2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Caucuses Guarantee Obama Win In Texas

Caucuses Guarantee Obama Win In Texas

AUSTIN - With more than 56% of the results tallied from today's 284 Democratic district conventions across Texas, Senator Barack Obama currently is projected to earn a 38-29 pledged delegate win in the Texas caucuses, exactly as projected on the day after the March 4th precinct caucuses.  The nine delegate margin in the  caucuses means Obama will gain a net margin of five pledged delegates from Texas because Senator Clinton narrowly won the Texas primary by only four delegates, 65-61.

"Despite the Clinton campaign's widespread attempts to prevent many Texans from participating in their district convention, the voters of Texas confirmed Senator Obama's important delegate win in the Lone Star State," said Obama spokesman Josh Earnest.  "Today's record-shattering turnout sends a clear message that the American people are ready for change in Washington and new leadership in the White House that will stand up for working families."

The Obama campaign will release a more detailed tally of the results tomorrow.

Senator Bob Casey Endorses Barack Obama

Senator Bob Casey Endorses Barack Obama

PITTSBURGH, PA—U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced today his endorsement of Barack Obama for President of the United States.  Senator Casey joined Obama in Pittsburgh today for the opening of Obama’s “Road to Change” Tour, a six-day bus tour through the Keystone State. 

“In a time of danger around the world and division here at home, I believe Barack Obama can lead us, heal us, and help us rebuild America,” Senator Casey said.

Casey defeated a Republican incumbent with 58 percent of the vote in 2006, and in his work in the Senate has been heavily involved in both domestic and foreign policymaking. He has made bipartisanship a priority in service on the  Foreign Relations, Agriculture, Banking, Aging, and Joint Economic Committees. In his 10 years in statewide office, first as Auditor General and then as State Treasurer, Casey worked to fight waste and abuse and make government accountable to Pennsylvanians.

“Bob Casey understands the challenges facing Pennsylvania families, and he’s shown what happens when you put partisanship aside and focus on solutions,” Senator Obama said. “Folks in Pennsylvania understand that if we’re going to tackle the challenges we face, from keeping good jobs here in America to providing quality health care to every American, we’re going to have to come together to take on the special interests and change Washington. Senator Casey has been a leader in that fight, and I’m thrilled to have his support as we campaign across the state.”

Senator Casey is a Democratic superdelegate, the 63rd superdelegate to endorse Obama since February 5.

Obama Campaign To Air New Ad – “Nothing’s Changed”

Obama Campaign to Air New Ad – “Nothing’s Changed”
In new ad, Obama discusses commitment to take on oil companies, curtail rising gas prices

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Senator Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign will begin airing a new television ad in Pennsylvania today.  In the thirty-second spot, entitled “Nothing’s Changed” Senator Obama discusses his commitment to change Washington so that we can finally break our dependence on foreign oil and curtail rising gas costs.  Since the 1970s, politicians in both parties have made promises about energy independence but failed to make real progress because the oil companies and their lobbyists have a stranglehold on Washington.  Barack Obama is the one candidate in this race who does not take money from special interest PACs or Washington lobbyists.

As President, Obama will stand up to the special interests to:

Force oil companies to pay a penalty on windfall profits
Invest $150 billion in alternative energy
Create 5 million “green collar” jobs

SCRIPT – “Nothing’s Changed”

Barack Obama: Since the gas lines of the 70s, Democrats and Republicans have talked about energy independence… but nothing’s changed…

…Except now Exxon’s making $40 billion a year and we’re paying $3.50 for gas.

I’m Barack Obama.  I don’t take money from oil companies or Washington lobbyists and I won’t let them block change anymore. They’ll pay a penalty on windfall profits.  We’ll invest in alternative energy and create jobs and free ourselves from foreign oil.

I approve this message because it’s time Washington worked for you – not them

John McCain 2008 Releases First Ad Of General Election, Launches "Service To America" Tour

JOHN MCCAIN 2008 RELEASES FIRST AD OF GENERAL ELECTION, LAUNCHES "SERVICE TO AMERICA" TOUR

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the first television ad of the general election. The ad, entitled "624787," poses important questions to the American people about what values they want in their next president, and highlights John McCain's experience, character and optimistic vision for our future. "624787" will run statewide in the important battleground state of New Mexico.

The campaign further announced that on Monday, John McCain will embark on a "Service to America" tour where he will introduce himself to the nation through a series of speeches and visits that trace the life of a man indebted to his nation, humbled by the opportunity to serve his country, honored by his family's love and deeply moved by his fellow Americans' courage and sacrifice. The tour will highlight the events and figures that shaped his views of right and wrong, forgiveness and grace and the tradition of service and sacrifice ingrained in him from generations of McCains. This "Service to America" tour will fundamentally be about the future of America and the change John McCain will bring as president, informed by the values that have guided his life.

Further details on the "Service to America" tour will be released today.

Script For "624787" (:60-TV)

JOHN MCCAIN: Keep that faith. Keep your courage. Stick together. Stay strong. Do not yield. Stand up. We're Americans. And we'll never surrender.

ANNCR: What must a president believe about us? About America?

That she is worth protecting?

That liberty is priceless?

Our people, honorable?

Our future, prosperous, remarkable and free?

And, what must we believe about that president?

What does he think?

Where has he been?

Has he walked the walk?

INTERVIEWER: What is your rank?

JOHN MCCAIN: Lt. Commander in the Navy.

INTERVIEWER: And your official number?

JOHN MCCAIN: 624787

ANNCR: John McCain

The American president Americans have been waiting for.

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

David Plouffe Response To Michigan Ruling

PLOUFFE RESPONSE TO MI RULING: There should be a fair seating of the delegates

“As we’ve said consistently, we think there should be a fair seating of the Michigan delegates.  The Clinton campaign has stubbornly said they see no need to negotiate, but we believe that their Washington, my-way-or-the-highway approach is something voters are tired of,” said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe.

Statement From Campaign Manager Maggie Williams On New Vote In Michigan

STATEMENT FROM CAMPAIGN MANAGER MAGGIE WILLIAMS ON NEW VOTE IN MICHIGAN

In the wake of today's court ruling regarding Michigan’s January 15th primary, we urge Senator Obama to join our call for a party-run primary and demonstrate his commitment to counting Michigan's votes.

Senator Clinton has consistently urged that the more that 600,000 votes cast by the people of Michigan be counted and if that is not possible, that a new election be held.

Michigan voters must not be disenfranchised and the Obama campaign must not continue to block Michigan’s efforts to hold a new vote. Rather it should move quickly to announce its support for a party run primary. 

Michigan will be a key battleground state in November. Disenfranchising Michigan voters today will, in the heat of a general election, provide Senator McCain with a powerful argument to use against the Democratic nominee. We cannot allow this to happen.

The people of Michigan must be counted and their voices finally heard.   What the people of Michigan need now is just action, not just words.

A Personal Message From Mike Gravel

A Personal Message from Mike Gravel

I wanted to update you on my latest plans before news gets out. Today, I am announcing my plan to join the Libertarian Party, because the Democratic Party no longer represents my vision for our great country. I wanted my supporters to get this news first, because you have been the ones who have kept my campaign alive since I first declared my candidacy on April 17, 2006.

The fact is, the Democratic Party today is no longer the party of FDR. It is a party that continues to sustain war, the military-industrial complex and imperialism -- all of which I find anathema to my views.

By and large, I have been repeatedly marginalized in both national debates and in media exposure by the Democratic leadership, which works in tandem with the corporate interests that control what we read and hear in the media.

I look forward to advancing my presidential candidacy within the Libertarian Party, which is considerably closer to my values, my foreign policy views and my domestic views.

Nancy Reagan Endorses John McCain For President

NANCY REAGAN ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today in Los Angeles, Nancy Reagan endorsed John McCain for president.

Mrs. Reagan released the following statement on her endorsement:

"Although it has been my custom to wait until after the Republican National Convention to announce my support of a candidate, it is clear that the Party has chosen its nominee. So it is with great pleasure that I endorse Senator John McCain for President of the United States.

"John McCain has been a good friend for over thirty years. My husband and I first came to know him as a returning Vietnam War POW, and were impressed by the courage he had shown through his terrible ordeal. I believe John's record and experience have prepared him well to be our next president."

John McCain thanked Mrs. Reagan for her support, saying, "Mrs. Nancy Reagan has earned our love and admiration for her grace and lifetime commitment to our nation's future. Alongside President Reagan in the White House, Nancy was a champion of hope and compassion. I will never forget the kindness that she and her husband shared with me upon my return from Vietnam. I was grateful for her support then, and am humbled by it today."

New Ad: Hillary Promises To “Level” The Playing Field In Pennsylvania Ad

New Ad: Hillary Promises to “Level” the Playing Field in Pennsylvania Ad

30-second television spot to air statewide

The Clinton campaign today announced it is broadcasting a television ad in Pennsylvania highlighting Senator Clinton’s commitment to leveling the playing field against special interests and strengthening America’s middle class.

The 30-second spot, entitled “Level,” comes ahead of Pennsylvania voters heading to the polls on April 22nd.

Following is the script for the ad.

Hillary For President
“Level”

TV :30

Announcer: She's fighting for America's middle class.

Hillary Clinton: It's time to level the playing field against the special interests.

Announcer: She'll end $55 billion dollars in giveaways to corporate special interests and invest it in middle class tax cuts and creating new jobs. She’ll get tough on unfair trade deals and end tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas.

Hillary Clinton: Standing up for people who weren't getting a fair shake, that's been the
purpose of my life.  And it will be the purpose of my presidency.

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

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ads In Pennsylvania

Obama Campaign Airs New TV Ads in PA
New ads focus on Obama’s ability to change Washington in order to make progress for working families

PHILADELPHIA, PA—The Obama campaign will begin airing television ads in Pennsylvania, starting today.

In Opportunity – a sixty-second TV ad – Senator Obama discusses his long history of working to improve people’s lives.  Obama, who was raised by a single mother and his grandparents, earned scholarships and worked his way through college and law school.  As a community organizer, a state senator, and a United States Senator, he has brought people together for change for more than 20 years in public service.

Toughest – a thirty-second spot – highlights Senator Obama’s unmatched track record of taking on special interests and winning.  Obama is the one candidate who can change the way business is done in Washington so we can tackle big challenges like solving the health care crisis, reinvigorating the economy, and ensuring a world-class education for every American child.

Carry – a thirty-second ad – discusses Senator Obama’s record of bringing Democrats and Republicans together to make progress on tough issues.  The ad features testimony of legislators from both parties who worked with Obama to improve the lives of working families in Illinois.

Scripts for the new ads are below:

Opportunity – Barack Obama: I'm Barack Obama and I approved this message.  My own story wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the American Dream… I was raised by a single mom and my grandparents… My grandfather served in Patton's Army.  My grandmother worked on a bomber assembly line. They didn't have money.  But they gave me love, a thirst for education and a belief that we're all part of something larger than ourselves.  So I worked my way through college and law school.

I first came to Chicago because I saw people being laid off of steel plants that were closing… and nobody was fighting for them… As an organizer with Christian churches I helped those workers and took their fight to the state Senate---- passing tax cuts and health care for families.  In Washington, I got better care for wounded troops who’d been neglected. And passed the toughest law ever to rein in lobbyists so we can make government work for people.

Toughest – Announcer: He took on the special interests – and won.Passing the toughest ethics law yet… Banning gifts, meals and trips from Washington lobbyists. Now Barack Obama’s the only candidate refusing their contributions. 

Because to really reform health care and finally give the middle class a break, we need to rein in the special interests.

Barack Obama:  They have not funded my campaign.  They will not run my White House.  And they will not drown out the voices of the American people.

Carry – Barack Obama (DNC speech): There is not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there is the United States of America.

Kirk Dillard, Republican Legislator: Senator Obama worked on some of the deepest issues we had and was successful in a bipartisan way…

Larry Walsh, Fmr. Democratic Legislator: The legislation that he carried, he believed in. He was not carrying it for a group. He was not carrying for a lobbyist.

Dillard: Republicans legislators respected Senator Obama. His negotiation skills and an ability to understand both sides would serve the country very well.