See Dick Win

Gephardt To Pick Up Teamsters Endorsement

Word has gotten out that the Teamsters plan to endorse Dick Gephardt in the very near future. While the actual endorsement isn't for another week, the AP has broken the story today.

"For Gephardt, who has staked his campaign on the support of organized labor, the endorsement was widely expected - but just not so early.

"Teamsters officials haven't been shy about their affection for Gephardt, whose father, a milk truck driver, was a member - a point the candidate constantly highlights.

"He's certainly the best candidate for working families and has stood strong with the Teamsters throughout his entire career," [Teamsters spokesman Bret] Caldwell said."

This should put to doubt any nagging concerns Gephardt nay-sayers have about his viability or his support. The Teamsters represent 1.4 million working Americans - that's not small change. It's clear that working families have chosen who stands up for them the best. It's not the multimillionaire John Edwards, it's not the limousine liberal John Kerry, it's not the leader of the techno-intellectuals Howard Dean, and it's certainly the limitless free trader Joe Lieberman - it's Dick Gephardt, always has been, always will be.

Maritime Unions Support Gephardt

Dick Gephardt picked up his 8th and 9th major union endorsements today from two maritime unions.
The Seafarers International Union of North America, with over 80,000 members and the American Maritime Officers with 4,000 members announced their enthusiastic support for Gephardt in a conference call today.

When asked if he every considered any other candidates in his decision to endorse, the Seafarers president said, "To me there was always only one candidate in this race, and that's Dick Gephardt." The two presidents both offered strong support for Gephardt's candidacy and were encouraged by his tireless support of working families and union members.

At one point the president of the American Maritime Officers lemented the fact that he doesn't live in Gephardt's Missouri district and couldn't claim to have voted for him in the past. Gephardt responded, "You'll be in my district soon. It will be the whole country."

Endorsements Pour In

Dick Gephardt's record and his plan for health care for every American has convinced officials in both Iowa and New Hampshire that he is best candidate for the Democratic nomination. Just yesterday Iowa state senator Bob Dvorsky, the ranking member of the state's appropriations committee that often deals with health care issues, announced that he has endorsed Gephardt's campaign for president.

Dvorsky was encouraged by Gephardt's health care plan and his ideas for getting the economy going again. "As the Democratic Leader, Dick Gephardt has always fought for what was right, even when it wasn't politically popular. He led the fight to balance the budget in the early 1990's, which led to the strongest economy our country has ever seen. As president, Dick Gephardt is going to bring affordable, dependable health care to all Americans and we are so electrified to be working to get him elected. Dick Gephardt has always fought for families like ours and so many in Iowa and he is going to continue that fight from the Oval Office."

In New Hampshire, Gephardt's support from state lawmakers continued to grow. Gephardt leads the field in the number of New Hampshire representatives who have endorsed his campaign. Just last week he picked up two more endorsements from state representatives bringing his total to 28. State representative Irene Pratt spoke about Gephardt's goals for America and his solutions for its problems.

"Gephardt is not only aware of what the average American faces in regard to employment opportunities, health care costs and education but he has solutions to create jobs, lower the cost of health care by covering more people and recruit teachers. He has proven his ability to perform on national affairs and has an established record of success."

Gephardts Join PFLAG

In a press release today, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), announced that Dick and Jane Gephardt had joined the organization. Their daughter, Chrissy, is lesbian and has been with her partner Amy for over two years.

The president of PFLAG announced the Gephardts new membership with enthusiasm. "It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dick and Jane Gephardt into the PFLAG family. Dick and Jane have demonstrated to the world their love and support for their daughter, Chrissy. Their family values are clearly aligned with PFLAG's mission."

Gephardt has long been a strong supporter of gay rights and his determination to help the fight for equality has never fallen short.

"It's clear that the Gephardts understand the importance of fairness and inclusion for all," said PFLAG executive director David Tseng. "We look forward to working with them to build a just society where everyone can live in harmony with his or her own self and others."

GepMail

Ben and Nick over at Grassroots have just unveiled a brand new email system for Gephardt supporters. It's called Gep-Mail and anyone who supports Dick Gephardt can sign up and get an email account. It's a slick system and will get Gephardt's name out there. Here's a screen shot:


Head over and check it out!

IATSE Endorses Gephardt

Dick Gephardt is set to pick up yet another major union endorsement today. At a meeting in New York City the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees will endorse the congressman for the Democratic nomination. IATSE represents 100,000 members across North America.

IATSE President Thomas Short spoke about Gephardt's long history of defending American workers and fighting for fair labor practices. "[Gephardt] has demonstrated through words and most importantly his actions, that he supports working families. He has fought to protect the rights of unions to organize, bargain and represent their members."

Gephardt now has the endorsement of seven major unions - seven more than any of his rivals.

Campaigning in New Hampshire

I just got back from New Hampshire early this morning. We left at 11:00pm from Portsmouth, NH and got into Washington about 7:30am. The traffic in and around New York would have made it a solid twelve-hour drive had we waited until later in the day.

On Saturday and Sunday we canvassed various neighborhoods across the state. I was teamed up with Mike Mattoon, the New Hampshire Deputy Field Director on Saturday and we made the door-to-door trek through an area just west of Manchester. On Sunday I was on my own as I made my way through the streets of Keene, New Hampshire. Keene is on the southwestern edge of the state, just minutes from Vermont. Keene has the reputation of being a traditionally liberal area and it was clear that both the Dean and Kerry campaigns knew this and were actively courting this constituency. Repeatedly I came across the flyers of their campaigns. It's clear that Keene will be a battleground area for the candidates.

The basic goal of the door-to-door operation was to get Gephardt's message of health care out to the voters. We made sure that health care was mentioned at least once at every house. It's the centerpiece of his campaign and it will be important to create an association between Gephardt and health care in the minds of voters.

Most people still see the primary as a long way off though. There were very few voters who had made up their minds on who they would support. It really goes to show how little early polls mean in the grand scheme of things. One shirtless man came to the door, heard me say I was from Dick Gephardt's campaign and told me, "I ain't ready to deal with the presidents yet!" Statements like that really show how meaningless all the chatter among political junkies is at this point. The voters haven't even begun to pay attention and yet the newspapers and blogs can't help but proclaim Gephardt's campaign over because of a somewhat disappointing fundraising quarter! That's not what voters care about. Health care is; the economy is.

Even if voters hadn't given thought to which candidate they might support, a consistent theme was that Bush needed to go. At this point that's probably the best we can expect, but hopefully they will see that Gephardt has the best shot at sending Bush back to his Texas ranch.

The New Hampshire Gephardt staff is a great bunch. They work hard but they play hard too. On Saturday night we played the Dean staff in a friendly game of softball. While the Deanies prevailed by an unfortunate 27-13, we let it be known that that would be the last time Dean beats Gephardt at anything. They can have the softball game, we'll take the nomination. :)

As always, baseball provided the perfect opportunity for political analogies. As one Deanie tried to sneak a leadoff at second base, a Gephardt staffer was quick to yell, "Don't you know Dean doesn't get to lead? Not in New Hampshire, not in Iowa, not in softball!" at which point the offending Deanie returned to the base. Serves him right. :)

The Gephardt team was full of quality chants though out the game though. Here are just a few:

"I say 'Gep,' you say 'hardt!' Gep... hardt! Gep... hardt!"

"I say 'Labor,' you say 'Friendly!' Labor... Friendly! Labor... Friendly!"

"I say 'NRA,' you say 'No Way!' NRA... No Way! NRA... No Way!"

And of course there was this lyrical piece put together by some creative DC interns:

"Go back, go back, go back into the woods,
Cause you haven't got the issues and you haven't got the goods,
And you haven't got the charisma and you haven't got the jazz,
And you haven't got the candidate that the Gephardt people have!"

All in all the game was a lot of fun, even if we didn't prevail. At the end of the game we presented the Deanies with a goodwill offering of ho-ho's. It was a great weekend, full of hard work, loads of fun, and Gephardt's winning message. What could be better? :)

Off To New Hampshire!

I'm headed up to New Hampshire tomorrow to campaign for Gephardt this weekend. There will be five cars of campaign interns making the 8 hour drive up to Manchester. It should be a great time! From what I've been told we'll be going door to door to get Dick Gephardt's message of quality health care for all Americans out to the voters.

I'll be back Monday night, hopefully with some great stories to tell!

Baseball Fan First, Politican Second

This wonderful article was in the Nashua Telegraph on Monday but I somehow missed it until now. It's a great feel-good article about Dick Gephardt's time at the Nashua Pride's Sunday night game.

"I have two predictions tonight - one, I'm going to win the Democratic nomination, and I'm going to beat George Bush in November," he said to applause, returning to the evening's theme by adding, "and the Red Sox and the (St. Louis) Cardinals are going to be in the 2003 World Series. May the best team win."

Make that the Red Sox and the Cubs and I'll wholeheartedly agree. :)

Gephardt's Superior Health Care Plan

The National Journal has proclaimed Dick Gephardt's health care plan the best plan among all the presidential candidates in a variety of areas. The comparison, carried out by a panel of health care experts found Gephardt's plan to provide for 60% of the costs for employers to give their workers health coverage to be superior to the plans proposed by the competition.

The judges rated Gephardt's plan ahead of Kerry's, Dean's, and Bush's (they must be liberal with the use of the word "plan" here). Gephardt's plan was rated the best for covering the uninsured, making sure employees aren't dropped from their existing plans, and for limiting the out-of-pocket costs for the employee. In contrast to his opponents' plans, Gephardt's encourages employers to offer health insurance. Some of his opponent's plans would give a disincentive for employers to provide for their workers.

"If you go with the Bush plan, or even the Dean-Kerry-Edwards approach, where they're ramping up existing programs, you worry about the temptation that employers will have to back out of the commitments they've made," wrote the Journal.

In response to the praise, Gephardt again outlined why his plan is superior. "My proposal is the only truly universal, truly comprehensive health care plan in this campaign. My plan not only ensures access to quality health care for every uninsured American, but it is also the only plan that provides an incentive for employers to continue covering employees. Other plans even offer a disincentive to employers by encouraging them to move people into public programs instead of maintaining coverage."

Open Thread

Gephardt's blistering Iraq speech, Uday and Qusay vacationing on the banks of the Styx, more White House people falling on swords, or anything else on your mind. Have at it.

The Message Get's Through

If you're having a hard time keeping up with all the favorable press about Dick Gephardt's hard hitting Iraq speech today, I've got you covered. It seems every news source had something good to say about Gephardt today. Just to name a few:

Washington Post
CNN
San Jose Mercury News (twice!)
Reuters
USA Today
Des Moines Register (go Iowa!)
Fox News (I know, I'm shocked too)
MSNBC
San Francisco Chronicle
Newsday
Boston Globe (go New Hampshire!)
New York Times

After coverage like that (and that's just with a quick Google search), no matter how unfortunate the timing of the speech turned out to be, in conjunction with the killing of Saddam Hussein's two sons, it's clear that Gephardt's strong message on foreign policy was heard. Enough of the machismo from the White House!

'Foreign Policy Isn't A John Wayne Movie'

Dick Gephardt gave his much anticipated foreign policy speech today and he came out swinging. He said President Bush's foreign policy has been one of neglect, in which allies have been treated like "flies on the American windshield."

He warned policymakers that, "if American foreign policy is not a clear reflection of American values - if we don't honor and embrace the principles of democracy and self-determination as we battle tyranny and dictatorship - then we're just turning America into a global vigilante, cracking heads but unwilling to address the real causes of terror, of instability, of autocracy in the world." That's not what America is, and shouldn't be what America stands for.

Gephardt continued on his vision for what America should stand for and what it's foreign policy goals and obligations are to the American people and the world at large. "More than ever, America must be the guardian of liberty and security for the world. Our strength must be unquestioned, our resolve unwavering. More than ever, the American president has a profound obligation to our people - to all people - to make our homes and our homeland safe and secure."

Gephardt attacked the cowboy mentality of the Bush administration saying, "foreign policy isn't a John Wayne movie, where we catch the bad guys, hoist a few cold ones and then everything fades to black." He also assailed Bush's "momentary machismo" when it comes to the matters of state.

While Gephardt supported the resolution authorizing military action against Iraq, he was also the leading voice of multilateralism in the Democratic party. He repeatedly urged Bush to take the matter to the U.N. and work with other nations to find a strong and steadfast way to disarm Saddam Hussein. But Bush ignored his advice and today American troops are unable to complete the reconstruction of Iraq because they are without substantive allies.

"Of course we didn't need allies to win the war against Iraq. We need allies to sustain that victory," said Gephardt. "Without them, should we be surprised that it's mainly American soldiers who are suffering daily assaults and ambushes in the sands of Iraq? Should we be astonished that, rather than quickly establishing a model democracy in the Middle East, the Bush administration is struggling just to prevent chaos and bloodshed?"

Gephardt went on to criticize the radical shift in how our relations with other nations have damaged our long-term credibility. "For two decades, under Presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton, our approach was, 'multilateral if we can, unilateral if we must.' In this administration, it's 'unilateral all the time, multilateral if the rest of the world wants to tag along.' It's as if the Bush-Cheney crowd never met an ally they didn't want to turn into an adversary."

He continued, "we've got 147,000 Americans there now; we're spending $4 billion a month in Iraq; it's not mere machismo to resist asking allies for help - it's absolute insanity."

Gephardt went on to attack the realpolitik relations with the Saudi royal family. "This administration needs to stop behaving like the United States of Saudi Arabia and it needs to start mobilizing international pressure to get Saudi Arabia to stop funding, training and breeding global terror in the first place."

Then he got to the issue that America has been talking about all week: the misinformation and deceptive tactics of the Bush administration's use of intelligence. Gephardt made clear that the issue at hand is not a matter of semantics. "We're talking about a president's justification, in a constitutionally-mandated message to Congress for sending flesh-and-blood Americans to war. Nor does it matter, in the administration's constant refrain, that it was just '16 words.' Let's be clear - the Republicans leveled articles of impeachment for a far smaller number." Gephardt called for responsibility to return to the White House and for the president to level with the people. He urged Bush to remember President Truman's slogan, "The Buck Stops Here," a mantra that has escaped those in the Bush administration.

Gephardt repeated his call for a full investigation into the "misinformation campaign," asking, "how can we claim to be defending democracy abroad, even as our administration denies a full and straightforward public debate about the war in Iraq?" If the administration is as squeaky clean as it claims, why not demonstrate it?

Gephardt gave a great speech in the city of the U.N.'s creation. When will the Bush administration hear the message?

Number One

ABC's The Note says Dick Gephardt's foreign policy speech today to the Bar Association of San Francisco is the number one political event of the day. I'm not sure if it's broadcast anywhere, but make sure to read about it. He's scheduled to speak at 3:30pm local time. Stay tuned.

*UPDATE*:
Gephardt gets some good pre-speech press from the two most important newspapers in the country, the Des Moines Register and the Manchester Union Leader.

Get the popcorn ready, it's going to be a good one.

In His Own Words

Yesterday Dick Gephardt sat down with USA TODAY for a frank talk about the issues that matter in America. The interview is in his own words. Here are the portions on Iraq and the president's State of the Union misrepresentation of the facts:

"As a supporter of the war in Iraq, I think that it is now increasingly clear that we can win the war alone, but we cannot win the peace alone. And my view ... is that the president has not done what should have been done.

"I would have made a larger and longer effort to get the U.N. with us. It's not that we need them going in. We are going to need them coming out. We need help. We need troops. We need money. And, importantly, we need the Iraqi people. ... There's no indication that we have any game plan here to ask anybody for help."

...

"The president should assume responsibility for what was in the State of the Union speech. This is not some garden-variety speech. This is a speech to the country on the matter of the country deciding to go to war.

"If we are not putting out credible information that can be believed and relied on by people, it really makes our actions to be called into question. I continue to call for an independent, full, complete inquiry into what the intelligence was, how it was handled, who said what, who did what."

New Hampshire Gets The Pitch

The Manchester Union Leader has a good article about Dick Gephardt's weekend trip to New Hampshire. He made a series of campaign stops on Sunday including one in Derry, New Hampshire where he again spoke of his belief that America just plain does better with Democrats in the White House.

"When Democrats hold office, we do better; the pie grows for everybody." Gephardt is a strong believer in making America better for everyone, not just the wealthy. It is a constant theme in his stump speech and something he never tires of saying. Apparently voters are getting the message.

"I do think he is a good candidate," said one voter. "He is one of the few Washington gentlemen left with dignity and quality values." That he is.

Also, note in the article the great picture of Gephardt in uniform throwing out the first pitch at the Nashua Pride's showdown with the Pennsylvania Road Warriors. Such good form.

Iowans Pick Gephardt

Who says Dick Gephardt is doing poorly in Iowa? According to the latest poll numbers he's trouncing his competition:

Dick Gephardt - 32%
Howard Dean - 19%
John Kerry - 12%
Joe Lieberman - 10%
John Edwards - 7%

Iowa is Gephardt territory. Always has been, always will be.

(Thanks to Trapper John for spotting this poll!)

A Moral Issue

Dick Gephardt continued his swing through New Hampshire as he campaigned in Manchester all day Sunday. Speaking to supporters in Manchester Gephardt framed the need for health care as a moral issue and not just an economic one. "It is immoral to have people without health insurance," said Gephardt, who's health care plan would provide the means for businesses to cover their employees with quality health care.

Gephardt tends to see the world as one people moving into the future together, not on different paths as Republicans would prefer. "It's not real. It's not moral. We go forward together."

He also spoke about his concern for the tendency towards limiting dissent in America. He worries that when those who don't agree are labeled "unpatriotic," America is going in the wrong direction. He says such labeling is, "the most dangerous thing that could go on in this country."

"This cuts at the heart of the meaning of the country," he said. "If we give up all our freedoms to protect our freedoms, there's nothing to protect."

Faced with an administration that sees its every action as the purest form of patriotism, Gephardt's support of those who disagree with the leadership is refreshing. When I met with him last week he mentioned how angry it makes him when those who don't follow the Bush administration with lock step are told they are "against America." Dissent is not un-American. It is the basis for American values. Dick Gephardt recognizes that, and will work for civil liberties freedoms every day as president.

A New Apollo Project

Today marks the 34th anniversary of Apollo 11's successful landing on the moon. When President John F. Kennedy took office he challenged the country to put a man on the moon within ten years.

"I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth," said Kennedy.

Everyone thought his challenge was unattainable. Yet just eight years later his dream came true as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted the American flag in the soil of the moon. Kennedy's challenge was fulfilled and America knew it was capable of anything.

Dick Gephardt also believes in the ingenuity of the American people. That is why he has proposed a new Apollo project that will free America from its dependency on foreign oil within ten years. It will promote cleaner, cheaper, renewable sources of energy that will save our environment. Freeing ourselves of Middle Eastern oil will also allow American foreign policy a freer hand in dealing with nations that promote and encourage terrorism.

Gephardt's plan will accomplish several important goals that the Bush administration refuses to consider due to its own dependency on the oil industry special interests. President Kennedy set the right goal and a Gephardt administration will set another. America has show its ability to fulfill its grand ambitions. It's time for a new challenge.

Tax Cut Won't Solve It

In an interview from the campaign trail in New Hampshire, Dick Gephardt pointed out the flawed logic of President Bush's tax cut saying a refund check won't help workers, "if you're worried about losing your job or your health care."

Gephardt pointed to Bush's lack of a plan for getting the economy moving again other than substantial tax cuts for his fellow millionaires. A tiny check won't help a person who has no job.

"You can't spin your way out of job losses. He has no plan except the same plan over and over again - tax cuts mainly for the wealthy. It didn't work before and it's not working now."

Bush 'Not Up To The Job'

Dick Gephardt took his message to the people of New Hampshire yesterday and was met with strong support. Speaking to Democratic voters at a house party in Durham, New Hampshire, Gephardt assailed President Bush on his handling of the economy.

''Democrats get economics -- and we proved it during the Clinton years. In 24 months, this president has darn-near wrecked the economy.''

He attacked Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy and pointed out that similar tax cuts for the rich didn't work in the 1980's either. Gephardt also went so far as to say that he would rather have President Reagan or President Nixon in the White House than have to deal with the current administration.

''I agree that George Bush is the worst president I have ever served with. I have served with five. I'm nostalgic for Reagan these days . . . I might even be nostalgic for Nixon."

Gephardt then went on to criticize the president on his below par ability to do the job that Americans expect from their president.

''This is a dangerous, difficult world we live in, and this president, ... he is not up to the job. He doesn't have the knowledge and the information that he ought to have, and he's not listening to the right people who do have the knowledge and information, and he's not curious to find the answers that we need to keep you safe."

Determined Volunteers

We all know Dick Gephardt is determined in his goals for America, but now we know his volunteers are just as steadfast:

"Volunteers for Dick Gephardt's presidential campaign already have war stories to tell about campaigning in Iowa - and it hasn't even snowed yet. Vols Joe Breedlove and Britton Job were en route to Davenport when a fuel tanker truck struck their car and totaled it outside Osage Beach. Breedlove was thrown from the eastbound auto into the westbound lanes, but both Dems escaped serious injury. A fellow campaigner drove the duo to Jeff City for a medical checkup and then sent them on to Davenport just in time to knock on doors for Gephardt."

Strong And Steady

The Washington Post has a long feature article today on the accomplishments and goals of Dick Gephardt.

"...Gephardt carries a remarkably clear and consistent message to voters. He's the pragmatic Midwesterner, the can-do family man who not only intellectually understands the pain of "ordinary" working-class people but feels it in a very personal way," writes Post reporter Jim VandeHei, referring to Gephardt's personal struggle with his son's cancer.

The article goes on to address Gephardt's big goal of ensuring health coverage for all Americans.

"By blending tax credits and universal coverage, Gephardt also is trying to accomplish a much bigger goal: showing voters a new and electrifying Dick Gephardt. That's no easy task for a Democrat often compared to the flavor of the Blue Bunny ice cream he ordered in Le Mars, Iowa, the other day: vanilla."

Vanilla might not be the most exciting flavor of ice cream, but when was the last time you got sick of it? It's always good. When you order vanilla, you know you'll always get a tasty treat, just like when you vote for Gephardt you can rest assured knowing the country will always be in good hands.

"What he lacks in style, however, he often makes up for with substance. Most voters seem to genuinely like him and walk away surprised by his ability to connect. To many, his Washington experience is attractive because serious, complex issues such as the U.S. role in the world are front and center in the campaign. "He knows the Washington system, knows how to work through it," said Doug Welander, 53, of Emmetsburg, Iowa."

At a time when national security is a pressing issue, Gephardt's vast experience on the national stage will surely resonate with voters. And, with a health care plan that will provide for all Americans, not just the rich, Gephardt has the agenda to improve the lives of everyone.

Voters Want Bush Out

For the first time since before the attacks of September 11, more Americans now say that someone other than George W. Bush should be president. From Zogby:

"Voters rate only President Bush's performance in the war on terrorism positively, 59% - 40%. Opinion is split on foreign policy, 49% positive compared to 50% negative. His performance on health care is rated 36% positive, 61% negative; the environment, 31% positive, 65% negative; taxes, 45% positive, 54% negative; and jobs and the economy, 33% positive, 66% negative."

With terrorism as his only favorable issue, Bush is in serious trouble - especially considering that his support for funding Homeland Security is non-existent. Without being tough on terrorism, Bush has nothing. It also appears that health care is an issue that a solid majority of Americans feel could use improvement. Dick Gephardt has the plan to do just that.

Grassroots Blogging

Make sure to check out Gephardt Grassroots and give them a warm welcome! Also check out their Why Gephardt? page for everything you'll need to know about how Dick Gephardt is planning to get America back on the right track.

Lieberman Swings And Misses

In a speech to workers in Salem, New Hampshire, Senator Joe Lieberman took a desperate swipe at Dick Gephardt's impeccable record on labor issues. "Rather than thinking we can build walls around our economy, as some Democrats would have us do, I want to open up markets around the world for American-made goods," said Lieberman. Knowing that his poll numbers are sinking faster than the Titanic (down to 13% from 22% in January) such an attack was to be expected.

In response to Lieberman's unfounded accusations, Dick Gephardt had this to say:

"Senator Joe Lieberman didn't mention trade in South Carolina yesterday, but today he attacked my record on tough trade policies in New Hampshire. He says my views will 'build walls around' our country. In truth, there is one major difference between my record and Joe Lieberman's record: I know a good trade deal from a bad one.

"South Carolina has been devastated by unfair trade deals losing more jobs in the last year than any other state. South Carolinians recognize that the lopsided deals supported by Senator Lieberman have done little to help South Carolina grow its economy. Senator Hollings and South Carolina Democrats have always fought for fair trade deals, and that's what I'll do in South Carolina, New Hampshire, Iowa or any other state in this nation."

Joe, why didn't you give that speech in South Carolina where jobs are being lost due to harmful trade deals?

Fired Up

Trapper John mentions in the comments of this post that anyone who thinks Dick Gephardt lacks the fire to win obviously didn't see his speech at the Machinists endorsement. I agree.

Photo Roundup



Dick Gephardt outlines his health care plan and calls for honesty from the White House at Tom Harkin's Hear It From the Heartland forum.



Gephardt listens to the concerns of Cedar Rapids voters and explains how his vision for America will allow everyone to get a bigger piece of the pie.



On his way to being endorsed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Gephardt is greeted by supporters.



Gephardt takes the time to sign a few pictures for one of his supporters.



Speaking to the Machinists, Gephardt lays out his vision of how his presidency will make America better for working Americans.



Gephardt speaks with one of his supporters after the Hear It From the Heartland forum in Dubuque, Iowa.

Gephardt Pushes Diversity On Federal Bench

Once again Dick Gephardt and other leading Democrats are urging President Bush to diversify the federal courts. Faced with Republican nominees that have often not shied away from proclaiming their narrow-minded views, Gephardt has again asked that Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronnie L. White be considered for the vacancy on the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

White had previously been denied a federal appointment largely due to the opposition of then-Senator John Ashcroft who now leads a Justice Department that has gone out of its ways to limit civil liberties. Ashcroft had distorted White's record and proclaimed him as "pro-criminal" in 1999, though White's record shows no such flaws.

In his letter to Bush, Gephardt, along with Rep. William Lacy Clay and Rep. John Conyers Jr., wrote, "We strongly support the continued effort to develop a federal judiciary that is as diverse and representative as the citizens of this great country."

A Great American

I met Dick Gephardt today and posted my thoughts about it here. As the title says, he's a truly great American and it was an honor to sit down with him and discuss his views on the problems the country faces and his vision for what it will take to bring prosperity back to America.

Gephardt One-Liners

Heard at the Hear It From the Heartland Forum on Sunday:

"We had a president from Missouri named Harry Truman, and he had a sign on his desk that said, 'The buck stops here.' I think the president has to get that sign back on the desk."

"I think this president, when he was in grade school--you know that place on the report card where it says 'plays well with others'? I don't think he got a good grade. I did."

Kathryn Jean Lopez says Gephardt is taking "the high road to the White House," with his genuine and forceful calls for honest leadership from the White House.

Kerry Rejects Rights of Gay Americans

In a recent statement, Senator Kerry defined his discriminatory position on the right of gay Americans to marry. Kerry, who is in a marriage that has produced no children, was quoted as saying, "marriage is an institution between men and women for the purpose of having children and procreating."

Andrew Sullivan criticized this position by arguing that "Kerry is asserting - frankly, crudely, unmistakably - heterosexual supremacy." To any Democratic voter with a belief in equal rights for all, such a statement by the Democratic hopeful should be troubling.

On the contrary, Dick Gephardt supports the rights of gay Americans. "I believe we must allow civil unions to guarantee full and equal protection of the law. It's basic decency — giving people protections that everybody should have."

Bush's "Irresponsible" Actions

As Dick Gephardt continued his five day trip through Iowa, he took pause from his message of health care and jobs to call out the president on his handling of intelligence that dubiously suggested Iraq was trying to buy uranium from the African nation of Niger. As more information has come out about the pre-war decision-making, President Bush has sought to pin the blame on the Director of the CIA, George Tenet.

"To see him try to fend this off to the CIA is irresponsible," Gephardt charged. "He gave the speech." Gephardt has called for a bipartisan Congressional investigation to find the facts that have become lost amid the administration's rhetoric and bring honest leadership back for the American people.

Hear It From The Heartland Forum

Tune in to C-Span this sunday at 2pm to see Dick Gephardt take his winning message to the people of Iowa in Senator Harkin's "Hear it from the Heartland" Forum. Just in case you miss it the first time, or just can't get enough, the forum will be rebroadcast at 6pm and at 9pm.

Machinists Endorse Gephardt

After giving an inspired address to the national conference of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Congressman Gephardt earned the endorsement of the association's members.

IAM President Tom Buffenbarger spoke of his belief in Gephardt's goals saying, "Dick Gephardt has earned our support. His commitment to working families and union members has never been in doubt. In fight after fight, he’s been at our side. It’s time for us to stand together once again.”

With more than 700,000 members nationwide, the Machinist's endorsement of Gephardt will provide a critical boost to his stance as the candidate that truly strives to protect American workers. Buffenbarger said that the Bush administration has only hurt the plight of workers with faulty economic policy.

"The tax cuts and dividend schemes of the current administration do absolutely nothing for the 90,000 IAM members laid off in the past two years. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer."

UPDATE:
Gephardt's statement on being endorsed by the Machinists:

"I am so proud and honored to be receiving the endorsement from the Machinists today. With the help of the Machinists and others in the labor movement, we will take my fight to provide every American with quality health insurance door-to-door across this country. Together, we're going to build a grassroots campaign to lift this lagging economy and create a new American prosperity."

Gephardt Launches IA, NH Websites

Today Dick Gephardt became the first candidate to have websites devoted solely to the states of Iowa and New Hampshire. Gephardt sees the internet as a great tool for getting his solid message out in these early primary states.

"The Iowa and New Hampshire websites are great tools for my campaign to organize supporters and talk to voters about my plan to get every American covered with quality health insurance."

With a comprehensive plan for health care for all Americans, and a dedication to freeing our nation from the energy dependency that forces American foreign policy into knots, Gephardt has the agenda to succeed. Now he has the tools to further spread his winning message.

"The internet is essential to building a grassroots campaign in every state based on the bold ideas I've offered to get our economy moving again."

Dean: "I Love Dick Gephardt"

In an interview with Roger Simon, Chief Political Correspondent of U.S. News and World Report, Howard Dean spoke about his fellow candidates:

"I like them. Some more than others. I worked for Dick Gephardt (in 1988.) I love Dick Gephardt. He’s one of the most decent people I know. And he’s the one I know the best."

Health Care For Everyone

Dick Gephardt is in the midst of a five day swing through western Iowa, and his health care plan is being met with cheers and approval. Speaking at a family-owned and operated Dairy Queen in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Gephardt outlined his plan, "It covers everybody. It is really national health insurance through the present system."

When some in the crowd expressed concern over the fact that under the current system there is a disincentive to work when unemployment benefits include health care while workers are left without coverage, Gephardt assured them that under his plan workers wouldn't lose coverage when they got a job. "This would be the single greatest incentive we could pass to get people off welfare," Gephardt said.

When compared to the plans of his Democratic opponents, the Gephardt health plan is far more comprehensive in its coverage, but is effective in its design by building on the current system of private insurers. Unlike the Dean and Kerry plans which focus only on a portion of the uninsured, Gephardt's plan would cover nearly all Americans.

Considering his personal history with these issues, Gephardt is in the perfect position to understand the needs of the uninsured in America. "This issue is in my heart, it is in my head and it is in my soul."

Bush's Empty Rhetoric

Back in January President Bush included in his State of the Union speech a few lines of lip service to the plight of Africans dealing with the deadly AIDS epidemic. He pledged to "turn the tide" of the spread of the disease with $15 million over five years. While that amount certainly is too little to even begin to combat the problem that grips much of Africa, since the State of the Union the President and his fellow Republicans in Congress have chosen to leave that pledge on the back burner.

In light of that promise of aid and the President's current trip to Africa, Congressman Gephardt urged Republicans to stop preventing real results.

"We need more than presidential rhetoric, we need presidential leadership. Upon his return from Africa, I hope the President will make sure that right wing congressional Republicans quit playing politics and do the right thing."

Congressman Gephardt has seen the devastation that HIV and AIDS have inflicted in Africa and understands the importance of helping those in need, both abroad and at home.

"I was forever changed by the experience and returned from that trip convinced that the US needed to do everything possible to address this public health, political and moral crisis."

Gephardt: Bush is Bankrupting the Country

The Gephardt campaign rolled into New Jersey on Tuesday and the Congressman talked tough on the important issues of the day. He assailed the Bush agenda as "bankrupting the country" through tax cuts for the rich, while leaving the rest of the country without the means to survive the Bush economic recession.

Speaking on the importance of health care for every American, Gephardt said, "It's not just an economic issue. This is a moral issue. I will not rest until we solve this problem." After laying out his plan to the crowd at the Cumberland County barbeque, many in the crowd were excited about the candidacy of Congressman Gephardt.

Jane McCormick, a high school nurse, agreed with Gephardt's formulation. "Health care should not just be for the wealthy. We need him as president so all needs can be met without the hassles and walls of denial."

Gephardt Responds To President's Disregard

Today President Bush issued a thoughtless challenge to Iraqi militants who attack American servicemen by urging them to continue their efforts to kill coalition forces. In a statement at the White House today, the president told reporters, "There are some who feel like that conditions are such that they can attack us there [in Iraq]. My answer is: Bring them on."

In response to the president's apparent disregard for the lives of those who defend America, Congressman Gephardt answered back with concern:

"I have a message for the president: enough of the phony, macho rhetoric. We should be focused on a long term security plan that reduces the danger to our military personnel. We need a clear plan to bring stability to Iraq and an honest discussion with the American people on the cost of that endeavor. We need a serious attempt to develop a post-war plan for Iraq and not more shoot from the hip one-liners."

See Dick. See Dick Run. See Dick Win.