2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Bill Richardson Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner Photos

Bill Richardson Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner Photos

John Edwards Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner Photos

Statement from Rudy Giuliani in Honor of Veteran’s Day

Statement from Rudy Giuliani in Honor of Veteran’s Day

New York City – Rudy Giuliani made the following statement today in honor of Veteran’s Day: 

“Throughout our nation’s history, no group has done more to ensure we live in freedom than our servicemen and women.  We have a responsibility to our veterans and their families that should not end with their tour of duty. 

“While we remember and honor those who have fought in wars past, we must keep in our thoughts and prayers the men and women fighting today in the Terrorists’ War on Us.  The sacrifice made by all servicemen and women – in active duty, the National Guard, and the Reserves – must be recognized not just with praise, but with the assurance that they and their families will be taken care of once their service is completed.” 

John Edwards Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner Photos

Governor Bill Richardson At The Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Dinner

Governor Richardson at Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Dinner: "I Will Get All of Our Troops Out by the End of 2009, Not 2013"
Richardson calls for an end to negative, personal attacks; pledges prosecution of those responsible for torture

DES MOINES, IA-- At the Iowa Democratic Party Jefferson-Jackson Dinner tonight, supporters of New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson lowered banners which read "2013," emphasizing the refusal of Senators Clinton and Obama and John Edwards to end the Iraq war by the year 2013. Richardson again advocated getting every American troop out of Iraq quickly and safely without leaving behind any residual forces.

"The Iraq war is one of the real policy differences in this campaign," Richardson said. "Let me be clear before I start: I believe in every Democrat here tonight. I believe that they all have the character to lead this nation. This difference is not about character-- it is about whether and how we are going to end this war. Barack, Hillary, and John were asked to pledge to have all of our troops out of Iraq by 2013, and they refused to do so. I have made that pledge.

"Barack, Hillary, and John are saying that it will take them longer to end the war in Iraq than it took FDR to win World War II. We can get out faster. The experts know it, I know it, and the American people know it. Now let us do it."

Governor Richardson also asked for an end to negative, personal attacks and proposed a positive vision for America.

"You cannot build up America by tearing other Democrats down," Richardson said. "At the beginning of this campaign, I offered a pledge to campaign positively. I stand by that pledge. I believe in every Democrat here tonight. However, that does not mean that we do not have policy differences-- those are what we should be talking about. We should be talking about our different visions for bringing peace to Iraq, improving our education system, and preventing a war with Iran.

"I am going to win because Americans do not want personal attacks and negativity. They want a positive vision for America. Winning an election is not worth sacrificing our principles. It is time for a new vision. I have a vision of America in ascendancy. It is a vision that all of our people, whether they live in a blue, red, or purple state, can share."

During his speech, Governor Richardson recognized John Early, an American pilot he rescued from Sudan, and said that he would have rejected the nomination of Judge Michael Mukasey as Attorney General of the United States. Richardson also pledged that, as President, he would prosecute anyone responsible for torture.

"Here in the audience is a man named John Early," Richardson said. "He was a Red Cross pilot who was captured and held for ransom in Sudan. After 40 days in captivity, I was able to bring him home. Whenever I negotiate to free a hostage, I need up-front assurances: Is he or she being cared for? Is he or she sick or injured? Has he or she been tortured?

"The United States will possess no moral authority if our Attorney General cannot say whether or not waterboarding is torture. I never would have allowed Judge Mukasey to become Attorney General-- I would have filibustered the nomination. As President, I always will show up and fight against torture. I never will compromise. I will find out who is responsible for torture, and if laws were broken, there will be prosecutions. No one is above the law."

Excerpts Of Senator Obama’s Prepared Remarks For Tonight’s Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner

Excerpts of Senator Obama’s prepared remarks for tonight’s Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner

“When I’m your nominee, my opponent won’t be able to say that I supported this war in Iraq; or that I gave George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran; or that I support that Bush-Cheney diplomacy of not talking to leaders we don’t like.  And he won’t be able to say that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether it’s ok for America to use torture – because it’s never ok.  That’s why I’m in it.” 

“This party – of Jefferson and Jackson; of Roosevelt and Kennedy – has made the most difference in people’s lives when we’ve led, not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction; when we’ve had leaders who could summon the entire nation to a common purpose – a higher purpose.  And I am running for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States because that’s the party America needs us to be right now. “

“I don’t want to pit Blue America against Red America, I want to lead the United States of America.” 

“I’m running because of what Dr. King called “the fierce urgency of now.”  I’m running because I believe there’s such a thing as being too late.  And that hour is almost upon us.

I run for the presidency for the same reason I fought to bring jobs to the jobless and hope to the hopeless on the streets of Chicago; for the same reason I stood up for justice and equality as a civil rights lawyer; for the same reason I’ve fought for Illinois families for over a decade. 

Because I will never forget that the only reason I’m standing here today is because someone, somewhere stood up when it was risky.  Stood up when it was hard.  Stood up when it wasn’t popular.  And because that someone stood up, a few more stood up.  And then a few thousand.  And then a few million.  And together, standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world. 

That’s why I run, Iowa – to give my children and yours the same chances someone gave me.

That’s why I run, Democrats – to keep the promise of America alive for those who still hunger for opportunity and thirst for equality.

That’s why I’m asking you to stand with me, to caucus for me, to stop settling for what the cynics tell us we must accept.  In this election – at this moment – let us reach for what we know is possible.  A nation healed.  A world repaired.  An America that believes again.”

Former POWS Support John McCain For President

FORMER POWS SUPPORT JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the endorsement of nearly 80 former prisoners of war. Among the former POWs declaring their support for John McCain are admirals, generals, Medal of Honor recipients, executives, professors, authors and doctors. The average length of captivity for this group exceeds six years.

"John McCain is a remarkable patriot and leader," said Captain Mike Cronin, USN (Ret.). "John embodies the qualities of honor, integrity, loyalty and courage that are part of our nation's military tradition. No other candidate running for president is more qualified or more capable of leading our great country in these challenging times." Cronin is fellow Naval Academy graduate and was a POW for six years.

John McCain added, "During my military career, I had the honor of serving in the company of heroes in the brutal confines of POW camps in Vietnam. Our ordeal was incredibly long, arduous and painful, and those with whom I shared that experience made sacrifices unequaled in American history. They truly earned the description of hero and are symbols of what Americans are capable of doing. I am honored by their support."

FORMER POWS SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

The Honorable Everett Alvarez, Cdr. USN (Ret.)
Col. Mo Baker, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Ted Ballard, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Jim Bell, USN (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Jim Berger, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Jack Bomar, USAF (Ret.)
Major Gen. John L. Borling, USAF (Ret.)
Mr. Ernie Brace
Mr. Huby Buchanan      
Col. Ron Byrne, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Bob Certain, USAFR (Ret.)
Cdr. Doug Clower, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Jerry Coffee, USN (Ret.)
Col. Quincy Collins, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Ken Coskey, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Mike Cronin, USN (Ret.)
Col. Bud Day, USAF (Ret.), Medal of Honor
Col. Dan Doughty, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Lee Ellis, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Jack Ensch, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Bob Fant, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Jack Fellowes, USN (Ret.)
Col. Fred Flom, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Dave Ford, USAF (Ret.)
Cdr. Larry Friese, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral By Fuller, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Ralph Gaither, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Collins Haines, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Porter Halyburton, USN (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Tom Hanton, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Dave Hatcher, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Jay Hess, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Jim Hivner, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Dave Hoffman, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Chuck Jackson, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Jim Kasler, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Tom Klomann, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Rod Knutson, USN (Ret.)
Col. Hal Kushner, USA (Ret.)
Mr. Jim Lollar   
Vice Admiral Ed Martin, USN (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Ski Maslowski, USA (Ret.)
Col. George McKnight, USAF (Ret.)
Major Gen. Ed Mechenbier, USAFR (Ret.)
Capt. Jim Mehl, USN (Ret.)
Mr. Lew Meyer
Vice Admiral Joe Mobley, USN (Ret.)
Col. Tom Moe, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Mel Moore, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Moon Mullen, USN (Ret.)
Maj. Spike Nasmyth, USAF (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Digger O'Dell, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Charlie Plumb, USNR (Ret.)
Lt.Col. Mel Pollack, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Ben Pollard, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Fred Purrington, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Brian Ratzlaff, USAF (Ret.)
Brigadier Gen. Jon Reynolds, USAF (Ret.)
C dr. Jack Rollins, USN (Ret.)
Maj. Wes Schierman, USAFR (Ret.)
Capt. Pete Schoeffel, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Ned Shuman, USN (Ret.)
Cdr. Larry Spencer, USN (Ret.)
Col. Bob Stirm, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Dick Stratton, USN (Ret.)
The Honorable Orson Swindle, Lt.Col. USMC (Ret.)
Col. Bunny Talley, USAF (Ret.)
Capt. Dick Tangeman, USN (Ret.)
Capt. Nels Tanner, USN (Ret.)
Col. Leo Thorsness, USAF (Ret.), Medal of Honor
Cdr. Bill Tschudy, USN (Ret.)
Col. Terry Uyeyama, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Jack Van Loan, USAF (Ret.)
Maj. Dick Vaughan, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Wayne Waddell, USAF (Ret.)
Col. Bob Waggoner, USAF (Ret.)

John Edwards At The Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Dinner

EDWARDS GAINS MOMENTUM HEADING INTO THE IOWA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S JEFFERSON JACKSON DINNER
Iowans from across the state are responding to Edwards’ message of bold change

Des Moines, Iowa – Today, Senator John Edwards will attend the Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson Jackson Dinner and call on America to rise up and meet the great moral test of our generation – ensuring that our children have a better, more prosperous life than we’ve had.  Edwards has dedicated his campaign to standing up for hard-working Americans who have no voice in Washington.  Edwards’ speech at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner comes as his campaign is gaining momentum in Iowa with its first television ad, the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities, increasing union support and strong grassroots organizations in all 99 counties.

“This election is not about the past, it’s about the future,” Edwards said. “And the question is, what are we going to do for our children? Are we willing to look our children in the eye and say ‘I’m going to turn this mess over to you?’ I believe it’s our responsibility to leave our children a better future – and that means standing up to the special interests and returning our government to the American people, so we can finally restore the promise of America for our children.”

Edwards’ campaign continues to gain strength in Iowa.  Last week the campaign launched its first television ad in Iowa, and yesterday Edwards received the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities. Iowans continue to respond to Edwards’ specific plans to ensure that all Americans have the chance to work hard and get ahead. On every issue, from health care to trade to the war in Iraq, Edwards has proposed detailed solutions to change our country.

The campaign has built strong grassroots organizations in every county in Iowa.  The Edwards campaign is the first campaign to announce steering committees in all 99 Iowa counties.  Additionally, Edwards is the only candidate with both County Chairs and Rural County Chairs in every county, and last month Edwards reached an important milestone as he became the first candidate to visit – and answer questions from Iowans – in all 99 counties.

Last month, Edwards also earned the endorsements of the Iowa State Council of the Service Employees International Union and 11 other State Councils across the nation – including, most recently, New Hampshire. This is in addition to endorsements from the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America, the Iowa Postal Workers Union, the Transport Workers Union of America, and the United Mine Workers of America.

Biden Campaign Takes Step Toward Pubic Financing

BIDEN CAMPAIGN TAKES STEP TOWARD PUBLIC FINANCING

Wilmington, DE (November 9, 2007): Today, the Biden for President Campaign filed a threshold submission with the FEC.  This filing is the first step necessary to seek public financing for the 2008 presidential primary campaign.  The campaign will make a final decision about accepting public financing during the next month. 

"The ground is beginning to move in Iowa and the other early states as poll numbers continue to show movement and endorsements continue to pile up,” said Luis Navarro, Biden for President Campaign Manager.  “And we are taking every step to ensure that we will have the necessary resources to compete in Iowa and the other early states."