2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Statement By John McCain On China And The Olympic Games

STATEMENT BY JOHN MCCAIN ON CHINA AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on China and the Olympic Games:

"Our relationship with China is important, and we value our ability to cooperate with the Chinese government on a wide variety of strategic, economic, and diplomatic fronts. But the Chinese government needs to understand that in our modern world, how a nation treats its citizens is a legitimate subject of international concern. China has signed numerous international agreements that make China's treatment of its citizens a subject of legitimate international concern, not just a matter of national sovereignty. To be a responsible stakeholder in the modern world, a government must also be responsible at home, in protecting, not trampling, the rights of its people.

"I deplore the violent crackdown by Chinese authorities and the continuing oppression in Tibet of those merely wishing to practice their faith and preserve their culture and heritage. I have listened carefully to the Dalai Lama and am convinced he is a man of peace who reflects the hopes and aspirations of Tibetans. I urge the government of the People's Republic of China to address the root causes of unrest in Tibet by opening a genuine dialogue with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, aimed at granting greater autonomy. I urge the Chinese authorities to ensure peaceful protest is not met with violence, to release monks and others detained for peacefully expressing their views and to allow full outside access to Tibet.

"I understand and respect Prime Minister Brown's decision not to attend the Olympic opening ceremonies. I believe President Bush should evaluate his participation in the ceremonies surrounding the Olympics and, based on Chinese actions, decide whether it is appropriate to attend. If Chinese policies and practices do not change, I would not attend the opening ceremonies. It does no service to the Chinese government, and certainly no service to the people of China, for the United States and other democracies to pretend that the suppression of rights in China does not concern us. It does, will and must concern us."

Utah Superdelegate Endorses Obama

Utah Superdelegate Endorses Obama

CHICAGO, IL—Utah Democratic Party Chair and Democratic superdelegate Wayne Holland today endorsed Barack Obama, citing his ability to energize the Democratic Party and plan to strengthen the economy.
“Sen. Obama has helped to energize our State Party,” said Holland. “Obama was clearly the choice of Utah Democrats on Feb. 5 and is the choice of the majority of Utah Democratic candidates to head the ticket in November.  While it is not only important for me to reflect the sentiment of our Party, I also have a responsibility to endorse the candidate whom I believe will help unite the many voices of our ‘big tent’ Utah Party and help us build for the future.”

“Sen. Obama shares Utahns’ concern for building strong communities and re-building our economy ravaged by Republican policies – across the country as well as Utah. The headlines yesterday said ‘Utah bankruptcies up 44% from a year ago.’ This alone should be a wake-up call for every Utahn. We need a president with a ground-level view of the everyday struggles of Americans, and Obama’s experience as a community activist and lawmaker fits that requirement.”

Senator Obama won the Utah primary on February 5 with 57 percent of the vote.

Clinton Campaign Unveils Radio Response On Obama Ad

CLINTON CAMPAIGN UNVEILS RADIO RESPONSE TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON DISCREDITED OBAMA AD
Obama Rhetoric Doesn’t Match Reality

PHILADELPHIA, PA – As Senator Obama travels to Pennsylvania today, questions remain on why he is continuing to air misleading television ads claiming he doesn’t take money from oil companies. Considering the continued misleading rhetoric from the Obama campaign, the Clinton campaign announced today that it is airing a new radio ad in Pennsylvania to set the record straight on Obama’s discredited television ad.

“We are seeing a troubling pattern from Senator Obama that is all talk and no action. His TV ad on oil donations is all rhetoric that doesn’t match the reality,” said T.J. Rooney. “The people of Pennsylvania can count on Hillary Clinton to keep standing up to the oil companies by fighting to move us off our dependence on foreign oil, no longer subsidizing the big oil companies, and creating a new strategic energy fund that will create 5 million new jobs and bring down energy costs.”

HILLARY

‘REAL LIFE”

OIL RADIO:60                                 

ANNCR

In his TV ads, Barack Obama sounds like he'll take on the oil companies.

"I don't take money from oil companies."

What he doesn’t tell you is that “no candidate does….they cant,” according to the Annenberg Center’s Factcheck.org...It's been against the law for companies to donate to candidates for a hundred years.

Listen to Barack Obama some more.

"Now Exxon's making forty billion dollars a year and we're paying three fifty for gas."

Obama also doesn't mention that he voted for the Bush Cheney energy bill.

It was called a piñata of perks and the best energy bill corporations could buy.

Hillary Clinton voted against that bill.

She’s the one who will make the oil companies pay to set up a new strategic energy fund that will cut our dependence on foreign oil .invest in new clean energy, and create five million new jobs.

It's time for president who takes on the oil companies in real life, not just on TV.

Hillary Clinton.

American Postal Workers Union Endorses Sen. Barack Obama

APWU Endorses Sen. Barack Obama

(04/09/08) The National Executive Board of the American Postal Workers Union has voted unanimously to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president.

“Sen. Obama’s message is one of hope and change,” said union President William Burrus. “His message is special, and the timing is right.”

“We are most impressed by Sen. Obama’s commitment to eradicating the undue influence of special interests in the political process,” he said. “Our current political system does not allow for the voices of average citizens to be heard over the demands of lobbyists and big-money campaign contributors.

“Sen. Obama has vowed to change that, and his campaign has flourished through the participation of new voters and small contributors,” Burrus said. “We believe he will be a president who will strongly represent the interests of working Americans.”

“His ability to bring new participants into our nation’s democratic process – to get young people involved, and to persuade ordinary citizens that they have a real stake in politics – is an inspiration.”

“We are pleased to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president of the United States, and we will commit our energy and efforts to help him win the White House.”

GOP, Democratic Conventions Face Off As NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin

GOP, DEMOCRATIC CONVENTIONS FACE OFF AS NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE’S STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS BEGIN
Convention Leaders Make Friendly Wager on Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche Series

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) – The National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup Playoffs commence this week, and the cities hosting the 2008 Republican and Democratic National Conventions will be at the center of the action when the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche face off.  Today, the two leaders planning the political conventions agreed to a friendly wager on the series.

Republican National Convention President and CEO Maria Cino and Democratic National Convention Committee (DCCC) CEO Leah Daughtry agreed to the stakes earlier today.  The losing city’s convention team will send a “taste” of that city’s local delicacy for the winning city’s convention staff to enjoy. If the Wild win, the DNCC will send the Republican National Convention staff a selection of delectable Colorado-raised beef steaks. If the Avalanche win, the Republican team will send the DNCC staff an assortment of walleye from the lakes of Minnesota.

“Minnesota is the ‘State of Hockey,’ and I am proud that we have become part of the ‘Team of 18,000,” Cino said, using the term the Wild coined to describe its consistent sellout crowds. “It is only fitting that we stand with our new community in Minneapolis-Saint Paul and enter into this friendly wager with my friend in Denver, where she and her staff are working equally as hard.

“Our staff in Minneapolis-Saint Paul is pretty excited that the roads to the White House and the Stanley Cup Championship will both lead through the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul,” Cino added.

“To my friend Maria and her fine team in Minnesota: get ready to be buried by our Avalanche,” said Daughtry. “Denver has welcomed us with open arms, and I’m now proud to ante up on behalf of the hometown team. Fortunately for me, the Avs know what it takes to win a championship. Soon enough, the Pepsi Center will be home to the Stanley Cup once again. And just five months from now, it’ll play host to another winner – our nominee for President of the United States.”

The Northwest Division Champion Wild play at the Xcel Energy Center, which is also home of the 2008 Republican National Convention.  The Avalanche makes its home at the Pepsi Center in Denver – site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28.

About the 2008 Republican National Convention

The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul’s Xcel Energy Center from September 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.

About the DNCC:
The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Obama Campaign Airs New Pennsylvania TV Ads

Obama Campaign Airs New Pennsylvania TV Ads

PHILADELPHIA, PA—The Obama campaign has begun airing four new television ads in Pennsylvania.

In Quiet, which began airing yesterday, Obama stresses Washington’s failure to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reveals his willingness to take on tough issues in front of challenging audiences—like telling automakers that as President he won’t stand for them blocking higher fuel standards for our cars.

Maya, which begins today, features Senator Obama’s sister, grandmother, and wife discussing the values that he will bring to the White House and his commitment to creating a world in which every child has the same opportunities that his daughters have.

One Voice, which begins today, highlights Senator Obama’s belief that we are capable of coming together as a country to tackle our greatest challenges and encourages every American to take ownership of the political process.

In Mother, which begins today, Obama recounts how his mother was burdened by a failing health care system as she battled cancer during the last few months of her life.  He then discusses his deeply personal commitment to changing Washington and reforming our nation’s health care system.  Obama’s universal health care plan will cover every American and cut health care costs for the typical family by $2,500 per year.

Scripts for the new ads are below:

Quiet – Barack Obama: I don’t accept that we should be still sending eight hundred million dollars a day, part to hostile nations because of our addiction to foreign oil.  And in the bargain we’re melting the polar ice caps. 

I went to Detroit to insist that we have to increase fuel efficiency standards. Now, I have to admit, the room got kind of quiet.

We can’t just tell people what they want to hear.  We need to tell them what they need to hear. We need to tell them the truth.

One Voice – Barack Obama: It’s with your power.  It’s with your voices, that we’re going to be able to make a difference.

One voice can change a room.  And if it can change a room, it can change a city.  And if it can change a city, it can change a state.  And if it can change a state, it can change a nation.  If it can change a nation, it can change the world.  Let’s go change the world.

Maya – Maya Soetoro-Ng: People recognize themselves in Barack and they feel understood by him. In part that's because he listens so well.

Madelyn Dunham: Well, I think it's given him a lot of depth and a broadness of view.

Michelle Obama: Barack and I talk all the time about making sure that our girls can imagine any kind of world for themselves with no barriers.

Maya Soetoro-Ng: He wants to make sure that everybody's children have the opportunities that his daughters have.

Mother – Barack Obama: My mother died of cancer at fifty-three. In those last, painful months, she was more worried about paying her medical bills than getting well.

I hear stories like her’s everyday.

For twenty years, Washington's talked about health care reform - and reformed nothing.

I’ve got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone.  But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists, we’ll be in the same place 20 years from now.

I'm Barack Obama, and I approved this message because to fix health care, we have to fix Washington.

Pennsylvania for Hillary Launches Five Television Ads Today

Pennsylvania for Hillary Launches Five Television Ads Today

Spots Include Testimonials from Governor Rendell & Mayor Nutter,  Biographical Spot Highlighting Hillary's Ties to PA, Spanish Language Ad

The Clinton campaign today announced five television ads that will air in different cities throughout the Keystone State beginning today. The five ads - "Get it Done," "Spectacular," "Scranton," "Falling Through" and "Nuestra Amiga" - include testimonials from Governor Ed Rendell and Mayor Michael Nutter, as well as a biographical spot highlighting Hillary's ties to Pennsylvania.

The ads highlight Hillary's ability to get the job done as president - her commitment to jumpstarting our economy, standing up for the middle class, and bringing quality, universal health care to all Americans. "Nuestra Amiga," a Spanish language ad, highlights Hillary's understanding of the Latino community and the problems it faces.

Following are the scripts for the ads: 

"Get It Done" (Philadelphia Market)
TV :30

Mayor Nutter: I know.  You want to know why I'm supporting Hillary.

Easy.

She gets it... and she gets the job done.

As mayor, I know that's what we need from a President.  We don't have a minute to waste. 

Hillary's got the depth and breadth of experience to really help folks get jobs, put more cops on our streets, educate our kids, reduce the dropout rate, and invest in our communities.

I know Hillary and I know she cares about us.

She'll get the job done right now.

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

"Spectacular" (Philadelphia Market)
TV :30

Governor Rendell:  It's gonna take a fighter to get us out of the mess this country's in.  And that's what Hillary Clinton has always been-a fighter.  A doer.

She's got what it takes to revitalize our economy, create jobs, cut taxes for the middle class, and to bring affordable healthcare to all of us.

I've known Hillary for fifteen years.  She's spent her life standing up for people.  When she believes something has to be done, she just won't quit. 

She'll be a spectacular president.

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

"Scranton" (Scranton Market)
TV :30

Hillary Clinton: This is me in Scranton, where my father was raised, and my grandfather worked in the lace mill.

Every August, we'd pile into the car and head to our cottage on Lake Winola.

There was no heat, or indoor shower-just the joy of family.

I was raised on pinochle and the American dream.

I still have faith in that dream

It's just been neglected a little.

We all need to dream it again

And I promise.we will.

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

"Falling Through" (Harrisburg, Johnstown/Altoona, Pittsburgh, and Erie Markets)
TV :30

Hillary Clinton: The Bush economy is like a trapdoor.

Too many families are one pink slip, one missed mortgage payment, one medical diagnosis away from falling through and losing everything.

The oil companies, the predatory student loan companies, the insurance companies and the drug companies, have had seven years of a president who stands up for them.

I intend to be a president who stands up for all of you.

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

"Nuestra Amiga" (Our Friend - as translated from Spanish) (Philadelphia Market)
TV: 30

Our voice and our vote will elect the next President of the great country. 

Our candidate is Hillary Clinton because she respects our culture and understands the problems that affect our community.

Millions of Hispanic families live with the fear of not having health insurance.

The economic crisis and the cost of living are of concern to all of us.

Hillary is our friend and will help us.

Let's vote for Hillary on April 22nd and we will have a better life.

We are with you!

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

Hoosiers For Hillary Launches First Television Ad

Hoosiers For Hillary Launches First Television Ad
Senator Evan Bayh Praises Hillary’s Plan to Jumpstart the Economy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN- In Hoosiers for Hillary’s first statewide television ad Senator Evan Bayh highlights Hillary’s innovative plan to strengthen the economy and emphasizes her proven record of delivering for hardworking Hoosiers and all Americans.

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 8 the 30- second television spot titled “Steel” will air throughout Indiana. Senator Bayh outlines Hillary’s agenda to create new, high wage jobs, to fix our broken trade deals and affirms that she is ready to be Commander-in-Chief on day one. 

Following is a script for “Steel.” 

Evan Bayh: America faces challenging times.

We need a leader who'll fight for good jobs, change trade deals like NAFTA, cut taxes for middle class families. 

Someone who's ready to be Commander-in-Chief from day one.

That leader?

Hillary Clinton.

I've known Hillary for twenty years.  She's got a spine of steel.

She'll fight for our jobs, our troops, and the America we love.

Strong.  Seasoned.  She'll always stand up for us.

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

2008 Republican National Convention - Minnesota Delegation Hotel

Minnesota - Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul City Center

2008 Republican National Convention - Arizona Delegation Hotel

Arizona - The Saint Paul Hotel