Democratic Party

September 01, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - "I welcome the results of today's emergency summit of European Union leaders in Brussels. The EU made clear, as I have repeatedly insisted, that Georgia's territorial integrity must be respected, that Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states must be rejected, that the six-point peace plan of August 12 must be implemented in its entirety, and that Georgia must be given substantial humanitarian and economic assistance.    » read more »

September 01, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - "I understand that Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda has offered his resignation today. Japan is our leading ally in Asia and a vibrant democracy.

I want to express to the Prime Minister my appreciation, which I believe is shared by the American people, for his leadership on climate change and the support that Japan's Self Defense Forces have offered U.S. operations in Afghanistan.

Our alliance with Japan is based on common values and interests, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with Prime Minister Fukuda's successor in the months and years ahead to strengthen and deepen cooperation between our two nations and to create a truly global partnership."

Source: Barack Obama campaign

August 29, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Today, on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina devastating the Gulf Coast, Senator Obama released the following statement on the importance of following through with our commitment to the region.

Hurricane Katrina storm surge, Mobile, Alabama: Photo by Mel Silvers (CC)    » read more »

August 26, 2008 -- Chicago, IL -- "I condemn Russia's decision to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states and call upon all countries of the world not to accord any legitimacy to this action.

"The United States should call for a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to condemn Russia's decision in coordination with our European allies. The U.S. should lead within the UN and other international forums to cast a clear and unrelenting light on the decision, and to further isolate Russia internationally because of its actions. The OSCE must also send a serious monitoring group to Georgia.    » read more »

August 26, 2008 -- Chicago, IL -- "Today's news confirms what America's struggling families already know - that over the past seven years our economy has moved backwards. We have now lived through first so-called economic 'expansion' on record where typical families saw their incomes fall, and working-age households lost more than $2,000 from their paychecks.

Another 816,000 Americans fell into poverty in 2007 - including nearly 500,000 children - bringing the total increase in Americans in poverty under President Bush to 5.7 million.    » read more »

Denver, Colorado -- 27 August 2008 -- Senator Hillary Clinton has urged millions of voters who supported her in the primaries to back presidential candidate Barack Obama. In a speech at the Democratic National Convention, Clinton called for party unity and said her one-time rival must be elected president.

Hillary Clinton addresses the Democratic National Convention: Photo by Barack Obama campaign (CC)

Clinton received an enthusiastic standing ovation at the convention, where not long ago it was widely expected that she would be anointed as the Democratic Party's choice for president.    » read more »

Michelle Obama to Attend IAVA-Sponsored Service Event in Denver on Wednesday Morning; IAVA Veterans, Military Families and Denver Residents Assemble Packages for Troops Overseas at Democratic National Convention

August 26, 2008 -- NEW YORK - Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 27, Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama, will join Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, at a nonpartisan service event in Denver.    » read more »

August 23, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Yesterday, Russian military officials announced that the withdrawal of Russian military forces from undisputed Georgian territory was complete. Russian commanders claim to be implementing the ceasefire agreement of August 16, 2008, signed by Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, committing Russia to withdraw all military forces sent into Georgia after the 7th of August.    » read more »

August 22, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - "I am glad that the Administration has finally shifted to accepting a timetable for the removal of our combat troops from Iraq. Success in Iraq depends on an Iraqi government that is reconciling its differences and taking responsibility for its future, and a timetable is the best way to press the Iraqis to do just that. I welcome the growing convergence around this pragmatic and responsible position.    » read more »

"Good morning. I’m Jeanne Shaheen, former Governor of New Hampshire and candidate for the US Senate this fall. Here in New Hampshire, we’re pretty independent-minded. We work hard and we’re proud of the lives we’ve created for ourselves and our families.

But across New Hampshire families are really struggling after years of George Bush and John Sununu’s economic policies that have brought down the typical family’s income by almost $1,000. At the same time, the cost of everything from gas to groceries, health care to college tuition, has gone up. Washington just doesn’t get it.    » read more »

August 22, 2008 -- Chicago, IL -- "Breaking our oil addiction requires helping our auto industry re-tool to make fuel-efficient cars and trucks, which is why my energy plan includes $4 billion in the first year for this purpose.

As I have said repeatedly I also support providing additional assistance to the companies in future years to ensure that advanced fuel-efficient vehicles will be made here in the US.

Unfortunately, John McCain has shown how out of touch he is with the struggles of everyday people and the needs of autoworkers by consistently saying no to loan guarantees for our domestic automakers. Why would auto workers trust John McCain to protect their jobs and provide much needed help for America's auto industry?" said Senator Obama.

Source: Barack Obama campaign

26 August 2008 -- The wife of U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told delegates on the opening day of the party's national convention her husband will be "an extraordinary president."

Michelle Obama's speech Monday night in Denver, Colorado was aimed at reassuring skeptical American voters about her and her husband's backgrounds and patriotic feelings. She spoke of their shared working-class upbringing and values, and their public service careers. Michelle Obama said they both believe that all Americans can "contribute to the life of this nation."

After her speech, she was joined on stage by the couple's two young daughters, and was saluted by Barack Obama through a video link from Kansas City, Missouri.    » read more »

August 22, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designates certain major events - including the national conventions and the presidential inauguration - as National Special Security Events (NSSEs). The U.S. Secret Service is designated as the lead agency with unified command representation from participating federal, state, and local agencies with NSSE responsibilities.

Federal resources are deployed to an NSSE to maintain the level of security needed for the event and area. A number of factors are taken into consideration when designating an event as an NSSE, including anticipated attendance by dignitaries and the size and significance of the event.    » read more »

Denver -- 24 August 2008 -- Thousands of Democrats are descending on Denver, Colorado, for Monday's opening of the Democratic National Convention. This year's convention will make history by nominating Senator Barack Obama as the party's presidential nominee, the first time that an African-American has been chosen as a major party candidate.

Denver was a beehive of activity on the eve of the convention. Democrats arrived from all over the country and security tightened around the sports arena that will serve as a convention hall this week.

A few hundred anti-war protestors marched near the convention site Sunday without incident. Several other demonstrations are expected through the week.    » read more »

Denver -- 25 August 2008 -- Perhaps the most important goal Democrats have at their presidential nominating convention in the western state of Denver, Colorado is to project an all-American image for their candidate, Barack Obama. The four-night convention will give Democrats an opportunity to introduce Obama to a television audience of at least 20 million people, and they are launching an all-out effort to make Americans comfortable with a candidate who comes from a very unusual background.

Barack Obama in Wisconsin: Photo by Barack Obama campaign (CC)    » read more »