2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

New Obama Campaign Ad “Truth”

Obama Campaign Responds to Misleading Clinton Attack Ad with “Truth”
Also launches new website to allow North Carolinians to report last-minute smear tactics and misinformation

CHICAGO, IL—U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign launched a new ad entitled “Truth” today, a response to the Clinton campaign’s misleading new attack ad. The Clinton ad, in typical Washington fashion, misrepresents Obama’s plans to stimulate the economy while advocating a gas tax holiday gimmick as a solution to high gas prices, even though economists have widely panned the plan as ineffective. The Obama campaign’s ad will run both in Indiana and North Carolina.

Clinton’s attack advertisement is the first negative ad run in the North Carolina presidential primary campaign.  In addition, a Washington, D.C. group today admitted to possible illegal calls that have confused North Carolina voters about voter registration.  Though that group apologized, the campaign has launched a new website – nc.barackobama.com/negative – that gives North Carolinians the ability to report last-minute, negative attacks and underhanded campaign tactics by opponents of Senator Obama. 

“We could suspend the gas tax for six months, but that’s not going to bring down gas prices long-term. You’re gonna save about 25, 30 dollars…or half a tank of gas,” Obama tells a town hall meeting in the ad.

Obama says in the ad that it’s time to investigate oil companies for price gouging and for Congress to adopt higher fuel efficiency standards and invest in alternative fuels.

“That’s the real honest answer to how we’re going to solve this problem,” Obama says. “That’s what you need from a President—someone who’s going to tell you the truth.”

“Truth,” 60 seconds

Script:

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

“I’m here to tell you the truth.

“We could suspend the gas tax for 6 months, but that’s not going to bring down gas prices long-term. You’re gonna save about 25, 30 dollars…or half a tank of gas.

“That’s typical of how Washington works. There’s a problem, everybody’s upset about gas prices – let’s find some short-term, quick-fix, that we can say we did something even though, even though we’re not really doing anything.

“We cannot deliver on a better energy policy unless we change how business is done in Washington.

“We’ve got to go out to the oil companies and look at their price-gouging.”

“We’ve got to start using less oil and that means raising fuel efficiency standards on cars and developing alternative fuels.

“That’s the real honest answer to how we’re going to solve this problem. That’s what you need from a President someone who’s going to tell you the truth.”

In New NC Ad, Maya Angelou Says Hillary "Intends to help our country become what it can become"

In New NC Ad, Maya Angelou Says Hillary "Intends to help our country become what it can become"

In a new 60-second ad, Maya Angelou talks about why she is supporting Hillary for President. Dr. Angelou says that Hillary “intends to help our country become what it can become,” and that she has found the person she thinks “would be the best president for the United States of America.”

The ad is airing statewide.

"Maya"
TV :60

Maya Angelou: Hillary Clinton is a prayer of every American who really longs for fair play.

Working men and women have had their jobs snatched from underneath them, their homes snatched away from them. And what we need, I think, is a person, a President who can make a difference in our country.

She intends to help our country become what it can become. She dares to say human beings are more alike than we are unalike.

I watched her become interested in public health and in education for all the children. And I watched her stand.

I have found the person I think would be the best president for the United States of America.

Hillary Clinton: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Obama Campaign to Launch Two New Ads in North Carolina

Obama Campaign to Launch Two New Ads in North Carolina
New Television Ads Focus on Senator Obama's Plan to Change Washington, Help Working Americans

RALEIGH, NC - The Obama campaign today announced the launch of two new television ads, focused on Barack Obama's vision for changing politics in Washington and bringing change that matters in the lives of hardworking American families.  The ads, entitled "In America" and "Return," will begin airing this week in markets across North Carolina. 

"In America" is a brand new ad airing for the first time in North Carolina, focusing on Senator Obama's vision for protecting American values and the American dream by changing Washington politics and putting working families first. 

"Return" highlights Senator Obama’s record of standing up for America’s troops and veterans and his commitment to keeping our country safe by maintaining the finest military in the world and ensuring our veterans get the care and benefits they have earned.

"IN AMERICA"

SCRIPT

Barack Obama [VO]: Here in America, we live by certain values.  Hard work.  Community.  Keeping your word.

But today, Washington’s got it backwards.  Trade deals that put profits before people.  Laws written for -- and by – corporate lobbyists.

We need to stop rewarding companies that export jobs.  End a war that’s cost so much in lives and dollars.  Invest in workers here at home.

I’m Barack Obama, and I approve this message to ask for your support on Tuesday.
Because the change we need in Washington begins with you.

"RETURN"

SCRIPT

Barack Obama: I'm Barack Obama, and I approve this message.

As your commander-in-chief, my job will be to keep you safe.

Part of keeping you safe is maintaining the finest military in the world...

And it means caring for our troops when they come home.

Narrator [VO]: On the Veterans Affairs Committee, Barack Obama passed measures to improve care for wounded warriors; give shelter to homeless veterans; and expand mental health services for returning heroes.

Barack Obama: We have a solemn obligation to honor those who have served
on our behalf.

NEW AD: Hillary Will Keep America's Promise

NEW AD: Hillary Will Keep America's Promise

INDIANAPOLIS, IN- Hoosiers for Hillary today launched a new 30-second television ad that highlights Hillary's upbringing in Park Ridge, Illinois and the values of hard work and resilience she learned from her parents and sees in Americans across our country. As President, Hillary will never waver in her commitment to keep America's promise for hardworking Americans.

The spot, titled "Dreams," will air throughout Indiana.

Following is a script for "Dreams."

Hillary Clinton:
My father served in the Navy and ran a small business. My mother taught Sunday school and took care of us. I come from Park Ridge, Illinois benefiting from all their hard work and sacrifice.

I carry with me not just their dreams but the dreams of people like them all across our country, people who embrace hard work and opportunity who never waiver in the face of adversity, who never stop believing in the promise of America.

It's a promise I intend to keep.

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

Obama Campaign Airs Two New TV Ads in Indiana

Obama Campaign Airs Two New TV Ads in Indiana
Television ad “Next Door” taped in Jeffersonville, Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS – The Obama campaign today began airing two new television ads, Next Door and Inspiring.  Next Door was taped in Jeffersonville, Indiana and highlights Senator Obama’s commitment to changing politics in Washington, D.C.   

“We’ve got to do more than change parties in the White House, we’ve got to change Washington – stop the bickering, take on the lobbyists and finally start solving problems instead of just talking about them,” Senator Obama says in the ad, Next Door.

Inspiring features Senator Obama’s Harvard Law School professor Laurence Tribe, Republican Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard, and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) discussing Obama’s ability to work across party lines and make progress on tough issues. 

Script for Next Door (:30)

OBAMA: All across Indiana and my home state next door, folks know we desperately need change – gas near $4 dollars, jobs leaving, health care you can’t afford.

But the truth is, to fix these things, we’ve got to do more than change parties in the White House, we’ve got to change Washington – stop the bickering, take on the lobbyists and finally start solving problems instead of just talking about them.

Some people say we can’t change Washington, I’m Barack Obama and I approved this message to say on Tuesday, Indiana, you can.

Script for Inspiring (1:00)

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

OBAMA: We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes.

ANNCR:  After college and law school, Barack Obama could have cashed in.  Instead he fought for change.  Working to rebuild an area torn apart by plant closings. 

TRIBE: It was inspiring, absolutely inspiring to see someone as brilliant as Barack Obama… take all of the talent and devote it to… making people’s lives better.

ANNCR:  In Illinois he brought Republicans and Democrats together.  Cutting taxes for workers and winning healthcare for children. 

DILLARD:  Senator Obama worked on some of the deepest issues we had and he was successful in a bipartisan way.

ANNCR:  And in the U.S. Senate, he’s led on issues from arms control to landmark ethics reform.

McCASKILL: It was hard to get that ethics bill passed. This is a man who knows how to get things done. He understands that we’ve to move forward with a different kind of politics.

OBAMA: There is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America.

MSP 2008 Host Committee Aligns With Monster To Launch Volunteer Recruitment Site For Republican National Convention

MSP 2008 HOST COMMITTEE ALIGNS WITH MONSTER TO LAUNCH VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT SITE FOR REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
Volunteer Program Launched in Conjunction with National Volunteer Week

ST. PAUL, MINN. (April 29, 2008) – The Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, which is planning the 2008 Republican National Convention, announced today it has selected Monster, the leading global online careers and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc., to create and power the official online volunteer recruitment portion of the Web site. The streamlined application process will now be available at www.msp2008.com for volunteers and will feature tools designed to help the Host Committee place the nearly 10,000 volunteers needed to help in various positions during the Convention.  The Convention will be held September 1 - 4 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn.

“Volunteers will be extremely instrumental in helping us run a smooth and successful Convention,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “We’ve already received more than 3,000 volunteer inquiries, and knowing how much Minnesotans like to pitch in and help, we expect to receive thousands of more applications, so Monster is the ideal partner to get this job done.”

Starting on April 29, 2008, in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, prospective volunteers will be able to apply online at www.msp2008.com for volunteer positions that will be needed throughout the Convention – including positions at Convention-related events and locations other than the Xcel Energy Center. Volunteers will perform key duties in the areas of transportation, information services, hospitality and special events before, during and after the Convention. Prospective volunteers will complete a secure, online application consisting of personal information and a summary of their skills and experience.

All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must be willing to undergo a security background check as well as attend orientation and training sessions conducted by Convention organizers.

“The convention is certain to be a seminal event for the Minneapolis Saint Paul region and we are honored to have been chosen by the Host Committee to assemble a qualified team of volunteers for the event,” said Sal Iannuzzi, chairman and CEO, Monster. 

“All eyes will be on Minnesota and this Convention come September, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate and showcase our state’s wonderful hospitality,” said Larson. “It’s a time for Minnesotans to pull together – no matter their political party – and work hard to make this event a big success for the state and Convention-goers.”

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley Endorses Hillary for President

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley Endorses Hillary for President
North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today announced his endorsement of Hillary for President.

“I am supporting Hillary Clinton because she has a passion for improving the lives of all Americans. She will be a president who stands up for people across North Carolina – and this country – every day in the White House,” said Governor Easley. “I know she will get to work immediately making education and the economy her top priorities for our nation. She is ready to lead our country and has the ability to deliver.”

Easley was elected governor in November 2000 and re-elected in 2004. He has restored fiscal discipline to North Carolina’s finances while also increasing investments in education and infrastructure, key components to recruiting and retaining high quality jobs and industry for the state.

“I am honored to have the support of Governor Easley, whose vision and persistence have made higher education affordable and accessible for North Carolinians,” said Senator Clinton. “I look forward to working with him in our efforts to turn around the economy and rebuild the middle class.”

John McCain 2008 Launches New Television Ad: "Health Care Action"

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION AD: "HEALTH CARE ACTION"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new television ad, entitled "Health Care Action," highlighting John McCain's agenda to reform health care. The ad will air in Iowa.

Script For "Health Care Action" (:60)

JOHN MCCAIN: The problem with health care in America is not the quality of health care, it's the availability and the affordability. And that has to do with the dramatic increase in the cost of health care.

Let's give every American family a $5,000 refundable tax credit so that they can go out across state lines and get the insurance policy that suits them best.

I can characterize my approach on health care by choice and competition, affordability and availability.

We need community health centers. We need walk-in clinics. We understand that emergency room care is the most expensive in America.

There's many, many solutions to this problem. I think we can address them. The fundamental problem is not the quality of health care; it's the cost of health care. So health care must be made affordable and available.

I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

Senator Jeff Bingaman Endorses Barack Obama

Senator Jeff Bingaman Endorses Barack Obama

Chicago, IL – Today, United States Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his ability to rise above the issues that divide us, end the war in Iraq, bring universal health care, and make America energy independent.

Senator Bingaman said, “Today, I am announcing my support for Barack Obama for president and declaring my intention to vote for him at the Democratic convention.

“Our nation faces a daunting number of critical challenges: reasserting America’s leadership in the world, meeting our needs for energy independence, addressing global warming, making healthcare accessible and affordable, positioning our economy to effectively compete globally, and extricating ourselves from the war in Iraq, to name a few.

“To make progress, we must rise above the partisanship and the issues that divide us to find common ground. We must move the country in a dramatically new direction.

“I strongly believe Barack Obama is best positioned to lead the nation in that new direction.”

Senator Obama said, “I’m grateful today to have Senator Bingaman’s support. Senator Bingaman has been speaking out in the United States Senate on some of the most pressing issues of our time – saving our environment, fighting global warming, and making America energy independent. Senator Bingaman has been an important advocate in the energy debate, and has served the people of New Mexico for decades, giving voice to the issues that matter to families across the state.  We are proud to have his support as we fight to bring about real change for families in New Mexico and across the country.”

DNCC Names Microsoft Official Software and HD Web Content Provider for 2008 Democratic National Convention

DNCC NAMES MICROSOFT OFFICIAL SOFTWARE AND HD WEB CONTENT PROVIDER FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Software Technology to Support Core Party Business in Denver, Offer Dynamic Experience and All-Access Pass for Online Users

DENVER - In a move to create a technically flawless event and engage more people in the Convention experience using cutting-edge technology, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that Microsoft Corporation has been named as the Official Software and HD Web Content Provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28 in Denver.

"Microsoft's standing as an industry leader in software development makes them an ideal partner for the DNCC," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "From voting to nominate the next President of the United States to adopting a national platform, there is a significant amount of important Party business that goes on at each and every Convention. Microsoft's pioneering technology will play an integral role in powering the business of the Party in Denver."

As the Official Software and HD Web Content Provider, Microsoft will provide the DNCC with technologies and applications to enhance engagement with Web viewers, delegates, members of the media and other Convention guests and to support delegate tracking, voting and the management of credentials.

A cornerstone of the DNCC's technologically-savvy event will be the delegate voting system.  During the nomination process, Microsoft technology will support a voting system that will provide up-to-the-minute delegate vote totals electronically to the Office of the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee, allowing timely reporting of vote tallies as compiled by each delegation's Chair.

The DNCC will utilize Microsoft software to support the delegate tracking system to gather and manage a multitude of information about Convention participants.   In addition, Microsoft technology will support the creation of a software platform to support the DNCC's credentialing operation, facilitating the management and distribution of credentials for the event.

And in a first for a political Convention, Silverlight, Microsoft's platform for interactive Web applications and HD video, in conjunction with the Level 3 Communications network, will bring live, gavel-to-gavel Convention video coverage of the highest quality to a worldwide audience via the DNCC's Web site at DemConvention.com.  Silverlight multimedia applications will provide an all-access pass for the Convention's online audience, offering an unprecedented opportunity for viewers to individually tailor their Convention experiences. 

"Microsoft is proud to be a technology partner for the Democratic National Convention through our donation of software, technology services and content," said Brad Smith, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Microsoft.   "Technology is playing an increasingly critical role in the electoral process, and contributing to the Convention allows Microsoft to help ensure that the Democratic Party, its delegates as well as voters watching in their homes and on the Internet are able to take full advantage of the benefits."

In addition to custom development, Microsoft is providing the DNCC with the latest in industry-leading software including business productivity, email, content services and real-time collaboration applications.

While providing valuable technological tools in the lead up to and during the Convention, Microsoft will also contribute to the DNCC's "greening" efforts by tracking the company's carbon footprint for Convention-related energy consumption, including all trips, deliveries, shipping transport of goods and staff air and ground travel.  The DNCC aims to make this year's Convention the most environmentally-sustainable event of its kind by applying sustainable planning principles to every decision in the lead-up to the four-day event.