2004 Presidential Election and Beyond: The Giuliani Years (GAME THREAD)

[badgate]

Biden Surrogates

Governor Mario Cuomo
Barnstorm and GOTV in Colorado

Senator Mark Warner
Barnstorm in North Carolina

Senator Arlen Specter
Barnstorm in Pennsylvania

Senator Olympia Snowe
Barnstorming in West Virginia

Senator Jay Rockefeller
Barnstorming in West Virginia

Senator Maria Cantwell
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Sen. Max Clealand
Barnstorming and GOTV in North Carolina

Sen. Max Baucus
Barnstorming in Montana

Sen. Mark Dayton
Barnstorming in Indiana

Sen. Daniel Inoyue
Barnstorming in Oregon

Gov. Jerry Brown
Barnstorming in Oregon

Rep. Ben Chandler
Barnstorming in Kentucky

Sen. Herb Kohl
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Sen. Ted Kennedy
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Tammy Baldwin
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Betty McCollum
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Martin Olav Sabo
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Barbara Lee
Barnstorming in North Carolina

Rep. Henry Waxman
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Sen. Jack Reed
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Jim Langevin
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Richard Neal
Barnstorming in New Jersey

Rep. Ted Strickland
Barnstorming in West Virginia

Sen. Paul Sarbanes
Barnstorming in West Virginia

Gov. Ann Richards
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Lloyd Doggett
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Gene Taylor
Barnstorming in North Carolina

Rep. Bennie Thompson
Barnstorming in North Carolina

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Barnstorming in North Carolina

Rev. Al Sharpton
Barnstorming in North Carolina

Sen. Jesse Jackson
Barnstorming in North Carolina

Carol Moseley Braun, former Senator from Illinois
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Bobby Rush
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Luis Gutierrez
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Rahm Emanuel
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Gov. Tony Knowles
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Attorney General/Senate candidate Ken Salazar
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Mayor John Hickenlooper
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Mark Udall
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Rep. Diana DeGette
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Judy Shepard
Barnstorming and GOTV in Colorado

Gov. Ed Rendell
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming in Pennsylvania

Rep. Joe Hoeffel
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming in PA-13

State Sen. Allyson Schwartz
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming in PA-13

Rep. Donna Christian-Christensen
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming in U.S. Virgin Islands

Rep. Mel Watts
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming in NC-12

Gov. Mike Easley
Campaigning w/ Sen. Biden
Barnstorming in North Carolina

[badgate]

Statement from Senator Biden



Good afternoon.

Over the last six months, our party has had a long and passionate debate. We've all been up and down in the polls. But I'm not here to talk about polls. I'm here to talk about people. This is a country of hardworking people, that love their families and salute their flag. I congratulate Senator Edwards for his wonderfully run campaign. The people of North Carolina were right to elect him in 1998: throughout this primary campaign we have seen his passionate and generous heart.

Tomorrow begins a new day for America. A day where we can step forward toward our future, secure the American dream for our family, and chart a path through the twenty-first century of America.

[badgate]

List of Possible Vice Presidential Candidates
Released by Biden for America to the press on April 14, 2004

The following is a completely unofficial list of names that have been discussed in meetings of the campaign. This list is subject to change and is in no way final.

---

U.S. Governors
Roy Barnes - Georgia*
Gaston Caperton - West Virginia*
Mike Easley - North Carolina
Brad Henry - Oklahoma
Gary Locke - Washington
Ronnie Musgrove - Mississippi*
Ann Richards - Texas*
Kathleen Sebelius - Kansas
Jeanne Shaheen - New Hampshire*
Tom Vilsack - Iowa
Mark Warner - Virginia

U.S. Senators
John Breaux - Louisiana
Maria Cantwell - Washington
Jean Carnahan - Missouri*
Mark Dayton - Minnesota
John Edwards - North Carolina
Bob Graham - Florida
Jesse Jackson - D.C./Illinois*
John Kerry - Massachsuetts
Mary Landrieu - Louisiana
Bill Nelson - Florida
Sam Nunn - Georgia*

U.S. Representatives
Tammy Baldwin - Wisconsin
Jesse Jackson, Jr. - Illinois
Dennis Kucinich - Ohio
Barbara Lee - California

*Not currently in office.

[badgate]

OOC: I already [tentatively] have someone to play the VP; however if anybody is interested in posting as a surrogate for Biden please PM me.

[badgate]

Biden Surrogates: Left Flank


Rep. Barbara Lee (CA)

"I'll be honest: most of us in the progressive caucus are mystified. Senator Biden is a strong Democrat, and has been a leader on many of the same issues he [Rep. Kucinich] champions." - Rep. Lee to POLITICO, on Kucinich's third-party bid for President.

April 13-20
Barnstorming in major Ohio cities


Sen. Ted Kennedy (MA)

"Oh please. Liberals want a leader, not a sore loser." - Sen. Kennedy to WashPo, on Kucinich's third-party bid for President.

April 13-20
Barnstorming in New York


Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI)

"I have to concur with Barbara Lee. We are not sure the true aim of Kucinich's announcement. But it is indicative of his 'my-way-or-the-highway' brand of liberalism that is a detriment to society and democracy; the same as with hard-right hardliners. I don't think many voters want that, or consider that even a leadership trait." - Rep. Baldwin on MSNBC w/ Keith Olberman

April 13-20
Barnstorming in majority/plurality gay neighborhoods in New York City, Orlando, & Phoenix.


Jesse Jackson

"In another world I might have endorsed Congressman Kucinich. But I am glad to be supporting Senator Biden this year, and we need to mobilize our community to get him elected!" - To voters during barnstorming

April 13-20
Barnstorming in Miami Gardens, Charlotte, & New Orleans


Rev. Al Sharpton

April 13-20
Meeting with black church leaders in Virginia & North Carolina, pushing for strong Biden support from them

[badgate]

Statement from Biden for America

Senator Biden will be speaking at the Wilmington Train Station on April 15, addressing the recent developments of him as the presumptive Democratic nominee, and the vital issues facing voters in November.

[badgate]

New Biden Endorsements


New York City Police Department


Kathleen Sebelius, Governor from Kansas


AFLCIO


Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator from New York


Bill Clinton, former President of the United States


Evan Bayh, Senator from Indiana

[badgate]

ooc: yay...we made all 50 states

[badgate]

Statement from Biden for America
For Immediate Release; April 19, 8:01am

As with any campaign, the team can change. We are excited to announce the smooth beginning of the transition between Biden for America and the DNC. The transition is expected to be finalized before May 1.

Because of this transition, some members of the campaign team have been offered opportunities to make 2004 a winning election on a broader scale. We are pleased to congratulate Ted Kaufman on his appointment to lead the Vice Presidential search committee. Below is also a final list of all of the candidates being vetted and interviewed.

We also congratulate Paul Hodes, who will be leaving Biden for America to serve as a national co-chair for the DCCC in New England. Paul has been a trusted advisor to Senator Biden and we are confident in his ability to help the Democrats running for congress in New England, and also help Senator Biden win the region.

Luis Navarro has served the campaign admirably and last week told the Senator he would be stepping down as campaign manager, to spend the next two months resting and spending time with his family. Navarro is still on contract with the campaign and will take a leadership role after his planned absence.

The campaign team is also remorse to say farewell to Jay Carney, who has been appointed by Senator Biden to coordinate efforts between the campaign and the Democratic National Convention in Boston. We can also at this time announce that Carney will serve as communications director for the Democratic vice presidential candidate.

Karin Johanson has been on leave and sorely missed since after March. We are thrilled to announce that Johanson will rejoin Biden for America as Regional Field Director for the Mid-West.

Below is the Biden for America campaign staff, including new hires:

Campaign Staff:
Campaign Manager: Ron Klain
Press Secretary: Stephanie Cutter
Chief Adviser: Valerie Biden
Political Director: Bruce Reed
Communications Director: Paul Begala
Policy Director: Mario Cuomo
Vice Presidential Committee Chair: Ted Kaufman
Field Director: TBA
Regional Field Director (Mid-West): Karin Johanson
Regional Field Director (South West): TBA
Regional Field Director (Pacific West): TBA
Regional Field Director (New England): TBA
Regional Field Director (Upper South): TBA
Regional Field Director (Deep South): TBA

List of Possible Vice Presidential Candidates
Released by Biden for America to the press on April 19, 2004

The following is a complete list released by Biden for America VP Search Committee Chair Ted Kaufman, of the candidates for Vice President on the Democratic ticket.

---

U.S. Governors
Roy Barnes - Georgia*
Gaston Caperton - West Virginia*
Mike Easley - North Carolina
Brad Henry - Oklahoma
Gary Locke - Washington
Ronnie Musgrove - Mississippi*
Ann Richards - Texas*
Kathleen Sebelius - Kansas
Jeanne Shaheen - New Hampshire*
Tom Vilsack - Iowa
Mark Warner - Virginia

U.S. Senators
Evan Bayh - Indiana
John Breaux - Louisiana
Maria Cantwell - Washington
Jean Carnahan - Missouri*
Mark Dayton - Minnesota
John Edwards - North Carolina
Russ Feingold - Wisconsin
Bob Graham - Florida
Jesse Jackson - D.C./Illinois*
John Kerry - Massachsuetts
Mary Landrieu - Louisiana
Bill Nelson - Florida
Sam Nunn - Georgia*

U.S. Representatives
Tammy Baldwin - Wisconsin
Jesse Jackson, Jr. - Illinois
Dennis Kucinich - Ohio
Barbara Lee - California

*Not currently in office.

[badgate]

Biden Campaign Schedule (April 13-20)

April 13, 2004 Delaware
-9:00am-12:30pm - Rest
-1:00-5:00pm - Working at Delaware Senate office
-7:00pm - Black Tie Fundraiser

April 14, 2004 Delaware & D.C.
-9:30am - Taking Amtrak from Wilmington to D.C.
-11:00am-2:00pm - Working at D.C. office
-3:00pm - Meeting at DNC
-4:00pm - Meeting between Biden for America & DNC to merge resources
-8:00pm - Fundraiser

April 15, 2004 Delaware & Virginia
-12:00pm - Speech at Wilmington Train Station
-3:00pm - Meeting with Virginia Democratic Party
-5:30pm - Rally in Richmond, w/ Sen. Mark Warner

April 16, 2004 North Carolina
-9:00am - Meeting with Democratic Party of North Carolina
-10:00am-3:00pm - Barnstorming in North Carolina (research triangle) w/ Sen. Edwards Sen. John Edwards endorses Senator Biden for President
-5:00pm - Rally in Charlotte, w/ Gov. Easley
-7:45pm - Dinner w/ Gov. Easley & Sen. Edwards

April 17, 2004 Oklahoma & Louisiana
-10:00am - Meeting at Oklahoma Democratic Party HQ
-12:30pm - Rally in Oklahoma City, w/ Gov. Henry
-6:00pm - Rally in New Orleans, w/ Sen. Breaux
-8:00pm -Meeting with Louisiana Democratic Party

April 18, 2004 New York City
-12:00-3:00pm - Volunteering with Boys & Girls Club of NYC, pitching for their afternoon baseball games
-6:30pm - Meeting with New York Democratic Party
-8:00pm - Fundraiser dinner in New York City, hosted by National Stonewall Democrats

April 19, 2004 Illinois & Indiana
-11:00am - Meeting in Chicago w/ Illinois Democratic Party
-2:00pm - Rally in Chicago, w/ Rep. Jessie Jackson, Jr.
-5:30pm – Rally in Indianapolis, w/ Sen. Evan Bayh Sen. Bayh endorses Senator Biden for President
-8:00pm - Fundraiser dinner in Indianapolis

April 20, 2004 Kansas
-10:00am - Meeting with Kansas Democratic Party
-1:00pm - Private meeting w/ Gov. Sebelius
-5:45pm - Rally in Wichita, w/ Gov. Sebelius Gov. Sebelius endorses Senator Biden for President

[badgate]

TV Ad: Baseball



BIDEN (speaking to camera, intercut with various photos of Biden & his father, Biden in his high school baseball uniform, Biden as a Senator, public schools, etc): My father and I always relished a game of catch, and that bond led to my love of baseball. Experience on the field taught me the work ethic and to be a team player, something that has aided me my entire life and been a key to my success at getting things done in Washington. The National Educators Association didn't just endorse me because of my pro-public school record. They endorsed me because they know I will take action on behalf of every young man and woman walking those hallways. Together we can undo the damage of President Bush's economic reforms, get teachers back to teaching instead of testing, and make sure that our schools always have the resources to give each child the opportunity to fulfill their potential. So whether it's the school orchestra, speech and debate...or a game of baseball. Together we will make public schools the best in the world.

+U.S. Virgin Islands


TV Ad: Biden For America
---Abridged version being aired on Radio

[Footage of a younger Senator Biden speaking on the Senate floor, Biden greeting voters on the campaign trail, and finally Biden sitting addressing the camera]

BIDEN: When I was a child I had a stutter. So every day, I'd sit myself in front of the mirror, and read aloud. I read my homework. I read the Hardy Boys. I read the bible. And with the determination that I put into everything I take on, I came out able to express my ideas clearly, and speak with confidence.

In the challenges facing America, I am prepared to take on the tough road that lies ahead. I'm Senator Joe Biden, the candidate for president that you can trust. I've served in the Senate, passing a sweeping crime law to get criminals off the streets. I wrote and passed the Violence Against Women Act, and earned experience on the international stage when I secured the SALT treaty for arms control with Russia in 1980. In this campaign I have proposed raising the minimum wage in a responsible way that respects business and doesn't impose a big government mandate, while helping to bring millions of hardworking Americans out of poverty. I have promised the families of our brave servicemen and women to bring their loved ones home, to fix the mistakes made in Iraq. And I'm making a promise to you: your vote will not be wasted on me.

Anyone who's watched the Democratic primary knows I'm a fighter. I'm in this race because I believe in America and I believe I am the candidate to get us to the New Millennium America we can be. I promise to fight. For you.

+U.S. Virgin Islands

[badgate]

Statement from Biden for America

We are pleased to welcome Tom McMahon to the Biden for America team. Tom will be joining us as the campaign's Field Director. After meeting with Senator Biden, the Senator was impressed by Tom's passion and knew he was up to the task. Look for Tom to release the campaign's first general election GOTV memo to the press later this week.

[badgate]

GOTV Strategy/Talking Points


Campaign Staff:
Campaign Manager: Ron Klain
Press Secretary: Stephanie Cutter
Chief Adviser: Valerie Biden
Political Director: Bruce Reed
Communications Director: Paul Begala
Policy Director: Mario Cuomo
Vice Presidential Committee Chair: Ted Kaufman
Field Director: Tom McMahon
Regional Field Director (Mid-West): Karin Johanson
Regional Field Director (South-Mountain West): TBA
Regional Field Director (Pacific West): TBA
Regional Field Director (New England): TBA
Regional Field Director (Upper South): TBA
Regional Field Director (Deep South): TBA

Biden for America will be employing a 50-State Strategy. With the looming importance of this election, and the complete unacceptability of the Republican nominee, voters in every state deserve a fair hearing from Senator Biden. I have recently taken the reins as the campaign's Field Director, and am excited at the possibilities ahead. Before the Democratic National Convention, Senator Biden will have held a campaign event in every state in the United States of America.

Biden for America developed a successful neighborhood team model of volunteers, and has already strong volunteer recruitment in the following states (thanks to the campaign's elongated primary battle): Wisconsin*, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Texas*, Mississippi*, Idaho*, Wyoming*, Massachusetts*, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Michigan, Arizona*, Hawai'i*, Alaska, and Illinois*. Those marked with an asterisk are states the Senator Biden won the popular vote during the primary. The campaign will continue to use this volunteer base, until the middle of August, to recruit more volunteers in their neighborhoods through block walking and phone banking.

The campaign's field operation is also building the same volunteer infrastructure in the following states: Nevada, New Mexico, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Montana, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Judging from the campaign's recruitment metrics during the primary, volunteer teams in these states will likely have an average of 3 volunteers per event, 5 after three weeks of events, and 8 after six weeks.

The neighborhood model is based around the campaign's central message in the general election: Joe Biden is the everyman. He will fight for ordinary Americans just like you. The message is augmented by its delivery from a neighbor who lives two blocks away.

Hiring is currently underway for five Regional Field Directors. The 6 regions for this first phase of the campaign's grassroots organizing are depicted below in this map:

New England
Mid-West
Upper South
Deep South
South-Mountain West
Pacific West

After the Democratic National Convention, when the grassroots volunteers turn from a major focus on recruitment to a major focus on voter persuasion and commitment, the regions will be split among the Regional Field Directors and a number of new RFDs. This will allow for an even stronger and better coordinated organization during the fall campaign.

Alright team. There is a lot of work to do and so much potential in this campaign and its positive message for the future of America. So let's hit the ground running!

See you on the campaign trail,

Tom McMahon
Field Director, Biden for America

[badgate]

Biden Surrogates

Governor Mario Cuomo
Barnstorm in New York

Senator Mark Warner
Barnstorm in Virginia

Senator Arlen Specter
Barnstorm in Pennsylvania

Senator Olympia Snowe
Barnstorming in Maine

Senator Jay Rockefeller
Barnstorming in West Virginia

Senator Maria Cantwell
Barnstorming Washington

Sen. Max Clealand
Barnstorming in Georgia

Sen. Max Baucus
Barnstorming in Montana

Sen. Mark Dayton
Barnstorming in Minnesota

Sen. Daniel Inoyue
Barnstorming in Hawaii

Gov. Jerry Brown
Barnstorming in California

Rep. Ben Chandler
Barnstorming in Kentucky

Sen. Herb Kohl
Barnstorming in Wisconsin

Sen. Ted Kennedy
Barnstorming in New Hampshire

Rep. Tammy Baldwin
Barnstorming in Wisconsin

Rep. Betty McCollum
Barnstorming in Minnesota

Rep. Martin Olav Sabo
Barnstorming in Minnesota

Rep. Henry Waxman
Barnstorming in Los Angeles

Sen. Jack Reed
Barnstorming in New Hampshire

Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy
Barnstorming in New Hampshire

Rep. Jim Langevin
Barnstorming in New Hampshire

Rep. Richard Neal
Barnstorming in New Hampshire

Rep. Ted Strickland
Barnstorming in Ohio 6

Sen. Paul Sarbanes
Barnstorming in West Virginia

Gov. Ann Richards
Barnstorming in New Mexico

Rep. Lloyd Doggett
Barnstorming in Lousiana

Rep. Gene Taylor
Barnstorming in Mississippi

Rep. Bennie Thompson
Barnstorming in Mississippi

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Barnstorming in Mississippi

Carol Moseley Braun, former Senator from Illinois
Barnstorming in Illinois

Rep. Bobby Rush
Barnstorming in Virginia

Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Barnstorming in Illinois

Rep. Luis Gutierrez
Barnstorming in New Mexico

Rep. Rahm Emanuel
Barnstorming in Illinois

Gov. Tony Knowles
Barnstorming in Alaska

Attorney General/Senate candidate Ken Salazar
Barnstorming in Colorado

Mayor John Hickenlooper
Barnstorming in Colorado

Rep. Mark Udall
Barnstorming in Colorado

Rep. Diana DeGette
Barnstorming in Colorado

Judy Shepard
Barnstorming in Wyoming

Gov. Ed Rendell
Barnstorming in Pennsylvania

Rep. Joe Hoeffel
Barnstorming in PA-13

State Sen. Allyson Schwartz
Barnstorming in PA-13

Rep. Donna Christian-Christensen
Barnstorming in U.S. Virgin Islands

Rep. Mel Watts
Barnstorming in NC-12

Gov. Mike Easley
Barnstorming in North Carolina

Sen. John Edwards
Barnstorming in North Carolina

Sen. Hillary Clinton
Rest w/ husband

Pres. Bill Clinton
Recovering from surgery

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
Barnstorming in Kansas

Sen. Evan Bayh
Barnstorming in Indiana

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick
Barnstorming in Detroit

[badgate]

Talking Points Memo
Bruce Reed - Political Director for Biden for America

Mayor Giuliani has aimed his sights squarely on Senator Biden, writing off both of the third-party candidates. This is because he knows that voters will see Senator Biden as the only truly viable leader on the ballot in November; and voters will see Giuliani as one of the gaggle of also-rans. Giuliani is going to attempt to move fast to make voters see Senator Biden as an unacceptable choice. Instead, voters will arrive at the ballot box in November with Senator Biden being the only acceptable choice.

Interestingly, the Mayor has for weeks now stylized himself and has his campaign spokespeople stylizing him as the Vice President, despite not yet being confirmed by Congress. The Mayor is taking a campaign trip overseas under the guise of Vice Presidential service, yet again despite the fact that he has yet to be confirmed by Congress. Senator Biden publicly denounced a liberal member of his own party for politicizing the appointment of Giuliani; use this point to hammer home that Biden works for the people, not the political parties of America. And by making this point it points people to the very real fact that Giuliani has already begun to use his appointment for political gain.

--Emphasize that Senator Biden is a family man. After his wife and newborn daughter were tragically killed in an automobile accident, Senator Biden stayed in Delaware every night and began the habit of commuting to D.C. on the Amtrak every morning, so that he could be there for his sons. While on the floor of the Senate, Biden instructed his staff to interrupt him no matter what if his children needed to reach him.

--Emphasize that Senator Biden represents and fights for the everyman in America. This is reinforced when voters hear Senator Biden speak, and respond to his folksy yet progressive speaking style.

--Mayor Giuliani's campaign is centered on the past: policies and ideas of the past. Giuliani claims what qualifies him for President are events in the past; Senator Biden however is qualified because he is ready to prepare America for a better tomorrow.

--Mayor Giuliani will seek to bring up Senator Biden's '88 Presidential campaign, and this will fall flat to any fair-minded voter. The past is the past, and Senator Biden is running a smart, disciplined campaign focused on the urgent needs of Americans. Giuliani's attacks will only serve to feed into the Biden campaign's narrative that Giuliani is stuck in the past and not looking toward the future for America. The campaign is prepared to directly respond to these attacks, but at the moment we are content to let Giuliani prove to Americans that he's more interested in relitigating the past than looking to the future.

--The general election campaign is under a week old, Giuliani's campaign has already turned negative. Point this out as a sign of weakness and a sign that their campaign knows they are stalled on an uphill road. In contrast, Biden for America is only airing positive ads focused on Senator Biden's plan to fix the Republicans' messes in Iraq and at home.

--Senator Biden has led the entire Presidential field on the issue of raising the minimum wage. Be wary of the Giuliani campaign making false accusations, and feeding these accusations to reporters, claiming that Biden is following Giuliani's lead because our campaign has staked out a 50-State Strategy. State clearly that we are not concerned with the petty scorekeeping of the Giuliani campaign; our concern is the future and betterment of the American people. However it is of paramount importance that voters understand that Giuliani's support for the minimum wage is simply a political show horse meant to distract from the fact that he didn't support raising it until Senator Biden made it an issue that would determine many people's votes. Giuliani ONLY moved on the issue because he saw that he had to in order to win. Senator Biden, in contrast, doesn't make political calculations for the cynical practice of getting votes. He is a leader.

--If asked about Congressman Kucinich or Governor Johnson's campaign, be respectful (unlike Giuliani's surrogates). Emphasize to voters their own agency, and point out that Giuliani's campaign has tried to write the candidates off as "dangerous" and "spoiler" candidates. Emphasize that Giuliani is taking this tact because he feels entitled to the votes of those who may be sympathetic and switch to a third party candidate. "The thing is, they're not his votes, they're your votes."

There is a lot of ground to cover, but the primary campaign has positioned Senator Biden extremely well. He has already received broad support from the Democratic party's big tent, and this should be emphasized as a clear indication of Senator Biden's ability to unite the country. Good luck and if you have questions your assistants or chiefs-of-staff can get me on the phone any time.

See you on the campaign trail,

Bruce Reed
Political Director, Biden for America

[badgate]

Statement from Biden for America
April 20, 2004, 10:31am



We at the Biden for America team wish Mayor Giuliani well on his campaign trip overseas. However we do hope that he will own up to his falsehoods and explain to the American people, when he returns from his overseas campaign trip, why he lied about the trip being official business for the Bush administration.

It is of paramount importance to Senator Biden to put service to country above politics, and that is what he did when he stood up for Mayor Giuliani against fringe members of his own party who sought to politicize the appointment. But now Mayor Giuliani has to answer himself for why he is using his own appointment, for a confirmation vote that has not yet been held, for political gain in the coming election.

It is disappointing, but not surprising, to see that Senator Biden has been the only candidate to take the high road here.

[badgate]

Statement from Biden for America

We have received many requests across the country from working parents who know that their vote matters in this election, but don't have time to attend an event when Senator Biden is campaigning near their home. After a discussion within the campaign this morning, we are proud to announce the campaign will be holding Late Night Town Halls, 45-minute events that will be held after 8:30pm, to give parents time with their children as well as an opportunity to hear from Senator Biden before November.

All cities and townships in America are eligible, but we will be holding these Late Night Town Halls in the places with the most votes through our website. If you want to see Senator Biden in your town, log on to bidenforamerica.com and vote for your town. There is absolutely no donation required to vote. It's quick and easy, and since there is only one vote per person, we made it easy to share the opportunity with your neighbors as well!

[badgate]

TV Ad: Baseball



BIDEN (speaking to camera, intercut with various photos of Biden & his father, Biden in his high school baseball uniform, Biden as a Senator, public schools, etc): My father and I always relished a game of catch, and that bond led to my love of baseball. Experience on the field taught me the work ethic and to be a team player, something that has aided me my entire life and been a key to my success at getting things done in Washington. The National Educators Association didn't just endorse me because of my pro-public school record. They endorsed me because they know I will take action on behalf of every young man and woman walking those hallways. Together we can undo the damage of President Bush's economic reforms, get teachers back to teaching instead of testing, and make sure that our schools always have the resources to give each child the opportunity to fulfill their potential. So whether it's the school orchestra, speech and debate...or a game of baseball. Together we will make public schools the best in the world.

TV Ad: Biden For America

[Footage of a younger Senator Biden speaking on the Senate floor, Biden greeting voters on the campaign trail, and finally Biden sitting addressing the camera]

BIDEN: When I was a child I had a stutter. So every day, I'd sit myself in front of the mirror, and read aloud. I read my homework. I read the Hardy Boys. I read the bible. And with the determination that I put into everything I take on, I came out able to express my ideas clearly, and speak with confidence.

In the challenges facing America, I am prepared to take on the tough road that lies ahead. I'm Senator Joe Biden, the candidate for president that you can trust. I've served in the Senate, passing a sweeping crime law to get criminals off the streets. I wrote and passed the Violence Against Women Act, and earned experience on the international stage when I secured the SALT treaty for arms control with Russia in 1980. In this campaign I have proposed raising the minimum wage in a responsible way that respects business and doesn't impose a big government mandate, while helping to bring millions of hardworking Americans out of poverty. I have promised the families of our brave servicemen and women to bring their loved ones home, to fix the mistakes made in Iraq. And I'm making a promise to you: your vote will not be wasted on me.

Anyone who's watched the Democratic primary knows I'm a fighter. I'm in this race because I believe in America and I believe I am the candidate to get us to the New Millennium America we can be. I promise to fight. For you.

[badgate]

Statement from Biden for America - VP Search Committee

We have spent the last month meeting with over fifty incredibly bright and passionate Americans. It is amazing the width of Senator Biden's support across political spectrums, but people both conservative and moderate and liberal alike spoke of their support and said they would be proud to serve as Vice President. We have the pleasure of releasing our short list for Vice President.

--Gov. Mark Warner (VA)
--Sen. John Breaux (LA)
--General Wesley Clark (AR)
--Sen. Evan Bayh (IN)
--Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (KS)
--Sen. Russ Feingold (WI)
--Gov. Mike Easley (NC)

All the best,
Ted Kaufman
Chair, Biden for America Vice Presidential Search Committee

[badgate]

New Biden Endorsements


Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Governor from Louisiana


Harold Ford, Jr., Representative from Tennessee's 9th Congressional district


Phil Bredesen, Governor from Tennessee


Janet Napolitano, Governor from Arizona


Wesley Clark, 4-Star General from the United States Armed Forces


Robert "Bud" Cramer, Representative from the 5th Congressional district of Alabama

[badgate]

Statement from Biden for America



Yesterday, Biden for America released our short list for the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate on the 2004 ticket. Tomorrow, Senator Biden will appear with General Wesley Clark in the General's home state of Arkansas.

Senator Biden and General Clark will be speaking about the challenges facing our military and foreign policy in Iraq and Afghanistan, and discussing Vice President Giuliani's failure to consider somebody with military experience on his Vice Presidential short list.

This failure is an affront to our men and women in uniform, and Giuliani owes them an explanation for his lack of concern or interest in America's military remaining the strongest in the world.

In contrast, Senator Biden has long been an ally to veterans in the Senate. Part of his plan for the Veterans Affairs department is an expansion of healthcare availability to returning veterans, as well as ensuring that servicemen and women are fairly paid and sufficiently prepared for deployment.

We'll see you on the trail in Arkansas!

[badgate]

Biden Campaign Schedule (May 26-31)
Southern Strategy

Campaign Staff:
Campaign Manager: Ron Klain
Press Secretary: Stephanie Cutter
Chief Adviser: Valerie Biden
Political Director: Bruce Reed
Communications Director: Paul Begala
Policy Director: Mario Cuomo
Vice Presidential Committee Chair: Ted Kaufman
Field Director: Tom McMahon
Regional Field Director (Mid-West): Karin Johanson
Regional Field Director (South-Mountain West): Jessica Walsh
Regional Field Director (Pacific West): Ted Lowrimore
Regional Field Director (New England): Stephen Savage
Regional Field Director (Upper South): Jules Murphy
Regional Field Director (Deep South): Chris Turner

May 26, 2004 Arkansas
-8:30am - Breakfast with neighborhood team leader volunteers for Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Maumelle, East End, Benton, Conway, Cabot, & Beebe.
-10:00am - Rally in Little Rock, w/ Gen. Wesley Clark. Gen. Wesley Clark endorses Senator Biden for President
-1:00pm - Town Hall in Pine Bluff, w/ Gen. Wesley Clark
-5:30pm - Town Hall in Fayetteville, w/ Gen. Wesley Clark
-7:45pm - Rally in Fort Smith, w/ Gen. Wesley Clark

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


May 27, 2004 Tennessee
-10:00am - Town Hall in Memphis, w/ Gov. Phil Bredesen & Rep. Harold Ford, Jr.
-12:00pm - Rally in Memphis, w/ Gov. Phil Bredesen & Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. Gov. Bredensen & Rep. Ford endorse Senator Biden for President
-2:00-3:00pm - Fly to Nashville
-3:30pm - Rally in Nashville, w/ Gov. Bredensen & Rep. Ford
-5:30pm - Town Hall in Murfreesboro, w/ Gov. Bredensen & Rep. Ford
-8:00pm - Rally in Chattanooga, w/ Gov. Bredensen & Rep. Ford

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


May 28, 2004 South Carolina
-8:30am - Meet & Greet w/ volunteers for Charleston, North Charleston, Mt Pleasant, Goose Creek, & Summerville
-10:00am - Town Hall in North Charleston
-12:00pm - Rally in Charleston
-3:45pm - Town Hall in Columbia
-6:45pm - Town Hall in Greenville
-8:00pm - Rally in University Center of Greenville
-9:45pm - Thanking volunteers in Greenville after their phone bank

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


May 29, 2004 Alabama
-11:00am - Town Hall in Mobile
-12:30-1:20pm - Fly to Montgomery
-1:45pm - Rally in Montgomery
-4:30pm - Rally in Birmingham
-7:00pm - Rally in Decatur, w/ Rep. Cramer. Rep. Bud Cramer endorses Senator Biden for President
-8:45pm - Town Hall for Parents in Huntsville, w/ Rep. Cramer. Rep. Cramer delivers his endorsement at the opening of the town hall

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


May 30, 2004 Mississippi
-10:30am - Town Hall in Tupelo
-12:00pm - Town Hall in Columbus
-1:30-2:30pm - Fly to Jackson
-3:00pm - Rally in Jackson, w/ Rep. Thompson Rep. Bennie Thompson endorses Senator Biden for the general election
-4:30pm - Town Hall in Ridgeland, w/ Rep. Thompson
-5:30-6:15pm - Fly to Gulfport
-6:45pm - Town Hall in Gulfport, w/ Rep. Taylor
-7:45pm - Rally in Gulfport, w/ Rep. Taylor Rep. Gene Taylor endorses Senator Biden for the general election
-10:00pm - Thanking volunteers in Gulfport after their phone bank


(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


May 31, 2004 Louisisana
-9:45am - Meet & Greet w/ volunteers in New Orleans, w/ Gov. Blanco
-11:00am - Rally in New Orleans, w/ Gov. Blanco. Gov. Kathleen Blanco endorses Senator Biden for President
-1:00pm - Town Hall in Metairie, w/ Gov. Blanco
-3:30pm - Rally in Baton Rouge, w/ Gov. Blanco
-5:00pm - Town Hall in Highlands/Perkins, w/ Gov. Blanco
-7:30pm - Rally in Lafayette, w/ Gov. Blanco

[badgate]

Biden Campaign Schedule (June 23-28)
New England for Biden

June 23, 2004 New Hampshire
-10:00am - Rally in Unity, w/ Sen. Hillary Clinton. Sen. Hillary Clinton endorses Senator Biden for President
-12:30pm - Rally in Manchester, w/ Sen. Clinton
-2:00pm - Town Hall in Nashua
-4:00pm - Town Hall in Concord
-6:45pm - Town Hall in Rochester
-8:15pm - Rally in Portsmouth, w/ Sen. Clinton

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


June 24, 2004 Maine
-11:30am - Rally in Portland, w/ Sen. Olympia Snowe
-1:15pm - Town Hall in Brunswick
-3:00pm - Town Hall in Lewiston
-5:30pm - Rally in Augusta, w/ Sen. Snowe
-7:00pm - Town Hall in Augusta
-9:00pm - Surprising volunteers after a phone bank to thank them

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


June 25, 2004 New York
-9:30am - Meet & Greet w/ voters in Buffalo
-10:45am - Rally in Buffalo, w/ Sen. Clinton
-1:30pm - Town Hall in Rochester
-4:30pm - Rally in Syracuse, w/ Sen. Clinton
-6:45pm - Town Hall in Cortland

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


June 26, 2004 New York
-11:00am - Town Hall in Yonker
-12:45pm - Rally in Bronx, w/ Sen. Clinton
-2:30pm - Town Hall in Queens
-4:15pm - Rally in Brooklyn, w/ Sen. Clinton
-6:00pm - Rally in Staten Island, w/ Sen. Clinton
-8:00pm - Town Hall in Hempstead

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


June 27, 2004 New Jersey
-10:45am - Town Hall in Newark
-11:30am - Rally in Newark
-1:20pm - Town Hall in Edison
-3:30pm - Rally in Trenton
-5:30pm - Town Hall in Princeton
-7:00pm - Student Forum at Princeton University

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)


June 28, 2004 Pennsylvania
-11:45am - Rally in Philadelphia, w/ Gov. Rendell, Rep. Hoeffel, & State Sen. Schwartz
-2:00pm - Town Hall in Doylestown, w/ Gov. Rendell
-4:45pm - Town Hall in Allentown, w/ Gov. Rendell
-6:00pm - Rally in Allentown, w/ Gov. Rendell
-8:30pm - Town Hall For Parents in Scranton, w/ Gov. Rendell

(Local affiliates invited to every stop)

[badgate]

Excerpt from Southern Strategy (May 23-28 swing)


We're very patriotic here in America! (cheers) Yep, that's right! So why is Rudy Giuliani - Why is he posting a Vice Presidential list with nobody who served in the armed forces? Why did he write off so many patriotic Americans who gave their lives all for the freedom that we hold dear and will defend to the bitter end? In case you forgot, Rudy, we're at war in Iraq! And in Afghanistan! Maybe you forgot, sitting up there in that ivory tower! (laughter, cheers) But we won't forget this! We won't forget your failure to consider somebody with military experience on his Vice Presidential short list.

We've got challenges out there in Iraq. We need an honest president that we can count on and hold accountable. The outgoing administration has been treating the Middle East like a game of RISK. But if we're going to be deployed we shouldn't be nation building; we should be terrorist hunting. Rooting out terrorist organizations that have taken institutional hold of state and federal governments, eliminating the threat shown to us by 9/11, that should be the only purpose of our deployments. I have the deepest respect for our men and women serving in uniform; it is unconscionable to think Giuliani thinks so little that he didn't even consider a VP with military experience...speaks a lot to how little he will think of soldiers' lives in deciding things as President.

In the Senate I have long defended the rights of veterans, and today am proud to announce my reform plans for the Veterans Affairs department. The last military engagement on the scale of Iraq and Afghanistan was decades ago, and it would be stupid of us to not expect new challenges in transitioning soldiers to civilian life upon returning to home soil. As President I will make a focus on health care access for all veterans. We will streamline the bureaucracy to ensure short wait times and help veterans we private doctors if their closest VA hospital has especially high demands. We are obligated to make sure those serving are paid fairly, and I will not sign a budget that shortchanges our troops. Period.


Excerpt from Rally, Town Hall, etc.

I remember, as all Americans do, the outpouring of community love and support in the wake of the tragic 9/11 attacks. And I remember that it showed to us America's charitable heart. As President I will direct the IRS to simplify the tax-exempt procedures required of charities, so that they can spend more time focusing on the people that matter: those in need. And we should support all charities, while expecting charities to support all Americans.

And in too many parts of our beloved country poverty is too pervasive and too widespread. We will work to enact a payroll tax holiday for low and middle-income earners for the months of January, June, July, August, & December. We will work to support business so that workers can be provided with day care services and more flexible options for working parents. And we will not rest until urban renewal allows people to reliably, safely, and without fear of scheduling problems, commute to work via public transportation.

My campaign itself is showing my willingness to work for working parents; we recently announced the creation of Town Halls for Parents, a series of town halls that we are holding for parents who need to be with their children after school and work but want to be able to hear from this campaign firsthand. I am pleased to announce today that the first will be held in Huntsville, Alabama. Other communities that are already confirmed to host a Town Hall for Parents: Scranton PA, Indianapolis IN, Durham NC, Dallas TX, Phoenix AZ, & Madison WI.

And my administration will raise the minimum wage, because if you ask me, hard work deserves a fair wage. We will work to enact measured to ensure a level playing field in the workplace, so that everybody is treated and paid fairly. Your worth at work will not be based on subjective values such as gender or race but on your merits, on how hard you'll work, not on who you are. That's the Biden economic plan for working families, and the promise we make to each other to move this country forward.

[badgate]

GOTV Strategy/Talking Points

Campaign Staff:
Campaign Manager: Ron Klain
Press Secretary: Stephanie Cutter
Chief Adviser: Valerie Biden
Political Director: Bruce Reed
Communications Director: Paul Begala
Policy Director: Mario Cuomo
Vice Presidential Committee Chair: Ted Kaufman
Field Director: Tom McMahon
Regional Field Director (Mid-West): Karin Johanson
Regional Field Director (South-Mountain West): Jessica Walsh
Regional Field Director (Pacific West): Ted Lowrimore
Regional Field Director (New England): Stephen Savage
Regional Field Director (Upper South): Jules Murphy
Regional Field Director (Deep South): Chris Turner

We are pleased to announce the successful and smooth transition of Biden for America's resources with that of the DNC. This campaign is prepared to bring Senator Biden's message of peace and prosperity to citizens in all corners of this nation.

Biden for America developed a successful neighborhood team model of volunteers, and has already strong volunteer recruitment in the following states (thanks to the campaign's elongated primary battle): Wisconsin*, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Texas*, Mississippi*, Idaho*, Wyoming*, Massachusetts*, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Michigan, Arizona*, Hawai'i*, Alaska, and Illinois*. Those marked with an asterisk are states the Senator Biden won the popular vote during the primary. The campaign will continue to use this volunteer base, until the middle of August, to recruit more volunteers in their neighborhoods through block walking and phone banking.

The campaign's field operation is also building the same volunteer infrastructure in the following states: Nevada, New Mexico, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Montana, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Judging from the campaign's recruitment metrics during the primary, volunteer teams in these states will likely have an average of 3 volunteers per event, 5 after three weeks of events, and 8 after six weeks. As of today, these states are clocking an average of 6 volunteers per event, on track to reach the projected 8 volunteers. We do expect during and after the DNC to see these numbers, nation-wide, increase dramatically as more Americans decide to take ownership in this campaign and help bring its positive message to their friends and neighbors.

The neighborhood model is based around the campaign's central message in the general election: Joe Biden is the everyman. He will fight for ordinary Americans just like you. The message is augmented by its delivery from a neighbor who lives two blocks away.

We have completed hiring for the campaign's Regional Field Directors. The 6 regions for this first phase of the campaign's grassroots organizing are depicted below in this map:

New England
Mid-West
Upper South
Deep South
South-Mountain West
Pacific West

After the Democratic National Convention, when the grassroots volunteers turn from a major focus on recruitment to a major focus on voter persuasion and commitment, the regions will be split among the Regional Field Directors and a number of new RFDs. This will allow for an even stronger and better coordinated organization during the fall campaign.

Alright team. There is a lot of work to do and so much potential in this campaign and its positive message for the future of America. So let's hit the ground running!

The major story for surrogates should be to hammer home the positive message of Senator Biden fighting for the everyman in America. The major point of contention to make against Rudy Giuliani should be to hammer home his failure to include a citizen with military service on his Vice Presidential shortlist. We want to have every news outlet in the country running the Giuliani story, and every community in the country buzzing about Biden's support for all Americans.

--Emphasize that Senator Biden is a family man. After his wife and newborn daughter were tragically killed in an automobile accident, Senator Biden stayed in Delaware every night and began the habit of commuting to D.C. on the Amtrak every morning, so that he could be there for his sons. While on the floor of the Senate, Biden instructed his staff to interrupt him no matter what if his children needed to reach him.

--Emphasize that Senator Biden represents and fights for the everyman in America. This is reinforced when voters hear Senator Biden speak, and respond to his folksy yet progressive speaking style. Major issues to focus on: raising the minimum wage, payroll tax holiday for working Americans, and helping American charities reach and help more people in need.

--Mayor Giuliani's campaign is centered on the past: policies and ideas of the past. Giuliani claims what qualifies him for President are events in the past; Senator Biden however is qualified because he is ready to prepare America for a better tomorrow. Giuliani has been bringing up the Senator's 1988 campaign, and the plagiarism attacks Senator Biden received at the time. Brush these off as proof that Giuliani is stuck in the past, while attacking Giuliani for the VP shortlist flap.

--The general election campaign is under a week old, Giuliani's campaign has already turned negative. Point this out as a sign of weakness and a sign that their campaign knows they are stalled on an uphill road. In contrast, Biden for America is only airing positive ads focused on Senator Biden's plan to fix the Republicans' mistakes in Iraq and at home.

--Senator Biden has led the entire Presidential field on the issue of raising the minimum wage. Be wary of the Giuliani campaign making false accusations, and feeding these accusations to reporters, claiming that Biden is following Giuliani's lead because our campaign has staked out a 50-State Strategy. State clearly that we are not concerned with the petty scorekeeping of the Giuliani campaign; our concern is the future and betterment of the American people. However it is of paramount importance that voters understand that Giuliani's support for the minimum wage is simply a political show horse meant to distract from the fact that he didn't support raising it until Senator Biden made it an issue that would determine many people's votes. Giuliani ONLY moved on the issue because he saw that he had to in order to win. Senator Biden, in contrast, doesn't make political calculations for the cynical practice of getting votes. He is a leader.

--If asked about Congressman Kucinich or Governor Johnson's campaign, be respectful (unlike Giuliani's surrogates). Emphasize to voters their own agency, and point out that Giuliani's campaign has tried to write the candidates off as "dangerous" and "spoiler" candidates. Emphasize that Giuliani is taking this tact because he feels entitled to the votes of those who may be sympathetic and switch to a third party candidate. "The thing is, they're not his votes, they're your votes."

There is a lot of ground to cover, but the primary campaign has positioned Senator Biden extremely well. He has already received broad support from the Democratic party's big tent, and this should be emphasized as a clear indication of Senator Biden's ability to unite the country. Good luck and if you have questions your assistants or chiefs-of-staff can get me on the phone any time.

See you on the campaign trail,
Bruce Reed
Political Director, Biden for America
Tom McMahon
Field Director, Biden for America