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Clinton Feels Like $100 Million Bucks

December 31, 2007 10:11 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper and Jake Tapper Report: Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign claims to have neared the $100 million dollar mark.

On the brink of 2008, the Clinton campaign announced they have raised over $100 million dollars in 2007.

Clinton, D-N.Y., focused the first half the last three months of her bid for the White House, raking in upwards of $28 million. The latter part of the year has been spent putting the money to use, urging caucus-goers to support her this Thursday.

One of the successful tactics that Clinton employed is low-dollar events on the west coast in particular. She and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, attend a New Year's party in Des Moines to ring in the election year.

December 31, 2007 in Clinton, Hillary | Permalink | User Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Obama Launches First Negative Ad

December 31, 2007 7:06 PM

ABC News' Rick Klein and Teddy Davis Report: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., has launched the first broadcast advertisement of the Democratic race to mention rival candidates by name, with a radio spot that escalates a long-running battle with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and former senator John Edwards, D-N.C., over whose healthcare plan would cover the greatest number of people.

The ad, which is airing in Iowa and New Hampshire, quotes media reports that favorably portray Obama's healthcare plan -- and portray Edwards' and Clinton's plan as ineffective.
An Obama aide said it is response to ads run by independent group -- one that is backing Clinton's candidacy -- that has attacked his healthcare plan as "rewarding the irresponsible who don't get covered."

"Here's the real difference on health care: Senators Edwards and Clinton favor mandates which the Daily Iowan says would, quote, 'force those who can not afford health insurance to buy it, punishing those who don't fall in line,' " a male announcer says in the ad.

A female announcer then chimes in: "Barack Obama believes the solution isn't making it illegal not to have health care. It's making it affordable."

The ad -- coming on the eve of Thursday's caucuses -- seeks to rebut a central critique of Obama's healthcare plan. Edwards and Clinton have argued that Obama would leave as many as 15 million Americans without health insurance.

The key difference between Obama's plan and those of his rivals is that it does not include a so-called "individual mandate," a requirement that all U.S. citizens obtain health insurance.

"His plan would leave 15 million Americans out," Clinton said at a debate last month in Las Vegas. "I have a universal health care plan that covers everyone."

Countered Obama: "The fact of the matter is that I do provide universal health care."

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees -- a union that has endorsed Clinton -- has funded a mailing that attacks Obama's healthcare plan by quoting Edwards. The union has also run a radio ad that accuses Obama of not being serious about achieving universal healthcare.

But AFSCME spending is not controlled by any campaign or candidate. Obama's ad, by contrast is being run directly by his campaign.

Some independent experts argue that none of the major candidates' plans are truly universal in the same way that Rep. Dennis Kucinich's, D-Ohio, plan for a single-payer system would guarantee health coverage to all Americans.

But economists generally agree that a plan with an individual mandate -- such as Clinton's or Edwards' -- would cover more of those who are currently uninsured that a plan that lacks such a feature, such as Obama's.

UPDATE: ABC News' Sunlen Miller, traveling with the Obama campaign, reports that the ad has been running for approximately 10 days, according to the campaign. Asked why the campaign did not send out a media advisory about the ad, one aide said that there typically is not much media interest in radio advertising -- and kept a straight face.

The campaign did put out a press release for a radio ad in October, to announce Obama's endorsement by Duffy Lyon, the sculptor of the famed "butter cow" at the Iowa State Fair.

Full text of the ad:

MALE ANNCR: Barack Obama's health plan.

FEMALE ANNCR: Here's what the experts say. President Clinton's own Labor Secretary Robert Reich says, quote, "I've compared the plans in detail. Obama's plan would ensure more people than the others." The Pioneer Press confirms Obama guarantees coverage for all Americans.

MALE ANNCR: But here's the real difference on health care. Senators Edwards and Clinton favor mandates which the Daily Iowan says would, quote, "force those who can not afford health insurance to buy it, punishing those who don’t fall in line."

FEMALE ANNCR: Barack Obama believes the solution isn't making it illegal not to have health care. It's making it affordable.

MALE ANNCR: And that's why his plan cuts costs for a typical family by twenty five hundred dollars.

FEMALE ANNCR: As the Concord Monitor says, when it comes to honesty about health care, Obama has the edge. Check the facts, at Iowa dot Barack Obama dot com.

MALE ANNCR: And caucus on January third for change we can believe in.

FEMALE ANNCR: Paid for by Obama for America.

Read all the latest from the campaign trail -- from Iowa to the ABC News/Facebook/WMUR debates to the New Hampshire primaries and beyond -- in The Note every day.

December 31, 2007 in Clinton, Hillary, Edwards, John, Kucinich, Dennis, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (82) | TrackBack (0)

Putting the Republican in Paul's 'Revolution'

December 31, 2007 4:40 PM

ABC News' Z. Byron Wolf Reports: Republican politics in Iowa and New Hampshire demand a slightly different touch than the anti-war, anti-big government "Ron Paul Revolution" that has heretofore fueled the Texas Congressman and Republican presidential candidate's buzz and fundraising, which is up to nearly $20 million since October.

Proof positive that anti-war, uncompromising libertarian Republicanism doesn't necessarily sell where the first votes are cast is the glossy and highly produced new television ad Paul has bought time for in the waning days of campaigning in the early primary states.

The subject: immigration. The message: no amnesty.

The ad takes a hard right turn from the libertarian ant-war and anti-big government views that have gained Paul's loyal Internet following.

Paul has certainly stepped up the production quality of his ads. This latest is a glossy, highly produced effort with animated graphics and music.

Instead of hearing about Paul's opposition to the war in Iraq, voters and caucus goers in the early primary states will see black and white images of immigrants crossing the border illegally through rivers and over fences.
 
"For generations, Lady Liberty welcomed immigrants that came here legally, followed the rules and led productive lives. Today, illegal immigrants violate our borders and overwhelm our hospitals, schools and social services," intones a narrator.

"Ron Paul wants border security NOW," he declares, before naming a litany of conservative-sounding platform points that would have been at home in an ad for former candidate Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo.

"Physically secure the border. No amnesty. No welfare to illegal aliens. End birthright citizenship. No more student visas from terrorist nations."

"Standing up for the rule of law," the narrator concludes: "Ron Paul for President."

This immigration ad follows another highly produced ad on how Paul will "defend America" by protecting the troops and disengaging the Armed Forces. It is a more traditionally Republican take than the "bring the troops home" platform that has endeared Paul to some.

While Paul continues to release paid advertising and has been stepping up his organizing in Iowa and New Hampshire as well as states with slightly later primaries like Michigan and South Carolina. 

Paul was off the trail Monday and will be off for New Year's Day. He reappears in Iowa on January 2nd.

Read all the latest from the campaign trail -- Iowa to the ABC News/Facebook/WMUR debates and onto New Hampshire -- every morning in The Note.

December 31, 2007 in Paul, Ron, Vote 2008: Republicans | Permalink | User Comments (69) | TrackBack (0)

Romney Aims to Medal in Iowa

December 31, 2007 4:05 PM

ABC News' Matt Stuart Reports: Three days out from Iowa, Mitt Romney feels confident he'll be on Iowa's medal stand come Thursday night.

Romney, R-Mass., who often cites his role in salvaging the scandal plagued 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, told reporters on Monday, "I'll get either the gold or the silver."

The "confident" former Massachusetts governor seems to be aiming for gold, however, saying "I think I'm going to win."

Until very recently, Romney has claimed only that he'd "like" to win Iowa, but refused to speculate.

"I've got the secret data no one has seen," Romney joked when asked about the source of his recent confidence.

Speaking in Bellevue, Iowa, Romney began his comments by speaking about his own set of guidelines regarding pardons and commutations as governor, and criticized former President Clinton's policies, "[I] wish in the Clinton years that policies of his nature had been promulgated and followed."

Romney frequently criticizes former governor Mike Huckabee, claiming his chief rival in the Hawkeye State issued 1033 such pardons and commutations during his tenure in Arkansas.

Romney and Huckabee have traded increasingly sharp barbs on the campaign trail.  But, out with a new ad on Monday, Romney pledged a more positive campaign. 

"I'm running a positive campaign. Of course I'm gonna talk about differences on issues. How in the world could you have a campaign where you didn't talk about the differences between different candidates?" Romney asserted. "People wouldn't know where they lined up. But I'm not making personal attacks."

In a strange twist, Huckabee on Monday pulled his own negative ad which would have attacked Romney's honesty in the closing days leading up to the Iowa caucuses.

Read all the latest from the campaign trail -- Iowa to the ABC News/Facebook debates and onto New Hampshire -- every morning in The Note.

December 31, 2007 in Huckabee, Mike, Romney, Mitt, Vote 2008: Republicans | Permalink | User Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

Obama: One Man's Second Choice

December 31, 2007 3:03 PM

ABC News' David Wright and Sunlen Miller Reports: The last question today at Barack Obama's rally in a Jefferson, Iowa  high school gymnasium was unusually blunt. 

It came from a voter who was not a supporter of Obama's.

"I'm not undecided," Iowa farmer Gene Blanshan shouted from the very back of the room, "I'm a Biden supporter."

But the voter said he is torn over his second choice.  Under Iowa Democratic Party rules, in most of the almost 2,000 Iowa precincts, supporters of candidates who fail to reach 15 percent support of that caucus meeting may switch allegiance and choose another candidate to support.

And in a race this tight, second choices matter.

"Why should I choose you over John Edwards?" he asked.

Obama smiled.  "John is a fine person with a beautiful family who has run a great campaign," he said.  But Obama argued that he, not Edwards, is more apt to deliver change.

Obama cited his own legislative efforts in Illinois to reduce the power of lobbyists.  He spoke of his early opposition to the Iraq war and to NAFTA.  "If you look at our track records," he said, "I think I can deliver."

After the event, Blanshan told reporters he asked Edwards the exact same question last August on the steps of the county courthouse.  But Blanshan said he liked Obama's answer better.

"What matters to me is change," Blanshan said.

"I'm still for Biden," he said. "But my second choice now is Obama."

That doesn't mean he’s giving up on Biden.  He still holds out hope, as do plenty of others we have met in Iowa these past few weeks, citing the Delaware Senator's steadiness and experience.

He said: "In Iowa we get a second bite at the apple, so we always go with who we really want.  I think Biden will be the surprise of Thursday night."

"I think Biden will be more viable than anybody thinks," Blanshan said.

December 31, 2007 in Obama, Barack, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

Clinton Sharpens Rhetoric Against Rivals

December 31, 2007 2:44 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper Report: After three days of speaking in somber and serious tones, Senator Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., sharpened her rhetoric against her Democratic rivals today in Keokuk, Iowa.

The Senator addressed the special interest fight her opponents have been having for days, and Clinton specifically took on former Senator John Edwards, D-N.C., more strongly than she has in the past.

Speaking about solving the problem of the influence special interests have in politics, Clinton delivered a veiled swipe at Edwards, without naming him.

"Instead of, like, generating a lot of heat and rolling your hands and jumping up and down, lets just sit down and figure out how we are going to beat them," Clinton said, "it's something you don't have to do by yelling and screaming. Save your energy, get the job done. Figure out how you are going to make it happen."

Clinton made the argument that she is the candidate who can actually take on the special interests. "There's a lot of talk in this campaign about special interests," Clinton said, "and you know these are great applause lines and speeches, and people get really excited because we all know that the power has shifted way too much to the wealthy and the well-connected and we've got to bring that power back. But I submit to you that there isn't anybody running who has taken on more special interests."

Clinton went after Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., with a subtle dig, while touting her electability. "I am not asking you to take me on faith," she said.

Clinton also addressed the back-and-forth between Obama and Edwards that Clinton has abstained from in these past weeks. "My two leading opponents are spending a lot of time right now kind of you know talking about each other," she said, "I'm going to keep talking about the people of Iowa."

Reacting to Clinton, Chris Kofinis, spokesperson for former senator John Edwards, D-N.C., issued this statement:

"The only people who think this is screaming are Washington insiders who see someone coming to take their power away. To middle class Americans, it is music to their ears, someone willing to tell the truth and stand up for them after decades of double talk, broken promises, capitulation, and manipulation. But then again, if Senator Clinton really wants to talk about taking on the special interests, she may want to first explain to voters why she has taken more money from the defense industry than even the Republican presidential candidates, and has taken more money than any other Democrat from special interests, like the health care industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the oil and gas industry, that are helping destroy the middle class."

To read more from the campaign trail -- from Iowa to the ABC News/Facebook/WMUR debates to New Hampshire and beyond -- check out The Note every day.

December 31, 2007 in Clinton, Hillary, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

What's Richardson's New Year's Resolution?

December 31, 2007 1:33 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos reports: With the Iowa caucus less than four days away, the early morning crowd in Ames, Iowa, was full of tough questions for Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M.   

The close to 300-person audience wanted straight answers to their questions about immigration, energy reform in America, and how to pay for a college education.  One voter asked Richardson about his relationship with the National Rifle Association.  Another wanted to know how he planned on implementing a universal health care program without raising taxes.

And Richardson, who is still trying to break into top-three status among the Democratic candidates, was eager to answer them all, especially the ones that came from self-proclaimed undecided voters.   

"I want the leaners and the undecided voters to come first," said Richardson as he began the Q&A portion of the event.

Of course, not every question can be a serious discussion on foreign policy, as a woman in the front row demonstrated today.

"You, by far, have been the most humorous candidate running," she began her question. "So, putting politics aside for a second, I wanted to ask you, what is your New Year's resolution."

"Well, it's the one that I have every year - lose more weight," Richardson told the crowd, getting his biggest laugh of the morning.

December 31, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Thompson Goes to the Web

December 31, 2007 12:40 PM

ABC News' Christine Byun Reports: As candidates rush to push last minute political commercials, Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson is pitching to the web.

"It's kind of a unique thing, but you know we do things a little differently in this campaign and that's one of them," Thompson told reporters about his new webposting.

In his video, he delivers a 17 minute appeal to Iowans - calling it a chance to "talk quietly with you about the stakes in this election" - against a backdrop of flags.  It's essentially his stump speech - and the same message Thompson has been touting all along: his "consistent conservative" record.

"The fact of the matter is that the Republican Party is a conservative party.   That's the philosophy that's shaped us," Thompson says in the video, adding,"That's the philosophy we must champion if we are to win again in 2008."

Thompson's campaign - whose ads have been scarce on local airwaves - is hoping it will go viral to compete with his GOP rivals, who have been pushing new ads and unveiling new closing arguments as caucus day approaches. 

"They have been consistently inconsistent for some time now," Thompson said of the other GOP nominees, "So I don't know what they're doing these final days and don't much care."

December 31, 2007 in Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Dodd's Pitch: Experience Equals Viability

December 31, 2007 8:39 AM

ABC News' Donna Hunter Reports: Iowa voter Dennis Wolf walked into Four Brothers Pizzeria in Le Mars, Iowa as an Independent but he walked out a proud supporter of Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

With tears in his eyes he recalled his sister who lost her battle with breast cancer, he said if it had not been for Dodd's Family Medical Leave Act he would have been unable to take the necessary time off from work to attend to his dying sister.

"He's seasoned, tested, knowledgeable, and his service has had a real impact on my life," Wolf said.

In the days leading up to the caucuses, the Senator has spoke about his "proven track record."

"I've spent 26 years in the Senate, served in the military, served in the peace corps. I know the Middle East well, I know Latin America well, I’ve worked on domestic issues,  I wrote the family medical leave legislation… its what I’ve done for a quarter of a century."

So why has it been so hard for Senator Dodd to break through in the polls and get that name recognition like some of his bigger name counter parts?

Harold Schaitberger, President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, says forget about the polls and the celebrity names. Dodd has the backing of the influential fire fighters.

"The polls have alleged that Senator Dodd is at one percent of which we simply don’t accept," said Schaitberger.

What Schaitberger does accept is that come caucus night anything is possible. “Four years ago at this time we were aiming to come into third place with Senator John Kerry, D-Mass., we hoped to come in second but quite frankly we had no idea that we would win the Iowa caucus. Right now we are trying to be viable, I believe there is going to be four tickets coming out of Iowa and a ticket would be an incredible achievement for Senator Dodd." 

December 31, 2007 in Dodd, Chris | Permalink | User Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Biden (Almost) Steps In It Again

December 31, 2007 7:35 AM

ABC News' Brian Wheeler reports: Democratic Senator Joe Biden's misstep at the onset of his presidential campaign with regard to Senator Barack Obama's race is absurdly well-chronicled (you should recall of course he called Barack Obama "clean"). He might have come close again.

Biden frequently uses the civil rights era as a springboard for telling crowds about why he became a Democrat. At a Sunday event in Mason City, IA, Biden said Obama was "a real superstar. A person who makes me realize why I got involved in politics in the first place. I've spent probably as much time in the African-American community as Barack has."

Senator Biden went on to tell the crowd how when he returned to Delaware from Syracuse Law School in 1968, parts of Wilmington had been "burned to the ground" following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After a brief stint at a "white shoe law firm" Biden quit to become a public defender, in part because of the disenfranchisement of African-Americans in his home state.

Obama himself has attempted to put this storyline to bed, saying at the Des Moines Register debate, "I've worked with Joe Biden, I've seen his leadership, I have absolutely no doubt about what is in his heart and the commitment that he's made with respect to racial equality in this country. So I will provide some testimony, as they say in church, that Joe is on the right side of the issues and is fighting every day for a better America."

Given Biden's penchant for rhetorical flourish, to put it mildly, we'll likely be writing this story again, even if his Senate colleague seems hardly affected by it.

December 31, 2007 in Biden, Joe, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Biden's Purple Appeal

December 31, 2007 7:34 AM

ABC News' Brian Wheeler reports: Senator Joe Biden's campaign is passing out purple bracelets of the Live Strong variety, only these say 'I Agree With Joe' and on the other side -- 'Biden 2008.'

Just about every cause these days has a bracelet.  But Biden's purple color selection is a calculated part of the argument he has been making on the trail that he is best suited to appeal to a divided electorate as well as a divided Congress.

As he campaigns Biden has argued Iowans should caucus for him because, he says, he can neutralize the bipartisan rancor in Washington, D.C., and the country at large.

The Delaware Senator has taken to asking audiences for example which candidate will be able to compete in more red states, or which candidate as president will be able "to bring 15 Republicans on board for a national health care policy."

In a similar vein, Biden appeals to Iowans who ask about immigration by saying illegal immigrants must "demonstrate they had a job, were paying taxes, paying into social security, and they had to learn English."

Wolf Blitzer asked Biden Sunday morning on CNN what he thought of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's bipartisan conference to plan a "unity" government, as reported in the Washington Post. "If I win this nomination there will be no need for them to have that conference. They're reacting to the concern that one of the three leaders may get the nomination knowing that will spark a bitter, bitter fight."

Biden went on to say, "if I were nominated as the Democrat, or Chris Dodd for that matter, you would see the boiling point lower a great deal. We both have long records of cooperating with Republicans without yielding one bit on our principles."

December 31, 2007 in Biden, Joe | Permalink | User Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Bill Clinton: 'It All Depends on Who Shows Up'

December 31, 2007 7:10 AM

ABC News' Kate Snow Reports: Former President Bill Clinton says he's feeling good about his wife's chances in Iowa.  And with four days to go, he doesn't put much stock in any polls.

"How do I feel? Good," he told ABC News. "You know, it's a feeling thing too.  No one can poll it.  Because, you know, it depends on who shows up at the caucus.  But I feel good."

Late Sunday night, President Clinton spoke for about an hour about his wife’s strengths, her resume and her life experiences, to a gymnasium filled with supporters.  Many brought books for him to sign.

Afterwards, Clinton shook hands and cradled a tiny infant in his arms.

"The crowds are large. The people are listening. All you can ask for is a fair hearing. And I think the people of Iowa have given it to Hillary and I’m very grateful," Clinton told ABC.

It was a speech he's had some practice at lately.  Clinton always starts by saying he would be supporting the Senator even if he hadn't been married to her all these years.

Bill Clinton has also begun to emphasize the need for voters to choose a President who can handle crisis.  He cites President Bush having to deal with 9/11 and Katrina.

"There's a constant struggle between dealing with the incoming and keeping your promises," Clinton said. "How a President does both determines how good a President is."

He also argued that voters should pay attention to how a person responds to failure.  There is a section of the speech in which Bill Clinton reflects on asking his wife to take on America’s healthcare crisis in the early 1990s.

President and Senator Clinton often tell a story about former New York Governor Mario Cuomo visiting the White House during that time period.  As the story goes, Cuomo said to the First Lady after learning she’d been tasked with healthcare reform: “What did you do to make the President so mad at you?"

Tonight the story went a little differently.

"I get elected President and I say, 'Hillary let's do healthcare. I want you to fix that,'" Bill Clinton told the crowd.  “And she said, 'You really don't love me anymore.'"

December 31, 2007 in Clinton, Hillary | Permalink | User Comments (45) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Looks to Rally Last-Minute Support

December 30, 2007 9:06 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos reports: "Are we ready to take our country back?  Are we going to elect a Democratic president?  And what is that president's name?" shouted Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., at a packed rally in Des Moines this afternoon.

“Now, is this momentum, is this a real surge,” Richardson continued, to a surprisingly large crowd of over 500 people.

While the presidential front-runners of both political parties have been speaking to crowds of this size – and much larger - for the past 9 months, a crowd of 500 is something many of the lesser-supported candidates could only dream of. 

And today could have continued on that path, especially after actor Martin Sheen had to cancel his trip to join Richardson on the campaign trail. 

Instead, Richardson emerged this morning as a candidate determined to convince voters he deserves to finish in the top three, come caucus day.  And the crowd in Des Moines is clearly something that the Richardson campaign is hoping can push them through these last fours days of stumping before Thursday’s caucus.

"You know, if you listen to national media, the pundits in New York, there are only two or three candidates, but we are going to show them, we are going to shock the world, right?"  Richardson asked the crowd, adding that a new NBC poll today put his campaign “in striking distance of the top three," he said.

That NBC/McClatchy poll puts Richardson at 12 percent, and while that is a climb for his campaign, it is still a distant fourth to Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and John Edwards, all of whom have the support of over 22 percent of Iowans. 

Still, the Richardson campaign is staying on message and sticking to their grass roots, house party campaign strategy. 

“I believe that the grass roots is where we are building support. Look at the polls, we’re moving, we’ve got momentum, we’ve got strength,” Richardson told ABC News at a house party before today’s rally.   “There is a 40 percent undecided that is going to surprise a number of people, and I believe it is going to candidates like me, that has the experience, the background, and the qualifications.”

The crowd at the Des Moines rally seemed to lend support to Richardson’s point, chanting through the governor’s resume while they waited for the speech to begin. 

Of course, one good-sized rally does not make a top three finish.  And while Richardson used the large crowd as a chance to push his views on the war in Iraq and energy conservation, his biggest push came as a plea for caucus votes. 

“And so, I ask you here today, I want your support, I humbly ask you to go to the caucus and support this campaign.  This insurgent campaign of an underdog,”  Richardson told the crowd at the conclusion of the rally - proving that if music, posters and chanting don’t work, a politician always knows how to just ask for votes.

December 30, 2007 in Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Clinton Continues to Make Her Case

December 30, 2007 6:44 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper reports: Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., campaigned in Iowa, Sunday - repeating the lines she has been saying all week - highlighting why she is the best candidate for the job.

"It is time to pick a president, the stakes are high, the job is hard," Clinton said. She spoke, as she has before, about the dangerous and serious times in which we live. "We know there are challenges we can't forsee, we know we have to pick a president who is ready to lead on day one."

Clinton reiterated her message that she will stand up for Iowans - even when she is in the White House. "I'll stand up for you, if you stand up for me," Clinton said.

Clinton stressed that she isn't only helping people when the cameras are around. "When the cameras are off, and there isn't anybody around, I'm still trying to figure out how to help people."

The Democratic presidential candidate was joined by her daughter Chelsea on stage. Even though she mysteriously appears sporadically at campaign events for her mother, Chelsea never speaks and never answers questions from reporters.

December 30, 2007 in Clinton, Hillary | Permalink | User Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)

Four-Letter Words: Obama Uses the Juicy Ones

December 30, 2007 5:54 PM

ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: The three-way showdown in Iowa for the Democratic nomination hasn’t stopped Barack Obama from commenting about his potential Republican contenders.

A question by a Republican woman, to talk about the differences he has with Mitt Romney, solicited a surprising response by Obama at a town hall in Knoxville, Iowa.

“I was listening to an interview this morning where somebody asked him has he ever cursed, and he said, ‘well, of course, but not the real harsh ones.’ I have to tell you. I’ve used some really harsh curse words, “Obama exclaimed, “the juicy ones.”

Besides using the juicy four-letter words, Obama also added that there’s a long list of differences he has with Romney.  Starting with, “Mitt Romney is a very handsome guy. He is taller than me.”

Obama went on to explain the differences in their views on the Iraq war and tax cuts.

December 30, 2007 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

Edwards Tries to Appeal to Independents and Republicans

December 30, 2007 5:35 PM

ABC News' Raelyn Johnson reports: In his final plea to voters, John Edwards wants his message of fighting entrenched interests to reach beyond the Democratic Party.

“I want to be absolutely clear that corporate greed is destroying the middle class of this country and stealing your children’s future,” said Edwards during a “Countdown to Caucus” rally in Boone, Iowa. “It is stealing the future of the Democrats' children, Independents' children, Republicans' children. I’m telling you, this is a message and a cause we can unite America around.”

Edwards has long railed against corporate interests, and has steadily criticized his rivals on the issue.  His message today marks a softened tone in his stump speech, a speech he’s hoping will reach more voters by appealing to more parties.

December 30, 2007 in Edwards, John | Permalink | User Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

Romney Says His Wife is "Tsss" Hot

December 30, 2007 5:10 PM

ABC News' Matt Stuart reports: At a campaign stop in Mt. Vernon, Iowa on Sunday, Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney proved that one can still have fun even with the stress of the big day approaching.

After his wife Ann spoke to a crowd, Romney asked the audeince, "Isn't she good?"

A gentleman next to Romney shouted, "she's cuter."

Romney laughed before the gentleman followed up with "that's not saying much."

As the audience continued to laugh and guffaw, Romney agreed "She is a cute girl. I'll tell you."

Romney followed with something few were expecting, "She's hot too," licking his finger making a "tsss" sizzling hot sound.

The audience laughed and Romney went on to thank those packed into the small coffee house.

The Iowa presidential caucuses are on Thursday. 

December 30, 2007 in Romney, Mitt | Permalink | User Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)

Romney Hits Huck and McCain on State of Play

December 30, 2007 4:50 PM

ABC News' Matt Stuart reports:  Fomer Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney continued to criticize Gov. Mike Huckabee and Sen. John McCain Sunday for not competing in both the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire Primary.

Speaking with reporters in Columbus Junction, Iowa, Romney said that he is "contending and working…hard in both places. The other guys are just picking one state. I’m working for both."

Asked about his ads in New Hampshire and Iowa attacking Huckabee and McCain, Romney said he thought the ads were "totally appropriate," adding that "I think its entirely appropriate in the political process to point out differences on important issues, but I don't think you have to make it a personal attack. And, when that happens I think its very disappointing and the public responds accordingly."

Romney dismissed reports of mailers in South Carolina going after Romney and his religion.  "I'm not going to spend my time trying to change those kinds of features," Romney said.

Finally, while Romney has in the past boasted his own poll numbers in Iowa and other early states, he argued it’s too close to call now.  "I can’t tell you how it’s gonna come out because it’s so close. If there was one of us way ahead why I’d be making a prediction, but right now I just don’t think we know what’s gonna come out."

December 30, 2007 in Romney, Mitt | Permalink | User Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

Thompson: 'I Need to Come in Second'

December 30, 2007 4:36 PM

ABC News' Christine Byun reports: With the Iowa caucus date in sight, Republican candidate Fred Thompson said he needs to finish closer to the top of the heap this Thursday night.

"I need to come in second," Thompson told reporters at a campaign event in Ames, Iowa. (He has said he WANTS to finish second -  on CNN's American Morning - but today he said NEEDS to, which caused all of the traveling press to question his staff at length, post-avail. They didn't provide any further clarification.)

By declaring that he needs to do better than he's polled for months, Thompson risks setting a bar so high for himself that a third-place victory -- which would be something of an achievement for his struggling campaign -- is a self-imposed disappointment. Under his own rules, Thompson could beat Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani in the caucuses and still be setting himself up to drop out of the race.

For the past couple of days, Thompson, who has been polling behind rivals Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney, has been trying to break ahead of the rest of the GOP nominees. When pressed by reporters, he would not speculate what would happen to his candidacy if he did not finish near the top.

Pacing in front of a crowd, the former Tennessee senator - dressed in a dark suit and maroon tie - laid out his pitch to another group of Iowans on his statewide tour. He says it's the same message he's been touting since his September announcement - and all his political career.

"I have been a strong consistent common sense conservative everyday of my political career," Thompson said. "That's not gonna change. I am not going to change. Let the political world swirl around me. Let everybody run their attack ads, spend their money ... But I am going to be the same ... I think that will serve us well in the end."

Thompson is relying on his record to convince voters to caucus for him Thursday night -- and said he believed "consistency" would be his party's success in uprooting next year's Democratic nominee.

When an audience member asked if Thompson could beat Senator Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., for the White House, Thompson joked, "Like a drum!" The audience laughed and clapped, but Thompson became serious as he discussed the Republican's chances for the White House next year. After cautiously acknowledging the Democratic nominee might not be Clinton, Thompson stressed that his party's nominee needs to avoid being "like a feather in the wind" and stand strong for their principles.

"Be yourself. Come with the ideas that you believe in. That's what people are looking for," Thompson said.

December 30, 2007 in Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)

New McCain Ad Finds It Ironic that Romney Attacks on Immigration

December 30, 2007 12:28 PM

ABC News' Bret Hovell reports from Concord, New Hampshire: Senator John McCain says it is "ironic" that rival Mitt Romney would attack him on immigration in a new ad released by the Arizona Republican’s campaign.

"You know I find it ironic Mitt Romney would attack me on the issue of immigration," McCain says, speaking directly into the camera in the ad. "This is the same Mitt Romney who called my plan, quote, reasonable."

The commercial debuted Sunday on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos. It will run on television stations in New Hampshire this week. 

Romney's ad accuses McCain of supporting a plan that would grant amnesty and give social security to illegal immigrants, facts that are misleading – McCain's plan would have required illegal immigrants to pay a fine and wait in line to become citizens, at which time they would be eligible for the social security like any citizen.

But immigration has proven to be the toughest issue for McCain in his campaign for the White House. At nearly every town hall meeting, McCain gets asked to explain his position from skeptical questioners. More than once voters have told him that they would vote for him except for his position on the issue.

Romney's ad, then, could be particularly perilous for McCain, who is gaining ground on Romney, the longtime frontrunner in New Hampshire.

"You either respond, which we will do once. Or you let it sit out there absolutely untrue," McCain explained Saturday aboard his campaign bus. "So we've made our choice, and I think it's the right thing to do."

Romney spokesman Kevin Madden said that Romney is in agreement with the majority of Republicans on the immigration issue.

"Senator McCain's amnesty approach towards illegal immigration is absolutely the wrong approach to the problem," Madden wrote in a statement. "[McCain's] troubling policies on illegal immigration would reward law-breakers and make our nation's borders less secure."

McCain's ad takes a dig at Romney's character as well, implying that Romney is being dishonest.

"Before I can win your vote I know I have to win your respect," McCain says in the ad. "And to do that you know I'll always be straight with you."

ABC News' Matt Stuart contributed reporting from Iowa.

December 30, 2007 in McCain, John | Permalink | User Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)

I Know Who Huckabee Is, But Who Is Dodd?

December 30, 2007 11:32 AM

ABC News' Donna Hunter reports: In Sioux Falls Iowa, Senator Chris Dodd stood before a café packed wall to wall with fire fighters and members of the community to plead his case and ask for what he's calling a ticket into New Hampshire, but first he has to make it out of Iowa.

It's become all too common for the Senator to hear the words "You're just not that well known", but oh how the tides have changed. The Senator now responds, "Who would have heard of Mike Huckabee about 12 weeks ago but a bunch of Iowans decided that he was important...all of a sudden people were paying attention to someone they were not paying attention to before." And that is just the sort of attention that Dodd is in need of right about now.

As he used Governor Huckabee's surge in the polls and the national media's spotlight as inspiration, he also used Huckabee as an example of a politician with limited experience when it comes to international affairs. "We can't afford a President who needs a briefing on hotspots around the world," said Dodd in response to an aide of the governor telling CNN that the campaign needed to brief Huckabee on the situation in Pakistan.

Dodd didn't end the discussion on Pakistan with Huckabee. He went on to respectfully profess his opposition to the governor on his side of the fence -- Bill Richardson. "Richardson said President Musharraf should leave Pakistan, but what comes after President Musharraf? How can you possibly call for someone to leave when you got radical fundamentalists who may very well be in control of nuclear weapons and could cause us great danger," said Dodd.

Over the next five days the senator and International Association of Fire Fighter President Harold Schaitberger plan on rallying up as many fire fighters as possible to caucus for Dodd on January 3rd. Schaitberger says they're currently expecting at least 800 fire fighters to come out in support of the senator and they will each bring along five non-union friends. For those fire fighters who are scheduled to work caucus night, they can participate in an exchange program where they will be able to swap shifts with those who aren't caucusing.

Aren’t caucusing? Isn't that against the law in Iowa?

December 30, 2007 in Dodd, Chris | Permalink | User Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Biden Seeks Moral High Ground

December 30, 2007 1:33 AM

ABC News' Brian Wheeler reports: Senator Joe Biden made an impassioned plea this evening for Democrats to try and recapture the moral high ground over the Republican party, which has dominated the public debate on the topic for at least the last two presidential elections.

Speaking at the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque, Biden, a practicing Catholic, relayed a story about how after recently attending church in Council Bluffs, a parishoner confronted him claiming Republicans were more moral than Democrats.

Tonight the Senator said he asked the man, "Didn't we all just hear the same Gospel?" When the man confirmed they had, Biden said he replied, "I don't remember hearing that part in the Gospel that says waterboarding and torture is ok! I don't remember hearing that part!"

The crowd began to clap as Biden continued. "I don't remember hearing the part, sending our boys and girls to war without the proper equipment, I don't remember if that's moral!" More applause, and by this time Biden was fairly howling. "I don't remember where it's moral bringing our troops home and not taking care of them! I don't know where that's moral!"

The Senator told the crowd they could count on him to fight back when Republicans tried to claim the moral high ground as they had done, with great success, in recent elections.

December 30, 2007 in Biden, Joe, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)

No West Wing Luster for Richardson

December 30, 2007 1:08 AM

ABC's Sarah Amos reports: Sure he wasn't Oprah, or a rock star for that matter, but the two-day campaign trip actor Martin Sheen planned to make to Iowa Sunday sure had Governor Bill Richardson excited. 

Sheen, who played President Jeb Bartlett on the popular "West Wing" television series, is a long-time activist and supporter of the democratic party, and one of the most popular fictional Presidents to date.  The actor had planned to fly out Sunday morning with his grandson to endorse Richardson and give the campaign a last minute boost before Thursday's caucus.

Unfortunately for Richardson, and all those Iowans who bought the "West Wing" DVD for the 'former President' to sign, Sheen came down with a severe and contagious cold, according to a statement put out by the Richardson campaign.  The statement went on to say that Sheen's doctor had forbidden him from flying, therefore grounding any campaigning plans Sheen might have had.

"I am deeply sorry for not being able to join Governor Richardson in Iowa - I believe with all of my heart that he is the candidate we must elect as the next President of the United States," said Sheen in the released statement.  Sheen also apologized to the people of Iowa and urged that they still go out and caucus for Richardson on January 3rd.   

Richardson's excitement for Sheen's visit was evident Saturday as he giddily told the Iowa crowds about his upcoming campaign visitor.

"We are moving up in the campaign, we are surging, and guess who is coming tomorrow to campaign for your candidate Bill Richardson?  Who is coming tomorrow, is the real "president" of West Wing, Martin Sheen.  He will be here tomorrow and we will be in Ames, we will be in Des Moines,"  Richardson told one crowd Saturday morning.

Of course, Richardson is still planning to attend all scheduled events Sunday and is probably hoping that Iowans with their hearts set on Sheen, will still attend as well. 

Sheen is not the only star of the West Wing TV series with plans to hit the trail in Iowa this week. Actor Richard Schiff, who played the long suffering presidential aide Toby Ziegler on the program, is campaigning for Senator Joe Biden.

December 30, 2007 in Richardson, Bill, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Edwards to pull an all nighter--says he's restless for change

December 29, 2007 9:09 PM

ABC News' Raelyn Johnson reports: Democratic hopeful John Edwards is turning his sprint to the finish line into a marathon. Beginning January 1st Edwards will campaign for 36 hours straight leading up to the Iowa caucuses on January 3rd.

"I’m looking forward to meeting with Iowans across the state over the 36 hours who are as restless as I am for change," said Edwards.

The 36-hour push is being billed as the "Marathon for the Middle Class," where Edwards is scheduled to outline 36 ideas to strengthen the middle class.

Edwards will stop in 15 counties and wind up his epic all nighter with a rally in Des Moines with singer and supporter John Mellencamp.

December 29, 2007 in Edwards, John | Permalink | User Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)

When Campaign Buses Collide

December 29, 2007 8:07 PM

ABC News' Christine Byun, Raelyn Johnson and Sunlen Miller Report:

Iowa -- carved into 99 counties spread over 55,869 square miles of land -- yet still too small for the ’08 contenders whose campaign buses have begun to frequently run into each other while canvassing across the state.

Such was the case a few weeks ago when Sen. Obama and Sen. Edwards were both in Clear Lake, Iowa. At the start of the day, Obama’s bus passed Edwards’ bus parked at the Best Western Hotel. Obama strategist David Axelrod told traveling reporters, "I think ours was headed north and his was headed south."

Today John Edwards and Fred Thompson found themselves in close quarters as their buses met up with each other en route to campaign events in Washington, Iowa.

Edwards held an event at the local library. Across town Thompson opened his town hall saying, "I understand John Edwards is at the library -– hope he learns something." The audience clapped and cheered. "I like our bus better," Thompson added.

Regarding all the trash talking on the buses, the Edwards campaign said, "We’re more focused about they very real acceleration in support from Iowa Caucus goers – not our mode of transportation."

Apparently, they think reporters who write stories about buses are breathing in too many fumes.

December 29, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Obama Takes on Electability Issue

December 29, 2007 7:22 PM

Barack Obama, in the final days of campaigning in Iowa, took the electability issue head on, singling out his top opponents, John Edwards and Hillary Clinton.

Obama spent the better part of the day arguing that he is the only Democratic candidate who can beat a Republican opponent.

"The most recent polls show that I'm the only Democrat who beats every single Republican opponent. I beat Rudy, I beat Mitt, I beat Huckabee, I beat McCain, I beat Thompson," Obama said, and then brought his Democratic challengers into it, "And I'm the only Democrat who does it. Edwards doesn't do it."

Obama continued, attacking Edwards, "Part of the problem John would have in the general election is that you know, the issues that he's taking out now are not the issues or the things that he said four years ago. Which always causes us problems in general elections."

And then turning to Clinton, Obama argued, "Senator Clinton doesn't beat all five of them because you start off with half of the country not wanting to vote for her."

Obama called out the undecideds and said those two points are something they need to consider in their choice who to caucus for. In a slightly softer conclusion, no doubt following a direct attack on his opponents, Obama said, "We're all just tying out for quarterback, but after the election we’re all gonna be on the same team."

December 29, 2007 in Obama, Barack | Permalink | User Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

Clinton Cites More Examples Of Foreign Policy Experience

December 29, 2007 6:44 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper Reports: Sen. Hillary Clinton continued to drive in her point about being the candidate who can win today in Clinton, Iowa.

Clinton focused on her foreign experience and, for the third day in a row, highlighted her relationship with Benazir Bhutto. Clinton went further with her speculation surrounding the cause of death saying, "Others are saying it looked like it may have been an inside job because remember Rawalpindi is a military garrison city."Clinton stopped there but did question the aid the United States gives to Pakistan. "We have been giving all of this military aide to the Musharraf government and frankly we don't know where its going," she said.

Clinton also further detailed her role in the Irish peace accords. "I actually went to Northern Ireland more than my husband did," Clinton said, "I think I convened the first large meeting at the town hall in Belfast."

Clinton never addressed her opponents, but made veiled jabs. In particular at Senator Obama and his health care plan that Clinton points out doesnt cover all Americans. "Maybe I should leave them out and just hope and pray they don't get sick," Clinton said.

Clinton continues her whirlwind blitz around Iowa making several more stops around the state leading up to the Iowa caucuses.

December 29, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)

Richardson Sprints to the Finish Line

December 29, 2007 3:57 PM

ABC News' Sarah Amos Reports: With the Iowa caucuses just a few days away New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is continuing his town to town strategy of winning over voters. 

Richardson started the day with a high energy coffee and doughnut session in west liberty, Iowa.  In the predominately Hispanic community Richardson took questions in both Spanish and English, focusing heavily on issues that affect the immigrant community in the US.  Richardson, who usually stays away from junk food since beginning his campaign, even indulged in a homemade doughnut while sitting with locals

Richardson’s optimism about his chances on caucus night remain high, despite having less than ten percent in nearly every current Iowa poll.

"Something is surging, we've got momentum, I can feel it," said Richardson adding "what I need now is you to caucus for me."

While not every voter Richardson spoke to seemed sold on supporting him on caucus night, Richardson got perhaps the most creative introduction of the day at a house party in Iowa City

His host, Dr. Joseph Zabner, quoted a David Brooks column from March of 2007 that called Richardson the candidate you'd most want to get a beer with.  When Zabner was done with his introduction, he presented the Governor with a Heineken. A laughing Richardson accepted the drink and took a few sips of the beer before beginning to talk. When it came time for questions Richardson paused for one more sip.  After a tough first question on the death penalty members of the audience joked, "you want one more sip?"

It wasn't all meet and greet events today, with Richardson delivering a speech in Coralville, IA on Iraq and the Middle East.

Voters packed well beyond capacity into the local town hall, with some braving the cold weather to listen on the front steps and in the doorway.  The speech was one more chance for Richardson to hammer home his differing opinions on Iraq and the Middle East.

"The differences I have with my opponents in this race are not personal. I refuse to engage in negative character attacks. But there is a profound difference on the war in Iraq," began Richardson, adding "my opponents believe in changing the mission. They wish to task our troops with new combat roles, new training roles, and new policing roles. I see it differently. Changing the mission is not ending the war."

Richardson also took a small, but as always, polite jab at some of his opponents lack of experience. "My colleagues in this race have my respect, but it's a simple fact that the next international deal negotiated by any one of the frontrunners ... will be their first," Richardson pointed out at the conclusion of his speech

Of course the always humorous Richardson couldn't stay completely serious in his speech.

After a boisterous reaction from the audience to the line "cowboy diplomacy will always fail," Richardson paused and replied to the crowd "you like that one?  I'm not wearing my cowboy boots today."

December 29, 2007 in Richardson, Bill | Permalink | User Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Giuliani Expresses Respect For The Muslim Religion

December 29, 2007 3:52 PM

ABC News' Jan Simmonds Reports: Rudy Giuliani, R-N.Y., today expressed his respect for the Muslim religion in the wake of negative comments made by a high ranking campaign volunteer in New Hampshire.

John Deady, the now former co-chair of the New Hampshire Veterans for Rudy, told The Guardian newspaper last Sunday that Giuliani should be elected President because he understands how to address the threat posed by the "rise of the Muslims", which he described as "one of the most difficult problems in current history."

"These people are very dedicated and they're also very, very smart in their own way," Deady told a cameraman with The Guardian. "We need to keep the feet to the fire and keep pressing these people until we defeat or chase them back to their caves or in other words get rid of them."

Responding to a question about Deady's remarks in Clive, Iowa today, Giuliani said a problem does not exist within the Muslim religion or its followers. Rather he explained, it was with those who corrupted the religion's beliefs.

"It’s a religion that many people follow and follow faithfully. And it leads to good lives," said Giuliani outside his car. "I have great respect for the religion and I also have a clear understanding that there is a small group of people who have misused it and turned it into a political ideology."

The former Mayor of New York also went on to note that he thought he expressed those views in "an even more succinct and powerful way on the evening of September 11^th."

According to Wayne Semprini, the New Hampshire Chair of the Giuliani Campaign, John Deady is no longer a member of the campaign.

"Mr. Deady offered his resignation from his volunteer position in the campaign and I accepted his resignation," said Semprini.

December 29, 2007 in Giuliani, Rudy | Permalink | User Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Clinton Shifts Closing Argument in Final Days

December 29, 2007 3:23 PM

ABC News' Kate Snow and Eloise Harper Report:

Sen. Hillary Clinton has shifted her message in the final days leading up to the Iowa caucuses. For the past three days Clinton has focused on the change that she has brought in her 35 years, but today Clinton delvered the message that she can win.

"The questions come down to two (things) who is ready to be president on day one" and "who can run a winning campaign.".

Clinton walked on stage with Ohio Governor Strickland - and later announced that "we're going to win Ohio."

"I will stand up and wage a winning campaign" Clinton said "I will have a breadth and depth of support unmatched by any candidate. You know I'm running against three current senators and one former senator. I think the most that the three others have is one other senator supporting them. I have nine."

Clinton continued saying "I have people acros this country who have been elected in tough states for the democrats and they know how to win and they believe that I am the best person to win for the democrats."

Clinton, for the past three days has been listing all of the ways she has brought change - today she tried to make the case that she can win.

December 29, 2007 in Clinton, Hillary | Permalink | User Comments (53) | TrackBack (0)

Bill Clinton Won't Attend NSC Meetings in a Hillary White House

December 29, 2007 2:41 PM

ABC News' Jonathan Greenberger reports: If she makes it to the White House, Sen. Hillary Clinton said today her husband will take on the same responsibilities as traditional presidential spouses, with no access to National Security Council meetings.

"I think he would play the role that spouses have always played for presidents," said Clinton, in an exclusive interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos. "He will not have a formal, official role, but just as presidents rely on wives, husbands, fathers, friends of long years, he will be my close confidante and adviser as I was with him."

The candidate said having President Clinton participate in National Security Council meetings "wouldn't be appropriate," and in a crisis situation – like the one faced by President Bush this week after the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto – President Clinton would not sit in on discussions with his wife’s national security team.

But Sen. Clinton did say she expects the former president to play a role as an informal adviser to the White House staff.

"I'm going to expect that people in my administration will turn to him and rely on him, as we do with many people who have experience," she said.

Throughout her presidential campaign, Clinton has repeatedly said she would send President Clinton around the world on the United States’ behalf as a roving ambassador, and today reiterated her intention to do so, calling the former president "the most popular person in the world."

Clinton’s full interview with Stephanopoulos airs Sunday on "This Week."

December 29, 2007 in Clinton, Hillary | Permalink | User Comments (439) | TrackBack (0)

Do You Have the 'Desire' to Be President?

December 29, 2007 1:48 PM

ABC News' Christine Byun Reports: Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson's 'desire' to become the next President was probed by an undecided caucus-goer during a campaign stop in Burlington, Iowa.

"You say what I wanna hear. My only problem with you and why I haven’t thrown all my support behind you is that I don’t know if you have the desire to be President. If I caucus for you next week, are you still going to be there two months from now?" asked the man, who said it was his second time at a campaign event for the former Tennessee senator.

Thompson nodded, sitting at a table with a local radio talk show host, who had been interviewing him during the morning event.

"In the first place, I got into the race about the time people normally get into the race, historically. I guess the others started the process a lot earlier this time," Thompson responded, quipping, "For some of them, they were juniors in high school."

Thompson – who announced his candidacy in September – described himself as not "a super-type A personality."  He said his campaign is not driven by his own "personal ambition," but by his hopes the country will elect the "best" candidate for the job.

"I will not be devastated if I don’t do this. I want people to have the best President that they can have," Thompson said, adding later, "I’m offering myself up."

He explained it further in his usual plain-spoken manner, using the analogy of a "marriage" between him and voters.

"You know, if one side of the marriage has to really be talked into the marriage, it probably ain't going to be a good deal for either one of them. But, if you mutually think this is a good thing, in this case, if you think this is a good thing for a country, we can have an opportunity to do some wonderful things together," Thompson said of his presidential hopes.

And if the country accepts Thompson’s "proposal?"

"You’ll probably have the disadvantage of someone who probably can't jump up and click their heels three times, but [I] will tell you the truth and you’ll know where your President stands all times," Thompson said.

December 29, 2007 in Thompson, Fred | Permalink | User Comments (36) | TrackBack (0)

Huck Strikes Romney Back

December 29, 2007 12:51