2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

"The State Of The Race" Blog Post By David Plouffe

The State of the Race
By David Plouffe

"...Just as a refresher, below are some Democratic primary national polls going back to 1980.  You’ll see how effective they have been as crystal balls.

* 2003: In August 2003, Joe Lieberman led the national polls, in September, Howard Dean led, in October, Wesley Clark led, and in December – one month before the Iowa Caucuses – a Wall Street Journal/NBC poll showed John Kerry, the eventual nominee, in fifth place trailing among others Joe Lieberman and Dick Gephardt. Yet after winning Iowa and New Hampshire, Kerry vaulted to 49% in national polls before the end of January, This has been true in nearly every previous Democratic nomination contest:

* 1992: According to a November 1991 Los Angeles Times poll, Bill Clinton was in 3rd place with less than half the support of the then-frontrunner, Jerry Brown.

* 1988: A January 1988 New York Times/CBS Poll showed Michael Dukakis in fourth place with 6 percent.

* 1980: An August 1979 poll showed President Carter trailing Senator Ted Kennedy by 36 points

Time is a friend to our campaign.

While voters have a distinctly positive feeling about Barack, they don’t have a great depth of knowledge about his life and history of leadership in Illinois and Washington.  That history, which we have begun sharing in the early states, distinguishes Barack as someone who not only speaks about change, but who has spent a lifetime working to bring it about.

As we educate voters about Barack, we have strong reason to believe that our already impressive support in the early states will solidify and slowly build later in the year.

It is clear we have the most room to grow in the race, given that the majority of voters do not know much about Barack beyond what they have gleaned from news reports over the last few months..."

Obama Announces Historic Grassroots Support

Obama Announces Historic Grassroots Support

258,000 donors over the course of the campaign – in the second quarter alone, 154,000 donors raise at least $31 million in primary dollars

CHICAGO,IL -- Today, Obama for America announced record-breaking grassroots support.  In just the second quarter, more than 154,000 donors gave the campaign at least $31 million in primary dollars alone, for a total of at least $32.5 million including general election funds. 

"Together, we have built the largest grassroots campaign in history for this stage of a Presidential race.  We now have hundreds of thousands of Americans who are ready to demand health care for all, energy independence, and an end to this war in Iraq.  That’s the kind of movement that can change the special interest-driven politics in Washington and transform our country. And it’s just the beginning," said Barack Obama.

"Every day over the past three months, over 1,500 Americans have made clear to Barack Obama that they believe in his vision for our country by contributing to his campaign," said Penny Pritzker, Obama for America National Finance Chair.  "I am glad to be a part of the more than 258,000 citizens of this country who are already united behind Barack's vision for our future."

Second quarter totals:

Primary dollars raised:  at least $31 million

Overall dollars raised (with general election): at least $32.5 million

Number of donors: over 154,00

Total 2007
Primary dollars raised: at least $55.7 million
Total number of donors: 258,000

Ron Paul Speaks At Campaign Rally In Iowa

Ron Paul Speaks on Life and Liberty to 1000 in Iowa
Campaign rally in key early primary state declared a smashing success

DES MOINES, IA – Presidential candidate Ron Paul held a rally celebrating "life and liberty" today at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, Iowa. The event was held immediately after and next door to a Republican candidate forum sponsored by the Iowa Christian Alliance and Iowans for Tax Relief.

Dr. Paul was the only GOP candidate excluded from the forum, so his campaign threw an event of its own. Despite being planned in less than a week, Dr. Paul's event singlehandedly outdrew the other forum and its six participating candidates by several hundred attendees.

"Today, Ron Paul demonstrated how deeply his message of freedom and limited government is resonating across the nation," said campaign manager Lew Moore.

Dr. Paul, addressing a packed room, received numerous standing ovations and thunderous applause. Observers believe that this event was the biggest rally for a Republican candidate in Iowa during this campaign cycle.

"Ron Paul has generated more grassroots excitement and support than any other candidate in the race," continued Moore. "The campaign is building on this momentum around the country as we drive toward the nomination."

Barack Obama Minnesota Kick-Off Video

Clinton Names Iowa Campaign Co-Chairs

Clinton Names Iowa Campaign Co-Chairs
25 Co-Chairs to Lead Clinton’s Iowa Effort

DES MOINES, IA – Senator Hillary Clinton announced the Co-Chairs of Iowans for Hillary. Hillary Clinton will be in Iowa next week with former President Bill Clinton on their “Ready for Change, Ready to Lead Tour.” For more information on the events, please go to www.HillaryClinton.com/Iowa or call 515-282-5307.

“It is a tremendous honor to have the support of these great Iowans in my effort to bring change and lead our nation forward,” said Clinton. “These leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our campaign.”

“Senator Clinton is ready to hit the ground running on her first day in the Oval Office,” said State Senator Roger Stewart of Preston. “She is the most qualified candidate to be President.”

“Hillary Clinton’s experience makes her the best person to lead us out of the war in Iraq, make health care a reality for millions of uninsured Americans and restore America’s standing in the world,” said former Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson.

The 25 Co-Chairs are:

• Des Moines Activist Tom Baccam
• State Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo
• Former Dallas County Democrats Chair Mickey Carlson and Activist Pam Duffy
• Agency Activist Bonnie Eggers
• State Senator Gene Fraise of Fort Madison
• Mayor Kay Halloran of Cedar Rapids
• Past-President of Iowa College Democrats and University of Iowa Democrats Megan Heneke of Spirit Lake
• Bloomfield Activist Cheryll Jones
• Donnellson Labor Activist John Kemper
• Des Moines Community and Business Leaders Bill Knapp and Susan Knapp
• State Representative Mark Kuhn of Charles City
• State Representative Mary Mascher of Iowa City
• Former Lieutenant Governor candidate Dr. Andy McGuire of Des Moines
• AFSCME President of Local 3000 Miguel Moreno and Activist Juanita Moreno of Glenwood
• Former Lieutenant Governor and Iowa Democratic Party Chair Sally Pederson
• Cedar Rapids Activist Alfred Ramirez
• President of Hawkeye Labor Council and Cedar Rapids City Council Member Justin Shields
• State Senator Roger Stewart of Preston
• Burlington City Council Member Garry Thomas
• Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack
• State Representative Roger Wendt and former educator Anita Wendt of Sioux City

The campaign previously named former Governor Tom Vilsack as a National Co-Chair and Bonnie Campbell and Jerry Crawford as Midwest Co-Chairs.

Clinton Campaign Announces National Hispanic Leadership Council

Clinton Campaign Announces National Hispanic Leadership Council
Leaders From Across The Country Will Guide Campaign Outreach Efforts

Hillary Clinton today announced the formation of the campaign’s National Hispanic Leadership Council and named its Executive Committee, demonstrating her growing support among the Hispanic community. Clinton made the announcement in Orlando, Florida, where she is participating in a Presidential Forum during the 24th Annual Conference of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).

The Executive Committee, comprised of national and local leaders from across the country, will serve as an advisory board for the campaign on issues important to the Latino community and will play an active role reaching out and organizing Hispanics in their communities and across the country.

“The support for Hillary Clinton in the Latino community continues to grow,” said Raul Yzaguirre, Campaign Co-Chair and Chair of Hispanic Outreach efforts. “I first met Hillary Clinton when she was registering voters in South Texas, and her commitment to public service continues today. Whether it’s fighting for universal health care, making college more accessible or creating better job opportunities, her record on issues important to Latinos speaks for itself. I am proud to support Hillary, and to be joined by such a strong group of leaders working on her behalf.”

“I support Hillary Clinton because she is the candidate that will help create opportunities to empower our communities across America,” said New York Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “Hillary has consistently supported proposals that help strengthen the middle class and working families. In New York, I have witnessed her work to launch economic development initiatives to provide critical resources to small and micro businesses and helped launch a private sector initiative called New Jobs for New York that makes venture capital available to New York's innovators, many of whom are Latinos.”

“I am proud to support Hillary Clinton for President,” said Florida State Rep. Luis García. “As a life-long firefighter and former Fire Chief, I know the true meaning of public service and Hillary embodies that concept. Our country is ready for her strong leadership that will take our country in a new direction.”

“I am honored to be joined by so many leaders that have dedicated their lives to advocating for better education for our children, access to health care, civil and voting rights and advancing economic opportunities not only for Latinos, but for all Americans,” Clinton said. “With their support, we will continue taking our message of change across the country.”

A USA Today/Gallup poll released this week found that among Hispanic voters, Hillary Clinton leads the primary field by 46 points. Hillary Clinton has fought for many issues important to the Latino community, including education, health care, economic opportunities and a fair and humane immigration reform.

NATIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Mayor, and National Campaign Chair
Fabián Núñez, California Assembly Speaker
Senator Robert Menendez, New Jersey
Rep. José Serrano (NY-16)
Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-12)
Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-38)
Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34)
Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-13)
Raúl Martínez, former Mayor of Hialeah
State Rep. Luis García (FL)
State Rep. Darren Soto (FL)
Houston Councilwoman Carol Alvarado
Lillye Ramos Spooner, Community Activist, Epsom, NH
Raul Yzaguirre, Former President, National Council of La Raza
Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder, United Farm Workers Union, Human Rights Activist
Eddie Escobedo, President, El Mundo, NV
Adriana Martinez, Former President, Nevada Democratic Party
Robert Gomez, President, Magic Brite Janitorial, NV

HISPANIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL IN IOWA

Miguel Moreno, President, AFSCME Local 3000, Glenwood
Alfred Ramirez, Former Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, Cedar Rapids

Bill Richardson's Political Momentum Continues To Build In The Latino Community

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's Political Momentum Continues to Build in the Latino Community

ORLANDO, FL -- Since announcing his bid to become the first Latino President Governor Bill Richardson has gained significant political support from Latino activists, political organizers, elected officials and senior officials from across the country.

"I am extremely honored and proud of the tremendous support I am receiving from the Latino community," stated Governor Bill Richardson. "As I travel the country and have the opportunity to talk with Latinos, my support continues to grow. This election is about empowering the grassroots to get involved in our electoral process. I am happy that the Latino population will play such an important role in deciding who our next President will be."

Earlier this week polls showed that Governor Richardson continues to build strong upward momentum across the board, particularly in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Barack Obama Minneapolis Photos

Barack Obama Minneapolis Photos

HillCam To Follow Hillary And Bill Clinton As They Travel In Iowa

Coming to Iowa…HillCam
Supporters Can Sign Up For Exclusive Behind The Scenes Footage of the Clintons on the Campaign Trail in Iowa

The Clinton campaign is offering supporters an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Clintons’ 4th of July trip through Iowa next week, with a new addition to the campaign trail--The HillCam.

The HillCam will follow Hillary and Bill Clinton as they travel from Des Moines to Davenport, capturing their spontaneous and unscripted moments. Taking supporters beyond the soundbites, the HillCam will offer an unvarnished look at the Clintons’ first joint-campaigning of the 2008 race.

The HillCam is Clinton’s latest groundbreaking effort on the Internet. Hillary’s web video send-up of the “Sopranos” finale announcing her campaign song drew several million views on the Internet. More than 200,000 votes were cast online and 25,000 wrote-in to suggest their own song choices.

To view a HillCam preview and sign up for access to HillCam footage and updates, visit: www.hillaryclinton.com/hillcam

Throughout the campaign, Clinton has engaged Americans in new and innovative ways. She launched her candidacy with an online announcement and held a series of live video web chats with voters across the country. Since then, she has launched a text messaging program to reach supporters on their mobile phones and posted HillCast web videos on a range of policy proposals. The campaign has also launched www.HillaryHub.com to serve as a central repository for news, blogs and videos about Hillary’s candidacy.