2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Senator Obama and Senator McCain, Senator Biden and Governor Palin Invited to CPD's Debates

Senator Obama and Senator McCain, Senator Biden and Governor Palin Invited to CPD's Debates

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The non-partisan, non-profit Commission on Presidential Debates ("CPD") announced today that it has applied its Nonpartisan Candidate Selection Criteria for 2008 General Election Debate participation to determine eligibility to participate in the presidential debate to take place at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi on September 26 and the vice-presidential debate to take place on October 2 at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Pursuant to the criteria, which were publicly announced on November 19, 2007, those candidates qualify for debate participation who (1) are constitutionally eligible to hold the office of President of the United States; (2) have achieved ballot access in a sufficient number of states to win a theoretical Electoral College majority in the general election; and (3) have demonstrated a level of support of at least 15 percent of the national electorate, as determined by five selected national public opinion polling organizations, using the average of those organizations' most recent publicly- reported results.

The Board of Directors of the CPD convened today to apply the criteria with the assistance of the Editor-In-Chief of the Gallup Polling Organization, Dr. Frank Newport. Of the declared candidates, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain were found to have satisfied all three criteria. Accordingly, Senator Obama and his running mate, Senator Joe Biden, and Senator John McCain and his running mate, Governor Sarah Palin, qualify to participate in the September 26 presidential debate and the Oct. 2 vice-presidential debate, respectively. No other candidates satisfied the criteria for inclusion in the September 26 and Oct. 2 debates.

The CPD has successfully sponsored the presidential and vice presidential general election debates since 1988. The CPD's planning for the 2008 debates has extended over a period of years and has drawn upon the CPD's now-extensive experience in sponsoring general election debates. On November 19, 2007, the CPD announced the four dates and locations for this year's debates, and on August 5, 2008, the CPD announced the four journalists who will moderate those debates: Jim Lehrer, Gwen Ifill, Tom Brokaw and Bob Schieffer. The CPD is firmly committed to providing, in a professional and nonpartisan manner, debates in 2008 that will allow the American public to view the leading presidential and vice presidential candidates discuss the issues facing the country.

The candidates who have qualified to participate today previously have committed to participate in the debates sponsored by the CPD.

Obama To Speak Directly to Nation on the Economy In Two-Minute Advertisement

Obama To Speak Directly to Nation on the Economy In Two-Minute Advertisement

CHICAGO, IL – The Obama campaign today released a two-minute advertisement in which Senator Obama will speak directly to the nation on his view of the state of the economy and what he would do to fix it if he is elected president.  The ad will begin today nationally and in battleground states around the country.

Script: In the past few weeks, Wall Street’s been rocked as banks closed and markets tumbled. But for many of you – the people I’ve met in town halls, backyards and diners across America – our troubled economy isn’t news.  600,000 Americans have lost their jobs since January. Paychecks are flat and home values are falling.  It’s hard to pay for gas and groceries and if you put it on a credit card they’ve probably raised your rates. You’re paying more than ever for health insurance that covers less and less.  This isn’t just a string of bad luck.  The truth is that while you’ve been living up to your responsibilities Washington has not.  That’s why we need change.  Real change.  This is no ordinary time and it shouldn’t be an ordinary election. But much of this campaign has been consumed by petty attacks and distractions that have nothing to do with you or how we get America back on track. Here’s what I believe we need to do.  Reform our tax system to give a $1,000 tax break to the middle class instead of showering more on oil companies and corporations that outsource our jobs. End the “anything goes” culture on Wall Street with real regulation that protects your investments and pensions.  Fast track a plan for energy ‘made-in-America’ that will free us from our dependence on mid-east oil in 10 years and put millions of Americans to work. Crack down on lobbyists – once and for all -- so their back-room deal-making no longer drowns out the voices of the middle class and undermines our common interests as Americans.  And yes, bring a responsible end to this war in Iraq so we stop spending billions each month rebuilding their country when we should be rebuilding ours.  Doing these things won’t be easy.  But we’re Americans. We’ve met tough challenges before. And we can again. I’m Barack Obama.  I hope you’ll read my economic plan. I approved this message because bitter, partisan fights and outworn ideas of the left and the right won’t solve the problems we face today. But a new spirit of unity and shared responsibility will.

McCain-Palin 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Foundation"

MCCAIN-PALIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "FOUNDATION"

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Foundation." The ad features John McCain talking directly to the American people about our economic crisis and his plans to reform Wall Street and fix Washington. The American people cannot afford Barack Obama's agenda of higher taxes, especially when our economy is in crisis. The ad will be televised nationally.

Script For "Foundation" (TV :30)

JOHN MCCAIN: You, the American workers, are the best in the world.

But your economic security has been put at risk by the greed of Wall Street.

That's unacceptable.

My opponent's only solutions are talk and taxes.

I'll reform Wall Street and fix Washington. I've taken on tougher guys than this before.

ANNCR: Change is coming. John McCain.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

Obama’s Minnesota Campaign Launches Sportsmen For Obama

Obama’s Campaign for Change Launches Sportsmen for Obama
Sportsmen Announce Support for Obama’s Candidacy

Hibbing, MN – As we begin the fall hunting season, Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change announced the formation of Sportsmen for Obama, a group dedicated to highlighting and increasing Senator Obama’s support among Minnesota sportsmen. At events in Duluth and Hibbing, local sportsmen pointed to Senator Obama’s deep belief in the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms and his plans TO expand and protect the great traditions of hunting, fishing and outdoor sports.

“Barack Obama recognizes the great legacy of Minnesota’s hunters and fishermen, and the importance of the outdoor traditions of Minnesota,” state Senator Tom Saxhaug said. “Senator Obama believes firmly in individuals’ second amendment right to bear arms and will protect Americans’ gun rights as president. John McCain has consistently opposed policies, like the Farm Bill, that would protect habitat and improve access to private lands for hunting and fishing for Minnesota sportsmen. Barack Obama supports incentives for conservation and will further enhance programs that encourage participation and create new access for hunting and fishing. We will not let John McCain continue to try to drive a wedge between voters by distorting Senator Obama’s strong record on gun rights and issues of great importance to sportsmen.

“Sportsmen, like most voters, believe that the struggling economy is the most important issue our next president will face. John McCain is totally out of touch with working Minnesotans and still even yesterday stubbornly insisted that the fundamentals of our economy are strong. Minnesota families are struggling to make it paycheck-to-paycheck and are tired of a president who doesn’t get it, a president who refuses to recognize and admit the obvious. We need a president who will stand up for our second amendment rights and fight for middle class families. That man is Barack Obama.”

More details on Barack Obama’s plan to make sportsmen and their priorities a centerpiece of his agenda:

• Protect Gun Rights: Millions of hunters and shooters own and use guns each year. Barack Obama believes the Second Amendment creates an individual right, and he respects the constitutional rights of Americans to bear arms. He will protect the rights of hunters and other law-abiding Americans to purchase, own, transport, and use guns.
• Create New Access for Hunting and Angling: As more and more private lands are subdivided or placed off limits, sportsmen are losing access to places to hunt and fish. Obama will ensure funding to purchase land and easements to guarantee access. Obama will provide incentives to farmers and ranchers who voluntarily open their land to hunting and fishing.
• Restore Degraded Areas to Improve Hunting and Angling Opportunities: Obama will provide the resources to restore degraded lands and waters, enhancing places to hunt and fish. He supports the National Fish Habitat Initiative and cleaning up abandoned mines that pollute streams.
• Promote Responsible Energy Development on Public Lands: Since 1999, drilling on public lands in the Rocky Mountain West has increased by 260%. This drilling rush has profound consequences for fish, wildlife, and water resources. Obama will implement an energy policy that protects the most important fish and wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors, and other areas while ensuring responsible energy development on our public lands.
• Restore Resiliency to Fish and Wildlife Habitats in Response to Climate Change: Climate change will increase drought, wild fires, and flooding across the country. Obama will work with Congress to provide new funding to state and federal land and wildlife managers through climate change legislation to restore habitat, create wildlife migration corridors, and assist fish and wildlife to adapt to effects of a warming climate.
• Protect Wetlands, which are Critical to Waterfowl and other Wildlife: Every year we lose 80,000 acres of wetlands that are important to waterfowl and wildlife. Obama will ensure that wetlands receive the protection they deserve and will provide a bright future for waterfowl.
• Provide Incentives to Conserve Private Lands: Obama will ensure that Farm Bill conservation programs are managed to provide maximum benefit to fish and wildlife. Obama will also extend federal tax incentives for landowners that place conservation easements on their land to conserve open space and protect water quality.
• Protect Backcountry Hunting and Fishing: Keeping backcountry areas on our National Forests intact benefits fish, wildlife, and water resources, and hunting and angling. Obama will protect roadless areas on forest service lands. Obama believes that these lands provide some of the best fish and wildlife habitat, and hunting and angling opportunity in the country. Obama will work with stakeholders to conserve our nation’s public lands.
• Address the Decline in the Number of Hunters and Anglers: Obama understands that we need new generations of sportsmen to maintain hunting and fishing traditions, conduct important conservation projects and support our states’ fish and wildlife programs. Obama will enhance programs to encourage youth to participate in outdoor activities and learn hunting, fishing, and conservation skills.

McCain-Palin 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Enough is Enough"

MCCAIN-PALIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Enough is Enough." With our economy in crisis, John McCain will meet this crisis by reforming Wall Street, enacting new rules for fairness and honesty and not tolerating a system that puts families at risks. The ad will be televised nationally.

Script For "Enough Is Enough" (TV :30)

JOHN MCCAIN: The economy is in crisis. Enough is enough. I'll meet this financial crisis head on.

Reform Wall Street. New rules for fairness and honesty. I won't tolerate a system that puts you and your family at risk.

Your savings, your jobs ... I'll keep them safe.

ANNCR: Experience and leadership in a time of crisis.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approved this message.

Senator John McCain Leads In New Iowa Poll By A Margin Of 48% - 42% Among Likely Iowa Voters

McCain Leads in New Iowa Poll

Davenport – In a new Iowa poll conducted directly after the national conventions, John McCain has taken a lead over Barack Obama by a margin of 48% - 42% among likely Iowa voters.

“The trend we are seeing nationally is happening here in Iowa as well. John McCain is surging and has taken a lead larger than the margin of error,” said Steve Grubbs, CEO of Victory Enterprises, Inc. “Our survey methodology, developed over 16 years has lead to extremely accurate results.”

The survey also had some good news for Democrats. Governor Chet Culver's job approval rating currently sits at a strong 59%, while 29% of respondents indicated they do not approve of the job Chet Culver is doing as governor.

Victory Enterprises surveys only registered voters who have participated in a recent general election. This eliminates the chance of surveys being conducted with people who are not registered to vote.

“Surveys that use the 'random digit dial' method have a significant risk of talking to people who are not registered to vote,” said Grubbs. “We also balanced this survey so it reflects the percentages of Republicans, Democrats and No Party voters who participated in the 2004 election. By doing this, we ensure that no political party is under represented in our survey results.”

The Victory Enterprises’ Statewide Iowa Poll was conducted September 8-9 of 402 Iowa voters with a 4.9% margin of error. Democrats, Republicans and No Party voters each represented 1/3 of the respondents, similar to the 2004 voter participation results. In addition, the survey was balanced so that each Congressional District has roughly 1/5th of the respondents. Females represented 53% of the respondents, while males represented 47%.

The presidential ballot test was asked: And if the election for President were held today and you had to make a choice, would you vote for John McCain the Republican or Barack Obama the Democrat?

Victory Enterprises is one of Iowa's most prolific political polling firms, having conducted over 300 political surveys in the last ten years.

Hofstra Preps For Historic Presidential Debate On October 15, 2008

Hofstra Preps for Historic Presidential Debate on October 15, 2008

Arena takes shape as debate hall, Media Center created for candidates, campaigns and thousands of journalists

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Hofstra's David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex is being transformed into a debate hall for the third and final 2008 presidential debate on October 15, 2008.

The work at the arena is part of the elaborate preparations by Hofstra required to host this historic event. The presidential debates are presented by the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates. The debate at Hofstra is sponsored locally by the Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency and The John D. Miller Fund at the Long Island Community Foundation. The Hofstra debate, which will focus on economic policy and domestic issues, will be moderated by Bob Schieffer, CBS News chief Washington correspondent and "Face the Nation" host.

Hofstra crews are busy preparing the arena as well as the adjacent Physical Fitness Center, which will serve as the Media Center for thousands of journalists from across the country and around the world who will cover the debate. Hofstra employees and student volunteers will staff the Media Center and other locations across campus.

Leading up to the debate and the 2008 election, Hofstra is proud to host Educate '08, an unprecedented series of lectures, conferences, artistic performances and exhibitions, town hall meetings and interactive forums focused on the issues, history and politics of presidential elections. Educate '08 provides our students, faculty and the entire surrounding community with access to the newsmakers, scholars and policymakers who have unique insight and knowledge of the American political system.  Many of the programs and events are free and open to the public.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from about 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 22 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence. The University also provides excellent facilities with state-of-the-art technology, extensive library resources and internship programs that match students’ interests and abilities with appropriate companies and organizations.  The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.

McCain-Palin 2008 Launches "Honest and Open Election Committee"

MCCAIN-PALIN 2008 LAUNCHES "HONEST AND OPEN ELECTION COMMITTEE"

ARLINGTON, VA -- The McCain-Palin 2008 campaign today announced the formation of the Honest and Open Election Committee, with a mission to ensure that every qualified citizen has the opportunity to vote in a fair and transparent manner. The committee will work with state and local election officials to anticipate, and where possible resolve in advance, problems likely to arise on Election Day.

The advisory committee will be co-chaired by former United States Senators John C. Danforth and Warren B. Rudman. The committee also includes current and former members of Congress and former state secretaries of state, election officials, and state attorneys general, along with prominent academic experts in election law. The diverse composition of the committee reflects the McCain-Palin campaign's desire to put partisan politics aside in the hope of seeing a fair and transparent election in November.

The committee will advise the campaign with respect to policy and actual or potential legal proceedings involving the campaign laws and practices in various states working towards avoiding litigation when possible.

"The purpose of the Honest and Open Election Committee is to resolve potential voting problems in advance of Election Day to bolster voters' confidence in the system," said Rudman. "We believe that elections should be decided by voters, not lawyers."

The Honest and Open Election Committee requested a dialogue between the McCain-Palin campaign and both the Democratic National Committee and the Obama-Biden campaign in letters sent today.

"We stand ready to work with you in a cooperative manner on issues that, if not handled properly, are likely to become adversarial," the letter states. "Let's show the American people that our two parties can together develop a transparent and open process in every voting place in the country. Experience has shown that careful, advance planning that anticipates and addresses problems and creates solutions can substantially reduce issues on Election Day."

In an effort to discuss these issues with the top election officials in each state, the McCain-Palin election committee sent those officials a letter offering assistance. The McCain-Palin election committee also launched a website at www.johnmccain.com/honest.

"Our committee will assist election officials across the country to make sure that federal and state voting regulations are understood and upheld. It is a reflection of the campaign's commitment to tackling tough problems in a bi-partisan manner," Danforth said.

MEMBERS OF THE HONEST AND OPEN ELECTION COMMITTEE

John C. Danforth, Co-Chair--Former U.S. Senator; currently, Partner, Bryan Cave LLP; former Missouri Attorney General; former Ambassador to the United Nations

Warren B. Rudman, Co-Chair--Former U.S. Senator; currently, Co-Chairman, Stonebridge International LLC; Of Counsel, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Co-Chair, Concord Coalition; former New Hampshire Attorney General; former Chair, Senate Ethics Committee

John F. Bibby--Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Brigida Benitez--Partner, WilmerHale; Co-Chair, Leadership Council of the Hispanic Bar Association; Director, Women's Bar Association; Past President, Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia

Lovida H. Coleman, Jr.--Partner, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP; former law clerk, Judge Wilfred Feinberg, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit; Election Observer in Pakistan, Haiti, and Chile; former Trustee, Rand Corporation

Tom Davis--U.S. House of Representatives; Ranking Member, House Government Reform and Oversight Committee; former Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County

Rita DiMartino--Former Principal U.S. Delegate, Inter-American Commission of Women; National Commission on Electoral Reform; Board Chairman Emeritus, National Council of La Raza

Charles Fried--Professor of Law, Harvard Law School; former Solicitor General of the U.S.; former Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts

Jack Goldsmith--Professor of Law, Harvard Law School; former Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice

Bill Jones--Board Chairman and Director, Pacific Ethanol, Inc.; former California Secretary of State; former California state legislator

Daniel Hays Lowenstein--Professor of Law, UCLA; founding Chair, California Fair Political Practices Commission; former Board Member, Common Cause; former redistricting counsel for California Democratic Congressional Delegation; author of first American textbook on election law; Co-Editor, Election Law Journal

Ronald D. Michaelson--Visiting Professor, University of Illinois at Springfield; Board Member, Illinois Campaign for Political Reform; former Executive Director, Illinois State Board of Elections; former Advisory Committee, Federal Election Commission; former Chair, Council on Governmental Ethics Laws

Susan Molinari--Senior Principal, Bracewell-Guiliani (effective October 6); Co-Chair, We Vote '08; former Member U.S. House of Representatives

Ralph Munro--Director, The Prepared Response Company; former Washington Secretary of State; Member, Carter Baker Commission on Election Reforms; former President, National Association of Secretaries of State

Sandra Schultz Newman--Shareholder and Chair, National Appellate Practice Group, Cozen O'Connor; former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice; former judge on state Commonwealth Court; former Montgomery County (PA) Assistant District Attorney; Chairman, Fair Vote Committee in Pennsylvania

Robert Parker--Partner, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

James Petro--Partner, Waite, Schneider, Bayless & Chesley; former Ohio Attorney General

Cameron P. Quinn--Adjunct Professor, George Mason School of Law; former Secretary, Virginia State Board of Elections

Daniel B. Rodriguez--Professor of Law, University of Texas Law School at Austin; former Dean, University of San Diego School of Law; former Professor, University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law

Larry D. Thompson--Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, General Counsel, and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc.; former Deputy Attorney General; former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia; former Independent Counsel

Richard Williamson--Partner, Winston & Strawn; former Assistant Secretary of State; former Ambassador and Representative to the United Nations

McCain-Palin 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Crisis"

MCCAIN-PALIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "CRISIS"

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Crisis." With our economy in crisis, the ad highlights the McCain-Palin plan to protect life savings with tougher rules on Wall Street; to lower taxes to create new jobs; and to reduce gas prices with offshore drilling. With an economy in crisis, the American people cannot afford Barack Obama's agenda of higher taxes, new bureaucracy and economic isolationism. The ad will air on national television.

Script For "Crisis" (TV :30)

ANNCR: Our economy in crisis. Only proven reformers John McCain and Sarah Palin can fix it.

Tougher rules on Wall Street to protect your life savings.

No special interest giveaways.

Lower taxes to create new jobs.

Offshore drilling to reduce gas prices.

McCain - Palin.

Leadership, experience, for the change we need.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approved this message

Road to Victory Rally With John McCain and Sarah Palin At Anoka County-Blaine Airport This Friday, September 19th

Road to Victory Rally With John McCain and Sarah Palin

Friday, September 19th
Key Air Hangar at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport
10188 Radisson Road NE
Blaine, MN 55449

  9:00 a.m. CDT - Doors Open
11:00 a.m. CDT - Rally Begins
12:00 p.m. CDT - McCain/Palin Begin Participation

John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin will be in Minnesota this Friday, September 19th. To attend the event, please come in to one of the ticket locations below to get a ticket or follow this link to register for the event a print a ticket online.

Ticket Locations:

McCain-Palin North-Mountain Regional Headquarters
678 Transfer Rd.
St. Paul, MN
(651) 356-8251

Ramsey County Victory Office
666 Transfer Rd
St. Paul, MN
(651) 645-5432

Burnsville Victory Office
12225 Wood Lake Dr
Burnsville, MN
(952) 882-9356

Isanti County Victory Office
1001 Hwy 95, Ste 1005
Cambridge, MN
(763) 689-3606

Eden Prairie Victory Office
6870 Washington Ave
Eden Prairie, MN
(952) 944-1085

St. Cloud Victory Office
1022 4th St SE, Ste 104
St. Cloud, MN 5304
(320) 229-8973

Rochester Victory Office
2535 Hwy 14 W
Rochester, MN
(507) 536-9475

Blaine Victory Office
11025 Radisson Rd NE
Blaine, MN
(651) 587-7456

Moorhead Victory Office
923 Center Ave.
Moorhead, MN
(218) 287-1360