2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Romney Communications Director Matt Rhoades Statement On The Fifth Republican Presidential Debate

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY OUTLINES THE VISION TO MOVE AMERICA FORWARD

Durham, NH – Tonight, Romney for President Communications Director Matt Rhoades released the following statement on the fifth Republican presidential debate:

"At tonight's Republican presidential debate, Governor Romney demonstrated the depth of experience, energy and vision needed to lead our country forward.  With a record of leadership from outside Washington, he is the only candidate who can bring conservative change to Washington and has a record of putting conservative principles to work.  With vision and substance, Governor Romney won the debate with a message of a strong economy, strong military and strong families."

A Statement From New Hampshire Chairman Bruce Keough

A STATEMENT FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAIRMAN BRUCE KEOUGH

"In winning tonight’s debate, Governor Romney again demonstrated that he has the experience and vision to be our next President.  His message to make America better by strengthening our military, our economy, and our families continues to resonate with New Hampshire voters.  Governor Romney is running a traditional New Hampshire campaign and will continue working to get every vote possible right up until Primary Day."

Statement From Rudy Giuliani Communications Director Katie Levinson

Statement from Communications Director Katie Levinson

New York City – Giuliani Communications Director Katie Levinson released the following statement tonight:

“It is increasingly clear Rudy is the only guy who has been truly tested and has the track record and experience to be the next President.”

Statement By Campaign Manager Rick Davis Following New Hampshire Debate

STATEMENT BY CAMPAIGN MANAGER RICK DAVIS FOLLOWING NEW HAMPSHIRE GOP DEBATE

ARLINGTON, VA -- Rick Davis, John McCain 2008 Campaign Manager, issued the following statement on tonight's Republican presidential debate:

"This evening, John McCain demonstrated why he is the only candidate with the proven national security experience vital to confronting the transcendent challenge facing our nation -- the struggle against radical Islamic extremism. McCain has demonstrated leadership and political courage by advocating an Iraq policy that would bring our troops home with honor -- by winning.

"John McCain presented an optimistic and realistic vision for America's future and has a life-long record of working to resolve the challenges we face and restore American's trust in their government. Beyond his broad national security and international expertise, on the domestic front John McCain has been a leader in the fight to cut unnecessary spending in Washington, DC, eliminating earmarks and exposing pork-barrel projects.  His exemplary record of service and sacrifice continues to stand out among all other candidates from either party, and is one of many reasons why he is uniquely qualified to lead as commander-in-chief from the moment he is elected."

Academy Award-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Supports Rudy Giuliani

Academy Award-Winning Actor Robert Duvall Supports Rudy Giuliani

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced that veteran actor and director Robert Duvall, along with his wife Luciana, are supporting Mayor Rudy Giuliani for President of the United States.

The Duvalls will also host a fundraiser for the Mayor at their Virginia home later this month. 

“Rudy has consistently proven he’s ready to confront tough challenges,” said Duvall. “I don’t normally get involved in politics, but I think the stakes are too high this election.  Mayor Giuliani has the executive experience, proven record and bold vision needed to lead our country. Luciana and I are proud to support him.”

“As a fan and an admirer of Mr. Duvall’s work for some time, I am honored to have Robert and his wife Luciana’s support and help on our campaign,” said Mayor Giuliani. “Their willingness to not only offer their support, but to open their home is a tremendous contribution.  I am excited to have the Duvalls on our team.”

About Robert Duvall:

Robert Duvall is an accomplished director and Academy Award-winning actor, having made his motion picture debut playing Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. He starred in Francis Ford Coppola's The Rain People and received the first of his six Academy Award nominations for his role in The Godfather. He followed those with roles in The Godfather: Part II and Apocalypse Now.

Duvall was nominated for an Oscar in The Great Santini and The Apostle. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Tender Mercies and received an Emmy nomination for playing Texas Ranger Gus McCrae in the Lonesome Dove miniseries. In June 2006, Duvall executive produced and starred in Broken Trail, a miniseries for AMC.  Broken Trail has garnered Golden Globe nominations and is currently nominated for 16 Emmy awards. Duvall’s directing portfolio includes Assassination Tango, Angelo My Love, and the documentary We're Not the Jet Set. Duvall's next movie, We Own the Night, premieres in October. Duvall is a native of San Diego, California. He majored in drama at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, and served in the U.S. Army upon graduation.

Iowa Rep. John Whitaker Endorses Joe Biden

ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER REP. JOHN WHITAKER ENDORSES JOE BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT
Legislator Cites Experience and Iraq Plan as key to his support

Des Moines, IA (September 5, 2007) –Assistant House Majority Leader John Whitaker (D-Hillsboro), whose son was deployed last week to Iraq, today became the 7th Iowa state legislator to endorse Joe Biden for President. Rep. Whitaker’s son, Gabe Whitaker is a member of the Iowa National Guard.

“Joe Biden is the only Democratic candidate for president who understands the impact of this war on the families of those soldiers serving our country” said Rep. Whitaker. Sen. Biden’s son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, is a member of the Delaware National Guard.

“Joe Biden has fought to get our troops Mine Resistant Vehicles which have the capability of saving the lives of thousands of soldiers, and his Veteran’s Plan offers our troops everything from improved healthcare and better handling of disability claims to job placement and educational services,” said Rep. Whitaker.

“I know that Sen. Biden will end this war in a way that will not leave behind chaos and will not require our troops having to go back later on down the road” Whitaker added.

While Sen. Biden is traveling in Iraq this week, the Biden Campaign was represented at today’s press conference in Fairfield by J.B. White, an Iraq veteran and the campaign’s National Veterans Coordinator.

“It is an honor for the Biden Campaign to have the endorsement of John Whitaker,” said White “The commitment of John, his family and especially his son Gabe represent the best in American values. His support is a demonstration of the respect many Iowans feel for Joe Biden and his plan to end this war in a way that protects America’s interests.”

Whitaker, a farmer, has served in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2003.  He is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, and is also a member of the Administration and Rules, Natural Resources, Public Safety and Transportation committees.

Whitaker joins six colleagues in the state legislature in a growing list of elected officials supporting Joe Biden in the Hawkeye state: State Sen. Joe Seng (Davenport), Rep. Doris Kelly (Waterloo) Rep. Lisa Heddens (Ames), Rep. Jim Lykam (Davenport), Rep. Mike Reasoner (Creston), and Rep. Dick Taylor (Cedar Rapids).

Change & Experience: New Hillary Clinton TV Ad

Change & Experience: The Ad

As summer turns to autumn, Change is in the air.

The question that voters are asking is: who can best deliver it?

With its Labor Day kickoff and now the release of a new ad, “ Change ,” in Iowa and New Hampshire, the Clinton campaign is making clear, as Hillary said on the stump this week, “Change is just a word without the strength and experience to make it happen.”  She has outlined how she would be the best able to get results, saying that change takes the right mix of knowing how and when to find common ground and when to stand your ground.

The new ad conveys that Hillary is uniquely able to deliver the change Americans want:  ending the war in Iraq, passing universal health coverage, making America energy independent.

By touting Hillary’s experiences as a change agent, the Clinton campaign is making clear that to make change happen, you need the kind of strength and experience Hillary has accrued during her more than 35 years of advocacy (as illustrated in today’s New York Times story about Hillary’s college years).

Multiple polls are validating this point: Last month’s CNN poll revealed that despite the efforts of others to portray themselves as change agents, 40 percent think Clinton is the candidate most likely to actually bring change – a finding that places her well ahead of the other candidates.  The June NBC/WSJ poll, 61% of Democrats and Democratic primary voters are very confident that Hillary would bring real change to the direction of the country.  Among those for whom change is most important – working middle-class and low-income families, seniors, working women, and people without health care – Hillary is viewed as the most effective champion.

Today’s ad echoes these themes and touches on the four goals for change Hillary has been discussing on the campaign trail: Restoring America’s leadership in the world; rebuilding the middle class economy; reclaiming the future for our children; and bringing back the values of integrity, fairness and tolerance in America.

By offering voters “big goals for change” imbued with a case for why she is the candidate best able to achieve that change, Hillary is making a clear case for why she is the best choice for Democratic voters who want to make change happen in 2008.

Obama Campaign Announces Iowa Latino Steering Committee

Obama Campaign Announces Iowa Latino Steering Committee

DES MOINES -- The Obama Campaign today announced a 26-member Latino Steering Committee that will engage Latinos across Iowa, talk with them about Obama’s commitment to changing Washington, and provide input on the direction of the Iowa campaign.   

“Senator Obama will bring our country together and make progress on the many issues that have stalled under the current Administration,” Dr. Hector Avalos said.  “I trust his judgment on tough issues such as the war in Iraq and providing accessible health care coverage for our families, and I know he is the best candidate to work across the aisle to reform our broken immigration system.  His courageous decision on the Iraq war proved to me that wisdom is more important than the experience of Washington elites.”

Barack Obama has continued to fight for the Latino community by expanding opportunities for Latinos in education, health care, and economic development. Obama has been a leader in the fight for comprehensive immigration reform and is committed to putting politics aside and offering a complete solution that strengthens our security while reaffirming our heritage as a nation of immigrants. 

“Real change comes from the bottom up and the Latino community is a vital part of our grassroots movement for change in Iowa,” Senator Obama said.  “Our campaign is committed to empowering and engaging Latinos across Iowa and I’m proud to have the support of these leaders in the Latino community.

During Latino Heritage Month -- which spans several weeks in September and October -- the Obama Campaign will visit more than 50 Latino festivals, conferences, lunches and dinners across Iowa.  The Latino outreach team also will work to register Latinos across the state and organize caucus and citizen education programs

Thompson Wins South Dakota Straw Poll

Thompson wins SD Straw Poll

HURON – Fred Thompson won the first-ever South Dakota Republican Party Presidential Straw Poll at the South Dakota State Fair Aug. 30 through Sept. 3, 2007.

Thompson bested the field of nine garnering 25 percent of the vote. He was followed by Rudy Giuliani who received 19 percent; John McCain received 14 percent, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney each received 13 percent; Ron Paul received 8 percent; Duncan Hunter received 4 percent; Sam Brownback received 3 percent; and Tom Tancredo received 1 percent of the vote.

More than 500 people voted in the poll which was conducted at the South Dakota State Fair. Voting was open to anyone who will be 18 by the June 3, 2008, primary.

“We had a phenomenal response from the voters in South Dakota,” said South Dakota Republican Party Executive Director Max Wetz. “This was a unique opportunity for voters to support their favorite candidate and we are very pleased with the turnout.”

Romney For President Launches New Television Ad, "Energy"

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD, "ENERGY"

Romney For President To Begin Airing Ads In South Carolina

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Energy."  The ad highlights Governor Romney's leadership in turning around numerous companies, the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The ad will begin airing as part of the campaign's rotation today in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Script and viewing links are below.

Romney for President will also be expanding its television advertising to South Carolina.  Over the next two weeks, Romney for President will begin airing "Energy" and "Leadership" throughout South Carolina.

Script For "Energy" (TV:30):

ANN ROMNEY:  "Every place that Mitt has gone, he has solved problems that people said were nearly impossible."

ANNOUNCER:  "Mitt Romney, the innovator who created and revolutionized American businesses, turned around major companies.

"Took on the bankrupt Olympics and turned them around.

"The Republican Governor who stood up and cut spending instead of raising taxes.

"And turned around our most Democratic state.

"Leadership to turn around Washington."

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