2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

John McCain Arriving At Minneapolis St. Paul Airport Photos

John McCain Minnesota MSP Airport Arrival Photos

Clinton/Gore '96 Website 10th Anniversary

This press release was issued on July 10, 1996 announcing the Clinton Gore website. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the unveiling.

REMARKS BY VICE-PRESIDENT AL GORE
AT THE UNVEILING OF THE CLINTON/GORE '96 WEBSITE

Clinton/Gore '96 Headquarters
Washington, D.C.

"Thank you all for coming to this debut of the home page. In 1992 when President Clinton and I campaigned to lead this country we understood that important investments in technology represent an investment in our nation's future. We believe that technology opens doors, creates jobs, and makes possible the opportunity for all of our citizens to reach out for the American dream. That's why we're here today.

On behalf of President Clinton, and all those committed to the cause of putting families first and moving America forward, I'm proud to officially unveil the Clinton/Gore '96 Home Page.

This is the first thing you see when you go to our home page, and it has a couple of innovative features for those of you who are familiar with the Internet and the World Wide Web. It's not very common to have this kind of ticker with a changing message at the bottom constantly moving or to have a server pushing new pictures onto the page with regularity right to your own computer.

And today we take another important step in our commitment to using technology to provide Americans with the information they need to get involved and the tools they need to get ahead. People across the country will now have the opportunity to get involved in the Clinton/Gore campaign as never before. From now until election day through this virtual campaign headquarters we will take our campaign and the President's vision for the next four years -- our proud record of achievement -- directly to America's fingertips.

Finally, before I close, no campaign is complete without bumper stickers and buttons, and we have bumper stickers for you with the Web page, the World Wide Web address, and also buttons with our campaign headquarters Internet address printed on them.

In any event, it is exciting for me to officially unveil this new Clinton/Gore '96 home page, and we look forward to lots of "hits", as they say, on the World Wide Web, lots of electronic business, students to the home page, and a lot of interactions Americans would want to get involved in the Clinton/Gore 1996 campaign. Thank you very much."

NEW OBAMA CAMPAIGN AD ON ENERGY “New Energy”

NEW OBAMA CAMPAIGN AD ON ENERGY “New Energy”

CHICAGO, IL – The Obama Campaign today released a new ad in Pennsylvania which sets the record straight on energy policy and responds to false, negative attacks by John McCain and the Republican party.

The 30-second spot, “New Energy,” highlights Senator Obama’s plan to make us energy independent and bring relief to middle class families, compared to John McCain’s plan to continue George Bush’s failed energy policy and offer more tax breaks to big oil.  The ad will run in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin – the same four states in which the Republican National Committee is running false, negative ads attacking Barack Obama.

Barack Obama's energy plan will provide meaningful short-term relief for our families and make a historic investment in alternative energy development that will create millions of new jobs, keep the cost of energy affordable and secure our energy independence once and for all.

SCRIPT – “New Energy”
 
On gas prices, John McCain’s part of the problem.
 
McCain and Bush support a drilling plan that won’t produce a drop of oil for seven years.
 
McCain will give more tax breaks to big oil.
 
He’s voted with Bush 95% of the time.
 
Barack Obama will make energy independence an urgent priority.
 
Raise mileage standards.
 
Fast track technology for alternative fuels.
 
A $1000 tax cut to help families as we break the grip of foreign oil.
 
A real plan and new energy.

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

John McCain 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Love"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TV AD: "LOVE"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released its newest television ad entitled "Love." The ad highlights John McCain's record of putting his country first and taking on the tough challenges confronting our country even when it was not popular or in his self-interest. The ad will air on national cable and in key states.

Script For "Love" (TV 1:00)

ANNCR: It was a time of uncertainty, hope and change. The "Summer Of Love."

Half a world away, another kind of love -- of country.

John McCain: Shot down. Bayoneted. Tortured.

Offered early release, he said, "No." He'd sworn an oath.

Home, he turned to public service.

His philosophy: before party, polls and self ... America.

A maverick, John McCain tackled campaign reform, military reform, spending reform.

He took on presidents, partisans and popular opinion.

He believes our world is dangerous, our economy in shambles.

John McCain doesn't always tell us what we "hope" to hear.

Beautiful words cannot make our lives better.

But a man who has always put his country and her people before self, before politics can.

Don't "hope" for a better life. Vote for one.

McCain.

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

Obama To Accept Presidential Nomination On Closing Night Of 2008 Democratic National Convention

Democrats Throw Open Doors Of Convention, Obama To Accept Presidential Nomination On Closing Night Of 2008 Democratic National Convention In Front Of A Crowd Of More Than 75,000
Final Day of Convention Program to Move to Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High

DENVER – Breaking the mold of traditional political Conventions, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that Senator Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for President of the United States at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High. INVESCO Field can accommodate more than 75,000 people and will be the site of the 2008 Democratic Convention’s final day of programming on Thursday, August 28, 2008.

“The Democratic Party is nominating a true change candidate this August, and it is only fitting that we make some big changes in how we put on the Convention,” said Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).  “Senator Obama’s candidacy has generated an enormous amount of excitement and interest, not only in the Democratic Party but also in the 2008 Convention. By bringing the last night of the Convention out to the people, we will be able to showcase Barack Obama’s positive, people-centered vision for our country in a big way. ”

“Barack Obama’s campaign for change has inspired millions of Americans and brought people into the political process who might never have been involved,” said Convention Co-Chair Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “This change in the Convention program will allow thousands of first-time participants a chance to take part. I can’t think of a better Convention finale for our nominee who has made reaching out to voters a hallmark of his campaign.”

“When we said we wanted to ‘bring down the walls,’ open up this Convention like never before and truly speak to the American people, we meant it,” said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC.  “On August 28, we will offer grassroots Democrats, who have turned out in record numbers this year, the opportunity to witness history shoulder to shoulder with thousands of Americans standing up for the change our country desperately needs.”

“Senator Obama and the DNCC have truly brought the community into the Convention,” said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. “This decision will enable thousands of residents from Colorado, the Rocky Mountain West and across the nation to witness history first hand.  What a way to fire up our grassroots activists as we head into the fall campaign.”

Primetime Convention activities Monday, August 25 through Wednesday, August 27 will continue to be held at the Pepsi Center.  The final day of the Convention on Thursday, August 28, including the nomination acceptance speech of Senator Barack Obama, will be held at INVESCO Field at Mile High, also located in downtown Denver.  Daytime Convention events, including meetings of the Democratic caucuses and councils will continue to be held at the Colorado Convention Center.

The DNCC announced today that a special block of “Community” credentials will be reserved for Colorado residents for Thursday night’s program at INVESCO Field.   Details about how to sign up and receive a “Community Credential” for the last night of the Convention will be released in the coming weeks.

“This is the type of Convention people will want to experience together with family, friends and neighbors, and we hope this move enables thousands of Americans to come together, experience history and put Senator Obama on the path to victory in November,” Daughtry added.

Minnesota Small Business Leaders Endorse John McCain's Jobs for America Economic Plan

Minnesota Small Business Leaders Endorse John McCain's Jobs for America Economic Plan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Minnesota Small Business Leaders for McCain coalition chairs. Today several metro area small business owners endorsed John McCain's economic plan, joining business leaders across the country who have praised John McCain's jobs-first plan to grow the economy as president.

"John McCain is committed to holding the line on taxes and keeping regulations simple," said Paul Burke, who owns and operates Mike's Clean Sweep, a Minnesota-based industrial cleanup company. "He knows that the key to growing jobs and turning our economy around is not to stifle small business, but to promote it."

Burke joined with fellow small business people and entrepreneurs in Minnesota, many of whom spoke about current economic challenges to their businesses, and discussed their strong belief that John McCain's jobs first plan shows the right vision and approach to the U.S. economy and American jobs.

"Higher taxes would be terrible for small businesses," said Nkajlo Vangh, President of the Hmong American Federal Credit Union. "John McCain's support of lower taxes makes him the best choice to lead this country forward."

Today in Denver, Colorado, John McCain announced his Jobs for America economic plan, kicking off a week of events focusing on his jobs-first proposal in critical battleground states.

SMALL BUSINESS LEADERS FOR MCCAIN

Co-Chairs, Paul and Pam Burke -- Owners, Mike's Clean Sweep
Co-Chair, Nkajlo Vangh -- President, Hmong American Federal Credit Union
Co-Chair, Dirk Bak -- CEO, SDQ, Ltd.
Co-Chair, Steve Williams -- Owner, Bobby and Steve's Auto World
Richard Aguilar -- CEO, Aguilar Productions
Jon Ball -- Detailing Group
Kirstin and Mike Beach -- Beach Expeditions
Dick Pellow -- All State Salvage
Ron Zenk -- CEO, Humanetics
Mike Hickey -- Mike Hickey and Associates
Greg Frankenfield -- Magenic
Joan Thompson -- CFO, Minnesota Wire
Steven Langsdale -- Mohawk Moving & Storage
Greg Merz -- President, GTM Consulting Inc.
Martin Mohamed -- African Chamber of Commerce
Sheldon Anderson -- Capital Investigation & Security
Joe Swanson -- Lighthouse Financial Marketing Services
Max Pizano -- Pizano Insurance Agency

John McCain Returns To Wisconsin For A Town Hall Meeting On Friday, July 11th In Hudson

John McCain returns to Wisconsin for a Town Hall Meeting on Friday, July 11th in Hudson.

July 11th - Women's Town Hall Meeting in Hudson, WI

Town Hall Meeting (Women's Town Hall)
Doors open at 10:00am
J & L Steel Erectors
2365 Willis Miller Drive
Hudson, WI 54016

John McCain 2008 Launches New Spanish Radio Ad: "Colombia Trade"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW SPANISH RADIO AD: "COLOMBIA TRADE"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new Spanish radio ad, called "Colombia Trade." The ad features Tony Villamil, the ex-director of Tourism, Commerce and Economic Affairs of Florida, speaking about the importance of trade and John McCain's support for the Colombia Free Trade Agreement which will open an important foreign market to American goods and create jobs here at home. The radio ad will air in Florida.

English Script For "Colombia Trade" (Radio:60)

TONY VILLAMIL: This is Tony Villamil speaking, ex-director of Tourism, Commerce and Economic Affairs of Florida.

When it comes to a strong economy for our state, commercial trade with Latin America is crucial. Three quarters of Florida's exports are with Latin America, and the Colombian Free Trade Agreement would create even more opportunity.

In this election, there are some that talk about revising the Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada and oppose the Agreement with Colombia. This would hurt our economic future.

Last year Florida's exports to Latin America reached almost $45 billion dollars. Colombia is Florida's third most important export market and this trade agreement would create almost 5,000 new jobs

John McCain supports the Colombian Agreement, knows about our alliances with our hemisphere and understands our economy grows thanks to trade.

Remember who stands for prosperity in Florida, our country and our hemisphere. His name is John McCain.

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

ANNCR: Paid for by John McCain 2008.

Spanish Script For "Colombia Trade" (Radio:60)

TONY VILLAMIL: Les habla Tony Villamil, ex-director de Turismo, Comercio y Economia de la Florida.

Para una economia fuerte en nuestro Estado, el comercio con Latinoamerica es crucial. Tres cuartas partes de nuestras exportaciones van hacia Latinoamerica y el Tratado de Libre Comercio con Colombia crearia aun mas oportunidades.

En esta eleccion algunos hablan de revisar el Tratado de Libre Comercio con Mexico y Canada y se oponen al tratado con Colombia. Esto danaria nuestro futuro economico.

El ano pasado las exportaciones de la Florida a Latinoamerica fueron de casi $45 billones de dolares. Colombia es nuestro tercer mercado mas importante y este acuerdo crearia unos 5,000 nuevos empleos.

John McCain apoya el tratado con Colombia, conoce las relaciones con nuestro hemisferio y entiende que nuestra economia crece gracias al comercio.

Recuerden quien esta a favor de la prosperidad de la Florida, de nuestro pais y de nuestro hemisferio. Su nombre es John McCain.

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

ANNCR: Paid for by John McCain 2008

Barack Obama Campaign To Open Offices In Minnesota Soon

Barack Obama Campaign To Open Offices In Minnesota Soon

The Obama campaign will open offices across the State of Minnesota soon. The state headquarters will be located near the intersection of University and Raymond Ave. in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul.

At an Obama organizational meeting held Saturday, June 28, Obama Minnesota State Director, Jeff Blodgett stated that he was, "Humbled and honored to join a campaign in full swing." He went on to say that "What excites him is the culture of the campaign. That culture comes from the top, from Barack Obama and his experience as a community organizer." He emphasized the importance of "Direct voter contact. Talking to voters is most important, more important than television."

Nick Kimball will serve as Communications Director for Minnesota through Election Day, November 4, 2008.