23 Aug 2008 04:55 Africa/Lagos
Democratic National Committee 2008 Convention: Public Schedule
Last Revised: Friday, August 22, 2:00 pm MT/4:00 pm ET
DENVER, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by the Democratic National Committee:
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO )
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23rd
10:00 am INVESCO FIELD AT MILE HIGH AVAIL & PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH
COLORADO GOVERNOR BILL RITTER, COLORADO SENATOR KEN SALAZAR AND
DENVER MAYOR JOHN HICKENLOOPER
Availability and stadium b-roll opportunity.
Location: INVESCO Field at Mile High. Media Parking Lot J -
Enter at Gate 4.
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
11:30 am RULES COMMITTEE MEETING
One of three "Standing Committees" of the 2008 Convention, the
Rules Committee is responsible for the "Permanent Rules of
Procedure," Convention Agenda, and Officers. Former Governor
David Walters, former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar and Sunita
Leeds, Chair of the DNC Indo-American Leadership Council Advisory
Board, serve as Chairs. Public registration begins at 10:30 am
outside meeting room.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Four Seasons Ballroom
Contact: Matt Farrauto, mfarrauto@coloradodems.org,
(505) 235-0419
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24th
10:00 am CONVENTION KICK-OFF PRESS BRIEFING
Convention Co-Chairs Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Kansas Governor
Kathleen Sebelius, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Texas State
Senator Leticia Van de Putte officially kick off Convention week.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Rm. 601
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
*Please note the dial-in phone number for the listen-in only line
is (866) 793-1308
11:30 am CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE MEETING
One of three "Standing Committees" of the 2008 Convention, the
Credentials Committee resolves outstanding questions concerning
the seating of delegates and alternates to the Convention, to
determine who should be recognized to vote. The Committee is led
by former US. Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman, Massachusetts
DNC member James Roosevelt, Jr., and Puerto Rico DNC member
Eliseo Roques Arroyo. Public registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
outside meeting room.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Korbel Ballroom 4
Contact: Caroline Ciccone, cicconec@dnc.org, (720) 362-2006
12:30 - THE WESTERN MAJORITY PROJECT STAKEOUT: INTRODUCTION TO LEADERS OF
2:00 pm THE WEST
Media are invited to pose one-on-one interviews with Arizona
Governor Janet Napolitano, Colorado Senator Ken Salazar and
others.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Rm. 601
Contact: Rebecca Kirszner, info@westernmajorityproject.org,
(215) 749-2541
2:00 pm INTERFAITH GATHERING
First-ever Convention interfaith gathering brings together
delegates, elected officials, local residents, musical guests and
spiritual leaders. A working press pass is required for on-site
press registration.
Location: Wells Fargo Theater, Colorado Convention Center
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
DAILY (MONDAY, August 25th - THURSDAY, August 28th)
7:00 - STATE DELEGATION MEETINGS -- ALL DAYS
9:00 am
Locations -
Alabama: Doubletree Denver Stapleton, 3203 Quebec Street
Alaska: Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast, 6363 E. Hampden
American Samoa: Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast,
6363 E. Hampden
Arizona: Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E. Tufts Avenue
Arkansas: Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows,
10345 Park Meadows Drive, Littleton
California: Sheraton Denver Hotel, 360 Union Boulevard, Lakewood
Colorado: Grand Hyatt Downtown, 1750 Welton Street
Connecticut: Marriott Denver Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse Street
Delaware: Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows,
10345 Park Meadows, Littleton
Democrats Abroad: Red Lion Hotel Denver Central,
4040 Quebec Street
District of Columbia: Crowne Plaza Denver, 1450 Glenarm Place
Florida: Red Lion Hotel Denver Central, 4040 Quebec Street
Georgia: Doubletree Denver Stapleton, 3203 Quebec Street
Guam: Sheraton Denver Tech Center, 7007 S. Clinton Street,
Greenwood Village
Hawaii: Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows,
10345 Park Meadows Drive, Littleton
Idaho: Sheraton Denver Tech Center, 7007 S. Clinton Street,
Greenwood Village
Illinois: Denver Marriott City Center, 1701 California Street
Indiana: Sheraton Denver Tech Center, 7007 S. Clinton Street,
Greenwood Village
Iowa: Courtyard by Marriott, Denver Downtown, 934 16th Street
Kansas: Doubletree Denver Tech Center, 7801 E. Orchard Road,
Greenwood Village
Kentucky: Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown, 1400 Welton Street
Louisiana: Radisson Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec Street
Maine: Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown, 1400 Welton Street
Maryland: Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec
Massachusetts: Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec
Michigan: Renaissance Suites at Flatiron, 500 Flatiron Boulevard,
Broomfield
Minnesota: Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast,
6363 E. Hampden
Mississippi: Hilton Garden Inn Denver South Meridian
9290 S. Meridian Boulevard, Englewood
Missouri: Embassy Suites Denver Tech Center,
10250 E. Costilla Avenue, Centennial
Montana: Courtyard Stapleton, 7415 E. 41st Avenue, Denver
Nebraska: Embassy Suites Denver Southeast, 7525 E. Hampden Avenue
Nevada: Courtyard by Marriott, Denver Downtown, 934 16th Street
New Hampshire: Wingate by Wyndham Greenwood Village,
8000 E. Peakview Avenue, Englewood
New Jersey: Inverness Hotel, 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood
New Mexico: Crowne Plaza Denver, 1450 Glenarm Place
New York: Sheraton Denver Hotel, 360 Union Boulevard, Lakewood,
North Carolina: Doubletree Denver Tech Center,
7801 E. Orchard Road,
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
North Dakota: Doubletree Denver Stapleton, 3203 Quebec Street
Ohio: The Curtis Hotel, 1405 Curtis Street
Oklahoma: Embassy Suites Denver Southeast, 7525 E. Hampden Avenue
Oregon: Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E. Tufts Avenue
Pennsylvania: Marriot Denver Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse Street
Puerto Rico: Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast,
6363 E. Hampden
Rhode Island: Four Points by Sheraton Denver Southeast,
6363 E. Hampden
South Carolina: Radisson Stapleton Plaza, 3333 Quebec Street
South Dakota: Doubletree Denver Stapleton, 3203 Quebec Street
Tennessee: Marriott Denver Tech Center, 4900 S. Syracuse Street
Texas: Red Lion Denver Southeast, 3200 S. Parker Road, Aurora
Utah: Warwick Hotel, 1776 Grant Street
Vermont: Magnolia Hotel, 818 17th Street
Virgin Islands: Denver Marriott City Center,
1701 California Street
Virginia: Crowne Plaza Denver, 1450 Glenarm Place
Washington: Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, 7800 E. Tufts Avenue
West Virginia: Magnolia Hotel, 818 17th Street
Wisconsin: Denver Marriott City Center, 1701 California Street
Wyoming: Hyatt Place, Denver Tech Center,
8300 E. Crescent Parkway, Englewood
Contact: State Party Press Staff
9:15 am DAILY CONVENTION PRESS BRIEFING
Representatives of the DNCC and the Obama for America campaign
brief the media.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Rm. 601
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
*Please note the dial-in phone number for the listen-in only line
is (866) 847-7859
MONDAY, AUGUST 25th
10:00 am - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETINGS
12:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
AAPI Caucus: Four Seasons Ballroom 4 Black Caucus: Wells Fargo
Theater 2
Ethnic Coordinated Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 1E
First American Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 4C&D
Hispanic Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 2&3
11:00 am DGA LEADERSHIP MEDIA ROUNDTABLE
Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Chair West Virginia
Governor Joe Manchin, DGA Vice Chair Montana Governor Brian
Schweitzer and Finance Chair Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley
will discuss the DGA's role this year through 2010, a period that
includes the most important political races prior to
congressional and legislative redistricting and reapportionment.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Rm. 401
Contact: Brian Namey, namey@dga.net, (202) 772-5620
12:00 - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETINGS
2:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
LGBT Caucus: Four Seasons Ballroom 2&3
Senior Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 4A&B
1:00 - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETING
3:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
Rural Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 4A-C
2:00 pm THE WESTERN MAJORITY PROJECT BRIEFING: ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE IS
THROUGH THE WEST
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Colorado Senator Ken Salazar,
and other officials give overview of electoral trends and polling
highlighting McCain vulnerabilities in region.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Rm. 601
Contact: Rebecca Kirszner, info@westernmajorityproject.org,
(215) 749-2541
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th
10:00 am - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETING
1:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
Women's Caucus: Four Seasons Ballroom
11:00 am US. HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP AND HOUSE MEMBERS PRESS
CONFERENCE ON AMERICAN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip
James Clyburn, Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel,
Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-Denver) and US. House Members
will highlight the New Direction Congress's comprehensive
strategy for American Energy Independence.
Location: Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver
Contacts: Doug Thornell, (301) 466-4968 or Nick Papas,
(202) 841-4162
(**Pre-set is 10:30 am**)
12:00 - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETINGS
2:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
Disability Caucus: Meeting Rooms 610 & 612
Faith Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 4A-C Youth Caucus: Wells Fargo
Theater 3
1:00 - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETING
3:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
Veterans & Military Families Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 1
2:30 pm THE WESTERN MAJORITY PROJECT BRIEFING: CAPTURING THE HISPANIC
VOTE
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson explores how Hispanic vote is
key to long term viability in the Southwest region. Research
presentation on Hispanic trends, update on ground game and
mobilization efforts.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Rm. 601
Contact: Rebecca Kirszner, info@westernmajorityproject.org,
(215) 749-2541
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27th
10:00 am - DELEGATE SERVICE DAY
12:00 pm
Michelle Obama and Jeannie Ritter co-chair Delegate Service Day,
where more than 1,400 Convention delegates from across the
country volunteer at dozens of community service sites in and
around Denver. See http://www.demconvention.com/delegate
projects/ for project venues and details.
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
10:00 am - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETINGS
12:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
AAPI Caucus: Four Seasons Ballroom 4
Black Caucus: Wells Fargo Theater 2
Ethnic Coordinated Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 1E
First American Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 1E&F
Hispanic Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 2&3
11:15 am DSCC PRESS CONFERENCE
Senate Majority Leader and Nevada Senator Harry Reid, Democratic
Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chairman New York Senator
Chuck Schumer, and United States Senate candidates will hold a
press conference to discuss the need for an expanded Democratic
majority in the Senate.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Rm. 601
Contact: Matthew Miller, miller@dscc.org, (202) 255-1594
12:00 - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETINGS
2:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
LGBT Caucus: Four Seasons Ballroom 1&2
Senior Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 1D&E
1:00 - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETING
3:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
Rural Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 2A&B
2:30 pm THE WESTERN MAJORITY PROJECT BRIEFING: THE POLITICS OF ENERGY
Officials TBD discuss efficiency & renewable energy as an
economic and terrorism message
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Rm. 601
Contact: Rebecca Kirszner, info@westernmajorityproject.org,
(215) 749-2541
THURSDAY, August 28
7:30 am UNITY BREAKFAST COMMEMORATING 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF
"I HAVE A DREAM" SPEECH
Martin Luther King III joins civil rights leaders including Rev.
Al Sharpton and faith leaders Rabbi Jack Moline and Sister Simone
Campbell to honor Martin Luther King Jr., the message of his "I
Have a Dream" speech and the movement behind the March on
Washington.
Location: Korbel Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
10:00 am - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETING
1:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
Women's Caucus: Four Seasons Ballroom
12:00 - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETING
2:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
Disability Caucus: Meeting Rooms 610 & 612
Faith Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 4A-C
Youth Caucus: Wells Fargo Theater 3
1:00 - DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS MEETINGS
3:00 pm
Contact: Convention Joint Press Office, (720) 362-2006
Veterans & Military Families Caucus: Korbel Ballroom 1
FRIDAY, August 29
10:00 am DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING
Location: Korbel Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center
Contact: Blaine Rummel, rummelb@dnc.org, (202) 553-3735
About the DNCC:
The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. www.DemConvention.com
Paid for by 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Democratic National Committee
CONTACT: Daniel M. Watson, Public Affairs Coordinator, Democratic
National Convention Committee, +1-720-362-2006
Web site: http://www.democrats.org/
http://www.demconvention.com/
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Dean Statement on Selection of Senator Joe Biden as America's Next Vice President from the Democratic National Committee
23 Aug 2008 17:37 Africa/Lagos
Dean Statement on Selection of Senator Joe Biden as America's Next Vice President from the Democratic National Committee
DENVER, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the selection of Senator Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate:
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO )
"Senator Obama has made an outstanding selection in Joe Biden. Joe Biden is a strong leader, fierce advocate, and devoted family man with values rooted in the best of what America stands for. He will be a strong partner with Barack Obama in bringing the change America wants and needs.
"Delegates here in Denver are already buzzing with strong enthusiasm for the Obama-Biden ticket.
"Senator Obama's selection shows that unlike the Bush-McCain way of doing politics, Obama is not afraid to have strong people around him helping to lead our great country.
"Together they will serve America well over the next eight years, and our Party is ready to rally behind them and put them on the path to the White House starting right here in Denver."
Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, www.democrats.org.
This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Democratic National Committee
CONTACT: Karen Finney, +1-202-863-8148, for The Democratic National
Committee
Web site: Democratic National Committee
Related reports:
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20:01
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19:32
National Poll by Weber Grills Reveals Many Tailgaters Still Undecided on Choosing a Presidential Candidate as a 'Party' Mate
19:16
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to Address Hundreds of Education Activists, Voting Delegates Attending Democratic National Convention
19:06
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07:21
Choice of Biden Re-Opens Catholic Wound
Thursday, August 21, 2008
TV One Premieres Special One-Hour Interview with Michelle Obama Sunday, August 24 at 8 PM
TV One Commentator Roland Martin interviews Michelle Obama in a one-hour special premiering on TV One Sunday, Aug. 24 at 8 PM (PRNewsFoto/TV One, Parrish Lewis) SILVER SPRING, MD UNITED STATES 06/30/2008
21 Aug 2008 16:34 Africa/Lagos
TV One Premieres Special One-Hour Interview with Michelle Obama Sunday, August 24 at 8 PM
- TV One commentator Roland Martin's interview with Mrs. Obama will serve as prelude to TV One's live coverage of the Democratic convention beginning Monday, Aug. 25 at 8 PM ET -
SILVER SPRING, Md., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelle Obama sits down with TV One commentator Roland Martin to discuss a wide range of topics that provide a personal glimpse of the presumptive Democratic Presidential candidate's spouse, her relationship with her husband and family, and what she thinks about the historic role into which they have stepped on Sunday, August 24 from 8-9 PM ET, when TV One premieres In Conversation ... The Michelle Obama Interview.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080821/NETH048 )
During this revealing interview, which repeats at 11 PM ET, Martin talks to Mrs. Obama about a host of topics, including her role in the campaign, how she deals with political attacks, the challenges of being away from their children on the campaign trail, how they find time for family and each other, her faith and their decision to leave Trinity Church, life in a fishbowl, how her upbringing shaped her values, and people's perceptions and misperceptions about her.
Mrs. Obama tells Martin that she spent much of her marriage trying to talk her husband out of politics, but she says her daughters are at the heart of the reason she decided to support his desire to pursue public office -- because she recognized that through politics he could make a better world for them.
She says that a spouse's role in the campaign is important because it gives a broader insight of who the candidate is.
"So much of who I am is where I grew up," Mrs. Obama says. She talks about growing up on the South Side of Chicago, her father as a shift worker who had MS and who believed in sacrificing for his family but never complained. She says both her parents taught her the importance of working hard and giving back.
She also believes voters can see themselves reflected in her and her husband's working and middle class family backgrounds. She says that black women, in particular, have not had their views and their lives reflected in the larger world, and she is delighted when she hears from black women that they see themselves reflected in her.
She tells Martin she and her husband learned how to sustain their relationship back in his state senate days, including carving out a regular date night. She says it's important for her daughters to see their parents' loving relationship, to see them holding hands, and that it helps them feel secure and loved.
While her own schedule is hectic, she recognizes that the average working family faces much more difficult struggles, with every woman she knows struggling to balance resources. She tells Martin that she passionately wants to give voice to the challenges of working families, especially military families, who struggle with housing, schools, and health matters, many of them barely getting by.
Mrs. Obama says that it's truly humbling to be part of the next step in history, and she clearly does recognize that they are part of a historic moment.
"You need to celebrate what [Sen. Obama] represents even if you don't vote for him," Mrs. Obama says.
"We are delighted to bring this interview with Mrs. Obama to our viewers as part of our public affairs programming during the Presidential election season," said TV One President and CEO Johnathan Rodgers. "This next week is clearly a major moment in African American history, and we are pleased that Mrs. Obama is willing to share this historic time with our viewers, and share her thoughts about what it means to her and her family."
The interview, conducted in Chicago on Aug. 20, is part of TV One's continuing series of hour-long interviews with major public figures of interest to African Americans. Over the past four years, TV One has featured hour-long interviews with Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, then- Secretary of State Colin Powell, then-National Security Adviser and current Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and former Secretary of Education Roderick Paige.
"We also hope to have an opportunity soon to offer our viewers an in-depth interview with Senator McCain," Rodgers added.
Roland Martin became a commentator for TV One in the spring of 2005. He is also a contributor and commentator for CNN, a nationally syndicated columnist, and the host of "The Roland S. Martin Show" on WVON-AM radio in Chicago. A former editor of leading African American publications the Chicago Defender, the Houston Defender and the Dallas Weekly, and reporter for the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram and Austin American-Statesman, he has won more than 20 professional awards for journalistic excellence.
The interview serves as a prelude to TV One's coverage of the Democratic convention. TV One will offer live, nightly primetime coverage of the Democratic convention in Denver Monday, August 25 - Thursday, August 28, followed by TV One Live: DNC Afterparty, a smart, irreverent and engaging hour that includes a uniquely African American cultural perspective on the events of the day. The post-convention show will range from commentary by a diverse group of outspoken panelists, to coverage of the day's social, cultural and political events, to stories from the convention floor -- and from the bus stops and diners around Denver.
Launched in January 2004, TV One (http://www.tvoneonline.com/) serves more than 44 million households, offering a broad range of lifestyle and entertainment-oriented original programming, classic series, movies, fashion and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult African American viewers. TV One's investors include Radio One (NASDAQ:ROIA) (NASDAQ:and) (NASDAQ:ROIAK) (http://www.radio-one.com/), the largest radio company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) (NASDAQ:and) (NASDAQ:CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com/), the leading cable television company in the country; The DirecTV Group; Constellation Ventures; Syndicated Communications; and Opportunity Capital Partners.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080821/NETH048
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN9
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: TV One
CONTACT: Lynn McReynolds for TV One, +1-410-703-0250,
lynn@mcreynoldselek.com
Web site: http://www.tvoneonline.com/
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
New Zogby Poll Results Bad News for McCain, Obama
New book by Joseph Farah calls on Americans to vote 'None of the Above' in 2008. (PRNewsFoto/WND Books) WASHINGTON, DC UNITED STATES 08/13/2008
20 Aug 2008 17:17 Africa/Lagos
New Zogby Poll Results Bad News for McCain, Obama
Nearly 2 in 3 voters want someone else: 62.4% of Americans say they would like to see better choices of candidates, parties in future
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new Zogby poll commissioned by Joseph Farah, WorldNetDaily founder and author of the new book: "None of the Above: Why 2008 is the Year to Cast the Ultimate Protest Vote" indicates a large percentage are ready to throw in the towel rather than vote for either of the two candidates in Nov. 2008.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080813/DC30373 )
Unlike any other scientific poll conducted in 2008, this survey asked randomly selected respondents about their level of enthusiasm for presidential candidates and offered the actual alternatives to the major party candidates that will appear on most ballots across the country - as well as the option of simply not voting.
"I think what we see here confirms my observation that there is widespread disenchantment with the two major-party nominees, something that has simply not been adequately measured before this poll," Farah says. "There is a leaderless, grass-roots movement out there to boycott both McCain and Obama in 2008 - to make a statement, to demand better candidates in the future from better parties. This could be a historic election for non-participation in a year with no high-profile third-party alternatives."
Barack Obama came in first with just 38.1 percent of the vote to John McCain's 33.6 percent.
A whopping 21.3 percent said they were still undecided - a remarkably high figure for this late in the campaign that ends Nov. 4. But another 7.3 percent indicated they would not be voting at all.
Only 21.7 percent of respondents described themselves as very excited about the choice of candidates for president this year. A similar number, 21.5 percent, said they were "not at all" excited about the options.
Younger voters say they want more competition in the political marketplace. Some 83 percent of voters 18-24 express that opinion, while 73 percent of those between 25-34 do. In addition, 76.4 percent of those who describe themselves as "very conservative" say they want more viable candidate and party choices in the future.
It also appears the enthusiasm gap hits McCain harder than Obama, with 22.3 percent of Republicans expressing no excitement at all over the election vs. 11.9 percent of Democrats. On the other hand, 35.3 percent of Democrats say they are "very much" excited about the choice vs. 14.4 percent of Republicans.
Joseph Farah is founder and CEO of WorldNetDaily.com, the world's leading independent Internet news source. Farah writes a daily column for WND and a weekly newspaper column for Creators Syndicate. He is also founder and co-publisher of WND Books, a publishing venture that has produced several New York Times bestsellers in the last five years.
Contact: Maria Sliwa, M. Sliwa Public Relations, 973-272-2861 / 212-202-4453, media@msliwa.com
Websites: http://wnd.com and http://wndbooks.com
WND/Zogby Poll: http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=72455
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link:
Joseph Farah
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=80102
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080813/DC30373
Source: Joseph Farah for WorldNetDaily
CONTACT: Maria Sliwa, +1-973-272-2861, +1-212-202-4453,
media@msliwa.com, for Joseph Farah for WorldNetDaily
Web Site: http://wnd.com/
http://wndbooks.wnd.com/
Is McCain or Obama the Strongest Leader for U.S. President?
20 Aug 2008 15:42 Africa/Lagos
Is McCain or Obama the Strongest Leader for U.S. President?
Top Leadership Development Firm Asks Public to Rate Leadership Traits of the Candidates at NextNationalCEO.com
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- With the presidential election just a few months away, Personnel Decisions International (PDI), a global leadership consulting firm with decades of experience working with CEOs, developed NextNationalCEO.com, a website where visitors can rate the leadership traits of the candidates. When the vice presidential candidates are announced, the site will also allow users to rate the leadership traits of the running mates.
The site lets users rate the presidential candidates on ten characteristics that PDI consultants use to assess CEOs at today's top companies. Currently, in order of importance, the ten traits are vision, insightful judgment, trustworthiness, gets things done, inspires others, good judge of people, influences others, courage, confidence and energy. Obama is currently leading in all of the ten traits.
"This presidential race is being closely followed by U.S. voters and observers around the world. NextNationalCEO.com allows all interested in the race an opportunity to rate leadership traits of the candidates," said Bob Muschewske, senior vice president and executive consultant at PDI.
PDI has been working with top executives and CEOs at major companies for over 40 years. PDI serves 80 percent of Fortune 100 firms and uses in-depth data and research to determine which characteristics are critical for success in the top spots.
"When we rate potential CEOs we are helping provide the information that boards of directors need to make the best decisions on who is the best fit for the top role. This website is designed to let visitors experiment with leadership evaluation by rating the presidential candidates using some of the same traits we use to evaluate top business leaders," Muschewske continued.
Users rate each candidate on this list of characteristics, then rate the importance of each characteristic. Visitors to the website can instantly view real-time results to compare candidates.
When the running mates are announced, visitors should revisit the site to rate the new candidates in the presidential race.
ABOUT PERSONNEL DECISIONS INTERNATIONAL
Personnel Decisions International (PDI) is a global leadership consulting firm with distinctive expertise in building leadership talent that provides real competitive advantage. With 30 offices around the globe, PDI enables the world's leading organizations to make consistently effective talent decisions about leaders. http://www.personneldecisions.com/
Source: Personnel Decisions International
CONTACT: Jen Jorgensen, +1-404-266-7538, jjorgensen@webershandwick.com,
for Personnel Decisions International
Web site: http://www.personneldecisions.com/
Is McCain or Obama the Strongest Leader for U.S. President?
Top Leadership Development Firm Asks Public to Rate Leadership Traits of the Candidates at NextNationalCEO.com
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- With the presidential election just a few months away, Personnel Decisions International (PDI), a global leadership consulting firm with decades of experience working with CEOs, developed NextNationalCEO.com, a website where visitors can rate the leadership traits of the candidates. When the vice presidential candidates are announced, the site will also allow users to rate the leadership traits of the running mates.
The site lets users rate the presidential candidates on ten characteristics that PDI consultants use to assess CEOs at today's top companies. Currently, in order of importance, the ten traits are vision, insightful judgment, trustworthiness, gets things done, inspires others, good judge of people, influences others, courage, confidence and energy. Obama is currently leading in all of the ten traits.
"This presidential race is being closely followed by U.S. voters and observers around the world. NextNationalCEO.com allows all interested in the race an opportunity to rate leadership traits of the candidates," said Bob Muschewske, senior vice president and executive consultant at PDI.
PDI has been working with top executives and CEOs at major companies for over 40 years. PDI serves 80 percent of Fortune 100 firms and uses in-depth data and research to determine which characteristics are critical for success in the top spots.
"When we rate potential CEOs we are helping provide the information that boards of directors need to make the best decisions on who is the best fit for the top role. This website is designed to let visitors experiment with leadership evaluation by rating the presidential candidates using some of the same traits we use to evaluate top business leaders," Muschewske continued.
Users rate each candidate on this list of characteristics, then rate the importance of each characteristic. Visitors to the website can instantly view real-time results to compare candidates.
When the running mates are announced, visitors should revisit the site to rate the new candidates in the presidential race.
ABOUT PERSONNEL DECISIONS INTERNATIONAL
Personnel Decisions International (PDI) is a global leadership consulting firm with distinctive expertise in building leadership talent that provides real competitive advantage. With 30 offices around the globe, PDI enables the world's leading organizations to make consistently effective talent decisions about leaders. http://www.personneldecisions.com/
Source: Personnel Decisions International
CONTACT: Jen Jorgensen, +1-404-266-7538, jjorgensen@webershandwick.com,
for Personnel Decisions International
Web site: http://www.personneldecisions.com/
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Mikhail Gorbachev To Receive 2008 Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center
Mikhail Gorbachev to Receive 2008 Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center
WHO: Mikhail Gorbachev
WHAT: Will receive the 2008 Liberty Medal in an outdoor ceremony at the
National Constitution Center in Historic Philadelphia.
WHEN: Thursday, September 18
Media Check-In: 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Press Q&A with President Gorbachev: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Ceremony: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: National Constitution Center
Front Lawn
525 Arch Street
Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19106
DETAILS: The National Constitution Center's 2008 Liberty Medal will be awarded to former Soviet leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mikhail Gorbachev for his courageous role in ending the dangerous, decades-long Cold War and in giving hope and freedom to millions who lived behind the Iron Curtain. The public ceremony will set the stage for international commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 2009.
A special press Q&A opportunity with President Gorbachev will take place in the Center's Kirby Auditorium from 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. prior to the ceremony. All credentialed media will have access to the Q&A session.
Fittingly, the Liberty Medal will be presented to Gorbachev by President George H.W. Bush, Chairman of the National Constitution Center. While serving as President of the U.S., Bush's friendship and political alliance with Gorbachev enabled the world's two superpowers to peacefully end their decades-long rivalry. Governor Edward G. Rendell and Mayor Michael A. Nutter will also participate in the ceremony.
The Liberty Medal ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS 3 on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. The CW Philly 57 will rebroadcast the ceremony that same evening at 10:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Credentials are required for press entry to this event. The following credential application must be completed and returned to Ashley Berke by Friday, September 5.
REQUEST FOR PRESS CREDENTIALS FOR
2008 LIBERTY MEDAL
National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street, Independence Mall
Return form no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2008.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE SEND ONE FORM PER PERSON.
THERE WILL BE A MAXIMUM OF ONE REPORTER AND ONE PHOTOGRAPHER PER OUTLET ADMITTED TO THE CEREMONY ON DAY OF EVENT.
(Additional media may attend press Q&A session)
CREDENTIAL PICK-UPS:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
3:30p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
PICK UP AT CHECK-IN POINT UPON ARRIVAL
6th and Arch Streets
FULL NAME________________________________________________________
MEDIA AFFILIATION_________________________________________________
RSVP FOR PRESS Q&A _____________________________________________
(If you RSVP yes, please specify if you will attend both the Q&A and the ceremony, or if you will only attend the Q&A)
ADDRESS_________________________________________________________
CITY, STATE, ZIP___________________________________________________
TELEPHONE_________________________FAX __________________________
E-MAIL____________________(Needed for confirmation of your application's approval)
SOCIAL SECURITY #____________________BIRTHDATE__________________
IF FREELANCE, NAME OF ASSIGNING MEDIA*___________________________
*All media must be filing a story to receive a credential.
YOU MAY MAKE COPIES OF THIS CREDENTIAL REQUEST FORM
AND FAX TO ASHLEY BERKE AT 215-409-6650
OR E-MAIL TO ABERKE@CONSTITUTIONCENTER.ORG
no later than Friday, September 5, 2008.
CREDENTIALS ARE REQUIRED FOR PRESS ENTRY TO THIS EVENT
You will receive confirmation of your approval via email by 9/10.
Please do not inquire about the status of your application prior to that date.
Thank you.
/PRNewswire-USNewswire - Aug. 15/
Source: National Constitution Center
CONTACT: Ashley Berke of the National Constitution Center,
+1-215-409-6650, aberke@constitutioncenter.org
Web Site: http://www.constitutioncenter.org/
Recommended Report:
Gorbachev: Georgia started conflict in S. Ossetia
Saturday, August 16, 2008
President Bush to Russia: Honor Georgia cease-fire
16 Aug 2008 15:06 Africa/Lagos
Radio Address of President Bush to the Nation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of the weekly radio address by President Bush:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. For more than a week, the people of the nation of Georgia have withstood assault from the Russian military. The world has watched with alarm as Russia invaded a sovereign neighboring state and threatened a democratic government elected by its people. This act is completely unacceptable to the free nations of the world.
The United States and our allies stand with the people of Georgia and their democratically elected government. We insist that Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected. And Moscow must honor its pledge to withdraw its invading forces from all Georgian territory.
Earlier this week I directed a series of steps to demonstrate America's solidarity with the Georgian people and to help bring about a peaceful resolution of the conflict. On Thursday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was in France, where she conferred with President Sarkozy about the diplomatic effort that the French government is leading on behalf of the European Union.
Yesterday, she was in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, where she conveyed America's support for Georgia's democratic government. And next week, Secretary Rice will travel to Brussels, where she will meet with the foreign ministers of our NATO allies and EU officials to continue our efforts to rally the free world in defense of a free Georgia.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is overseeing a mission by the United States military to provide humanitarian aid for the people of Georgia. In recent days, U.S. cargo planes carrying humanitarian supplies have arrived in Georgia. In the days ahead, we will continue using U.S. aircraft and other assets as needed to deliver more humanitarian and medical supplies. Russia has agreed to let in all forms of humanitarian assistance, and Russia must keep open all lines of communication and transport, including seaports, airports, roads, and airspace for civilian transit and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Some Americans listening today may wonder why events taking place in a small country halfway around the world matter to the United States. In the years since it gained independence after the Soviet Union's collapse, Georgia has become a courageous democracy whose people are making the tough choices that are required of free societies.
Since the Rose Revolution in 2003, the Georgian people have held free elections, opened up their economy, and built the foundations of a successful democracy. Georgia has sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq to help others achieve the liberty that they struggled so hard to attain. To further strengthen their democracy, Georgia has sought to join the free institutions of the West. The people of Georgia have cast their lot with the free world, and we will not cast them aside.
Georgia's emergence as a young democracy has been part of an inspiring and hopeful new chapter in Europe's history. Europe has moved beyond the world wars that killed millions of people and the Cold War that divided its citizens between two superpowers. For the first time in memory, Europe is becoming a continent that is whole, free, and at peace. And it is essential that America and other free nations ensure that an embattled democracy seeking to stand with us remains sovereign, secure, and undivided.
Russia's actions in Georgia raise serious questions about its role and its intentions in the Europe of the 21st century. In recent years, Russia has sought to integrate into the diplomatic, political, economic, and security structures of the West. The United States has supported those efforts. Now Russia has put its aspirations at risk by taking actions in Georgia that are inconsistent with the principles of those institutions.
To begin to repair the damage to its relations with the United States, Europe, and other nations, and to begin restoring its place in the world, Russia must act to end this crisis.
Thank you for listening.
Source: White House Press Office
CONTACT: White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580
Web Site: White House
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Debate the Pelosi-Reid Democrats Don't Want You to Hear
The Debate the Pelosi-Reid Democrats Don't Want You to Hear
by Newt Gingrich (more by this author)
Posted 08/12/2008 ET
Updated 08/12/2008 ET
When House Speaker Pelosi abruptly and literally turned off the lights in Congress on August 1st and sent the members on a five-week vacation, she thought she was doing something clever.
C-SPAN can only broadcast Congress while Congress is in session. If there was no session, there would be no cameras to cover the debate over providing relief to American families from historically high gas prices.
If there were no C-SPAN, Americans would never get to see the Speaker and the anti-energy left's stubborn refusal to lift the ban on offshore drilling, refusal to lift the ban on drilling in ANWR, and refusal to lift the ban on oil shale development.
If there were no C-SPAN, thought the Speaker, there would be no debate.
But last week, C-SPAN - with the help of some pro-energy Representatives - made sure they were still America's eyes and ears to the debate.
The House Energy Revolt and the Revenge of C-SPAN
As I told you last week, a determined group of pro-energy leaders are defying Speaker Pelosi's gag order and staying in Washington. They are staging a revolt on the floor of the House of Representatives - away from the cameras - demanding that Congress return to Washington to provide energy price relief to the American people by allowing the development of more American energy now. (You can see Newt.org's coverage here)
On Wednesday, I met with these leaders to deliver a message of encouragement from the nearly one and a half million Americans who have signed the "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition.
Afterward I held a press conference with pro-energy Representatives. And even though it's banned from covering the speeches on the floor of the House during recess, C-SPAN brought its cameras to a press conference in the Capitol.
Telling the story that the mainstream media has studiously tried to ignore, C-SPAN captured the depth and breadth of support among Americans for developing more American sources of energy - and the outrageous, and ultimately futile, attempt by no-energy liberals to stifle the debate.
Are the Democrats Too Far Left For George McGovern?
The refusal of the House leadership to provide energy relief to working Americans is just one example of being out of touch with the vast majority of Americans on a critical issue.
Last Friday, liberal Democrat and former Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern provided another.
In a remarkable op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, McGovern made clear that his party has gone too far to the left with the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act" (EFCA) - legislation that would strip union workers of the right to a secret ballot. McGovern argued that the bill, which has the strong support of the Democratic leadership and is supported by Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, is a betrayal of Democratic ideals in an attempt to appease big labor.
"To my friends supporting EFCA I say this," wrote McGovern. "We cannot be a party that strips working Americans of the right to a secret-ballot election."
Read the whole op-ed here.
As I argue in my report on the progress of the Platform of the American People below, this is just one more example of elite politicians being out of step with the vast majority of the American people. Now, about those so-called superdelegates. George? Oh well.
American Energy Yes, Taxes No
But even as some members of the House stand heroically for energy price relief, for reasons beyond my understanding, a group of Republicans in the Senate has signed on to an $85 billion tax increase disguised as an energy bill.
Last week a "Gang of 10" from the Senate - including Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, John Thune, Saxby Chambliss, Bob Corker and Johnny Isakson - announced a "sweeping" energy bill that raises taxes but does little to develop more American energy.
The fact is, if we aggressively pursue new sources of energy, we do not need a tax increase of any kind.
The combination of the following would provide significant new revenues to the federal budget without raising taxes a penny:
New revenue from licensing exploration
New royalties from new discoveries (worth billions to federal and state governments over the next 20 years)
The additional tax revenue from American jobs and American corporate profits from keeping some of the $700 billion a year we currently send overseas here at home
The additional tax revenue from increased profits as lower energy costs enable American companies to be more profitable
The savings to the U.S. government as the largest purchaser of energy from bringing down energy prices through more available domestic energy
Tell your senators to oppose the Gang of Ten tax increase. And if your senator is one of the co-sponsors, ask them to take their name off the bill.
The government has already done enough to raise gas prices. The last thing we need is to pay more taxes.
Coming Soon: "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" - the Book and the Movie
The message that House Republicans and I are trying to get across is that drilling is just the first step - the critical first step, but just the first step - in solving our energy crisis.
Callista and I spent part of last week investigating American sources of energy as part of two big projects to promote more American energy now.
Newt and Callista Gingrich at Three Mile Island, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Photo Credit: Callista Gingrich, Gingrich Productions
The first is a book, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less: A Handbook for Slashing Gas Prices and Solving Our Energy Crisis. It's due out September 20 but can be pre-ordered here
The second is a movie based on the book. It's entitled, appropriately enough, "We Have the Power."
It is scheduled for release on September 27, American Solutions' second annual Solutions Day.
That day, in addition to having workshops across the country that address energy and other national challenges, participants can take part in screenings of "We Have the Power" as part of Solutions Day events. For information on how you can participate, just click here.
Something We All Agree On: Paper Kills
I want to end on a note of bipartisanship today, and it's also an issue I care about very much.
Today, the use of information technology flourishes almost everywhere, with few exceptions. Tragically, one of those exceptions is healthcare. Even in the midst of a heated presidential campaign, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama are in full agreement that we must modernize our system with IT. Take paper-based prescriptions - which kill too many and cost too much.
We know from experience that electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) improves patient safety by avoiding drug allergies and preventing medication errors-while saving money by increasing the use of generic drugs and avoiding duplicative prescriptions. To read the complete op-ed I co-authored with Senator John Kerry (D-MA), visit San Jose Mercury News
Learn more about how we at the Center for Health Transformation, and our member companies, are promoting e-prescribing throughout the country.
Your friend,
Newt Gingrich
P.S. -- While I have disagreed at various times with Republican Presidential nominee, John McCain, there should be no doubt about the utmost respect I have for his high character and his lifetime of service to our nation. In my appearance on C-SPAN's Washington Journal last week, I recounted one story from my early days serving with then Congressman McCain in the House of Representatives when I learned firsthand what it was like to have John McCain looking out for you. Watch it here.
P.P.S. -- In case you missed them, I recently wrote two articles that might be of interest. The first, co-written by Barry Casselman, proposes an idea to make the upcoming presidential debates more interesting and informative. And the second proposes seven prizes that would do more to improve our quality of life than seven government programs ever could.
P.P.P.S. -- I'll be at Google Headquarters tomorrow on a learning trip and while I'm there, Steve Grove from YouTube's "CitizenTube" channel will be interviewing me. You can submit questions for him to ask here.
Mr. Gingrich is the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and author of "Winning the Future" (published by Regnery.)
by Newt Gingrich (more by this author)
Posted 08/12/2008 ET
Updated 08/12/2008 ET
When House Speaker Pelosi abruptly and literally turned off the lights in Congress on August 1st and sent the members on a five-week vacation, she thought she was doing something clever.
C-SPAN can only broadcast Congress while Congress is in session. If there was no session, there would be no cameras to cover the debate over providing relief to American families from historically high gas prices.
If there were no C-SPAN, Americans would never get to see the Speaker and the anti-energy left's stubborn refusal to lift the ban on offshore drilling, refusal to lift the ban on drilling in ANWR, and refusal to lift the ban on oil shale development.
If there were no C-SPAN, thought the Speaker, there would be no debate.
But last week, C-SPAN - with the help of some pro-energy Representatives - made sure they were still America's eyes and ears to the debate.
The House Energy Revolt and the Revenge of C-SPAN
As I told you last week, a determined group of pro-energy leaders are defying Speaker Pelosi's gag order and staying in Washington. They are staging a revolt on the floor of the House of Representatives - away from the cameras - demanding that Congress return to Washington to provide energy price relief to the American people by allowing the development of more American energy now. (You can see Newt.org's coverage here)
On Wednesday, I met with these leaders to deliver a message of encouragement from the nearly one and a half million Americans who have signed the "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" petition.
Afterward I held a press conference with pro-energy Representatives. And even though it's banned from covering the speeches on the floor of the House during recess, C-SPAN brought its cameras to a press conference in the Capitol.
Telling the story that the mainstream media has studiously tried to ignore, C-SPAN captured the depth and breadth of support among Americans for developing more American sources of energy - and the outrageous, and ultimately futile, attempt by no-energy liberals to stifle the debate.
Are the Democrats Too Far Left For George McGovern?
The refusal of the House leadership to provide energy relief to working Americans is just one example of being out of touch with the vast majority of Americans on a critical issue.
Last Friday, liberal Democrat and former Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern provided another.
In a remarkable op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, McGovern made clear that his party has gone too far to the left with the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act" (EFCA) - legislation that would strip union workers of the right to a secret ballot. McGovern argued that the bill, which has the strong support of the Democratic leadership and is supported by Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, is a betrayal of Democratic ideals in an attempt to appease big labor.
"To my friends supporting EFCA I say this," wrote McGovern. "We cannot be a party that strips working Americans of the right to a secret-ballot election."
Read the whole op-ed here.
As I argue in my report on the progress of the Platform of the American People below, this is just one more example of elite politicians being out of step with the vast majority of the American people. Now, about those so-called superdelegates. George? Oh well.
American Energy Yes, Taxes No
But even as some members of the House stand heroically for energy price relief, for reasons beyond my understanding, a group of Republicans in the Senate has signed on to an $85 billion tax increase disguised as an energy bill.
Last week a "Gang of 10" from the Senate - including Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, John Thune, Saxby Chambliss, Bob Corker and Johnny Isakson - announced a "sweeping" energy bill that raises taxes but does little to develop more American energy.
The fact is, if we aggressively pursue new sources of energy, we do not need a tax increase of any kind.
The combination of the following would provide significant new revenues to the federal budget without raising taxes a penny:
New revenue from licensing exploration
New royalties from new discoveries (worth billions to federal and state governments over the next 20 years)
The additional tax revenue from American jobs and American corporate profits from keeping some of the $700 billion a year we currently send overseas here at home
The additional tax revenue from increased profits as lower energy costs enable American companies to be more profitable
The savings to the U.S. government as the largest purchaser of energy from bringing down energy prices through more available domestic energy
Tell your senators to oppose the Gang of Ten tax increase. And if your senator is one of the co-sponsors, ask them to take their name off the bill.
The government has already done enough to raise gas prices. The last thing we need is to pay more taxes.
Coming Soon: "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less" - the Book and the Movie
The message that House Republicans and I are trying to get across is that drilling is just the first step - the critical first step, but just the first step - in solving our energy crisis.
Callista and I spent part of last week investigating American sources of energy as part of two big projects to promote more American energy now.
Newt and Callista Gingrich at Three Mile Island, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Photo Credit: Callista Gingrich, Gingrich Productions
The first is a book, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less: A Handbook for Slashing Gas Prices and Solving Our Energy Crisis. It's due out September 20 but can be pre-ordered here
The second is a movie based on the book. It's entitled, appropriately enough, "We Have the Power."
It is scheduled for release on September 27, American Solutions' second annual Solutions Day.
That day, in addition to having workshops across the country that address energy and other national challenges, participants can take part in screenings of "We Have the Power" as part of Solutions Day events. For information on how you can participate, just click here.
Something We All Agree On: Paper Kills
I want to end on a note of bipartisanship today, and it's also an issue I care about very much.
Today, the use of information technology flourishes almost everywhere, with few exceptions. Tragically, one of those exceptions is healthcare. Even in the midst of a heated presidential campaign, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama are in full agreement that we must modernize our system with IT. Take paper-based prescriptions - which kill too many and cost too much.
We know from experience that electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) improves patient safety by avoiding drug allergies and preventing medication errors-while saving money by increasing the use of generic drugs and avoiding duplicative prescriptions. To read the complete op-ed I co-authored with Senator John Kerry (D-MA), visit San Jose Mercury News
Learn more about how we at the Center for Health Transformation, and our member companies, are promoting e-prescribing throughout the country.
Your friend,
Newt Gingrich
P.S. -- While I have disagreed at various times with Republican Presidential nominee, John McCain, there should be no doubt about the utmost respect I have for his high character and his lifetime of service to our nation. In my appearance on C-SPAN's Washington Journal last week, I recounted one story from my early days serving with then Congressman McCain in the House of Representatives when I learned firsthand what it was like to have John McCain looking out for you. Watch it here.
P.P.S. -- In case you missed them, I recently wrote two articles that might be of interest. The first, co-written by Barry Casselman, proposes an idea to make the upcoming presidential debates more interesting and informative. And the second proposes seven prizes that would do more to improve our quality of life than seven government programs ever could.
P.P.P.S. -- I'll be at Google Headquarters tomorrow on a learning trip and while I'm there, Steve Grove from YouTube's "CitizenTube" channel will be interviewing me. You can submit questions for him to ask here.
Mr. Gingrich is the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and author of "Winning the Future" (published by Regnery.)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
NEWSWEEK Cover: What Bush Got Right
In the August 18-25 double issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, August 11): "What Bush Got Right." Fareed Zakaria assesses what President Bush has done right in American foreign policy that his successors might choose to emulate or continue. Plus: the jingoism of Chinese who return to the homeland after living overseas; Fannie, Freddie and the subprime mess that might have been avoided; an interview with T. Boone Pickens; and videogame players no longer on the margins of the industry. (PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 08/10/2008
10 Aug 2008 16:05 Africa/Lagos
NEWSWEEK Cover: What Bush Got Right
Fareed Zakaria Looks At President Bush's Successes In American Foreign Policy; 'Blanket Criticism Of Bush Misses An Important Reality'
The Foreign Policies In Place Now 'Are More Sensible, Moderate And Mainstream. In Many Cases The Next President Should Follow Rather Than Reverse Them'
NEW YORK, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- A broad shift in America's approach to the world is justified and overdue, writes Newsweek International Editor Fareed Zakaria in the current issue. President Bush's basic conception of a "global War on Terror," to take but the most obvious example, "has been poorly thought-through, badly implemented, and has produced many unintended costs that will linger for years if not decades. But blanket criticism of Bush misses an important reality."
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080810/NYSU004 )
He writes that for "whatever reasons and through whichever path, the foreign policies in place now are more sensible, moderate and mainstream. In many cases the next president should follow rather then reverse them."
Zakaria examines the administration's successes in American foreign policy, while also noting its failures, in the August 18-25 cover "What Bush Did Right" (on newsstands Monday, August 11). "The administration that became the target of so much passion and anger -- from Democrats, Republicans, independents, foreigners, Martians, everyone -- is not quite the one in place today. The foreign policies that aroused the greatest anger and opposition were mostly pursued in Bush's first term: the invasion of Iraq, the rejection of treaties, diplomacy and multilateralism. In the last few years, many of these policies have been modified, abandoned or reversed. This has happened without acknowledgment -- which is partly what drives critics crazy -- and it's often been done surreptitiously. It doesn't reflect a change of heart so much as an admission of failure; the old way simply wasn't working."
He writes: "Consider as a symbol of this shift Bush's appointment of the World Bank's president. His first choice for the job was Paul Wolfowitz, an arch neoconservative with little background in economics. But by the time Wolfowitz was forced to resign and the post opened up again, Bush realized that he needed a less ideological choice, and he picked the highly qualified and respected Robert Zoellick. Where Dick Cheney was once the poster child for the administration, today policy is being run by Condoleezza Rice, Robert Gates, Stephen Hadley and Hank Paulson -- all pragmatists. Change has not extended to all areas, and in many places it's been too little, too late. But that there has been a shift to the center in many crucial areas of foreign policy is simply undeniable."
All this is not meant as a defense of George W. Bush, Zakaria writes. He offers this corrective "because we cannot go back to 2001. The next president will inherit the world as it is in 2009. He will have to examine the Bush administration's policies as they stand in January 2009 -- not as they were in 2001 or 2002 or 2003 -- and decide how to accept, modify and alter them. There was a U.S. president who came into office convinced that everything his predecessor had done was feckless, stupid, ill-informed and venal. He rejected and tried to reverse everything that he could, almost as an article of faith. Before he had even examined the policies carefully, he knew that they had to be changed. The base of his party was delighted by his clarity and fighting spirit.
"That president, of course, was George W. Bush. His decision to blindly repudiate anything associated with Bill Clinton is what got us into this mess in the first place. Let's hope that the next president, no matter how much he despises Bush, will take a careful look at his administration's policies, America's interests, and the world beyond and do the right thing for the country and its future."
http://www.newsweek.com/id/151731
(Read the cover story at www.Newsweek.com )
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080810/NYSU004
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Newsweek
CONTACT: Jan Angilella of Newsweek, +1-212-445-5638
Web site: Newsweek
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: The Nigerian Fools Who Think They Can Fool God
Description:
Critical Commentaries and Essays with Humourous Anecdotes on the Nigerian Society, Focusing on Education, Romance, Marriage, Religion, Politics and other matters.
ISBN: 978-1-4404-0128-2
Publisher: Nigerian Times International
Copyright: © 2008 Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Standard Copyright License
Language: English
Country: Nigeria
Edition: First Edition
Keywords:
democracy
Religion
corruption
politics
nigeria
Listed in:
History
Friday, August 8, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Saturday, August 2, 2008
President Bush Speaks On the Economy and Energy
Audio En Español
2 Aug 2008 15:06 Africa/Lagos
Radio Address by President Bush to The Nation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is the radio address by President Bush to the Nation:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend marks the beginning of August, the month when many Americans take their summer vacation. This year, however, the high price of gas is taking a toll on summer travelers. Congress is now taking a month-long recess of its own. Unfortunately, Democratic leaders are leaving town without taking any action to ease the burden of high gas prices on families across America.
The fundamental source of high gas prices is the fact that supply is not keeping pace with demand. To reduce pressure on prices, we need to increase the supply of oil, especially oil produced here at home. So in June, I called on Congress to lift the legislative ban that prevents offshore exploration of parts of the Outer Continental Shelf, or OCS. But the leaders of the Democratic Congress have refused to allow a vote.
Lifting the ban on this offshore exploration would benefit our economy in two important ways.
First, lifting the ban would allow our Nation to take advantage of a large and reliable source of domestic oil. Experts believe that these restricted areas could eventually produce about 18 billion barrels of oil. That's almost 10 years worth of America's current oil production.
Second, lifting the ban would create new opportunities for American workers and businesses. On Tuesday, I visited the Lincoln Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio, a business that produces welding products used for offshore exploration. If Congress were to permit this exploration, it would mean new jobs at businesses like Lincoln Electric. American drivers are counting on Congress to lift the ban on offshore exploration, and so are American workers.
Bringing these resources online will take time, and that means that the need for congressional action is urgent. I've lifted the executive restrictions on offshore exploration. This means that the only thing now standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is the United States Congress. The sooner Congress lifts the ban, the sooner we can get this oil from beneath the ocean floor to your gas tank.
We also need to take other essential steps to strengthen domestic oil production. Congress needs to pass legislation that allows us to tap the extraordinary potential of oil shale, permits exploration in currently restricted areas of northern Alaska, and enables the expansion of America's domestic refining capacity.
It appears that the leaders of the Democratically-controlled Congress will let the entire summer pass without voting on any of these vital steps to help reduce pressure on gas prices. This failure to act is unacceptable to me and unacceptable to the American people. So when they return from their summer break, Democratic leaders should show that they've heard the frustration of the American people by allowing a vote on offshore exploration. If Congress does not act, they will owe families across America an explanation for why they're ignoring their concerns.
I know that high energy prices are making this a difficult time for many of our citizens, but it is important to remember that these high prices were not inevitable. They are partially the result of policy choices that have been made over the years by the United States Congress. Now Congress has an opportunity to begin reversing that damage. By opening up new resources at home we can help bring energy costs down. And that will help ensure that our economy remains the strongest, most vibrant, and most hopeful in the world.
Thank you for listening.
Source: White House Press Office
CONTACT: White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580
Web Site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
2 Aug 2008 15:06 Africa/Lagos
Radio Address by President Bush to The Nation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is the radio address by President Bush to the Nation:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend marks the beginning of August, the month when many Americans take their summer vacation. This year, however, the high price of gas is taking a toll on summer travelers. Congress is now taking a month-long recess of its own. Unfortunately, Democratic leaders are leaving town without taking any action to ease the burden of high gas prices on families across America.
The fundamental source of high gas prices is the fact that supply is not keeping pace with demand. To reduce pressure on prices, we need to increase the supply of oil, especially oil produced here at home. So in June, I called on Congress to lift the legislative ban that prevents offshore exploration of parts of the Outer Continental Shelf, or OCS. But the leaders of the Democratic Congress have refused to allow a vote.
Lifting the ban on this offshore exploration would benefit our economy in two important ways.
First, lifting the ban would allow our Nation to take advantage of a large and reliable source of domestic oil. Experts believe that these restricted areas could eventually produce about 18 billion barrels of oil. That's almost 10 years worth of America's current oil production.
Second, lifting the ban would create new opportunities for American workers and businesses. On Tuesday, I visited the Lincoln Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio, a business that produces welding products used for offshore exploration. If Congress were to permit this exploration, it would mean new jobs at businesses like Lincoln Electric. American drivers are counting on Congress to lift the ban on offshore exploration, and so are American workers.
Bringing these resources online will take time, and that means that the need for congressional action is urgent. I've lifted the executive restrictions on offshore exploration. This means that the only thing now standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is the United States Congress. The sooner Congress lifts the ban, the sooner we can get this oil from beneath the ocean floor to your gas tank.
We also need to take other essential steps to strengthen domestic oil production. Congress needs to pass legislation that allows us to tap the extraordinary potential of oil shale, permits exploration in currently restricted areas of northern Alaska, and enables the expansion of America's domestic refining capacity.
It appears that the leaders of the Democratically-controlled Congress will let the entire summer pass without voting on any of these vital steps to help reduce pressure on gas prices. This failure to act is unacceptable to me and unacceptable to the American people. So when they return from their summer break, Democratic leaders should show that they've heard the frustration of the American people by allowing a vote on offshore exploration. If Congress does not act, they will owe families across America an explanation for why they're ignoring their concerns.
I know that high energy prices are making this a difficult time for many of our citizens, but it is important to remember that these high prices were not inevitable. They are partially the result of policy choices that have been made over the years by the United States Congress. Now Congress has an opportunity to begin reversing that damage. By opening up new resources at home we can help bring energy costs down. And that will help ensure that our economy remains the strongest, most vibrant, and most hopeful in the world.
Thank you for listening.
Source: White House Press Office
CONTACT: White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580
Web Site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
Statement by the Department of Justice on the Anthrax Investigation
1 Aug 2008 19:38 Africa/Lagos
Statement by the Department of Justice on the Anthrax Investigation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Justice Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) today announced that there have been significant developments in the investigation into the 2001 anthrax mailings, which killed five individuals and injured 17 others. In particular, we are able to confirm that substantial progress has been made in the investigation by bringing to bear new and sophisticated scientific tools.
We are unable to provide additional information at this time. The Department, the FBI, and the USPIS have significant obligations to the victims of these attacks and their families that must be fulfilled before any additional information on the investigation can be made public. In addition, investigative documents remain under court seal.
We anticipate being able to provide additional details in the near future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE INVESTIGATION
The investigation known as "Amerithrax" is one of the most complex and comprehensive ever conducted by law enforcement. Over the past seven years, the Amerithrax Task Force, which is comprised of 17 FBI Special Agents and 10 U.S. Postal Inspectors, has executed approximately 75 searches and conducted more than 9,100 interviews in the relentless pursuit of the perpetrator of these attacks.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs,
+1-202-514-2007, TDD, +1-202-514-1888
Web Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/
17:57
Statement from Attorneys Representing Dr. Bruce Ivins During Anthrax Investigation
Statement by the Department of Justice on the Anthrax Investigation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Justice Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) today announced that there have been significant developments in the investigation into the 2001 anthrax mailings, which killed five individuals and injured 17 others. In particular, we are able to confirm that substantial progress has been made in the investigation by bringing to bear new and sophisticated scientific tools.
We are unable to provide additional information at this time. The Department, the FBI, and the USPIS have significant obligations to the victims of these attacks and their families that must be fulfilled before any additional information on the investigation can be made public. In addition, investigative documents remain under court seal.
We anticipate being able to provide additional details in the near future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE INVESTIGATION
The investigation known as "Amerithrax" is one of the most complex and comprehensive ever conducted by law enforcement. Over the past seven years, the Amerithrax Task Force, which is comprised of 17 FBI Special Agents and 10 U.S. Postal Inspectors, has executed approximately 75 searches and conducted more than 9,100 interviews in the relentless pursuit of the perpetrator of these attacks.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs,
+1-202-514-2007, TDD, +1-202-514-1888
Web Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/
17:57
Statement from Attorneys Representing Dr. Bruce Ivins During Anthrax Investigation
Friday, August 1, 2008
Pelosi: Tonight, Congress Sent a Message to Women Across the Country: 'Your Work is Valued'
1 Aug 2008 01:31 Africa/Lagos
Pelosi: Tonight, Congress Sent a Message to Women Across the Country: 'Your Work is Valued'
WASHINGTON, July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement tonight after the House passed the Paycheck Fairness Act by a vote of 247 to 178. The bill closes loopholes that have allowed employers to avoid responsibility for discriminatory pay. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women continue to make only 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
"Tonight, Congress sent a message to women across the country: 'your work is valued.'
"This legislation makes common-sense changes to strengthen the Equal Pay Act so that it will be a more effective tool in combating gender-based pay discrimination.
"Equal pay is an issue of fundamental fairness. But, as families grapple with difficult economic times, equal pay for equal work is often about daily survival for millions of families.
"Consider these facts: Women only make 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. The Institute of Women's Policy Research found that this wage disparity will cost women anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over a lifetime in lost wages.
"Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for women has increased more rapidly than for men. Women are more likely to have subprime mortgages and be affected by the foreclosure crisis. Many low-wage women workers are single mothers with no other source of support for their families and closing the pay disparity could strengthen their households.
"This bill would not have passed without the tenacious leadership of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who has spent her entire career fighting to eliminate the gender-based wage gap. She first introduced this legislation in 1997 - and has reintroduced it every Congress since. Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller was also instrumental in bringing this bill to the floor.
"And I would also like to thank Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and many other women Members, for shining a bright light on the issue of equal pay for so many years."
Source: Office of the Speaker of the House
CONTACT: Brendan Daly - Nadeam Elshami, +1-202-226-7616
Pelosi: Tonight, Congress Sent a Message to Women Across the Country: 'Your Work is Valued'
WASHINGTON, July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement tonight after the House passed the Paycheck Fairness Act by a vote of 247 to 178. The bill closes loopholes that have allowed employers to avoid responsibility for discriminatory pay. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women continue to make only 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
"Tonight, Congress sent a message to women across the country: 'your work is valued.'
"This legislation makes common-sense changes to strengthen the Equal Pay Act so that it will be a more effective tool in combating gender-based pay discrimination.
"Equal pay is an issue of fundamental fairness. But, as families grapple with difficult economic times, equal pay for equal work is often about daily survival for millions of families.
"Consider these facts: Women only make 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. The Institute of Women's Policy Research found that this wage disparity will cost women anywhere from $400,000 to $2 million over a lifetime in lost wages.
"Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for women has increased more rapidly than for men. Women are more likely to have subprime mortgages and be affected by the foreclosure crisis. Many low-wage women workers are single mothers with no other source of support for their families and closing the pay disparity could strengthen their households.
"This bill would not have passed without the tenacious leadership of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who has spent her entire career fighting to eliminate the gender-based wage gap. She first introduced this legislation in 1997 - and has reintroduced it every Congress since. Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller was also instrumental in bringing this bill to the floor.
"And I would also like to thank Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and many other women Members, for shining a bright light on the issue of equal pay for so many years."
Source: Office of the Speaker of the House
CONTACT: Brendan Daly - Nadeam Elshami, +1-202-226-7616
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