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

[badgate]

I just got home from work. Already have Biden's schedule written, just haven't posted it yet, but I wouldn't object to an extension until Noon tomorrow.

edited to add: Actually, I'm good. I can get this done before 11pm(CST)

[badgate]

New Biden Endorsements/Schedule

February 11, 2004


by Frmr. Mayor Marion Barry
Op-Ed: Biden for President

Former Mayor Barry endorsed Senator Biden, citing his legislative record, and his promise to raise the minimum wage. Barry also implored Democrats of the District to travel to City Hall and see him endorse Biden in person, and hear Biden speak on February 14 before they go vote in the primary.

-Feb. 11-13 - Barnstorming in D.C.
-Feb. 14 - Rally w/ Biden at City Hall, Barnstorming w/ Biden

February 12, 2004


by Vincent C. Gray, candidate for Ward 7 City Council
Opinion: We Need Biden As President

City Council candidate Gray endorsed Senator Biden, citing his legislative record, and his promise to raise the minimum wage. Gray also implored Democrats of the District to travel to City Hall and see him endorse Biden in person, and hear Biden speak on February 14 before they go vote in the primary.

-Feb. 11-13 - Barnstorming in D.C.
-Feb. 14 - Rally w/ Biden at City Hall, Barnstorming w/ Biden

February 13, 2004


by Mayor Anthony A. Williams
I Endorse Senator Joe Biden For President

Mayor Williams endorsed Senator Biden, citing his legislative record, and his promise to raise the minimum wage. Williams also implored Democrats of the District to travel to City Hall and see him endorse Biden in person, and hear Biden speak on February 14 before they go vote in the primary.

-Feb. 11-13 - Barnstorming in D.C.
-Feb. 14 - Rally w/ Biden at City Hall, Barnstorming w/ Biden

February 12, 2004


by Senator Herb Kohl

Senator Kohl endorsed Senator Biden, citing his legislative record, and his promise to raise the minimum wage. In addition, the Senator pledged to support SB802, Biden's minimum wage legislation. Kohl also implored Wisconsin Democrats to travel to Madison and see him and Gov. Doyle endorse Biden in person, and hear Biden speak on February 14.

-Feb. 11- Barnstorming in north WI
-Feb. 12- Barnstorming in Green Bay area
-Feb. 13- Surrogate Forum in Milwaukee, evening fundraiser in Madison
-Feb. 14- Barnstorming in west WI

[badgate]

Biden Campaign



February 11, 2004 Idaho & Utah
-10:00am - Rally in Boise with Alan Blinken, Blinken endorses Biden for President
-11:00am - Town Hall in Meridian w/ Blinken
-12:00pm - Town Hall in Nampa w/ Blinken
-12:45pm - Town Hall in Caldwell w/ Blinken
-1:45pm - Flight to Salt Lake City
-3:00pm - Rally in Salt Lake City with Rep. Jim Matheson & Alan Blinken, Rep. Matheson endorses Biden for President
-4:15pm - Town Hall in West Valley City with Rep. Matheson, Alan Blinken
-5:30pm - Town Hall in West Jordanwith Rep. Matheson, Alan Blinken
-6:40pm - Town Hall in Sandy with Rep. Matheson, Alan Blinken
-8:00pm - Town Hall in North Salt Lake with Rep. Matheson, Alan Blinken
-9:00pm - Fundraiser in Salt Lake City with Rep. Matheson, Alan Blinken, Frmr. California Gov. Jerry Brown, and Washington Gov. Gary Locke. Performances by Bruce Springsteen.

February 12, 2004 Nevada
-6:00am - Satellite interview with D.C. Affiliates
-9:00am - Meet & Greet with volunteers in Las Vegas
-10:00am - Speech at Nellis Air Force Base
-11:00am - Town Hall in North Las Vegas
-12:15pm - Town Hall in Summerlin
-1:40pm - Town Hall in Summerlin South
-3:00pm - Town Hall in Spring Valley
-4:00pm - Town Hall in Paradise
-5:20pm – Rally in Green Valley North
-6:45pm - Town Hall in Henderson
-8:00pm - Town Hall in Boulder City
-10:30pm - Evening fundraiser in Las Vegas.

February 13, 2004 Nevada & Wisconsin
-9:00am - Speech on environmental conservation at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
-10:45am - Barnstorming and GOTV in Las Vegas
-11:00am-12:15am - Fly to Reno
-12:45pm - Town Hall in Reno
-2:00pm - Town Hall in Sparks
-3:15pm - Town Hall in Sun Valley
-4:20pm - Barnstorming and GOTV in Reno
-5:00pm - Barnstorming and GOTV in Sparks
-6:10pm - Barnstorming and GOTV in Carson City
-6:40pm - 11:00pm - Fly to Madison, WI
-11:15pm - Evening fundraiser with Governor Jim Doyle (D-WI), Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), and Senator Mark Dayton (D-MN) at Madison Club

Excerpt from Town Halls: You may not know much about my Senate record, and that's on me. I'm working hard to make sure the grassroots decision-makers in this primary, folks like you, that you know what I've done in the Senate and why it makes me the only qualified candidate for President. When the SALT treaty for arms control fell apart in the late 70s, I personally met with Russia's Foreign Minister and worked out a compromise so that our world would be safer. I stood up against President Reagan's attempts to violate the second SALT treaty. In 1994 President Clinton signed a sweeping crime bill into law that was drafted by my office. In that same year I wrote and passed the Violence Against Women Act, making sure America is a safe haven from gender-based hate crimes.

Last week, I introduced a bill to the Senate to raise the minimum wage, something desperately needing to be done here in Idaho/Utah/Nevada. It will grow our economy and bring millions out of poverty and closer to a standard of living. In a matter of days, my leadership inspired Senator Edwards and Congressman Kucinich to follow my lead in support of raising the wage. I am sorry to say, to this day, Senator Clinton refuses to support raising the minimum wage. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't tell you all the truth, and there it is.

The challenges we face in the next four years are not insurmountable. We can end the war in Iraq and fulfill the responsibilities expected of a global leader by holding fair and free elections and stabilizing their government. We can restore the international prestige of our name. It was once said that a citizen of the Roman empire could walk any place in the world, and a coin showing proof of that citizenship was enough to save his life. Such was the might of the Romans. I'm thinking why can't America be that great again? Vote for me, and we can.


Rally in Madison, WI


D.C. City Hall

February 14, 2004 Wisconsin & D.C.
-9:30am - Rally in Madison with Gov. Jim Doyle and Sen. Herb Kohl, Gov. Doyle and Sen. Kohl endorse Biden for President
-10:20am - 12:15pm - Fly to D.C.
-11:00am - Satellite interview with Morning news in Nevada
-11:45am - Pre-taped interview with drive-time radio in Nevada and D.C.
-12:30pm - Rally & Press Conference outside D.C. City Hall with entire Congressional surrogates, as well as Frmr. Mayor Barry, City Council candidate Gray, & Mayor Williams. Barry, Gray, and Williams endorse Biden for President

Excerpts from D.C. Rally: We ARE going to raise the minimum wage! The progress we have made in just under a week is overwhelming, and a testament to the kind of leadership I will bring to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! But to this day, Senator Hillary Clinton has ignored calls of the people to raise the wage! Meanwhile my other competitors in this primary have lined up behind my leadership. Ladies, and Gentlemen, the choice is clear: Vote Biden!

-2:15pm - Barnstorming and GOTV in Spring Valley w/ Barry, Gray, & Williams
-3:00pm - Barnstorming and GOTV in American University Park w/ Barry, Gray, & Williams
-3:30pm - Barnstorming and GOTV in Barnaby Woods w/ Barry, Gray, & Williams
-4:10pm - Barnstorming and GOTV in Forest Hills w/ Barry, Gray, & Williams
-4:45pm - Barnstorming and GOTV in Columbia Heights w/ Barry, Gray, & Williams
-5:30pm - Barnstorming and GOTV on east side of the Anacostia River (Douglass, Barry Farm, Capitol Heights, Mayfair) w/ Barry, Gray, & Williams
-7:00pm - Satellite interview with 5 & 6pm news in Nevada at D.C. Campaign H.Q.
-9:00pm - Acceptance/Concession Speech
-11:59pm - Red eye to Wisconsin

[badgate]

Statement from Biden Campaign

Senator Clinton's incredulity toward raising the minimum wage is a clear signal of how unprepared she is to lead our country as President. Unlike Senator Clinton, Senator Biden has ample experience moving legislation of all size and varying levels of controversy through the legislative process. One can only conclude that Senator Clinton's skeptical response is rooted in her inexperience and lack of legislative record.

As the campaign and Senate office have stated, the only way for this popular bill to fail is at the hands of the Republican majority. Unfortunately, Senator Clinton has allied herself with Republicans in Congress. Her refusal to join Senator Biden in supporting SB802 gives Republicans a premise upon which to argue that the bill lacks support even from Senator Biden's own party. Thus, by voicing doubt that the bill will pass, she has helped Republicans stop the bill. No Democrat should be nominated for President if they STOP a minimum wage bill from passing.

Senator Clinton's inability to envision SB802 passing is just another in a long list of reasons why Senator Biden is the only experienced and qualified candidate for President in the Democratic nomination race. Senator Clinton can talk all she wants, but if you're really listening, you'll hear her tacitly admit that she's unprepared to be President.

[badgate]

Statement from Biden Campaign

On February 12, Senator Clinton criticized Senator Biden for part of his town hall speech, but the criticism fell flat. This campaign feels obligated to voice our concern that Senator Clinton lacks the basic understanding of a metaphor.

[badgate]

I'm fine with it.

[badgate]

Statement from Biden Campaign

Today, Senator Clinton finally caved to public pressure when she flip-flopped and decided to suddenly support raising the minimum wage. Though it is clear that Senator Clinton is playing a political game with people's livelihoods, we do applaud her newfound support for raising the wage. What is dismaying, however, is that it took over 5 days for Senator Clinton to clearly say that she would support SB802 and raising the minimum wage. Hardworking Americans can't afford a President who waits for the ground to be softened for her.

Still, Senator Biden did not become the most experienced candidate in the Democratic field by holding Clinton-style grudges against political rivals. Senator Biden was thrilled to have Senator Clinton's support for SB802, and called her this morning to thank her.

[badgate]

The race between Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden continues to heat up as the Delaware Senator attacked Clinton over the minimum wage issue. The back and forth between the candidates likely contributed to Biden's strong finish in Nevada and in Washington, DC. Most pundits are calling this a Clinton and Biden race, with Edwards as a dark horse. The former North Carolina Senator is still a contender in the upcoming Super Tuesday contests, as is Dennis Kucinich, who finished second to Biden in DC, eclipsing Clinton. Kucinich can claims a great victory following his win in DC, where he organized heavily and had a terrific GOTV.

[badgate]

I think he got the order mixed up in that sentence. The results and the map shows I win.

Wishful thinking

[badgate]

Biden Speech, D.C. - 2/14/2004



It's okay to be disappointed! You did good work here in D.C.! And the hardworking volunteers out in Nevada as well, I met so many of them the last two days I was there.

I am pleased to report I just spoke with Congressman Kucinich, and congratulated him on his win here in the District. I also spoke with Senator Clinton, congratulating her win in Nevada.

We face challenging times. The war in Iraq cannot be wished away like some in this contest think. More overlapping bureaucracy isn't going to achieve world peace. You've heard me say this many times over the last few weeks, but hear me once again: The Presidency is a tough, tough job. I'm laying down my resume and stating plain. I can do it.

Again, great work here in D.C. I am glad to inform you, and my campaign will be releasing a statement soon, that our strong finishes here and in Nevada have made six new endorsements in upcoming states come through tonight! (applause) And we field tested, for the first time, a successful new GOTV strategy here tonight. My campaign will be moving resources into that ground game in Wisconsin beginning tomorrow. You might not see as much of me on your TV, but you'll sure hear from one of your neighbors, who cares about the community just like you, and wants you to vote for me.

We will be opening our campaign to the people of Wisconsin, not just talking to them but talking with them over the next few days. I am excited and inspired to see this through. God bless you all tonight! Thank you! (applause)

[badgate]

Statement from Biden Campaign
February 15, 12:01am

We are pleased to announce that today in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Senator Biden will be endorsed by Representatives Tammy Baldwin, and Ron Kind Wisconsin, Representatives Martin Olav Sabo and Betty McCollum of Minnesota, and Mayor Randy Kelly of St. Paul, Minnesota and Mayor R. T. Rybak of Minneapolis, Minnesota. All seven will appear with Senator Biden today on the campaign trail, giving their endorsement in person, as well as penning Opinion editorials and granting interviews to their local media and speaking in support of Senator Biden through those channels.

[badgate]

Do y'all think making a 'reference' thread for maintaining our list of endorsements might help? Apologies to NYE for the David Obey mix-up.

As for limiting endorsements, I'm okay there as well. How is 5 for the max per turn?

[badgate]

TV Ad: Raise The Wage

MALE FACTORY WORKER: An honest day's work.
WOMAN IN OFFICE: If it's 9 to 5.
30-YEAR OLD CASHIER: Or 2 to 10.
MALE FACTORY WORKER: It deserves an honest day's pay. That's why Joe Biden is going to raise the minimum wage. In the Senate, Joe Biden made our neighborhoods safer with the Biden Crime Law.
WOMAN IN OFFICE: He wrote the Violence Against Women Act, and made sure it was signed into law.
FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENT: He passed restrictions that stopped the spread of date rape drugs.
MALE FACTORY WORKER: So of all the candidates asking for our vote, we know we can count on Joe-
WOMAN IN OFFICE: - to raise the wage.
30-YEAR OLD CASHIER: -  to raise the wage.
MALE FACTORY WORKER: -  to raise the wage.

LOGO: [Biden for President] I'm Joe Biden, and I approve this message.

Radio Ad: Constituency of One

WOMAN: When we elected Hillary Clinton to the Senate here in New York, we had high hopes that she would be up to the job. But from day one, she has worked solely for her own promotion. Our tax dollars stopped coming back home. Small businesses and constituent services have fallen by the wayside in her Senate offices. So here in New York, we've been left asking ourselves: can we really trust her to be President of anybody but herself? We didn't vote for Hillary to help her become President; she asked for our trust to represent us in the Senate and then broke it. In this primary, it's become even more clear: Hillary Clinton serves a constituency of one. [somewhat ominous, sad music]

[badgate]

Biden Surrogates

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
-Feb. 15: Massachusetts - Barnstorming in Boston
-Feb. 16: Vermont - Barnstorming in Burlington & Montpelier
-Feb. 17: Rhode Island - Barnstorming in Newport

Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA)
-Feb. 15: Massachusetts - Barnstorming in Boston
-Feb. 16: Vermont - Barnstorming in Burlington & Montpelier
-Feb. 17: Rhode Island - Barnstorming in Newport

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)
-Feb. 15-17: Maryland - Barnstorming in Maryland

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
-Feb. 15-17: California - Barnstorming in California

Sen. Mark Dayton (D-MN)
-Feb. 15: Minnesota - Rally in St. Paul, rally in Minneapolis with Biden
-Feb. 16-17: Wisconsin - Barnstorming and GOTV in Wisconsin

Sen. Arlen Specter (R -PA)
-Feb. 15-17: Maryland - Barnstorming in Maryland

Former Gov. Jerry Brown (D-CA)
-Feb. 15-17: California - Barnstorming in California

Gov. Jim Doyle (D-WI)
-Feb. 15: Wisconsin - Campaigning w/ Biden.
-Feb. 16: Wisconsin - Barnstorming and GOTV in Milwaukee
-Feb. 17: Wisconsin - Barnstorming and GOTV in Oshkosh

Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY)
-Feb. 15-17: Ohio - Barnstorming in Ohio

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)
-Feb. 15-17: Ohio - Barnstorming in Ohio

Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
-Feb. 15: Idaho - Barnstorming in Idaho
-Feb. 16: Utah - Barnstorming in Utah
-Feb. 17: Idaho - Barnstorming in Idaho

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI)
-Feb. 15-17: Wisconsin - Campaigning with Biden campaign

[badgate]

Statement from Biden Campaign

The new TIME/CNN Poll shows that the Republican party can't be trusted cleaning up their mistakes. Yes, like all adults, they should have to learn from them. It is clear that the American people are moving in a new direction, and it is with Senator Biden's experienced hand on the wheel that we will get to that 21st Century America.

[badgate]

Statement from Biden Campaign
February 15, 2004, 9:00am

The Biden campaign is pleased to announce that it has hired Karen Johanson as Wisconsin Field Director to oversee the campaign's GOTV effort. Johanson has previously run Rep. Tammy Baldwin's campaign, and knows the 2nd congressional district of Wisconsin as well as the state of Wisconsin very well. Johanson has agreed to head up the campaign's GOTV effort in Idaho/Utah after the 17th, and California for Super Tuesday.

[badgate]

Can I doll out an Edwards Ad as a SuperPAC?

Yes, see what the other candidates think.

I would prefer a Biden ad.

[badgate]

^Makes sense to me

[badgate]

Biden Campaign



February 15, 2004 Wisconsin & Minnesota
-8:15am - Meet and Greet with neighborhood volunteer team leaders from Madison, Fitchburg, Sun Prarie, Burke, Middleton, Stoughton, Evansville, and Verona. With Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Kohl & Gov. Doyle
-9:00am - Rally at University of Wisconsin-Madison with Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Kohl, and Gov. Doyle. Sen. Kohl & Rep. Baldwin endorse Biden for President

Excerpts from UWM Speech
I am honored to be endorsed by Wisconsin's first congresswoman. (applause) And moreso, to have the support of the House's first openly gay member. (applause)

Wisconsin has a history of respect for each other. First in the nation, here, in 1982, this state passed what is known nationally as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. It protects our relatives, our friends and neighbors from workplace discrimination. While this just cause fell by the wayside under Clinton's leadership, I pledge today that it will not be forgotten under mine. (applause)

-10:10am - Town Hall in Fitchburg, with Rep. Baldwin, Sen. Kohl, & Gov. Doyle
-11:10am - Barnstorm in Middleton, with Rep. Baldwin, Sen. Kohl, & Gov. Doyle
-12:00pm - Barnstorm in Sun Prairie, with Rep. Baldwin, Sen. Kohl, & Gov. Doyle
-1:10pm - Barnstorm in Windsor/De Forest, with Rep. Baldwin, Sen. Kohl, & Gov. Doyle
-2:10pm - Town Hall in Burke, with Rep. Baldwin, Sen. Kohl, & Gov. Doyle
-2:45-4:00pm - Fly from Madison to Eau Claire
-4:15pm - Meet & Greet with neighborhood volunteer team leaders from Eau Claire, Menomonie, River Falls, Beloit, Onalaska, and La Crosse.
-4:30pm -  Rally in Eau Claire, with Rep. Ron Kind, Sen. Kohl, & Gov. Doyle. Rep. Kind endorses Biden for President
-5:15pm -  Barnstorm in Menomonie, with Rep. Kind, Sen. Kohl, & Gov. Doyle
-6:40pm - Town Hall in River Falls, with Rep. Kind, Sen. Kohl, & Gov Doyle
-7:45pm - Rally in St. Paul, with Sen. Mark Dayton, Rep. Betty McCollum and Mayor Randy Kelly. Rep. McCollum, Sen. Dayton, and Mayor Kelly endorse Biden for President
-8:45pm - Rally in Minneapolis, with Sen. Mark Dayton, Rep. Marton Olav Sabo and Mayor R. T. Rybak. Rep. Sabo, Sen. Dayton and Mayor Rybak endorse Biden for President

(local affiliates invited to every stop)




February 16, 2004 Wisconsin
-7:30am - Meet & Greet with campaign volunteers at Superior Municipal Forest
-8:15am - Meet & Greet at Anchor Bar & Grill in Superior with Sen. Kohl
-10:00-11:30am - Fly from Superior to Wausau
-11:45am - Rally in Wausau, with Sen. Kohl
-12:30pm - Town Hall in Weston, with Sen. Kohl
-1:15pm - Town Hall in Mosinee, with Sen. Kohl
-2:45pm - Town Hall in Marshfield, with Sen. Kohl
-4:00pm - Barnstorm and GOTV in Stevens Point, with Sen. Kohl
-5:00pm - Town Hall in Wisconsin Rapids, with Sen. Kohl
-6:50pm - Rally in Oshkosh with Sen. Kohl, Reps. Kind & Baldwin, and Gov. Doyle
-7:40pm - Rally and GOTV in Appleton with Sen. Kohl, Reps. Kind & Baldwin, and Gov. Doyle
-9:00pm - Rally in Green Bay with Sen Kohl, Reps. Kind & Baldwin, and Gov. Doyle (PLEASE NOTE: this is the only event where Biden dons the cheese hat.)

(local affiliates invited to every stop)

Excerpt from Rally, Barnstorm, & Town Halls
You may have heard by now, a little about my Senate record. I'm working hard to make sure the grassroots decision-makers in this primary, folks like you, that you know what I've done in the Senate and why it makes me the only qualified candidate for President. When the SALT treaty for arms control fell apart in the late 70s, I personally met with Russia's Foreign Minister and worked out a compromise so that our world would be safer. I stood up against President Reagan's attempts to violate the second SALT treaty. In 1994 President Clinton signed a sweeping crime bill into law that was drafted by my office. In that same year I wrote and passed the Violence Against Women Act, making sure America is a safe haven from gender-based hate crimes.

Last week, I introduced a bill to the Senate to raise the minimum wage, something desperately needing to be done here in Wisconsin. It will grow our economy and bring millions out of poverty and closer to a standard of living. In a matter of days, my leadership inspired Senator Edwards and Congressman Kucinich to follow my lead in support of raising the wage. I am sorry to say, however, it took Senator Clinton days to respond. For five days, she was ignoring the hardworking among us and only responded because we got to a point where she had to. Look, I believe the President should be a leader, first and foremost.

The challenges we face in the next four years are not insurmountable. We can end the war in Iraq and fulfill the responsibilities expected of a global leader by holding fair and free elections and stabilizing their government. We can restore the international prestige of our name. We can raise the minimum wage so that work pays fairly and ensure the work place is a level playing field. But "can" is for the runners up. Vote for me, and we will.

February 17, 2004 Wisconsin
-6:45am - Pre-tape interview with WakeUp Wisconsin (covering Washua; "North Central Wisconsin" area)
-7:20am - Live Satellite interview with WMTV Morning Show (Madison & surrounding areas)
-7:45am - Live in-studio interview with The Morning Blend (covering Milwaukee & surrounding areas)
-9:00am - Meet & Greet followed by pep talk for GOTV volunteers in Milwaukee
-9:45am - Barnstorm and GOTV in Milwaukee
-10:30am - Barnstorm and GOTV in Oak Creek
-11:20am - Barnstorm and GOTV in Greenfield/Greendale
-12:00pm - Barnstorm and GOTV in New Berlin
-12:50pm - Barnstorm and GOTV in Waukesha
-2:00pm - Barnstorm and GOTV in Brookfield
-2:45pm - Barnstorm and GOTV in Wauwatosa
-3:30pm - Barnstorm and GOTV in West Allis
-4:30-7:30pm - Barnstorm and GOTV in Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Glendale, Mequon, Menomonee Falls, & West Bend
-9:45pm - Victory/Concession speech in Milwaukee

-Rep. Baldwin - GOTV in WI-2
-Rep. Kind - GOTV in WI-3
-Gov. Doyle - GOTV in Milwaukee & surrounding towns
-Sen. Kohl - GOTV in Oshkosh, Appleton, Wausau, & Green Bay

(local affiliates invited to every stop)


ooc: On the score of endorsements, please remember Kohl and Dayton already announced one or more turns ago, but I wanted them to do it in person which is why they're listed as endorsing in bold up there on the schedule.

[badgate]

Excerpt from The Morning Blend (Milwaukee & Surrounding Region morning show)
February 17, 2004; 7:45am

QUESTION #1: So you've covered quite a bit of ground in the last few days. What was your favorite thing about Wisconsin while you were campaigning here?

BIDEN: Thank you. Yes, this is such a beautiful state, and so cold. (laughter) But that's fine, that's fine. I would have to say that my favorite story was at the meet and greet with student and neighborhood volunteers in Madison. We had just told them that I would be calling for a national vote on the Employer Non-Discrimination Act at the rally. After the meet and greet dispersed, a young man came up to me. He told me he was gay, and that until this January when he transferred to college in Madison, he'd lived in Arkansas. He told me how it felt to be a young gay man in a state represented by people openly calling for his discrimination. He thanked me for my leadership and said...what'd he say? Right, he said, "I can only hope everyone like me will soon have a leader that doesn't encourage the bullies." And that hit home with me. It's stuck with me wherever I've gone in this state.

QUESTION #2: Wow. So, you've introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage, but the Republican candidates have voiced concern that you aren't taking into account the effect on small and new businesses. What do you say to that?

BIDEN: I'm glad you've asked me to address that. The Democratic party, of course, we have nothing but respect and enthusiasm for small business. The bill does take this into account. Over the first year, the minimum wage will rise 40% of the way, and the second 40% in the second year. Businesses will then have a six-month window to raise that final 20%, and then the minimum wage will be at $7.25. Now, as these wages are rising, business is gonna see happier, more engaged and committed employees. And that will result in greater profits for the business. I'm proud to say the bill has the support of the entire Democratic field. Though, the last time I was here in Wisconsin, that wasn't true. Senator Clinton was half-way through her five full days of refusing to support the minimum wage.

QUESTION #2.1: So you think the Republicans' concerns are unfounded?

BIDEN: Absolutely not. Listen, Democrats and Republicans, we both want to raise the wage in a responsible way that respects business. I've worked in the Senate a long time, with men and women from all parts of the political spectrum. I'll definitely admit, my Republican colleagues, they have a tendency to cry crocodile tears for the policies they want to get out of supporting, even when they know it's the right thing to do. Is that what Senator Allen is doing here? That's for the voters to decide.

QUESTION #3: One last question, why have you spent so much time in the last few weeks focusing on domestic issues, and not as much talk about Iraq?

BIDEN: Ms. Fay, the Iraq war was a mistake. Pure and simple. Thing is, I've been trying to make an argument. If we're going to be doing nation building, it should be here at home. I intend to commit much of my time as President resolving the Bush administration's failures in Iraq. But the damage they did, it is going to take more time than most people realize. I'm running for President because I have the skill set to see it through as quickly and best as possible.

[badgate]

Pretty sure the turn doesn't end until midnight tonight.

[badgate]

Pretty sure the turn doesn't end until midnight tonight.

That would be the most logical reasoning. But, because there is only "11:59 M EST" in NHI's post, the round could have ended a minute before noon today. But the midnight is the most likely.

Good point. I was going to post a "GOTV strategy" so NHI could you clarify if the turn is over already or if it ends tonight?

[badgate]

Biden GOTV Strategy

Since Feb. 9, the Biden campaign had neighborhood volunteer teams in Milwaukee, Oak Creek, Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, Madison, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Eau Claire, Menomonie, River Falls, Middleton, Beloit, Onalaska, La Crosse, Superior, Ashland, Merrill, Wausau, Marshfield, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Appleton.

Each neighborhood team organized phone banks and block walks with an average of 9 volunteers attending and completing each event. Phone banks were held between 6p and 9p on week nights, and block walks were held from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Phone banks averaged 875 calls per phone bank, with an average of 14% conversation rate. Block Walks averaged 789 doors knocked, with a 21% conversation rate overall. Phone banks were held to both persuade voters, inform voters of early voting times and provide them with their early voting location, and on Feb. 15-17 encouraging voters to vote on the day of the primary. Block Walks included persuasion conversations, volunteer recruitment, and GOTV efforts mirroring those of the phone banks.

On February 17, volunteers held phone banks across the state calling registered voters who had voted in previous Democratic primaries, but who had not been reached yet in the campaign. They reported a 19% conversation rate for the overall day. Shifts were 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, and 4pm-7pm.

The GOTV targeted those on the voter rolls who had previously voted in a Democratic primary. The effort had volunteers emphasize that they were neighbors with the voters they reached, and share a personal story that explained why they supported Senator Biden. The persuasion tool also had volunteers give a contrast between something Senator Biden had done and a contrasting anecdote about one of his opponents. The main issues pushed were the minimum wage (state-wide), ENDA (urban areas), and highlighting Senator Biden's endorsement from the National Education Association (state-wide).

The Biden campaign has also built up neighborhood volunteer teams in major cities of Utah, Idaho, and Hawai'i, as well as putting field organizers to manage neighborhood volunteer teams in the top tier targets for Super Tuesday: California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island, & Vermont. There are currently five field organizers in California, two in Ohio, one in Maryland, one in Vermont and western Massachusetts, and one in eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

[badgate]

Governor Spiral are you ok?

[badgate]

Out of curiosity, why does Utah have such a low delegate count?