2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Dick Gephardt 1988 Announcement

On February 23, 1987, Democrat Dick Gephardt announced his candidacy for President of the United States.

"Today, surrounded by my family and friends, and not far from where I grew up and on the site where Harry Truman accepted victory-I am announcing my candidacy for President of the United States. I am the first Democrat to declare And one year, eight months, and eight days from now, when America elects the next President, I Intend, with your help, to finish first."

Full Speech Text

An Advantage to Being Out of Office in 2008?

Link: LA Times Article

Do candidates that are out of office have an adavantage running for president in 2008?

"...as many as six Democrats and five Republicans — who might seek the 2008 presidential nominations while out of office.

This prospect is sure to revive an old debate among political professionals: Does the race for the presidency favor candidates who hold an elective office, or those who don't?"

Ralph Nader 2000 Announcement

"This campaign will challenge all Americans who are concerned with systemic imbalances of power and the undermining of our democracy, whether they consider themselves progressives, liberals, conservatives, or others. Presidential elections should be a time for deep discussions among the citizenry regarding the down-to-earth problems and injustices that are not addressed because of the gross power mismatch between the narrow vested interests and the public or common good."

Full Speech Text

Walter Mondale 1984 Announcement

February 21, 1983 Mondale for President Announcement Speech.

"Today I declare my candidacy for President of the United States.

I do so with thanks to the people of Minnesota. Because of you, for twenty years I have been privileged to serve in this Capitol, in the United States Senate, and in the second highest office in the land. Today I ask your help again.

In the small communities of southern Minnesota where I grew up, we believed in some old American value's that don't need any updating."

Full Speech Text

Dick Gephardt 2004 Announcement

Remarks by Richard A. Gephardt at his Announcement of Presidential Candidacy on February 19, 2003 at Mason Elementary School in St. Louis, Missouri.

"With your help, we can take that fight to the most powerful office in the history of humankind.  We can build an America where we grow together, instead of being pulled apart - where our economy's strong, because all our families are secure - where nobody's left out or left behind.

"Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless these United States of America."

Full Speech Text

Gary Hart 1984 Announcement

Statement of Candidacy of Senator Gary Hart on February 17, 1983 in Denver, Colorado.

"I am a candidate for President of the United States in 1984.

I will carry our campaign into every state. And with your help, we will win the Democractic nomination, and then the Presidency -- and then we will win back our nation for all the people."

Full Speech Text

RNC Invites Cities To Host 2008 Republican National Convention

RNC Invites Cities To Host 2008 Republican National Convention

WASHINGTON – In beginning the process of selecting a host city for the 2008 Republican National Convention, the Republican National Committee (RNC) yesterday presented request for proposals to 31 cities. The request includes an outline of the specifications for hosting the convention and a request for preliminary information that will assist the RNC Site Selection Committee in evaluating each interested city.

Cities that received 2008 request for proposals are: Anaheim, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Memphis, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, and Tampa.

“We are excited to begin the process of selecting a city to host our 2008 convention,” RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman said.

“We have had a lot of interest from a variety of cities across the country and look forward to finding a city that will help us showcase our positive agenda for America,” added RNC Co-Chairman and Site Selection Committee Chair Jo Ann Davidson.

Cities were informed that the RNC Site Selection Committee will hold individual meetings in Washington, D.C. with representatives from all interested cities to discuss convention criteria, logistics and the site selection process. Cities that did not receive a request for proposal but would like to be considered can contact the RNC.

The Site Selection Committee will decide on a list of finalist cities by mid-summer of 2006. The Committee plans to visit only those finalist cities during the late-summer and expects to make a final selection on the Host City no later than February 1, 2007.

The RNC will select dates for the convention in the coming weeks.

1000 Days Until Election 2008

The USA Today points out that as of today, Election 2008 is 1000 days away.

"The next presidential election is 1,000 days away, but the 2008 campaign already has reached an extraordinary pitch. More than 20 people have been engaged for months in activities such as fundraising, traveling and building online support, all evidence of White House interest."

USA Today Flash Presentation of 2008 Hopefuls Dems GOP

Iowa and NH visits from Democracy In Action.

Wilbur Mills 1972 Announcement

Full Speech Text

Richard Nixon 1968 Announcement

"I hardly need to remind you of the importance of the New Hampshire Presidential primary -- both to the candidates and to the country. This importance stems from more than the fact of its being first. It stems also from the spirit in which New Hampshire's voters approach the election, keenly aware of their special responsibility, of the broad influence of their votes.

I have visited New Hampshire often -- as a candidate, as a public official, and as a private citizen. I appreciate the many courtesies you have paid me. I am deeply grateful for your support in past elections. But in asking your support now, I ask it not on the basis of old friendships. We have entered a new age. And I ask you to join me in helping make this an age of greatness for our people and for our nation."

Full Speech Text