airing in New Hampshire and Boston. 

Script for “Leadership”: 

MAYOR GIULIANI: “I believe I’ve had the most leadership experience of anyone that’s running.  It’s not just holding executive positions, like Mayor of New York, or United States Attorney, or 3rd ranking official in the Reagan Justice Department. It’s having held those positions in time of crisis.  I’ve been tested in a way in which the American people can look to me. They’re not going to find perfection, but they’re going to find somebody who has dealt with crisis almost on a regular basis and has had results. And in many cases, exceptional results. Results people thought weren’t possible. I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approve this message.”

Veteran Iowa Caucus Organizer Paulee Lipsman Endorses Sen. Biden

WOMEN FOR BIDEN GATHER TO ANNOUNCE THEIR SUPPORT
Veteran Iowa Caucus Organizer Paulee Lipsman Endorses Sen. Biden

Des Moines, IA (November 18, 2007) – Former DNC member and longstanding Iowa caucus veteran, Paulee Lipsman, today joined over 100 Women for Biden activists who will caucus for Sen. Biden on January 3rd. Women traveled from the state, including a number of prominent Iowa state legislators, elected officials and activists. In attendance were State Reps. Speaker Pro Tem Polly Butka, Assistant House Majority Leader Lisa Heddens, Mary Gaskill of Ottumwa, Doris Kelley of Waterloo, along with Scott County Board of Supervisors Roxanna Moritz, Phyllis Hughes Ewing, daug! hter of Former Iowa Governor Harold Hughes, and Dubuque activist Teri Goodmann. Delaware’s first woman Governor, Ruth Ann Minner attended the event as part of her weekend of campaigning in Iowa on behalf of Sen. Biden.

In announcing her support for Sen. Biden today, Paulee Lipsman said, “I looked over the field and talked to friends and family who had Joe Biden at the top of their list, but were not sure he could win. I have finally decided, as have many others, that Joe Biden in fact will make a great president and I want to do everything I can to help him win.”

Both Sen. Biden and Gov. Minner spoke at the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center in Des Moines, which honors the establishment of the first Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC’s) in 1942.  Sen. Biden is the author of a resolution designating this week as National Veterans Awareness Week and he chose the location as a tribute to the brave women veterans who have served our country.

“We are building the infrastructure to have a very successful caucus night,” said Danny O’Brien, Iowa State Director for the Biden campaign, “With the ‘queen of the caucuses’ on our team—Paulee Lipsman—our operation will now be that much more fierce and effective. We will exceed expectations on caucus night.”

New Huckabee Campaign Ad Featuring Chuck Norris To Air In Iowa

New Huckabee Campaign Ad Featuring Chuck Norris To Air In Iowa

Little Rock, AR - During an exclusive interview on Fox News Sunday this morning, former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee unveiled a new television ad featuring actor Chuck Norris that will begin airing in Iowa on Monday, November 19.

The 60-second TV ad, called 'Chuck Norris Approved," features Norris' endorsement of Huckabee as a "principled, authentic conservative." The ad also discusses Huckabee's support for the Fair Tax, securing the border, and the 2nd amendment.

"This is a light-hearted ad which draws attention to important issues. We want to show that running for President is serious business but a person can have fun doing it. I appreciate Chuck Norris' endorsement and his participation in the ad, which was designed to spotlight some key issues and to draw interested voters to our website," said Huckabee.

Mike Huckabee for President
:60 Television
"Chuck Norris Approved"

 

Announcer:  "An important policy message from Governor Mike Huckabee"

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "My plan to secure the border? Two words: Chuck Norris"

 

Chuck Norris on Camera: "Mike Huckabee's a lifelong hunter who will protect our 2nd Amendment rights"

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "There is no chin behind Chuck Norris's beard, only another fist."

 

Chuck Norris on Camera: "Mike Huckabee wants to put the IRS out of business"

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "When Chuck Norris does a push-up, he isn't lifting himself up, he's pushing the earth down."

 

Chuck Norris on Camera: "Mike's a principled, authentic Conservative"

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "Chuck Norris doesn't endorse - he tells America how it's gonna be."

 

"Mike Huckabee for President" logo on screen with website address

 

Mike Huckabee on Camera: "I'm Mike Huckabee, and I approve this message…" (both on camera) "So did Chuck."

 

Chuck Norris on Camera: "Chuck Norris approved"

 

"Chuck Norris Approved" logo on camera

Obama’s Iowa Campaign Announced A New Television Ad, "Need"

Obama Vows Consistent Support for American Workers
TV Ad: Obama Will Reverse Widening Gap between Workers and CEOs

MARION, IA – At a news conference today in Marion, Senator Barack Obama thanked members of United Auto Workers Region 4 for their decision last Thursday to support his presidential campaign and pledged that as President he would fight for workers, even when it isn’t politically convenient.  Obama’s Iowa campaign also announced a new television ad to begin airing Monday that offers his plan to reverse the widening gap between workers and executives. 

“As President, I’ll look out for Main Street, not just Wall Street,” said Senator Obama. “We’ll close the corporate loopholes that lobbyists put in our tax code. We’ll take tax breaks away from companies that ship our jobs overseas, and put them in the pockets of working Americans who deserve it. We’ll also make sure every American has a secure retirement by eliminating taxes for millions of seniors. And we’ll take on the insurance companies like I did in Illinois and pass universal health care by the end of my first term.”

Obama said that as President he would only sign trade agreements that have real protections for American workers.  He called Senator Clinton’s latest effort to distance herself from NAFTA a “tactic” that falls short of the strong consistent leadership that America’s workers need from their next president. 

“As some of you probably heard, at the debate the other night, Senator Clinton called NAFTA a mistake. And I was pleased to hear her say that because as more than 10,000 jobless Iowans know, that’s exactly what NAFTA is. But the fact is, Senator Clinton was a cheerleader for NAFTA for more than a decade,” said Senator Obama.  “I realize that changing your position to suit the politics of the moment might be a smart campaign tactic, but it’s not the kind of strong, principled leadership America needs right now.”

In a new 30-second advertisement entitled “Need,” set to begin airing Monday, Senator Obama describes American workers as the “bedrock” of our economy and proposes a plan to address the widening gap between the middle class and the wealthy.

For more than two decades, as a community organizer, a civil rights attorney, a State Senator, and a U.S. Senator, Obama has been fighting to improve the lives of working Americans.  In September, he unveiled his Middle Class Tax Fairness plan, which would restore balance to our tax code by closing corporate loopholes and provide tax relief for the middle class.  Obama’s plan will provide a tax cut for 1.7 million Iowans and eliminate the income tax for 100,000 Iowa seniors. 110,000 Iowa homeowners will get a tax break, and 300,000 seniors will no longer have to file income taxes.

SCRIPT – “Need”

Obama (talking to a small crowd): This administration has further divided Wall Street from Main Street.  You’ve got CEOs who are making more in 10 minutes than ordinary workers are making in a year.

Obama (direct to camera): The bedrock, the foundation of our economy is our workers.  And the middle class have been treading water or worse.

My plan says “Let’s restore some balance to our tax code.  Close these corporate loopholes the lobbyists put in.  And let’s make sure that tax breaks are given to people who really need it.”

The Obama Plan:

• Close corporate tax loopholes
• $1,000 per family tax cut
• No income taxes on seniors making under $50,000

New Hillary Clinton Ad In Iowa Entitled “Joe Ward”

New Clinton Ad In Iowa:
“I trusted this woman to save my son’s life.  And she did.”

A new television ad released in Iowa today features the story of a father who called on Senator Clinton for help when insurance companies refused to pay for life-saving medical treatment for his son.

The new 30-second spot, entitled “Joe Ward,” features a New York constituent whose son desperately needed a bone marrow transplant.  A call to Senator Clinton’s office would change his son Joel’s life.  He was notified the day after he called that his son’s expenses would be absorbed by his local hospital. 

“Now, her opponents are saying that Hillary can’t be trusted,” said Ward in the ad.  “I trusted this woman to save my son’s life.  And she did.”

Following is the script for the ad:

“Joe Ward”

TV :30

WARD:  Let me tell you a little story.  My son Joel had a terrible illness.  He needed a bone marrow transplant that our insurance wouldn’t cover and we couldn’t afford.

WARD:  We called Senator Clinton and asked for help.  Her office called the next day letting us know the hospital was going to absorb the cost of the transplant.

WARD:  Now, her opponents are saying that Hillary can’t be trusted.  I trusted this woman to save my son’s life.  And she did.

CLINTON:  I’m Hillary Clinton, and I approved this message.

Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Endorses Clinton

Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Endorses Clinton

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher.

"Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to deliver the change this country needs," Speaker Anderson Kelliher said. "She is uniquely qualified to lead this nation from her first day in the White House, and set about tackling the challenges we face at home and abroad."

In her first year as Speaker of the Minnesota House, Anderson Kelliher passed into law the nation’s leading renewable energy standard, requiring that 20% of the state’s energy consumption be renewable by 2020. Speaker Anderson Kelliher also emphasized the connection between higher education and job creation and provided the largest funding boost to Minnesota’s higher education system in years. In the aftermath of the tragic I35W bridge collapse, Anderson Kelliher has pressed for additional state and federal resources to rebuild and improve Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure.

After growing up on a farm in southern Minnesota, Anderson Kelliher now represents an urban neighborhood and brings a unique perspective to Minnesota politics.

"I’m honored to have Margaret’s support, and I’m delighted she’ll help bring our message of change across Minnesota," Clinton said.