2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Statement From The Obama And Clinton Press Offices

Statement from the Obama and Clinton Press Offices

Since June, Senators Obama and Clinton have been working together to ensure a Democratic victory this November. They are both committed to winning back the White House and to to ensuring that the voices of all 35 million people who participated in this historic primary election are respected and heard in Denver. To honor and celebrate these voices and votes, both Senator Obama's and Senator Clinton's names will be placed in nomination.

"I am convinced that honoring Senator Clinton's historic campaign in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion," said Senator Barack Obama.

Senator Obama's campaign encouraged Senator Clinton's name to be placed in nomination as a show of unity and in recognition of the historic race she ran and the fact that she was the first woman to compete in all of our nation's primary contests.

"With every voice heard and the Party strongly united, we will elect Senator Obama President of the United States and put our nation on the path to peace and prosperity once again," said Senator Hillary Clinton.

Senator Obama and Senator Clinton are looking forward to a convention unified behind Barack Obama as the Party's nominee and to victory this fall for America.

THE 2008 CONVENTION: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27TH- SECURING AMERICA’S FUTURE

THE 2008 CONVENTION: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27TH- SECURING AMERICA’S FUTURE
Tribute to Veterans, Active Duty Military & Military Families

DENVER – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America Campaign announced today speakers and programmatic elements for the third night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.  Wednesday’s program – Securing America’s Future – will feature the voices of Americans who share Barack Obama’s vision of making America stronger and safer.

The headline prime-time speaker on Wednesday will be Barack Obama’s Vice Presidential Nominee.

Barack Obama offers a new, tough foreign policy approach that is neither Republican nor Democratic.  Obama will implement a strong, smart American foreign policy that makes us more secure at home and advances our interests in the world by ending the war in Iraq responsibly and focusing on the threats of the 21st century - al Qaeda, nuclear weapons, and energy security.

Former President Bill Clinton will speak on Barack Obama’s commitment to a stronger and safer America, as well as the history of Democrats making positive change in the lives of all Americans.

Governor Bill Richardson and Senators Evan Bayh, Joe Biden and Jay Rockefeller will echo Obama’s call for a new direction in national security and outline his policies and plans to secure America’s future.

One of the greatest security challenges facing  the country today is reducing our dependence on oil, especially from foreign sources.  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will discuss Barack Obama’s plans to make America more secure by investing in smart energy policies. 

Senator Ken Salazar, the Convention’s home state Senator, and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn will also speak as part of the Securing America’s Future program.

A bedrock component of Obama’s national security plan is increasing our support to active duty military, veterans and military families.  Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth will lead a tribute honoring those who give so much to secure our nation’s future. 

Vice President Mondale Launches Obama Campaign for Change “Seniors Talking to Seniors” Program

Vice President Mondale Launches Obama Campaign for Change “Seniors Talking to Seniors” Program

Former Vice President Walter Mondale marks the 73rd anniversary of Social Security with a groundbreaking grassroots effort to reach Minnesota seniors

ST. PAUL – Seventy-three years after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law the creation of Social Security, former Vice President Walter Mondale, long-time Minnesota human-rights advocate Dr. Josie Johnson and Obama for Minnesota State Director Jeff Blodgett kicked off a groundbreaking new “Seniors Talking to Seniors” program at Sen. Obama’s Minnesota Campaign for Change headquarters.

Vice President Mondale, Dr. Johnson and Blodgett spoke of the importance of reaching out to seniors. Vice President Mondale highlighted U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s detailed plans to stand up for seniors and ensure every American has the same chance at a fulfilling retirement.

“Senator Obama has comprehensive plans to protect Social Security, strengthen retirement savings, make affordable health care available to every American and to protect and honor our seniors,” Vice President Mondale said. “With the ‘Seniors Talking to Seniors’ program, we will be launching a sustained effort to grow Senator Obama’s broad support among this important group of voters.”

After Mondale’s remarks, senior volunteers hit the phones to talk with other seniors about Barack Obama’s strong record of fighting for issues important to them. The “Seniors Talking to Seniors” program is a key element of Obama’s strategy to win Minnesota’s 10 electoral votes. Both Obama and Sen. McCain consider Minnesota a vital state to win in the election.

“There is no question about it: Minnesota is absolutely critical for our campaign and for Senator McCain’s campaign,” Blodgett said. “Neither campaign wins this election without Minnesota. The ‘Seniors Talking to Seniors’ program will Minnesota’s seniors the tools they need to spread Senator Obama’s message and recruit new supporters within their own communities, neighborhoods, churches and other aspects of their lives.

“It is a neighborhood and town-based effort that will build broad-based support for Senator Obama’s candidacy among seniors. In campaign offices all over Minnesota, senior supporters of Senator Obama will regularly help us talk with Minnesotans and make sure they understand Senator Obama’s ideas to turn around the economy and keep us safe.”

Build-Out Continues Into Fourth Week For 2008 Republican National Convention

Build-Out Continues Into Fourth Week For 2008 Republican National Convention

Hundreds of Workers Continue Transforming Xcel Energy Center
in Advance of Sen. John McCain's Nomination

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today released a third behind-the-scenes, time lapse video of the ongoing transformation of the Xcel Energy Center into the podium for the Republican Party's nomination of Senator John McCain.

In the three weeks since work began at the venue, workers modified more than 30 suites into media studios, began construction of the podium sub structure and completed installation of lighting and sound equipment.
 
About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Obama Campaign Releases New TV Ad To Air During the Olympics

Obama Campaign Releases New TV Ad to Air During the Olympics
30-Second Spot Highlights Senator Obama’s Plan to Stand Up for the Middle Class

CHICAGO – Today, the Obama campaign unveiled a new ad to run during the Olympics. The ad, Three Bedroom Ranch, discusses Obama’s plan to put the middle class first by growing the economy, ending tax cuts for companies that ship jobs overseas, creating new jobs here at home, investing in education and cutting taxes for working families. Barack Obama will ensure the economic security of middle-class families in the short-term, and restore balance and fairness to our economy; to make sure that Americans aren’t just getting by, but getting ahead.

Three Bedroom Ranch will air on national cable and broadcast in all 50 states beginning Monday.

Video                                                             
Audio

Fade up on a home construction site.  It’s early dawn and a construction crew is beginning to assemble a suburban home.  A blue filter covers the middle of the screen.

SUPER: A Plan To Build

Time lapse photography captures the construction from the foundation to the finished home.

The action becomes the backplate for graphics.  SUPERS animate on the screen and are supported by b-roll shots:

Obama talking to a group of supporters.  SUPER: Obama Economic Plan (Continues throughout)

Workers.  SUPER: 1. Grow the Economy.

Portrait of a worker.  SUPER: 2. End Tax Breaks for Companies that Ship Jobs Overseas

Obama talking with small business owner. SUPER:  3. Give tax breaks to businesses that create jobs here

Portrait of a school child.  SUPER: 

4. Invest in Education

Obama talking with a family.  SUPER:  5. $1,000 Tax Cut for Working Families

Windmills, solar panels.  SUPER: 

6. Energy Independence

 Transition to still of BO in front of American flag. Disclaimer

SUPER: BarackObama.com

 It begins with a plan.

A plan to build.

A plan to put hard working Americans first.

Barack Obama.

He’ll put the middle class ahead of Corporate Interests to…

Grow the economy.

End tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas.

Help businesses that create jobs here.

Invest in education.

Cut taxes for working families.

And make energy independence an urgent national priority.

BO:  I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Jimmy Carter 1980 Convention Speech Anniversary

Jimmy Carter Accepting the Presidential Nomination at the 1980 Democratic National Convention, August 14, 1980 in New York, New York 

"I thank you for the nomination you've offered me, and I especially thank you for choosing as my running mate the best partner any President ever had, Fritz Mondale.

With gratitude and with determination I accept your nomination, and I am proud to run on the progressive and sound platform that you have hammered out at this convention.

Fritz and I will mount a campaign that defines the real issues, a campaign that responds to the intelligence of the American people, a campaign that talks sense. And we're going to beat the Republicans in November.

We'll win because we are the party of a great President who knew how to get reelected--Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And we are the party of a courageous fighter who knew how to give 'em hell--Harry Truman. And as Truman said, he just told the truth and they thought it was hell. And we're the party of a gallant man of spirit--John Fitzgerald Kennedy. And we're the party of a great leader of compassion--Lyndon Baines Johnson, and the party of a great man who should have been President, who would have been one of the greatest Presidents in history--Hubert Horatio Hornblower--Humphrey. I have appreciated what this convention has said about Senator Humphrey, a great man who epitomized the spirit of the Democratic Party. And I would like to say that we are also the party of Governor Jerry Brown and Senator Edward Kennedy.

I'd like to say a personal word to Senator Kennedy. Ted, you're a tough competitor and a superb campaigner, and I can attest to that. Your speech before this convention was a magnificent statement of what the Democratic Party is and what it means to the people of this country and why a Democratic victory is so important this year. I reach out to you tonight, and I reach out to all those who supported you in your valiant and passionate campaign. Ted, your party needs and I need you. And I need your idealism and your dedication working for us. There is no doubt that even greater service lies ahead of you, and we are grateful to you and to have your strong partnership now in a larger cause to which your own life has been dedicated.

I thank you for your support; we'll make great partners this fall in whipping the Republicans. We are Democrats and we've had our differences, but we share a bright vision of America's future--a vision of a good life for all our people, a vision of a secure nation, a just society, a peaceful world, a strong America--confident and proud and united. And we have a memory of Franklin Roosevelt, 40 years ago, when he said that there are times in our history when concerns over our personal lives are overshadowed by our concern over "what will happen to the county we have known." This is such a time, and I can tell you that the choice to be made this year can transform our own personal lives and the life of our country as well.

During the last Presidential campaign, I crisscrossed this country and I listened to thousands and thousands of people-housewives and farmers, teachers and small business leaders, workers and students, the elderly and the poor, people of every race and every background and every walk of life. It was a powerful experience--a total immersion in the human reality of America.

I need for all of you to join me in fulfilling that vision. The choice, the choice between the two futures, could not be more clear. If we succumb to a dream world then we'll wake up to a nightmare. But if we start with reality and fight to make our dreams a reality, then Americans will have a good life, a life of meaning and purpose in a nation that's strong and secure.

Above all, I want us to be what the Founders of our Nation meant us to become--the land of freedom, the land of peace, and the land of hope.      

Thank you very much."

Full Speech Text

Gore 2000 Launches New Web Site Anniversary

On August 14, 2000 the Gore Lieberman campaign issued this press release announcing the launch of the new Al Gore Web Site.

Karenna Gore Schiff Demonstrates New Site's Interactivity and Cutting-Edge Features.

Los Angeles - From the podium at the Staples Center, Karenna Gore Schiff today announced the launch of AlGore.com. This new site stresses interactivity and facilitates virtual participation in the campaign. Schiff's announcement will be available to voters and press via the Internet. The web site offers voters the opportunity to learn about the values and vision of Al Gore and his running mate, Joe Lieberman. Visitors can participate in an "Interactive Town Hall" or study up on the most important issues facing working families.

"I hope that every voter across the country visits our new website," said Gore. "In one place they can find everything they need to know, not just about me and my running mate, Joe Lieberman, but also about the important issues in this campaign."

Schiff is the head of GoreNet, a network of young people working to help elect Al Gore and Joe Lieberman. She has been campaigning on her own and building a network of young people across the country to support her father.

"Information is crucial to voters when choosing a candidate," said Schiff. "That's why I am excited about the launch of AlGore.com. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn where my father and Joe Lieberman stand on the issues."

Ben Green directs Internet operations at Gore 2000. He helped design the innovative "Interactive Town Hall," where voters can submit questions and see responses from the candidates.

"Voters are beginning to focus on this election. AlGore.com provides an opportunity to participate in the campaign and make a decision," said Gore 2000 director of Internet operations Ben Green. "This new site sets the standard for Internet campaigning and demonstrates Al Gore's commitment to working families."

The new site is designed to serve a broad audience of Web users: supporters looking for information and opportunities to participate in the campaign; activists using the Internet as a means to mobilize voters; and undecided voters looking for more information on how Gore and Lieberman will fight for working families.

The site offers voters a broad range of Take Action opportunities, which allow supporters to participate actively in the campaign. Through these Take Action opportunities Web site visitors can: volunteer to participate in local campaign events; create custom Web pages with pictures and text to mail to friends; send links to Gore 2000 Web pages to friends; register to vote online; and join Women for Gore's "Winning the Difference" e-mail project.

The site's Interactive Town Hall allows Web-surfing voters to submit questions to Gore and Lieberman. Selected questions will be answered by Gore and Lieberman and posted on the Web site. On the site's Build Your Own Campaign page, Web visitors can contribute their views, sharing their passion about the issues facing working families.

Each of the fifty United States will have its own homepage that will feature issues and events important to that state. At the top of each Web page is a link to a Spanish translation, which features the same look and feel of the English language page.

Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Announces Locations Of Media And Delegate Parties

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL 2008 HOST COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES LOCATIONS OF MEDIA AND DELEGATE PARTIES
The Mississippi Riverfront and CivicFest to Play Starring Roles

MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN (August 13, 2008) – The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, which is hosting the 2008 Republican National Convention, announced today the locations of two premier parties that will be held during the 2008 Republican National Convention. The venues for the invitation-only events were chosen because they highlight the beauty of Minnesota’s landmark Mississippi River as well as the chance to showcase Minnesota business and innovation.

The media party will be held the night of Saturday, August 30, along the Minneapolis Riverfront with the world-renowned Guthrie Theater, Mill City Museum and Mississippi River as the backdrop. More than 15,000 international, national and local media are expected to attend the Convention.

The delegate party will be held the night of Sunday, August 31, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, which also is the location for CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration. CivicFest features exhibits that highlight Minnesota history and business innovation as well as more than 35 world-class exhibits. Fifty-six delegations will be attending the event.

“We are pleased to welcome our visitors to locations that are truly first-class,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “The attendees to the media party will be astonished by the amazing architecture and natural resources that are present along the Minneapolis Riverfront. We also are eager to showcase Minnesota business and innovation as well as the wonderful historic and unique exhibits that CivicFest will offer as a backdrop to the delegate party.”

It has been 116 years since Minnesota hosted a national political convention. In 1892, eighteen hundred delegates and alternates from forty-four states, five territories and the District of Columbia met along the banks of the Mississippi River in the Exposition Building in Minneapolis. 

“The Minneapolis-Saint Paul area is home to several world-class facilities, beautiful landscapes and stunning architecture – all of which will be on display at the venues selected for these events,” said Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention. “Our delegates and media guests will be impressed when the MSP 2008 Host Committee rolls out the red carpet for guests of the Republican National Convention.”

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held September 1-4 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn. More than 45,000 individuals, including 15,000 media, are expected to attend the Convention. The last national political convention in Minnesota was the Republican National Convention held in 1892.

About The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee

The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee is a non-partisan, 501c3 nonprofit charged with promoting the commerce, image and prestige of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and the entire region in preparation for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The Host Committee is made up of community leaders who are committed to educating people and businesses to come to Minnesota to work, live, play, visit and invest. For more information, visit www.msp2008.com.               

THE 2008 CONVENTION: TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th – RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE

THE 2008 CONVENTION: TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th – RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE

Key Speakers on the Economy to Include Governors Napolitano, Patrick, Rendell, Schweitzer, Sebelius & Strickland; Senator Bob Casey, Jr. & Federico Peña 

DENVER – With millions of Americans struggling to get by, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America Campaign announced today that some of America’s strongest leaders on the economy and energy will speak about how to renew America’s promise on Tuesday night of the Convention.  America’s top Governors, Senators and a former Secretary of Energy and Transportation will echo Barack Obama’s call for a new economy with new energy.

Tuesday night’s featured speakers include Convention Co-Chair Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, both early supporters of Barack Obama, who will outline his detailed economic plan to grow the economy, create jobs, restore fairness and expand opportunity. 

Governors Ted Strickland of Ohio and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania will discuss how the failed policies of the last eight years have betrayed our values and left an economy out of balance.

Barack Obama believes you can’t have a strong economy when you have a weak middle class, and speakers like Senator Bob Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania and Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will share how Obama’s policies have been directly shaped by the people he has met as he traveled the country.

Building on Obama’s New Economy with New Energy message, Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana and Federico Peña, former Mayor of Denver and Secretary of both Energy and Transportation, will speak about the nexus between energy and the economy and highlight new and innovative policies to help working families in rural, urban and suburban communities.

As announced earlier this week, Mark Warner, former Governor of Virginia, will deliver the Convention’s keynote address, and Senator Hillary Clinton, who is a champion for working families and one of the most effective and empathetic voices in the country today, will be the headline prime-time speaker on Tuesday night.

Minneapolis Saint Paul Residents And Visitors Invited To Participate In, "More to Tri," A Series Of Fitness Events

Mayor R.T. Rybak, Life Time Fitness, Humana and Hoigaards team up to present "More to Tri"

Three-Day Fitness Challenge to Showcase Cities’ Natural Beauty, True Healthy-Way-of-Life Spirit for Residents and Visitors During Republican National Convention

MINNEAPOLIS (Monday, August 11, 2008) – Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Meet Minneapolis, Life Time Fitness (NYSE: LTM), Humana and Hoigaards invite Minneapolis Saint Paul residents and visitors to participate in a special, "More to Tri," series of fitness events during the upcoming Republican National Convention.

"More to Tri" involves the activities which make up a traditional triathlon – swim, bike, run – but this time the events will be staged separately to showcase Minneapolis Saint Paul's urban green landscape and highlight the area's commitment to healthy and active lifestyles. Runners, bikers and swimmers are invited to join Mayor Rybak to participate in one, two or all three events. Local residents, convention delegates and visitors, and media members are invited to participate.