2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Excerpts: Remarks by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin At The 2008 Republican National Convention

Excerpts: Remarks by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
Vice Presidential Nominee to Address the 2008 Republican National Convention

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican Party’s vice presidential nominee, will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Excerpts from the governor’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

On her experience as a public servant:

"I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town. I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids’ public education better. When I ran for city council, I didn’t need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too. Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities."

On why she is going to Washington, D.C.:

"I’m not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I’ve learned quickly, these past few days, that if you’re not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country."

On energy policies that the McCain-Palin administration will implement:

"Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America’s energy problems - as if we all didn’t know that already. But the fact that drilling won’t solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all. Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we’re going to lay more pipelines...build more nuclear plants...create jobs with clean coal...and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources. We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers."

On John McCain:

"Here’s how I look at the choice Americans face in this election. In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."

Excerpts: Remarks by Former Governor Mike Huckabee

Excerpts: Remarks by Former Governor Mike Huckabee

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Gov. Huckabee will expand on the convention’s overall theme, "Country First," as he discusses John McCain’s love of America, vision for the future, and long record of service and sacrifice on our behalf.

Excerpts from the governor’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

On why he is a Republican:

"I’m not a Republican because I grew up rich, but because I didn't want to spend the rest of my life poor, waiting for the government to rescue me."

On the type of change John McCain will bring to Washington:

"John McCain doesn’t want the kind of change that allows the government to reach deeper into your paycheck and pick your doctor, your child’s school, or even the kind of car you drive or how much you inflate the tires."

On the potential consequences of Obama’s lack of experience and judgment in foreign policy:

"Maybe the most dangerous threat of an Obama presidency is that he would continue to give madmen the benefit of the doubt. If he’s wrong just once, we will pay a heavy price."

Excerpts: Remarks by Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani

Excerpts: Remarks by Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani
Former Mayor to Discuss Why John McCain is Best Qualified to be President

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Mayor Giuliani will expand on the convention's overall theme, "Country First," and the themes of service, reform, prosperity, and peace as he discusses why John McCain's leadership and vision for America make him the best candidate to lead our nation forward.

Excerpts from the mayor's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below.

On the importance of this election:

"This is a time for choosing - and to those Americans who still feel torn in this election, I'd like to suggest one way to think about the choice you have to make in 2008: You're hiring someone to do a job - an important job that involves the safety and security of your family."

On Gov. Sarah Palin:

"Governor Palin represents a new generation. She's already one of the most successful governors in America - and the most popular. And she already has more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket. She's led a city and a state. She's reduced taxes and government spending. And she's actually done something about moving America toward energy independence - taking on the oil companies while encouraging more energy exploration here at home. Taxpayers have an advocate in Sarah Palin - she even sold the former governor's private plane on E-Bay."

On the Republican Party's vision for a stronger America - and a freer world:

"And as we look to the future never let us forget that - when we are at our best - we are the Party that expands Freedom. We began as a party dedicated to freeing people from slavery... And we are still the party that is willing to fight for freedom at home and around the world. We are the party that wants to expand individual freedom and economic freedom... because we believe that the secret of America's success is not central government, it is self-government. ...And we are the party that believes unapologetically in America's essential greatness - that we are a shining city on the hill, a beacon of freedom that inspires people everywhere to reach for a better world."

John McCain 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Alaska Maverick"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "ALASKA MAVERICK"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its latest television ad, entitled "Alaska Maverick." The ad highlights Governor Sarah Palin's record of taking on the special interests in Alaska and bringing reform and change. While Barack Obama talks about change, Governor Sarah Palin has actually done it. The ad will air in key states.

Script For "Alaska Maverick" (TV :30)

ANNCR: The Journal says: "Governor Palin's credentials as an agent of reform exceed Barack Obama's."

They're right.

She "has a record of bi-partisan reform."

He's the Senate's "most liberal."

She "took on the oil producers."

He gave big oil billions in subsidies and giveaways.

She's "earned a reputation as a reformer."

His reputation? Empty words.

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

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Program For Wednesday

2008 Republican National Convention Announces Program for Wednesday
Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin Among Featured Speakers

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the full program of events for Wednesday, Sept. 3. The evening’s program will feature remarks by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican Party’s nominee for vice president. Among the other speakers participating in this evening’s program are former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. The speakers’ remarks will reflect the convention’s overall theme, "Country First," and the theme for Wednesday’s events, which is "reform."

Participants are organized by hour of participation:

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Call to Order, Introduction of Colors: U.S. Sen. Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
Presentation of Colors: Law Enforcement Memorial Association (Minn.)
Pledge of Allegiance: Sharon Clahchischilliage and Mary Leavitt
Singing of "America the Beautiful": John Shillington and Ruby Brown
Invocation: Father Edward Reese
Speaker: U.S. Sen. Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
Video: "Country First: Prosperity," with narration by Robert Duvall
Speaker: Anne Beiler
Speaker: U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
Speaker: Renee Amoore
Speaker: State Sen. Abel Maldonado (Calif.)
Speaker: Carolyn Dunn

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Elena Rios
Speaker: Ruth Novodor
Speaker: Christy Swanson
Speaker: Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams
Speaker: Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico Luis Fortuno
Speaker: Meg Whitman, former President and CEO of EBay
Video: Sen. McCain’s Economic Reform Package
Speaker: Carly Fiorina, former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard
Prayer: Bishop Thomas Wenski

8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Speaker: GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele
Speaker: Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
Speaker: Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
Musical Performance: John Rich, Gretchen Wilson, and Cowboy Troy

9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Speaker: Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (N.Y.)
Speaker: Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
Video: Sarah Palin
Speaker: Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin
10 p.m. to Conclusion
Procedural Activities Required for Nomination of the Presidential Candidate: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
Roll Call: Sec. Jean Inman, Assist. Sec. Connie Nicholas, and Assist. Sec. Rosie Tripp
Benediction: Rev. Eva Rodriguez
Adjournment: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)

First Lady Laura Bush and Mrs. Cindy McCain Participate in ONE Campaign Service Event

First Lady Laura Bush and Mrs. Cindy McCain and Members of the McCain Family to Participate in ONE Campaign Service Event in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Below is the text of U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's (Minn.) remarks to the 2008 Republican National Convention this evening. The text is embargoed until delivery. The text will be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention's media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under "Speeches."

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.)

As Minnesota's first ever Republican Congresswoman, I am delighted to welcome my fellow Republicans to the land of Minnesota Nice.

And, it's not just a saying...we really are nice here. We're friendly, happy people.

Now, we have a lot of liberals here in Minnesota...but they're happy liberals.

Minnesota Nice may be our state's special brand, but the desire to be of service to our fellow man is part of the American DNA.

As Americans we're hard-wired for compassion, to open up our arms, our hearts, and our wallets to lend a helping hand.

For my husband, Marcus, and I, and for our five children, service took the form of opening our home to welcome 23 foster children.

Some of them came to us with all that they owned in a shopping bag.

But all of them came with a deep desire to express love and to be loved.

This was a labor of joy and love for me and our family, a service from which we gained as much -- if not more -- than what we gave.

Millions of families make a similar labor of love each year as foster or adoptive parents.

John and Cindy McCain have adopted a child, as have millions of big-hearted Americans.

Whether it's being a foster parent or being a community first responder or wearing the uniform of the United States Army, service is all-American.

Service isn't a political trait - though some Presidential nominees certainly know more about service than others.

As Republicans, we recognize that service is an innately personal characteristic.

It is best achieved by individuals and community groups, faith-based organizations and charities.

And, service thrives best in an environment of freedom.

Government fosters service best when government binds it least. That is not to say that government does not play an important role.

For instance, Senator McCain has championed national service programs... and he has fought to bolster incentives for young people to join the United States military.

But we must never forget what government is not. Government is not a philanthropic organization, it is not a family, and it is not a church.

As Republicans, we recognize that when you keep more of your hard-earned dollars, you are free to spend it as you choose on the charities that touch your heart and make a difference in your community.

There are some people, however, who believe differently.

They think service is run by Washington bureaucrats, and a growing dependency on government-issued checks.

And they think you should be footing the bill.

They just don't see how a bloated government crowds out personal freedom.

John McCain not only recognizes that personal liberty needs elbow room; he's spent a lifetime ensuring that freedom has what it needs to grow.

John McCain doesn't just speak the language of service; he's lived it.

America needs John McCain's service in the White House!

Thank you. And, come back to a really nice state that loves you.

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: U.S. Senator Norm Coleman

Remarks As Prepared for Delivery: U.S. Senator Norm Coleman

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Below is the text of U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman’s (Minn.) remarks to the 2008 Republican National Convention this evening. The text will be available later tonight on the 2008 Republican National Convention’s media portal at portal.GOPConvention2008.com under "Speeches."

U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman

Good evening and welcome to Pigs Eye, Minnesota.

That’s right we were called Pigs Eye until a Catholic priest built a wooden chapel a few steps from here, dedicated to Saint Paul.

Although I am a Jewish person, I often reference Saint Paul, and as former mayor of the city named for him, I proudly welcome you to my city of Saint Paul.

Before I begin, I want to acknowledge the families in the Gulf Region affected by Hurricane Gustav and the first responders working hard to bring aid to the region.

The fact that this convention is being held in a place where neighbors help neighbors and a place that leads the nation in volunteerism and charitable giving is significant.

I believe the Minnesota spirit of generosity will push us along as we expand the scope of this convention from politics to a gathering of folks who want to help our neighbors on the other end of the Mississippi. From all of us gathered here, to our friends and neighbors on the Gulf Coast, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Here we sit in the middle of a great Minnesota success story. 15 years ago, downtown Saint Paul was in trouble.

Our largest employer left.

Crime was rising.

And downtown, we had sex shops and the nation’s only failed McDonald's.

The old Civic Center on this site was falling apart while leaders of the city were holding gang summits and raising taxes.

The mayor at that time asked,

"I’m not indecisive... am I?"

That could be an Obama campaign slogan.

Conservative principles restored this city.

We put a lid on taxes -- never raised taxes for 8 years!

We made city government a trustworthy partner to local business.

We said Hope plus Confidence equals Investment and together we proved it. We added 18,000 new jobs.

We planted 35,000 trees and shrubs along the Mississippi.

We reduced crime.

And, through a public-private partnership, we built this magnificent arena.

In Minnesota, we know that big things start small. Behind me is our great Mississippi River.

A few hours north of here, it’s a creek you can walk across.

Yet, when it enters into the Gulf, it's miles across.

From this gathering here, we'll show America a bright future, and we'll paint the entire Mississippi watershed John McCain red... and we’ll win the White House.

A story is told of Thomas Jefferson riding on horseback with a group of companions, reaching a river without a bridge.

Standing on the bank was a man who needed to get across.

One by one, they passed him until Jefferson was alongside and the man asked, "Can you carry me across the river?" Jefferson immediately did.

One of Jefferson’s men pulled the guy aside and yelled, "How dare you ask the President of the United States for a lift! You could have asked any one of us, instead you chose to bother him?"

The man said, "I had no idea who he was, but your faces all said NO and his face said YES."

John McCain has a face that says, Yes. ... because that's what's in his soul. He's never given in to adversity. He's never said No to a challenge.

To people who demand government reform, to folks who need jobs, to families who deserve to keep more of their own money by keeping taxes low, and to those around the world who yearn for freedom

John McCain has a face that says, Yes.

We are the party of Lincoln who said, "America...is the last, best hope of earth." HE was right then, he'd be right now. From North to South. From East to West. From heartland farms to big cities.

Let’s offer Americans the genuine hope of change Republicans can actually deliver.

May God bless you all. And in the positive spirit of a place called Pigs Eye that became Saint Paul: Welcome!

2008 Republican National Convention Live Stream (USTREAM)

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Excerpts: Remarks by Former Senator Fred Thompson

Excerpts: Remarks by Former Senator Fred Thompson
Former Senator Focuses on Themes of "Country First" and "Service"

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - This evening former Senator Fred Thompson will address the 2008 Republican National Convention. Senator Thompson will expand on the convention's overall theme, "Country First," and the theme for today's program, which is "service," as he illustrates why John McCain is best qualified to be the next President of the United States

Excerpts are below:

On John McCain's qualifications to be president:
"This is the kind of character that civilizations from the beginning of history have sought in their leaders. Strength. Courage. Humility. Wisdom. Duty. Honor. It's pretty clear there are two questions we will never have to ask ourselves, 'Who is this man?' and 'Can we trust this man with the presidency?'"

On John McCain's dedication to doing what is right – not what is popular:
"He has been to Iraq eight times since 2003. He went seeking truth, not publicity. When he travels abroad, he prefers quietly speaking to the troops amidst the heat and hardship of their daily lives. And the same character that marked John McCain's military career has also marked his political career. This man, John McCain, is not intimidated by what the polls say or by what is politically safe or popular."

On John McCain's commitment to taking real action to reform Washington:
"But while others were talking reform, John McCain led the effort to make reform happen – always pressing, always moving for what he believed was right and necessary to restore the people's faith in their government. Confronting when necessary, reaching across the aisle when possible, John personified why we came to Washington in the first place."

On John McCain's ability to restore integrity to our government:
"My role is to help remind you of the man behind the vision. Because tonight our country is calling to all of us to step up, stand up, and put 'Country First' with John McCain. Tonight we are being called upon to do what is right for our country."