Rudy Giuliani Campaign Announces Grand Opening of Iowa Headquarters
New York City – The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime will open the campaign’s Iowa headquarters tomorrow evening, at 7700 University Ave, Suite B, in Clive, Iowa.
In a conference call this morning to reporters, Campaign Manager Michael DuHaime announced that Rudy Giuliani will not participate in the Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll on August 11, 2007.
"We are 100 percent committed to winning the Iowa caucuses. We're going to take the resources that would have been spent in the straw poll and dedicate them toward winning in January."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING, PART IV: JOHN MCCAIN AT CNN DEBATE
John McCain "Won The Debate," Showed "Conviction And Compassion" And "Was In Total Control"
ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "John McCain Won The Debate." "[I] think John McCain won the debate last night ... [H]e really showed conviction and compassion and core principles last night." (ABC's "Good Morning America," 6/6/07)
Time's Mark Halperin: McCain Won Debate And "Commanded The Stage" With "Solid, Straight-Talking And Relaxed" Performance. "Solid, straight-talking and relaxed, in the assertive mode of what-you-see-is-what-you'll-get-if-I'm-president. ... Commanded the stage on the war several other times, and finished strong." (Mark Halperin, "The June 5 Republican Debate," Time Website, www.time.com, 6/6/07)
· Halperin: McCain "Gave Perhaps His Best Debate Answer Of The Cycle To A Woman Whose Brother Was Killed In Iraq - Passion, Patriotism, Poise, And Personality All In One Response." (Mark Halperin, "The June 5 Republican Debate," Time Website, www.time.com, 6/6/07)
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough: McCain "Was In Total Control" And "Had A Great Night." "Last night he was in total control. McCain had a great night last night." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 6/6/07)
New York Daily News' Michael Goodwin: "McCain Won The Night With A Showstopping Performance That Was Straight From The Heart." "[M]cCain's emotions became a decided political asset last night and led him to victory in the Republican presidential debate. McCain won the night with a showstopping performance that was straight from the heart." (Michael Goodwin, "McCain Wins Hearts - By Showing Own," [New York] Daily News, 6/6/07)
· Goodwin: McCain Delivered "Defining Picture Of The Debate" With "Touching Display Of Compassion ... A Very Commander-In-Chief Moment." "Images are everything on TV, and McCain's response to a question on the war was the defining picture of the debate. Unexpectedly rising from a chair to walk toward a woman in the audience who had lost a brother in Iraq, McCain approached as if he wanted to hug her. His voice choking, the heroic Vietnam vet assured her that, although the war had been 'badly mismanaged,' we now 'have a fine general and strategy that can succeed.' He was the only candidate in either party who could have dealt with the issue that way, and it was brilliant stagecraft as well as a touching display of compassion. It was a very commander-in-chief moment." (Michael Goodwin, "McCain Wins Hearts - By Show ing Own," [New York] Daily News, 6/6/07)
CNN Political Analyst Bill Schneider: McCain "Reminded New Hampshire Voters Of Why They Voted For Him In 2000. He Was, Once Again, The Straight Talker." "Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, had a good night. He reminded New Hampshire voters of why they voted for him in 2000. He was, once again, the straight talker. Even on issues where most Republicans disagree with him, like immigration, McCain made his case boldly and honestly. And probably the most effective moment in the debate was his response to the voter who had lost her brother in Iraq. He made the difficult and painful argument that, in the end, she would come to understand that it was all worthwhile. The camera shots of the woman's reaction were amazing. They showed a clear emotional connection with the candidate." (Bill Schneider, "Tonight's Headline? The Sparks Didn't Fly," CNN's Political Ticker Blog, www.cnn.com, 6/5/07)
Iowa Independent Blog's Douglas Burns: McCain Won Debate, Showing "His Straight-Talk Swagger." "John McCain has recovered his straight-talk swagger. ... The former Navy war hero started with a first inning home run on a question from a New Hampshire woman who lost her brother in Iraq. He touched the GOP base with his lines that if U.S. policy fails the evildoers will 'follow us home' and that Iraq, in the wake of withdrawal, will be a 'base for terrorism.'" (Douglas Burns, "Iowa Independent" Blog, "GOP Debate: McCain Wins Varsity, Huckabee The JV," www.iowaindependent.com, 6/6/07)
The Boston Globe's Scot Lehigh: McCain Delivered "Heartfelt" Answers, Appeared "Most Principled" Of All Candidates. "[McCain's] two best moments came in his heartfelt answer to a questioner who had lost her brother in Iraq, and his willingness to remind everyone that Spanish speakers had died for this country in both Vietnam and Iraq. Bottom line: Romney was most polished - but McCain seemed most principled." (Scot Lehigh, "Essential Qualities," The Boston Globe, 6/6/07)
John McCain "Showed Heart" And Delivered "Strong Performance," Exhibiting "Strength And Humanity"
ABC's George Stephanopoulos: McCain's Dialogue With Woman Whose Brother Died In Iraq Was "Emotional Peak Of The Debate," With McCain Giving "Straight, Heartfelt Answer ... He Showed Heart." ABC's ROBIN ROBERTS: "[T]he moment for many last night, of course, when Erin Flanagan got up, so eloquent, so moving, and talking about her brother, who was killed in action in Iraq, and McCain's response to her." ABC's GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: "That was the emotional peak of the debate, Robin, no question about it. John McCain listening intently, leaning in, gets up out of his seat - the first candidate to do that - walks toward her and gives her a straight, heartfelt answer and you could see she was visibly moved by it. That's what John McCain showed last night, he showed heart." (ABC's "Good Morning America," 6/6/07)
· New York Sun's Seth Gitell: "[N]o Other Moment Exemplified Mr. McCain At His Best." (Seth Gitell, "Seriousness Dominates GOP Debate," New York Sun, 6/6/07)
Red State's Erick Erickson: McCain Delivered The "Best Moment Of Last Night's Debate." (Erick Erickson, "Best Moment Of Last Night's Debate," Red State Blog, www.redstate.com, 6/6/07)
National Review's Kate O'Beirne: "[McCain's] Strong Answers On Iraq Contributed To An Overall Strong Performance." ("Winning Debate," National Review Website, www.nationalreview.com, 6/6/07)
The Politico's Jonathan Martin: "John McCain Turned In A Strong And Steady Performance." "John McCain turned in a strong and steady performance. He was clearly prepared for the immigration question, and offered an effective defense of his position. ... And he smartly seized an opportunity to drive home his message when there was a rare silent moment during the two hours." (Jonathan Martin, "My Final Take," www.politico.com, 6/5/07)
· Martin: "McCain Was Also Impassioned And Even Powerful When Talking About The War And Praising American Troops." "McCain was also impassioned and even powerful when talking about the war and praising American troops. Responding to the lady who lost her brother in Iraq, McCain offered his condolences before explaining why failure there would create more terror and force 'more young Americans to sacrifice, as your brother did.' And when the no-win issue of gays in the military came up, McCain wisely used his answer to focus less on the contentious question and more on explaining to an appreciative crowd just why our troops were so great." (Jonathan Martin, "My Final Take," www.politico.com, 6/5/07)
· Martin: McCain Made "His Big Picture Case About Why He's Ready To Lead." "National security wasn't just the only topic in McCain's wheelhouse he was able to take advantage of. He also had the chance to talk energy and spending, two of his other favorites. And, lastly, he showed his experience by taking advantage of the last word not to answer the question - the one where Romney and Giuliani discussed what defines the GOP - but to rather make his big picture case about why he's ready to lead." (Jonathan Martin, "My Final Take," www.politico.com, 6/5/07)
The Boston Globe's Joan Vennochi: "Vintage McCain" Displayed "Strength And Humanity." "McCain also showed strength and humanity when he answered a question from a woman whose brother died in Iraq: This is long, hard, and tough. I think we can succeed and God bless you.' It's not what the anti-war faction wants to hear, but it's vintage McCain." (Joan Vennochi, "On Principles, McCain," The Boston Globe, 6/6/07)
CBS' Vaughn Ververs: On Immigration, McCain "Rose Above The Policy And Catchphrases To Put The Issue In Human Terms." "Among the candidates themselves, McCain gave one of his steadiest performances to date. ... [I]n the second half of the debate, when audience members were allowed to ask questions, McCain rose above the policy and catchphrases to put the issue in human terms. Recalling the contributions made by Hispanic immigrants and others before, he said, 'let's, from time to time, remember that these are God's children. They must come into our country legally. But they have enriched our culture and our nation, as every generation of immigrants before them.'" (Vaughn Ververs, "GOP Debate Forecasts Stormy Days Ahead," CBS News Website, www.cbsnews.com, 6/6/07)
CBS' Jeff Greenfield: McCain Was "Extremely Animated" And "Passionate." "Last night [McCain] was extremely animated. He got up, he walked across to the woman whose brother had been killed in Iraq. He was passionate, even on immigration, where he talked about the Hispanic names on the Vietnam Memorial and serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. My sense is that he's decided that the McCain of 2000 - you know, say what you mean and damn the consequences, is where he's going." (CBS' "The Early Show," 6/6/07)
Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Endorses Clinton for President
Whitehouse Will Serve as RI Campaign Co-Chair
The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and named him a Co-Chair of Clinton’s Rhode Island campaign.
“All of my colleagues seeking the Democratic nomination are committed to a new direction for our country, and it has been an honor to serve with, and learn from, each of them. Today, I'm proud to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton to be our next president,” Whitehouse said. “Her smart, tough, experienced leadership will be critically important as we work to bring our troops home from Iraq, reform our health care system to cover more American families, and solve the energy challenges of the 21st century.”
“We need more leaders like Sheldon Whitehouse in the Senate, urging the President to change course in Iraq and pushing for healthcare coverage for all Americans,” Clinton said. “I’m honored he’ll help lead our efforts in Rhode Island.”
KEY SOUTH CAROLINA SOCIAL CONSERVATIVE LEADERS TO ADVISE MCCAIN
ARLINGTON, VA - U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced the formation of a statewide steering committee of faith-based conservatives to advise the Arizona Republican's presidential campaign on a wide range of pro-family issues.
State Senator Mike Fair (Rep-Greenville) announced he is forming the South Carolina chapter of Americans of Faith to serve as an issues advisory committee to McCain's campaign. Fair, who supported George W. Bush in 2000, is currently an advisor to the McCain campaign.
"I have chosen highly respected pro-family leaders and South Carolinians of faith to serve as the nucleus of the steering committee," said Fair.
"John McCain's character, courage, consistent conservative record, and life experiences uniquely qualify him to lead America at this critical moment in history," Fair stated. "He is the only viable candidate who has been consistently right on abortion, the defense of traditional marriage, and the effort to appoint federal judges who will interpret the law and not attempt to legislate from the bench."
During the course of the campaign, Fair and the members of the steering committee will be organizing support for the pro-family agenda and advising Senator McCain on issues important to the families of South Carolina and America.
Senator John McCain said he is fortunate to have the input and guidance of key social conservatives in South Carolina. "Each of these well respected individuals has devoted his life to improving the lives of others," said Senator John McCain. "I look forward to working with them as we continue to expand our strong grassroots organization in South Carolina."
WHAT THEY'RE REALLY SAYING ABOUT GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY AT THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GOP DEBATE – VOL. IV
Frank Luntz On Fox News' "Fox & Friends":
Frank Luntz: "There was one candidate that did even better than Rudy in our dials and it was Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Watch how the dials react to his expression and communication about his religion."
Governor Mitt Romney: "Well, President Kennedy some time ago said he was not a Catholic running for president, he was an American running for president. And I'm happy to be a proud member of my faith. You know, I think it's a fair question for people to ask, what do you believe? And I think if you want to understand what I believe, you could recognize that the values that I have are the same values you'll find in faiths across this country. I believe in God, believe in the Bible, believe Jesus Christ is my savior. I believe that God created man in his image. I believe that the freedoms of man derive from inalienable rights that were given to us by God. And I also believe that there are some pundits out there…"
Fox News' Steve Doocy: "Frank?"
Luntz: "It's off the chart. It's actually off the chart."
Doocy: "Have you ever seen this before? Does that happen very often?"
Luntz: "It happens once or twice every hour, that’s it. In a full hour's worth of communication, maybe two candidates in one response will do well. So let's close with what they had to say about Romney. The group, only six or seven people who walked into the room were choosing Romney when the debate began. Watch what happens when the debate's over and what they had to say."
Panel Member: "His answers, he’s just answering the questions right off the bat. He's not giving any bull."
Panel Member: "He's answering the questions more directly."
Panel Member: "He's not backing down from his answers, he's standing firm on them, whether you like them or not."
Panel Member: "He's answering the questions the best he can, honestly."
Panel Member: "He's a very good communicator and he sticks by his answers."
Panel Member: "I feel he’s very knowledgeable in a comprehensive way. He covers a lot of territory."
Panel Member: "He handled the Mormon thing as good as he should have, and it's time that Wolf Blitzer gets another subject."
…
Doocy: "And the winner was?"
Luntz: "Mitt Romney."
What They Are Saying … About Mayor Giuliani, Part Three
New York Sun’s Ryan Sager: “Rudy Giuliani won that debate hands down.” (Ryan Sager, New York Sun’s “Latest Politics” Blog, http://www.latestpolitics.com/blog/2007/06/rudy-wins-thompson-loses-everyone.html, 6/5/07)
National Review’s Michael Graham: “Rudy does it in one sentence: ‘It's unimaginable that you’d leave Saddam in power while fighting a war on terror.’ That’s the argument the GOP should embrace, seize and use …” (Michael Graham, National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZGY5MDBhNjVlMGQ2OWI5NGExNDlkODdjNjc5ZmYzMzM=, 6/5/07)
National Review’s John Derbyshire: “Rudy is way out ahead of the field.” (John Derbyshire, National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OGYwOTk3NDJmNDYzMTc5NTk5OWJlYWFlZGEzMGRlNWQ=, 6/5/07)
Townhall’s Mary Katharine Ham: “Debates are composed of moments. And, Rudy is momentous.” (Mary Katharine Ham, Townhall.com Blog, http://www.townhall.com/blog, 6/5/07)
Townhall’s Mary Katharine Ham: “[Giuliani] Effectively demonstrated his mastery of the terrorism issue on both an emotional and a tactical level. He went after Democrats: ‘This war is not a bumper sticker. This war is a real war.’” (Mary Katharine Ham, Townhall.com Blog, http://www.townhall.com/blog, 6/5/07)
Townhall’s Mary Katharine Ham: “From his first answer on Iraq, in which he notably outdid Romney who answered the same question right before him, Rudy seemed on point tonight.” (Mary Katharine Ham, Townhall.com Blog, http://www.townhall.com/blog, 6/5/07)
National Review’s Jim Geraghty: “Rudy … has been en fuego, as they say on Sportscenter.” (Jim Geraghty, National Review’s “The Corner” Blog, http://hillaryspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YTRjNjg4MzQwZTIyZTM3OTNkOTNjMjg2ZmIwMWVjOGI=, 6/5/07)
CNN’s Joe Johns: “Giuliani scored on what’s usually a Democratic issue, global warming. In fact, he got good reactions from all important independent swing voters.” (CNN’s '“Raw Politics,” 6/5/07)
The American Spectator’s Phillip Klein: “[Giuliani] was forceful, had a commanding presence, and a mastery of the issues.” (Phillip Klein, The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?bwd=23&byear=2007#6787, 6/5/07)
The American Spectator’s Phillip Klein: “Rudy also showed a grasp of the details in his criticism of the immigration bill …” (Phillip Klein The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?bwd=23&byear=2007#6787, 6/5/07)
The American Spectator’s Phillip Klein: “Giuliani … is displaying the qualities that made him such an effective mayor.” (Phillip Klein The American Spectator’s “AmSpecBlog” http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?bwd=23&byear=2007#6787, 6/5/07)
Townhall’s Hugh Hewitt Declared That Giuliani “Looked And Sounded Great Tonight” And Would Be A “Formidable” Candidate. (Hugh Hewitt, Townhall.com Blog, http://www.townhall.com/blog, 6/5/07)
Captain’s Quarters Blog’s Ed Morrissey: “Giuliani performed the best.” (Captain’s Quarters Blog, http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/010156.php, 6/5/07)
The Fred Thompson "I'm With Fred" Website Launched with this message.
"Friends, your encouragement has me thinking we can change Washington and help America meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. We're entering a new phase of this process and we aren't going to do things the same old way." - Fred Thompson
