2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain Launches New Straight Talk America Web Site

John McCain launched the Straight Talk America Web Site with this Statement.

Straight Talk America Joins Fight for Reform:
All Americans Invited to Serve in the Cause
U.S. Senator John McCain has opened a new front in his fight for reform of government and politics. In establishing Straight Talk America Political Action Committee, McCain stated: "Americans instinctually understand that we are an unfinished nation, a great but not perfect one. The organization will help muster millions of reform-minded Americans to the cause of assuring that the institutions of our government and the conduct of our politics are worthy of America's greatness and reflect the country's highest ideals and aspirations for good.

"America's greatness has always been rooted in our principles: honoring Man's inalienable right to personal, political and economic freedom; devotion to the common good; service to causes greater than self; and a unifying patriotism. Straight Talk America has been conceived to serve those ideals and advance the cause of reform to assure that government and politics reflect our time-honored values," McCain said.

Straight Talk America's mission is threefold: To enlist Americans in the cause of reform that serves America's ideals; give financial assistance and support to candidates for political office who will best reflect the reform ethic; and provide a straight talking and potent voice in advancing the reform agenda that includes:

The cause of...creating a leaner, more responsible, effective and accountable federal government that serves interests of our people rather than the ambitions of our politicians
The cause of...assuring that the federal budget is managed in a manner that is fiscally responsible, cuts waste, invests wisely, husbands taxpayer dollars respectfully and is mindful of our obligations to future generations
The cause of...faithfully discharging America's responsibility to advance the ideals of liberty, human rights, self-governance and the rule of law throughout the world
The cause of...assuring a strong, capable and ready military that serves the cause of peace, is able to defend America's interests and values wherever and whenever they are threatened, and that cares conscientiously for the well-being of our young men and women in uniform
The cause of...protecting the security of our homeland and safeguarding the freedoms that are the birthright of all Americans
The cause of...supporting the health, strength and dignity of the American family and culture across the span of generations
The cause of...sustaining a strong economy devoted to rewarding initiative and to making accessible the American dream to all, so that all may share in the blessings of freedom
The cause of...energizing American leadership in science, technology, medicine, education, training and mastery in the skills of the future to secure the nation's prosperity and serve the upward march of humanity
The cause of...providing conscientious stewardship of our precious natural heritage for the benefit of this and future generations
The cause of...advancing the ethic of service and devotion to causes greater than self by all Americans
The cause of...building pride and full public participation in the nation's democratic institutions and the conduct of American politics
The cause of...inspiring youth to devote their energies, passion and talents to the betterment of America and mankind
The cause of...promoting straight talk in our political campaigns and policy debates
In the weeks ahead the Straight Talk America web site will provide more information about the mission, structure and activities of the organization and the Straight Talk movement.

The site will provide up-to-date information on the reform activities of Senator McCain and the reform agenda. It will let our fellow citizens know how they can contribute to the mission of reform, the betterment of America, and causes greater than oneself. And consistent, with Senator McCain's values of inclusion, transparency, and straight talk it will provide candid discussion of the reform issues facing the nation, and a full accounting of how and by whom the organization's activities are funded.

There are many causes greater than oneself for which it's an honor to serve. The cause of reform is one among them, but one that is eminently worthwhile. However you choose to serve or participate, Straight Talk America hopes it's a cause you will want to join because the nation is calling, the cause is honorable and be assured: Senator John McCain Wants You!

Howard Baker 1980 Announcement

Presidential Announcement Statement by Honorable Howard H. Baker. Jr.

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

The greatness of America has always been written in the confidence of her people as they summon the will to shape their future. Throughout our history, days of trouble have turned to years of pride through a renaissance of the American spirit. Once again America knows days of trouble. Once again we will recover in pride. But only if we are honest enough to admit our peril.

I don’t honestly know whether I can beat both Jimmy Carter and Teddy Kennedy on this treaty this November. It is very close. But I guarantee you that I’ll beat either Jimmy Carter or Teddy Kennedy in the voting booth next November.

Watch me. Judge me. Then come with me. Let's reach for the future and make it ours."

Full Speech Text

Mike Hatch Minnesota Governor Announcement

Mike Hatch announced his candidacy for Minnesota Governor at the Minnesota Nurses Association Centennial Celebration in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 24, 2005. Minnesota Attorney General Hatch spoke at a rally in support of Senator John Edwards, 2004 vice presidential candidate in Rosemount, Minnesota on August 13, 2004.

Jerry Brown 1992 Announcement

Edmund G. Brown Jr.'s Announcement Speech at Independence Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 21, 1991.

"We gather today at the most sacred site of American democracy. It was right here two centuries ago that our forebearers forged the miracle of America, and they called it "A New Order of the Ages."

In that hall, ordinary people not any different from you and me, struggled and argued and finally agreed on the ideas which make our government and the people of the United States stand apart from all others.

I have come here today because I care about my country and its future, and I care about the future of this earth on which we all depend.

I love being an American and I love the freedom and the creativity it makes possible.

I love the things which our democracy stands for--the ideals and truths which were worked out just a few feet away. These ideas have power and they are stirring the human imagination in Eastern Europe and Burma and the furthest reaches of Asia.

In that spirit, I am here in Philadelphia to stand as a candidate for President of the United States in 1992."

Full Speech Text

Political Wire Interviews John Edwards

Political Wire interviews John Edwards about today, 2004 and 2008.

PW: What was the biggest lesson you learned running for president in 2004?

JE: "First of all, it was an honor to be able to run for president and to meet so many wonderful people from all over the country..."

John McCain '08 Media Strategy

John Friedman's Article in Marketwatch concerning John McCain's '08 media strategy includes this quote about previous campaigns.

"McCain is realistic about the topsy-turvy nature of presidential politics, too much so to make any hard and fast predictions. Yes, he conceded, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton was indeed the "odds-on favorite" to seize the Democratic nomination in 2008. "But we all remember Ed Muskie and George Romney," he added, referring to two candidates who were heavily favored to lock up nominations from their parties in 1972 and 1968, respectively, but fell short in the end"

Governor George W. Bush 2000 Website Redesign

The George W. Bush Website was redesigned on this day in 1999.

Governor Bush Unveils Innovative New Website
AUSTIN, TX –Governor George W. Bush today launched an innovative new design for his presidential campaign website, www.georgewbush.com, that includes personalization, a Hispanic site, a special section for children and 50 individual state websites.
"The internet is an efficient and innovative way to reach people directly with information and issue positions," said Gov. Bush. "This new design allows individuals to personalize the website to their interests and to get the latest news about the campaign in both Spanish and English. I hope it will be a useful tool for people who are interested in learning more about my presidential campaign."
The redesigned site allows people to create a personalized page with news and information in which they are interested. For example, a voter from Virginia who is most interested in education and economic issues can create a home page that always contains the latest news on those issues, information about the campaign in Virginia and photos and details about the Governor’s travel to Virginia. After the individual site is created, it comes up on the screen each time the person logs in.
The new website also includes a comprehensive Hispanic site. This site provides information in Spanish including campaign speeches, positions on issues, news releases, and video testimonials of Hispanic supporters.
The Youth Zone portion of the website is designed to teach children more about the presidential election by using America’s game, baseball, as a kid-friendly reference point. Children can learn about the election process and see the differences and similarities between politics and baseball in a fun and appealing way.
The newly redesigned website also offers the following information and options:
• Campaign activities in each of the 50 states;
• Photos and details of Gov. Bush’s travel across the country to meet with voters;
• Text of Gov. Bush’s speeches, including a video link to view a speech;
• A photo journal of Gov. Bush’s life from his childhood in Midland, to the birth of his twin daughters to his work as the managing general partner of the Texas Rangers;
• The opportunity to sign up for volunteer activities;
• Information about Gov. Bush policy proposals.

Evan Bayh 2008 Bumper Sticker Slogan

Politcal Wire's "Quote of the Day" features Evan Bayh talking in the Des Moines Register about a possible 2008 bumper sticker slogan.

"The former Indiana governor has said he will make his official decision on whether to run for president after the 2006 elections. The Iowa caucuses are expected to lead off the presidential nominating process in 2008.

He joked about a bumper sticker that could play off his last name, pronounced "buy."

"I kind of like 'Bayh-partisan,' " he told Democrats at a lunch meeting in Des Moines."

This slogan was previously used by his father, Birch Bayh (candidate for president in 1976) on various state and national campaigns.

Dennis Kucinich 2004 Announcement

Dennis John Kucinich Formal Announcement Speech in Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, October 13, 2003.

"Thank you for joining me for this important moment, not only for myself but for the Cleveland community. My brothers and sisters will remember this story. There is a fiery torch which lights the night skies over our beloved Cleveland. It rises from the furnace of a steel mill. I remember a time when that light played against the interior of our car. As a young child I pressed my face against the car window and watched as the flame reached up. It filled me with wonder, it gave me a spark of hope. It made me forget that my mom and dad, my brothers and sisters, all seven of us, were living in that car.

Light has the power to enkindle dreams. And though we lived in 21 different places by the time I was 17, including a couple of cars, I breathed in the image of blazing light and I breathe it out at this very moment.

The scriptures bid us to send forth our light and our truth and when children carry within their hearts the torch of hope, they learn the darkness yields not only to man-made fire, but to starlight, the rising sun, and to the light of the soul.

So I dedicate this day to the light bearers of today and tomorrow. The children who seek hope, who seek homes, who seek our help to be lifted up, to learn how to look for the light, how to read, how to dance, how to sing, how to play, how to love, how to summon from seemingly nothing the new realities which some call miracles. Miracles occur when our faith meets inner vision, where believing is seeing.

This moment, this moment, which evolved as the dream of an inner city child who once lived in a car, to become President of the United States celebrates not my potential but the creative potential of each and every child to be somebody, to be loved, to serve, to lead, to be carried into the myth and magic of the express power of the American Dream and our responsibility to make each child's dreams come true.

Cleveland is my home. Cleveland is where my heart resides. Cleveland is where my dreams started. Cleveland is where I've learned the lessons I want to share with every American: The lesson that one person can make a difference; the lesson that anyone can, and anyone should be able to rise from humble beginnings to lead a nation; the lesson that we can change the outcome; the lesson of the power of the human heart, and the power of the human spirit to transform the world. I have seen miracles. I have seen the people of Cleveland create miracles. During my career you have helped me to save a municipal electric system when it was already sold. You have helped me to keep hospitals open when they were already closed. You have helped me to save a steel mill, to help keep that bright light burning over the industrial valley when other communities' hopes were extinguished. Because of you, because of you, because of you, I know the power of hope, the power of optimism, the power of light!

So, by the lights which guided my grandfather to America; by the light still shining celebrating public power; by the lights which still emblazon the sky over Cleveland's steel valley, I stand here, ready to light up America. I am Dennis John Kucinich and I am running for President of the United States!"

Full Speech Text

George Bush 1988 Announcement

George Bush Announcement Speech in Houston, Texas on October 12, 1987

"I am here today to announce my candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. I mean to run hard, to fight hard, to stand on the issues -- and I mean to win.

For seven years, I have devoted myself, as a Vice President should and must, to helping a President conduct the most difficult job on earth. The President asked for, and received, my candor he never asked for, but received, my loyalty. I had much to say to him, and I spoke with trust. But now I am a candidate for President, and now it is my responsibility to turn to the American people and share with them my hopes and intentions, and why I wish to lead.

I am following a great Presidency -- and a great President. Ronald Reagan returned dignity and good sense to the high office he holds. Seven years ago, a nation that needed to trust again turned to him -- and refound its spirit. I am proud to have been his partner; I am proud to have been part of his great work. 

For seven years now, I have been with a President -- and I have seen what crosses that big desk. I have seen the unexpected crises that arrive in an urgent cable; I have seen the problems that simmer on for decades and suddenly demand a resolution. I have seen modest decisions made with anguish, and crucial decisions made with dispatch.

The Presidency isn't like anything else. It isn't like the Senate, only more so. And it isn't like a governorship. A presidency can shape an era -- and it can change our lives. A successful presidency can give meaning to an age; a failed presidency can give us problems it takes generations to undo.

And so I know what it all comes down to, this election -- what it all comes down to, after all the shouting and the cheers -- is the man at the desk. And who should sit at that desk.

I am that man.

I love my country too much -- I love my children and grandchildren too much -- to campaign for the job if I didn't think, if I didn't know that I am the best man for it.

And so it begins. And I ask for your help.

Will you join me?

Will you help me complete our triumph? It's going to be a great adventure. Come -- and we'll do it all, with trust in the future, with trust in each other -- together, as one nation, under God.

Thank you all -- thank you very much."

Full Speech Text