2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Hillary's Election Day Remarks in Columbus, OH

Hillary's Election Day Remarks in Columbus, OH

Thank you Ohio.

For everyone here in Ohio and across America who’s ever been counted out but refused to be knocked out, and for everyone who has stumbled but stood right back up, and for everyone who works hard and never gives up, this one is for you.

You know what they say, as Ohio goes, so goes the nation.

Well, this nation’s coming back, and so is this campaign.

The people of Ohio have said it loudly and clearly: we’re going on, we're going strong, and we're going all the way.

You know, they call Ohio a bellwether state. It’s a battleground state. It’s a state that knows how to pick a president. And no candidate in recent history, Democrat or Republican, has won the White House without winning the Ohio primary.

[Audience: Yes, she will! Yes, she will! Yes, she will!]

You all know that if we want a Democratic president, we need a Democratic nominee who can win the battleground states just like Ohio. And that is what we've done. We’ve won Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, New Hampshire, Arkansas, California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. And today, we won Rhode Island, and thanks to all my friends and supporters there.

This is a great night, but we all know that these are challenging times. We have two wars abroad. We have a recession looming here at home. Voters faced a critical question - who is tested and ready to be Commander-in-Chief on day one? And who knows how to turn our economy around, because we sure do need it.

Ohio has written a new chapter in the history of this campaign, and we're just getting started.

More and more people have joined this campaign and millions of Americans haven't spoken yet. In states like Pennsylvania and so many others people are watching this historic campaign, and they want their turn to help make history. They want their voices to count. And they should. They should be heard. So please, join us in this campaign. Go to www.hillaryclinton.com. This is your campaign and your moment and I need your support.

For more than a year, I’ve been listening to the voices of people across our country. The single mom who told me she works two jobs; neither provides health care for her kids. She just can't work any harder. The little girl who asked how I helped people without homes - turns out her family was about to lose their own. The young man in a Marine Corps shirt who said he waited months for medical care. He said to me, "take care of my buddies, a lot of them are still over there. And then, will you please help take care of me?"

Americans don't need more promises. They’ve heard plenty of speeches. They deserve solutions and they deserve them now.

America needs a president who’s ready to lead, ready to stand up for what's right even when it's hard. And after seven long years of George W. Bush, we sure are ready for a president who will be a fighter, a doer and a champion for the American people again.

Oh, I think we're ready for health care, not for just some people or most people, but for every American. I think we're ready for an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, but every single hard-working American who deserves a shot at the American dream. I think we're ready to declare energy independence and create millions of green collar jobs. We’re ready to reach out to our allies and confront our shared challenges. We’re ready to end the war in Iraq and win the war in Afghanistan. And we're past ready to serve our veterans with the same devotion that they served us.

Protecting America is the first and most urgent duty of the president. When there's a crisis and that phone rings at 3:00 a.m. in the White House, there's no time for speeches or on-the-job training. You have to be ready to make a decision.

I congratulate Senator McCain on winning his party's nomination and I look forward to a spirited and substantive debate with him.

[Audience: Yes, she will! Yes, she will! Yes, she will!]

I want to thank the wonderful people of Ohio for your support and your confidence in me. I especially want to thank Governor Ted Strickland and his wonderful wife Frances. Governor and Mrs. Strickland are working so hard on behalf of Ohio and they deserve a president who will work hard with them to give Ohio the future that you deserve. I want to thank Senator John Glenn and his wonderful wife Annie. I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher and his wife Peggy.

And I especially want to thank Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She does an extraordinary job for her constituents, and she has been a champion on behalf of the people of Ohio and America. I look forward to working with her to bring more opportunity to the people that she loves and represents so well. I want to thank my extraordinary staff, volunteers and supporters here in Ohio and across America. And I especially want to thank the two most important people in my life, Bill and Chelsea.

And, of course, to my mother who I know is watching, thanks very much, mom, for everything. And finally, to Senator Obama, who has brought so much to this race. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the weeks ahead on the issues that matter most to our country.

I want to end by sharing with you a message that I got late last month from someone who didn't have much money to spare, but sent me $10 for my campaign and sent an e-mail in which she wrote: "My two daughters are two and four, and we chant and cheer for you at every speech we see. I want them to know anything is possible."

Tonight I say to them, keep on watching. Together, we're going to make history. To those little girls, I say this is America, and we do believe you can be anything you want to be, and we want our sons and our daughters to dream big. I have big dreams for America’s future. The question is not whether we can fulfill those dreams, it's whether we will. And here's our answer: yes, we will.

We will do what it takes, and we will once again make the kind of progress that America deserves. We’re going to protect our country and preserve our constitution. We’re going to lead with our values. We will reach out to those on the margins and in the shadows because that's what we do in America. We break barriers, we open doors, we make sure every voice is heard. Together, we will turn promises into action, words into solutions, and hope into reality.

It will take leadership and hard work, but we've never been short on either. So I hope all of you will join, join with the Ohioans who voices and votes have been heard today. Together, we will seize this moment, lift this nation, and heal and lead this world.

Thank you all and God bless you.

Mike Huckabee Crosses Finish Line in Presidential Run

Mike Huckabee Crosses Finish Line in Presidential Run
Former Arkansas Governor Call for United Party

Little Rock, AR - Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee concluded his 2008 bid for the Republican nomination for President tonight, calling upon his supporters to embrace the candidacy of U.S. Senator John McCain (AZ).

Huckabee, a champion of conservative values, said: "I extend my congratulations - and my commitment to John McCain - to do everything possible to unite our Party and our nation, to be the best country we can be, not for ourselves, but for future generations.  I am grateful that Senator McCain has led an honorable campaign because he is an honorable man."

"It's now important that we turn our attention, not to what could have been or what we wanted to have been, but what to now must be, and that is a united party," Huckabee stated in his speech to supporters gathered in Texas tonight.

Huckabee said, "Not only have we fought the good fight and finished the race but more importantly, we have kept the faith. I would rather lose an election than lose the principles that got me into politics in the first place."

"While many in the establishment never really believed I belonged, there were many in the country that did," he said.  "Thanks to their sacrifices, I had a voice - and I only pray that I have been able to give them a voice."

Huckabee said he represented average Americans who work two jobs to meet ends meet; conservatives who want less - but more efficient - government with less corruption; people who believe we should overhaul our tax system, implement the Fair Tax ad and get rid of the IRS; the Solders, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, who keep us free; those who cherish life and those who have yet to be born.

Huckabee, who ran a small but cost-effective campaign, concluded his remarks by stating, "Our battle was never about us. It was about our country and its liberty. Now, we join with Senator McCain in the rest of that battle, not for who gets elected, but for what we can do when we get elected."

Huckabee finished the GOP primary race behind McCain with delegates from his victory in eight primaries and caucuses.  Huckabee won caucuses in Iowa , West Virginia , and Kansas . He also won primaries in Alabama , Georgia , Tennessee , Louisiana , and his home state of Arkansas

Ron Paul Victory Statement

Ron Paul Victory Statement

CLUTE, TEXAS – Following his greater than two-to-one victory in the Republican primary today, Congressman Ron Paul issued the following statement:

"I am honored that the voters in the 14th District expressed their continued confidence in my leadership by overwhelmingly reelecting me to the House of Representatives. I have no Democrat opponent in November and will serve another term in Congress where I will continue my battle in behalf of taxpayers.

My message of limited-government and upholding the Constitution has once again been endorsed by the conservative-minded voters in my district. They understand and support the battle I have waged for thirty years to make the federal government smaller, to reduce wasteful government spending, to balance the budget, and to promote a foreign policy that always puts America first.

Some Washington insiders would have you believe that Republicans no longer believe in the principles our country and party were founded upon, but the voters in my district have once again proven them wrong.

The message of freedom is popular, and I will continue to trumpet it in Congress and across America as I fight on behalf of the conservative, common sense values which made our country so great.

In conclusion, I would like to offer my thanks and gratitude to all of the wonderful people who supported me in this campaign. I look forward to representing all of the good people of the 14th District of Texas in Congress in the years to come."

Statement By Rick Davis On John McCain’s Primary Victories Tonight

STATEMENT BY RICK DAVIS ON JOHN MCCAIN'S PRIMARY VICTORIES TONIGHT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's Campaign Manager Rick Davis issued the following statement on the results of tonight's primaries:

"Tonight John McCain has secured the Republican Party's nomination for president. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated supporters across the country for their work toward tonight's victory.

"As our Party's nomination contest comes to a close, we now face the larger test, a fundamental choice for our nation's future. John McCain offers Americans a bold vision for conservative change to cut taxes, end wasteful spending, reform our health care system, win the war against radical Islamic extremism and strengthen our national security.

"John McCain has more than just ideas and rhetoric; he has the experience, judgment, and courage to achieve his vision for our nation's future. John McCain will lead our Party to victory in November, and lead America on to her best days."

Remarks By John McCain On Tonight’s Primary Victories

REMARKS BY JOHN MCCAIN ON TONIGHT'S PRIMARY VICTORIES

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following remarks by John McCain as prepared for delivery tonight in Dallas, Texas:

Thank you. Thank you, Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island. I am very grateful for the broad support you have given our campaign. And I am very pleased to note that tonight, my friends, we have won enough delegates to claim with confidence, humility and a sense of great responsibility that I will be the Republican nominee for President of the United States.

I want to thank all of you here and all the Republicans, Independents, and independent thinking Democrats, in all parts of this great country, who supported our campaign for the nomination, and have brought us across the finish line first, an accomplishment that once seemed to more than a few doubters unlikely.

I want to commend again, my friend, Governor Mike Huckabee, and his supporters, for their passionate commitment to their campaign that Governor Huckabee so ably represented. And I want to thank all my former rivals for the nomination and their supporters for their steadfast dedication to keeping America free, safe, prosperous, and proud.

And, of course, I want to thank my family: my wife, Cindy; my children, and our dear friends who have been throughout this campaign, and will remain in the challenging months ahead, an unwavering source of support and love.

Now, we begin the most important part of our campaign: to make a respectful, determined and convincing case to the American people that our campaign and my election as President, given the alternatives presented by our friends in the other party, are in the best interests of the country we love. I have never believed I was destined be President. I don't believe anyone is pre-destined to lead America. But I do believe we are born with responsibilities to the country that has protected our God-given rights, and the opportunities they afford us. I did not grow up with the expectation that my country owed me more than the rights owed every American. On the contrary, I owe my country every opportunity I have ever had. I owe her the meaning that service to America has given my life, and the sense that I am part of something greater than myself, part of a kinship of ideals that have always represented the last, best hope of mankind.

I understand the responsibilities I incur with this nomination, and I give you my word, I will not evade or slight a single one. Our campaign must be, and will be more than another tired debate of false promises, empty sound-bites, or useless arguments from the past that address not a single American's concerns for their family's security. Presidential candidates are judged on their records, their character and the whole of their life experiences. But we are also expected to concentrate our efforts on the challenges that will confront America on our watch and explain how we intend to address them.

America is at war in two countries, and involved in a long and difficult fight with violent extremists who despise us, our values and modernity itself. It is of little use to Americans for their candidates to avoid the many complex challenges of these struggles by re-litigating decisions of the past. I will defend the decision to destroy Saddam Hussein's regime as I criticized the failed tactics that were employed for too long to establish the conditions that will allow us to leave that country with our country's interests secure and our honor intact. But Americans know that the next President doesn't get to re-make that decision. We are in Iraq and our most vital security interests are clearly involved there. The next President must explain how he or she intends to bring that war to the swiftest possible conclusion without exacerbating a sectarian conflict that could quickly descend into genocide; destabilizing the entire Middle East; enabling our adversaries in the region to extend their influence and undermine our security there; and emboldening terrorists to attack us elsewhere with weapons we dare not allow them to possess.

The next President must encourage the greater participation and cooperation of our allies in the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The next President must lead an effort to restructure our military, our intelligence, our diplomacy and all relevant branches of government to combat Islamic extremism, encourage the vast majority of moderates to win the battle for the soul of Islam, and meet the many other rising challenges in this changing world.

I will leave it to my opponent to argue that we should abrogate trade treaties, and pretend the global economy will go away and Americans can secure our future by trading and investing only among ourselves. We will campaign in favor of seizing the opportunities presented by the growth of free markets throughout the world, helping displaced workers acquire new and lasting employment and educating our children to prepare them for the new economic realities by giving parents choices about their children's education they do not have now.

I will leave it to my opponent to claim that they can keep companies and jobs from going overseas by making it harder for them to do business here at home. We will campaign to strengthen job growth in America by helping businesses become more competitive with lower taxes and less regulation.

I will leave it to my opponent to propose returning to the failed, big government mandates of the sixties and seventies to address problems such as the lack of health care insurance for some Americans. I will campaign to make health care more accessible to more Americans with reforms that will bring down costs in the health care industry down without ruining the quality of the world's best medical care.

And I will campaign to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil with an energy policy that encourages American industry and technology to make our country safer, cleaner and more prosperous by leading the world in the use, development and discovery of alternative sources of energy.

These are some of the challenges that confront us. There are others just as urgent, and during this campaign I'll travel across the country in cities and rural areas, in communities of all ethnic backgrounds and income levels, offering my ideas and listening to the concerns and advice of Americans. Americans aren't interested in an election where they are just talked to and not listened to; an election that offers platitudes instead of principles and insults instead of ideas; an election that results -- no matter who wins -- in four years of unkept promises and a government that is just a battleground for the next election. Their patience is at an end for politicians who value ambition over principle, and for partisanship that is less a contest of ideas than an uncivil brawl over the spoils of power.

Nothing is inevitable in America. We are the captains of our fate. We're not a country that prefers nostalgia to optimism; a country that would rather go back than forward. We're the world's leader, and leaders don't pine for the past and dread the future. We make the future better than the past. We don't hide from history. We make history. That, my friends, is the essence of hope in America, hope built on courage, and faith in the values and principles that have made us great. I intend to make my stand on those principles and chart a course for our future greatness, and trust in the judgment of the people I have served all my life. So stand up with me, my friends, stand up and fight for America -- for her strength, her ideals, and her future. The contest begins tonight. It will have its ups and downs. But we will fight every minute of every day to make certain we have a government that is as capable, wise, brave and decent as the great people we serve. That is our responsibility and I will not let you down.

Thank you.

John McCain Wins Republican Nomination

John McCain Wins Republican Nomination. Gains 1191+ Delegates. Wins Texas, Ohio, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Ohio Republicans Applaud John McCain’s Ohio Primary Victory

OHIO REPUBLICANS APPLAUD JOHN MCCAIN'S OHIO PRIMARY VICTORY

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following statement on behalf of Republican Members from Ohio's Congressional delegation who applauded John McCain's decisive primary election victory in the Buckeye State.

Ohio's importance in the national electoral landscape is well-documented, and John McCain has quickly galvanized strong support among some of Ohio's most influential Republicans in Washington. The members, whose districts range from moderate to conservative, have embraced John McCain for his consistent adherence to the principles that matter most to all Republicans -- most notably, his commitment to national defense and the war against Islamic extremism, and his relentless drive to balance the budget and control federal spending.

With John McCain's lock on the Republican nomination all but secured, members from the Ohio delegation reaffirmed their unequivocal support for John McCain's candidacy, and issued the following statements:

Senator George Voinovich:
"Ohioans have spoken, and I'm confident that John McCain will be our nominee and our next president. In times like these, America needs a strong leader with experience, and that's John McCain."

John Boehner (OH-8):
"Senator McCain is a tested leader who will fight wasteful spending and needless tax hikes, keep America secure, and nominate judges who understand that courts should not be legislating from the bench. Americans know he is a man of great character and integrity, and trust him to take on the many opportunities and challenges of the years ahead. John McCain understands Washington is broken; together I believe we can fix it."

Ralph Regula (OH-16):
"If you reduced the country down to one state, you'd probably be left with Ohio, so this is an important win for Senator McCain. We've seen from tonight's results that Senator McCain's strong record and vision for expanding job opportunity and economic growth, keeping our homeland safe and controlling government spending are what the voters in Ohio are seeking and what I believe the country will look for in the fall."

Deborah Pryce (OH-15):
"Ohio is the epicenter of the electoral map, and Senator McCain's support here is robust, energized and diverse. Voters will have the choice between two dramatically different candidates and visions in November, and Senator McCain's courage, experience, and conviction will prove to be the decisive difference for Ohioans."

Steve Chabot (OH-1):
"I commend Senator McCain on his victory tonight in Ohio. Over the years he has proven himself to be a man of great courage and he has worked to build the necessary experience to lead this country."

Steven LaTourette (OH-14):
"John McCain's solid victories in Ohio and Texas tonight cement the nomination and will now free him to define the issues that make him a better choice for America."

Pat Tiberi (OH-12):
"I am pleased Ohioans agreed that John McCain is a solid leader. His fiscal policy -- to spend taxpayers dollars responsibly, eliminate waste, and lower taxes, puts families' priorities ahead of increased government spending. I am proud that Ohioans have helped move John McCain further toward the nomination."

Michael Turner (OH-3):
"Ohioans made a clear choice tonight. Our vote for John McCain for President was a vote for job creation and a strong national defense. I look forward to working with Senator McCain toward victory in November."

Jean Schmidt (OH-2):
"John McCain is a strong fiscal conservative and an ardent defender of life. He is a true American hero and I am proud he is our nominee."

Bob Latta (OH-5):
"Ohio will certainly be the center of attention this fall, and Senator McCain's victory this evening is an important step toward his victory in November. Ohioans are looking for a candidate who is committed to keeping our country safe and dedicated to reducing federal spending. I believe Senator McCain offers the working families of Ohio a clear alternative as a principled leader to ensure both our country's safety and economic viability in the world marketplace."

FYI -- Gov. Mike Huckabee To Speak From Texas At 9:15 pm ET Tonight

GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE TO SPEAK FROM TX GOP WATCH PARTY AT APPROX. 8:15 PM CT/ 9:15 PM ET TONIGHT

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee is expected to deliver remarks at approximately 8:15 p.m. CT/ 9:15 p.m. ET tonight from his Texas GOP Primary Watch Party in Irving, TX.

Senator Wayne Allard Endorses John McCain For President

SENATOR WAYNE ALLARD ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) has endorsed John McCain for president.
"John McCain is the right person at the right time to lead our nation as commander in chief," said Senator Allard. "The taxpayer will have no better friend in the White House than John McCain. He will use his veto pen to ensure the taxpayer is protected from wasteful pork barrel spending."

John McCain thanked Senator Allard for his support, stating, "I have always been able to count on Wayne's support in cutting pork barrel spending in the Senate and I am honored to have his support in my campaign for president."

2008 Republican National Convention Names Qwest Official Communications Provider

2008 Republican National Convention Names Qwest Official Communications Provider
Qwest to Provide Range of Services for September Event in Minneapolis-Saint Paul

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - To help meet its goal of holding the most tech-savvy convention in history, the Committee on Arrangements (COA) for the 2008 Republican National Convention today announced that Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) will serve as the Official Communications Provider for the Sept. 1-4 event.

As the Official Communications Provider, Qwest will be the exclusive provider of high-speed Internet as well as voice and data lines for the COA. Qwest also will provide hosting services and 24/7 network management and technical support.

"Qwest will be a terrific partner in planning the 2008 Republican National Convention, and we are pleased to have them on board as our Official Communications Provider," said convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino. "Qwest's strong ties to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul community make for a natural partnership - and its services will be instrumental in helping us deliver our Republican nominee's message to the American people."

In anticipation of increased network demand in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Qwest plans to significantly expand its fiber infrastructure in and around the Xcel Energy Center, site of the 2008 convention. The company already has surveyed and verified existing network facilities around the Xcel Energy Center, as well as those serving more than 100 major hotels in the metro area, so it can quickly assess build-out requirements as technology decisions are made.

"When the Republican National Convention kicks off in September, Qwest's team of experienced and service-oriented employees, together with our next-generation communications services, will completely change how convention organizers, delegates and the media communicate seamlessly and in real time from the convention," said John Stanoch, Qwest's Minnesota state president. "Qwest's network infrastructure and advanced technology investments for the 2008 Republican National Convention will continue to benefit Minneapolis-Saint Paul, our region, the state and the economy long after the delegates return home."

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 convention. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com.