Politics

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 »

September 1, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, Sarah and Todd Palin issued the following statement regarding today's Reuters story:

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.    » read more »

St. Paul -- 01 September 2008 -- Thousands of people rallied outside the Republican Party national convention on Monday, protesting the war in Iraq and the policies of the Bush administration. The march was mostly peaceful, but some small groups of protesters created disturbances and confronted police, and several people were arrested.

Protesters marched from the capitol building in downtown St. Paul to the arena where the Republican Party national convention opened Monday in an abbreviated session.

Young and old, and parents with children participated in the march. They carried signs with slogans such as "Say No to War," "U.S. Out of Iraq" and "Support the Troops, End the War." Police in riot gear stood watch as demonstrators made their way through the streets.    » read more »

Discovered by the ever-intrepid denizens of YouTube, marvel at this vintage 1988 sportscast featuring John McCain's virtually unknown running-mate, Sarah Palin:

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 »

August 26, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL -- John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its John McCain for President Tennessee Statewide Leadership. This distinguished team of leaders will direct Tennessee's growing grassroots organization and communicate John McCain's message of peace, prosperity and reform.

"I first met John McCain when he became the Navy's liaison to the United States Senate when I was Republican Leader," said former Senator and McCain Honorary State Chair Howard Baker. "He traveled abroad with me on many occasions, and I had the opportunity to observe first-hand his ability to relate with foreign leaders. I have a high regard, respect and confidence in his unique ability to lead our country as our next president."    » 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 »

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 »

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 »