2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

California Senator Dianne Feinstein Endorses Hillary Clinton

California Senator Dianne Feinstein Endorses Hillary Clinton

The Clinton Campaign announced today the endorsement of California senior Senator Dianne Feinstein, demonstrating Hillary's growing support in the Golden State.

"This is a very special moment for me because I have the opportunity to endorse the campaign of a U.S. Senator who I believe will be the first female President of the United States," Senator Feinstein said.  "Hillary Clinton, I believe, has the experience, the heart, and the strength to be a great American President.  There has been no election for President where change is as defined and necessary as this one.  The question is who is best equipped to lead that change. I believe it is Hillary."

As California's senior Senator, Dianne Feinstein has built a reputation as an independent voice, working with both Democrats and Republicans to find common-sense solutions to the problems facing California and the nation.

Since her election to the Senate in 1992, Senator Feinstein has worked in a bipartisan way to build a significant record of legislative accomplishments helping strengthen the nation's security both here and abroad, combat crime and violence, battle cancer, and protect natural resources in California and across the country.

In the 110th Congress, Senator Feinstein assumed the Chairmanship of the Rules and Administration Committee, where she oversees ethics, campaign and election reform.  Senator Feinstein also serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she is the Chairman of the Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security Subcommittee. And she is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Select Committee on Intelligence.

"Dianne and I have fought side by side in the Senate to expand stem cell research, to take care of our veterans when they return home and to stop the privatization of Social Security," Clinton said. "Dianne is such a respected voice in the Senate, I'm honored to have her support as we work together to bring the war in Iraq to an end and deliver the change this country wants"

Giuliani Campaign Announces Southeast Iowa Endorsements

Giuliani Campaign Announces Southeast Iowa Endorsements

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced endorsements in Southeast Iowa.  Following Mayor Giuliani’s swing through Iowa last week, which concluded at a town hall meeting with hundreds of local voters in Davenport, Mayor Giuliani earned endorsements from several county chairs and co-chairs throughout the region. 

The Southeast Regional Chair is former state Senator Maggie Tinsman.  Senator Tinsman was also a former Assistant Minority Leader and the first woman to serve on the Scott County Board of Supervisors. As the Southeast Regional Chair, she will work throughout the region to build upon Rudy Giuliani’s volunteer base and grassroots organization. She is also serving as a statewide Co-Chair for the campaign. 

Mayor Giuliani also received endorsements from Iowa County Sheriff Nicholas Roggentien and Robert Brennan, the Mayor of Deep River.

“The support for Rudy Giuliani during his recent trip to Iowa shows that his message of strong leadership and optimism is resonating throughout the state,” said Giuliani’s National Political Director Mark Campbell. “Rudy’s team in Southeast Iowa will be a great asset to our campaign as we continue to build momentum and our volunteer base.”

Southeast Iowa Endorsements:
Maggie Tinsman, former State Senator, statewide Co-Chair & Southeast Iowa Regional Chair
Nicholas Roggentien, Iowa County Sheriff
Robert Brennan, Mayor of Deep River
Nathan Eichorst, Veteran, United States Air Force
Saundra Orth, Clinton County Chair
Colin Sandberg, Iowa County Chair
Richard DeAngelis, Jefferson County Chair & State Chair of Italian-Americans for Rudy
John DeAngelis, Jefferson County Co-Chair
Leah Adams, Johnson County Chair
Carol Christiansen, Johnson County Co-Chair
William Lemmon, Johnson County Co-Chair
Deborah Acuff VonSprecken, Jones County Chair
Ruthi Rogers, Mahaska County Chair
Carolyn Williams, Muscatine County Chair
Steve Balk, Scott County Chair
Marlene Nelson, Scott County Co-Chair
Richard Sipple, Scott County Co-Chair
Janet Burroughs, Scott County Co-Chair
Barbara Park, Scott County Co-Chair
Kirk Whalen, Scott County Co-Chair
Linda Greenlee, Scott County Co-Chair
Lee Brinning, Washington County Co-Chair
Michael Kramme, Washington County Chair & Washington County GOP Chair

Richardson Campaign YouTube Debate Reviews

Governor Bill Richardson Called "A Winner" In Groundbreaking Democratic Debate
Governor Richardson stands out with strong plan to get US troops out of Iraq, his clear direction for US foreign policy, and his vision for improving education

CHARLESTON, SC -- Governor Bill Richardson continues to score well in the reviews from last night's CNN/YouTube debate in South Carolina. The Governor scored with voters and commentators with his plan to get US troops out of Iraq with no residual forces.

Governor Richardson also drew favorable reaction to his strong responses to questions involving improving education and rebuilding America's reputation and relationships around the world. Debate watchers noted the Governor's unequaled record of experience, his understanding of the issues, and his direct responses to the questions posed through users of the YouTube Internet site.

Governor Richardson tied for first place in the debate in a CNN focus group of undecided Nevada voters.

Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post's The Fix called Governor Richardson one of the winners of last night's debate.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/07/democratic_debate_winners_and.html

Governor Richardson is prepared on day one to be President and to handle the challenges facing this country, and his unparalleled experience resonated last night. The Nation notes that "The most meaningful [response], at least in terms of the preparation of the various contenders to deal with the demands of the global stage, came from New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a former congressman, cabinet secretary and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20070724/cm_thenation/45216923

David Yepsen of the Des Moines Register writes that "Chris Dodd and Bill Richardson gained the most...Richardson's affability and diplomatic background came through."
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007707240395

Here are just a few of the comments about Governor Richardson's performance from Dailykos:

"I love richardson on foreign policy. He knows what is going on."
by fatbyjhnsn on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:31:43 PM PDT

"Good Richardson Answer on Darfur. I think of him as the best foreign policy voice in the field."
by skidrow on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:31:48 PM PDT

"Richardson : NO Troops In Iraq!!! Richardson nails it!!"
by frandor55 on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:44:09 PM PDT

"Richardson gave a good answer on NCLB. His experience as a Governor showed there."
by masslib on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:11:19 PM PDT

Here's what Jerome Armstrong of MyDD had to say:

"I think Richardson, more and more, is showing the strongest voice on getting out of Iraq..."
http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/7/23/185149/083#commenttop

South Carolina newspaper The State said that:

"Richardson was direct with most of his answers, refraining from pandering to the crowd and showing depth in his answers. An example was his layered response to a question about the federal No Child Left Behind law, which he favors repealing. His answer showed the only governor on the stage understood the issue from the states' perspective."
http://www.thestate.com/presidential-politics/story/126860.html

Giuliani Campaign Announces Florida Steering Committee

Giuliani Campaign Announces Florida Steering Committee

New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today announced the campaign’s Florida Steering Committee. State Chairman Bill McCollum, Florida’s Attorney General, and State Co-Chair Julio Robaina, Mayor of Hialeah, FL, will lead this group of elected officials and party leaders to continue building upon the strong campaign structure across the state.

“Mayor Giuliani is the strong leader Floridians are looking for in the next President. This team is another indication of the support we are enjoying in the state and will help build upon our efforts to ensure Mayor Giuliani wins both Florida’s primary and general elections,” said McCollum.
Giuliani Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime said, "The Florida Steering Committee will help Mayor Giuliani successfully compete in Florida. The Mayor is committed to bringing reform and accountability to Washington, while keeping taxes low, cutting wasteful spending, and keeping Americans safe.”
The Florida Steering Committee:

State Chair
Bill McCollum, Florida Attorney General 

State Co-Chair
Julio Robaina, Mayor of Hialeah, FL

Regional Chairs
Central Florida Chair Bill Donegan
Northeast Florida Chair Richard Clark, Jacksonville City Councilman
Panhandle Chair Charlie Clary
Southeast Florida Chair Ed Pozzouli
West Florida Chair Paul Sharff
Miami-Dade Co-Chair Esteban Bovo, Hialeah City Council President
Miami-Dade Co-Chair Carlos Gimenez, Miami-Dade Commissioner
Miami-Dade Co-Chair Rebeca Sosa, Miami-Dade Commissioner

Grassroots Chairs
Jerry Buchanan
Miriam Cajiga
Maria de la Millera

Communications Chairs
Representative Rich Glorioso
Representative Julio Robaina

Iowa GOP Executive Pens Caucus Novel

Iowa GOP Executive Pens Caucus Novel
Laudner captures insider’s view of process

Des Moines, Iowa – Chuck Laudner, executive director of the Republican Party of Iowa, wrote a novel about the caucus process in 2006. The book, titled Stand and Deliver – The 2008 Iowa GOP Caucus, begins with a fictional Straw Poll account and concludes with the declaration of the caucus winner in 2008.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Iowa Republican Party. It is available for preorder at www.iowagop.net and will be for sale at the Iowa Straw Poll. While Laudner’s name may be on the cover, his intention is for the book to bolster the Republican Party’s coffers and ability to assist its candidates.

“This book is the culmination of many discussions held with friends and co-workers in 2006 before I joined the Republican Party as executive director,” Laudner explained. “For those of us who operate in Iowa’s political sphere, the 2008 Iowa caucus is the bottom of the ninth with two outs and the bases loaded. Selection of the next Republican nominee for the presidency occupies our entire thought process.”

In the novel, readers are introduced to a field of Republican presidential candidates, and their staffs, as well as Iowa political figures. While no candidate in Stand and Deliver correlates directly with one of those currently criss-crossing Iowa, parallels on issues and circumstances do exist.

“When writing the book over a year ago, I had no idea the plot I outlined would reflect reality so closely in many instances,” Laudner commented. “The field of candidates in 2006 was different yet many similarities remain.”

A synopsis of the book states, “With a combination of seasoned political operatives from DC and their home states as well as Iowa activists, the battle for endorsements, face time with party leaders, and grassroots support plays out in Iowa’s cities, small towns, and living rooms.

“The everyday drama of a campaign plays out through ups and downs, the unexpected and predictable. Issues drive the interaction between Iowans and candidates with emphasis on energy, immigration, and family.

“Iowans see their role in the process of politics, and will understand how their participation will shape the outcome of not only the Iowa caucus, but the 2008 presidential race, the nation’s future, and – ultimately – America’s place on the world stage.”

Before joining the Republican Party of Iowa, Laudner served as chief of staff and senior policy advisor for Iowa Congressman Steve King, managed Bill Salier’s senate campaign, worked for Steve Forbes’ Iowa campaign team, and Senator Charles Grassley as well.

Clinton Campaign YouTube Debate Reviews Part 3

The Raves Pour In: Hillary 'Spectacular,' 'Presidential,' 'Wins Again'

When all is said and done, being president is about protecting the country. Through her comments on how to deal with hostile leaders like Kim Jong Il and Huge Chavez and what needs to be done to bring the troops home, Hillary showed that she has the strength and experience to deliver the change America wants starting on day one.

SURVEY USA POLL – AMERICANS 'WENT IN THINKING HILLARY CLINTON WOULD MAKE THE BEST PRESIDENT…CAME OUT OF THE DEBATE EVEN MORE CONVINCED': "Americans who watched the YouTube Democratic Debate 7/23/07 on CNN went into the debate thinking Hillary Clinton would make the best President of the 8 Democrats on stage, and came out of the debate even more convinced, according to an exclusive SurveyUSA poll." The poll found Hillary won the debate by a large margin. [Survey USA, 7/23/07 ]

DES MOINES REGISTER'S YEPSEN – HILLARY 'COOL AND COGENT': "She's cool and cogent and bears up well under discussions about her being a woman and what she wears. Male politicians, journalists and YouTubers who focus on that just help her rally support from other women." [DesMoines Register, 7/24/07 ]

DONNA BRAZILE – HILLARY WAS 'SPECTACULAR…IN COMMAND OF THE FACTS': “I thought Senator Clinton had a great answer when she said when she said we must withdraw our troops safely, carefully and in an orderly fashion so I thought Senator Clinton not only gave a great answer to that question but overall her debate performance was spectacular. She was in command of the facts. She understood the issues.” [CNN, 7/23/07]

TIME'S JOE KLEIN – 'A GOOD NIGHT' FOR HILLARY, 'JUDICIOUS AND PRESIDENTIAL': "Hillary Clinton--a good night….Clinton's pointing out that the groundwork had to be done was, dare I say it, judicious and presidential..." [Time, 7/23/07 ]

ABC NEWS’ THE NOTE – ‘CLINTON PREVAILS AGAIN’ [ABC News The Note, 7/24/07]

ANDREW SULLIVAN – 'HILLARY WINS AGAIN…SHE DESTROYED THE OPPOSITION TONIGHT': "Her response to the dynastic question - a difficult one - was the first time she has ever brought a smile to my lips…You know how much I hate to say this: but she destroyed the opposition tonight: out-classing it, out-debating it, and avoiding the usual pitfalls. I wish it weren't so, but it's what I saw. If she keeps this up, it's hers." [Andrew Sullivan, 7/23/07 ]

MICHAEL CROWLEY'S NEW REPUBLIC – 'BOTTOM LINE: GREAT NIGHT FOR HILLARY': But the one who stood out was Hillary. She shows really impressive poise and confidence, and didn't lose her stride even in the face of offbeat questions about her gender and voter fatigue with the Clinton and Bush families…Bottom line: Great night for Hillary. [New Republic, 7/23/07 ]

BILL PRESS – HILLARY WINS: "Forceful, in charge, good sense of humor." [CNN Scorecard, 7/24/07 ]

CNN'S BILL SCHNEIDER – HILLARY WINS: "Clinton had a very strong performance." [CNN Scorecard, 7/24/07 ]

WASHINGTON POST – HILLARY SOUNDED 'AS SHARP AS SHE HAS IN ANY OF THE PAST FOUR GATHERINGS: "Sounding as sharp as she has in any of the past four gatherings of the candidates, eagerly joined an exchange over immediately withdrawing troops from Iraq. She repeated her promise to end the war, adding: "But we want to do so safely and orderly and carefully." [Washington Post, 7/24/07 ]

CHICAGO SUN TIMES' LYNN SWEET – HILLARY 'HANDLED EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE WITH CALM CONFIDENCE. SHE EXUDED STRENGTH AND HUMOR: As in previous debates and forums, Clinton deftly handled everything and everyone with calm confidence. She exuded strength and humor. She made no mistakes. [Sun Times, 7/24/07 ]

WASHINGTON TIMES – HILLARY WAS 'CONVERSATIONAL…GOT BIG CHEERS': "Mrs. Clinton was quick to note each questioner's name and seemed conversational in her answers. She got big cheers in response to a question about whether her election would represent the change voters want because it would mean 24 consecutive years of presidents named either Bush or Clinton. 'Well, I think it is a problem that Bush was elected in 2000,' she said."[Washington Times, 7/24/07 ]

Richardson Campaign Statement On The YouTube Debate

Governor Bill Richardson Impresses Voters during YouTube Debate
Richardson Showcases Experience and Emphasizes Differences on Iraq War

"This is what I stand for: I believe we should bring all of the troops home in six months with no residual forces"

CHARLESTON, SC -- At the first DNC sanctioned Democratic Presidential debate in South Carolina Governor Bill Richardson proved yet again that he has the strongest position on getting all of our troops out of Iraq and again established that he is the most qualified candidate to be the next President of the United States.

"The lives of our men and women are more important than George Bush's legacy," said Governor Bill Richardson. "This war is a quagmire. We have to get all of our troops out now. No more politics."

The Governor was frustrated by the lack of time devoted to exploring the candidate's positions on the Iraq War, and other critical topics. "If we had more time we could have had a real discussion so people could see my plan is clearly different than the other candidates."

Governor Richardson's strong performance impressed a focus group of undecided voters in Nevada, who told CNN that the Governor was one of the winner's in tonight's debate. The group used dial technology that rates positive or negative input from users on a graph. The strongest positive reaction from the Nevada focus group, and the audience attending the debate in Charleston, came when Governor Richardson responded to a question about whether he would keep or do away with the Bush administration's No Child Left behind program.

"I would scrap it. It just doesn't work," said Governor Richardson. "The worst thing it does is it takes districts and schools that are not doing well, takes their funds away and penalizes them. If a school is not doing well, we help that school.

"The key to a good education in this country is a strong teacher. I would have a minimum wage for all our teachers, $40,000 per year, and I would emphasize science and math."

Governor Richardson also staked out his plan to restore US leadership around the world, helping to stop the genocide in Darfur, responding to homeland emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina, and providing universal health care to all Americans.

The questions for the debate were submitted on video by users of YouTube, a social networking Internet site. Many were presented in clever, unique ways.

"Governor Richardson clearly enjoyed hearing questions from people, not journalists or pundits and his strong performance reflected that," said Dave Contarino, Richardson's campaign manager.

Bill Richardson has spent more than 25 years in public service: as a seven-term Congressman, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy, and as two-term Governor of New Mexico.

Edwards Campaign YouTube Debate Reviews

EDWARDS PRAISED AT DEBATE FOR LEADING ON THE ISSUES

WashingtonPost.com’s “The Fix”: Edwards “Seemed the Boldest of the Three in His Call for Bold Action.” Chris Cillizza wrote after the debate, “While the dominant dynamic of the night was between Clinton and Obama, it was former Sen. John Edwards (N.C.) who seemed the boldest of the three in his call for bold action. ‘If you want real change you need someone who has taken on these people and beat them over and over and over,’ said Edwards. At another point in the debate, Edwards warned: ‘We can't trade our insiders for their insiders.’ Edwards also powerfully seized a question on health care to talk about a man in West Virginia who had been unable to have a cleft lip surgically repaired until he was 50 years old. While anecdotes can be too cute by half, it was clear Edwards was affected by the man's story; it was a moment of real emotion for the former Senator, and a good one.” [http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/07/change_vs_experience.html, 7/23/07]

ABC News’ “Political Radar”: Edwards Found His Voice on Health Care. ABC News’ “Political Radar” noted, “8:50 pm: Edwards finds his voice on healthcare, and even Anderson Cooper can't cut him off. ‘We should be outraged by these stories.’ An effective answer -- Clinton's talk of a ‘national commitment’ and Obama's promise to fight the insurance companies come off as rather hollow by contrast.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/live-blogging-f.html <http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/live-blogging-f.html> , 7/23/07]

NBC’s Chuck Todd: Edwards Appeared to Get the Best of Clinton and Obama on Health Care. NBC’s Chuck Todd wrote, “We're getting toward the end of this debate but on the issue of health care, Edwards appeared to get the best of both Clinton and Obama on the issue. Until that answer, it wasn't clear Edwards was going to have one memorable moment.” Todd also wrote, “His story about the man who couldn't get the operation in order to talk until he was 50 was riveting.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285777.aspx <http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285777.aspx>  and http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285828.aspx, 7/23/07]

MSNBC’s “First Read” Highlighted a “Poignant Moment for Edwards.” MSNBC’s Mark Murray wrote that when Anderson Cooper referred to Citadel grad, Shane Childers, who died in Iraq, “His picture was on the big screen in the debate hall. When the camera turned to the candidates, some were scribbling notes, except for Edwards (in that particular screen shot), who just stared at Childers' photo. It was a pretty powerful moment.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285671.aspx, 7/23/07]

Marc Ambinder: Edwards “Seemed on His Game.” After the debate, Marc Ambinder of The Atlantic Online wrote in his report card on the candidates, “A brief report card in no particular order: John Edwards -- He seemed on his game, although a noisy audience deprived him of the chance to impress a questioner on gay rights. His calling out of audience members didn't seem forced.”  [http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/07/tonights_debate_was_supposed_t.php, 7/23/07]

WashingtonPost.com’s “The Fix”: Edwards’ Frank Talk Helped Him Stand Out. Chris Cillizza wrote, “Edwards, Clinton and Obama have all started off well… Edwards' aggressive tactics and frank talk have helped him stand out.” [http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/07/how_are_they_doing.html, 7/23/07]

AMERICAblog.com: “Edwards' Video Is Brilliant.” John Aravosis blogged on AMERICAblog.com, “CNN is doing a bad job actually showing us the candidates’ YouTube videos. I had no idea the ‘Hair’ video was from Edwards, or what it actually showed. Looking at it now, it's brilliant. See if you ‘get it.’” [http://www.americablog.com/2007/07/edwards-video-is-brilliant.html, 7/23/07]

ABC News’ “Political Radar”: “The Edwards Ad Was Clever.” ABC News’ “Political Radar” wrote, “7:45 pm: From ABC's Karen Travers: "The Edwards ad was clever - I thought, hmm a dig at the media, but it allowed them to spin that issue to their favor. I think the use of ‘Hair’ and seeing the images used under the song will make people think more about the 60s and protesting an unpopular war more than they will think about Edwards' pricey haircut. I thought it was a clever way to address the point but make it about something larger.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/live-blogging-f.html <http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/07/live-blogging-f.html> , 7/23/07]

MSNBC’s “First Read”: “Pretty Clever.”  About Edwards’ video during the CNN/YouTube debate, MSNBC’s “First Read” wrote that Edwards video “had the song ‘Hair’ playing....pretty clever.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/23/285654.aspx, 7/23/07]

Talking Points Memo’s Josh Marshall: Edwards Video “Was Pretty Good.”  Josh Marshall wrote about Edwards’ YouTube video, “Most campaign videos are pretty lame. But this one from Edwards on the Youtube debate tonight was pretty good.” [http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/015726.php, 7/23/07]

Politico.com’s Ben Smith: Edwards Uses New Media to Criticize Media Focus on the Superficial.  The Politico.com’s Ben Smith wrote, “Like Dodd, John Edwards uses the new media forum to criticize the old media focus on the superficial, but with a bit more of an edge: The song ‘hair’ juxtaposed with images of America in crisis.” [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0707/Hair.html, 7/23/07]

Clinton Campaign YouTube Debate Reviews Part 2

The Reviews Are In: 'A Very Big Win,' 'Amazing,' 'Strong and Steady'

CNN’S JEFFREY TOOBIN ON HILLARY – 'A VERY BIG WIN…A VERY GOOD DEBATER': “Hillary Clinton is the dominant figure in the party. She¹s the dominant figure in the debates and everyone else was responding to her… Hillary Clinton looked like somebody who might be president. It was a very big win for her on that question and I think this debate again showed her to be a very good debater.” [CNN, 7/23/07]

WASHINGTON POST’S CHRIS CILLIZZA PRAISES CLINTON AS ‘STRONG AND STEADY’:

ABC NEWS’ RICK KLEIN – 'CLINTON IS JUST AMAZING IN THIS FORMAT': "I'm sick of saying it myself, but Clinton is just amazing in this format. Really nice answer about why Congress isn't acting faster to end the war." [ABC News, 7/23/07 ]

UNIVISION’S MARIA ELENA SALINAS – 'HILLARY CLINTON SEEMS TO STAND OUT BECAUSE OF THE DIRECTNESS OF HER ANSWERS' [CNN, 7/23/07]

NBC NEWS’ CHUCK TODD – HILLARY’S RESPONSE WAS A 'COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ANSWER': "Her answer on who she would meet with in terms of controversial foreign leaders was an example of how she's having a better time selling experience than anyone else on that stage. That was a Commander-in-Chief answer. Obama's answer was fine but she found the hole in his answer (propaganda) and filled it brilliantly." [MSNBC’s First Read, 7/23/07 ]

HUFFINGTON POST’S JOHN NEFFINGER – CLINTON ‘STRONG ENOUGH TO BE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF’: "The challenge for any woman candidate is to appear strong enough to be Commander in Chief. Hillary has thoroughly checked that box. You never hear the word "weak" used with her." [Huffington Post, 7/23/07 ]

NBC NEWS’ DOMENICO MONTANARO – HILLARY 'USED THE PENTAGON LETTER TO HER ADVANTAGE': "Clinton again has used the Pentagon letter to her advantage...the letter has been her Creatine -- so to speak." [MSNBC's First Read, 7/23/07 ]

“Clinton is, well, Clinton. Strong and steady.” [The Fix, 7/23/07 ]

Dodd Campaign Statement On The YouTube Debate

DODD WINS DEBATE OFFERING PROVEN, BOLD LEADERSHIP Clear Distinctions Emerge on Track Record, Vision, Ability to Bring People Together

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Senator and Presidential candidate Chris Dodd won tonight's Democratic Presidential debate by displaying the leadership qualities America will need in its next President.  Saying that stakes have never been greater, Dodd was able to set himself apart by pointing to a proven track record of success, an ability to bring people together and bold solutions to our most pressing problems.

Senator Dodd started the debate off strongly by answering the first question, which challenged candidates to explain how they use their power to get things done:

"I'm very proud of the fact that, over my 26 years in the Senate, I've authored landmark legislation, the Family and Medical Leave Act, child care legislation, reform of financial institutions.  In every case, those are new ideas, bold ideas, that I campaigned on and then were able to achieve in the United States Senate by bringing Republicans as well as Democrats together around those issues.  That's what's missing, more than anything else?the ability to bring people together to get the job done.

"Speeches are easy to make and rhetoric is easy to expose here.  But?if you want to get a good idea of where someone is going to lead or how they're going to lead, I think it's very appropriate to say, 'What have you done?  Show me.  Demonstrate to me the ability to get these things done that you've championed in the past.'"

"From calling for a corporate carbon tax to calling for a date certain to redeploy troops from Iraq, Senator Dodd was the only candidate to put forward truly bold and innovative ideas tonight," said Dodd's Campaign Manager Sheryl Cohen. 

"His vision for America reflects his experience, his understanding of our most complex issues and his ability to connect with the American people.  We're looking forward to building off the momentum generated tonight to continue to spread our message."  

Senator Dodd also spoke about his deep belief in the need for Americans to serve our country:

"I'm an advocate of universal national service, not by mandating it, but one of the things missing in our country is the shared experience.  I served in the National Guard, I served in the reserves, I served in the Peace Corps in Latin America back in the '60s.  I want to see every American given the opportunity to serve their country in some way."

"Chris Dodd has an unbeatable track record on the issues plus the ability to offer fresh, bold solutions to complex problems - a winning combination in my view," said former Tennessee Senator Jim Sasser, a National Co-Chair of Dodd's campaign.  "Both of those qualities stood out tonight, and I am confident that voters in South Carolina and across the country will see that Senator Dodd is by far the most qualified candidate among this field."

The debate was hosted by CNN and YouTube, and the Dodd campaign's innovative internet strategy kept pace with the original format of video questions submitted through the internet.  Senator Dodd held a live chat from the spin room with supporters after the debate, and his campaign staff hosted pre and post-debate coverage live on D-TV.  A special YouTube video also captured a behind-the scenes look at the debate and answers to some of the highest rated questions submitted by YouTube users.  The ChrisDodd.com Talk Clock once again kept track of the time each candidate was allotted.