John McCain at Franklin Pierce in Rindge, the Speech is included as prepared for delivery

U.S. Senator John McCain delivered remarks to a Town Hall Meeting at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire today, Sunday, November 18th at 6:15 p.m. EST. Below are McCain's remarks as prepared for delivery:

My friends, we are at last nearing the moment in this long election season when something important happens: the voters get to speak. Until now, the race has been defined by political professionals and pundits, who talk about polls, and money, and ads, and endorsements, and who won debates, and who attacked whom, and all the things that make these campaigns interesting to Washington, and less so to you. Now it's your turn.

In less than two months, the voters of New Hampshire will choose the man or woman they believe should lead this country for the next four years. I trust you to make the right decision about who has the experience, judgment, character and courage to lead this country at a critical hour in our history. It's easy to lose sight of the importance of this election given all the nonsense that seemed to dominate much of its coverage to date. But New Hampshire voters understand our nation faces a truly historic decision that will affect not only America's destiny but the course of human history. We live in momentous times. We face a global threat from enemies for whom no attack is too cruel. The world is changing in profound ways. We need to make those changes work for us and for all people who share our beliefs in free markets and free people. Our government has failed to meet some of its most basic responsibilities and the American people have lost trust i n their leaders. This election is about big things, not small ones. We can't muddle through the next four years, bickering among ourselves, and leave to others the work that is ours to do.

Now the responsibility again falls to the American people to set the course we follow in the years ahead: whether we go forward or backward; whether we fear the future or make history. That is your choice in this election, and it couldn't be a bigger one.

When you make your decision, you must ask yourself two questions: which candidate has the best chance to lead our party to victory; and which is best prepared and most committed to keeping this nation safe, prosperous, and powerful. I believe the answer to both questions is the same. I am that candidate. And I ask for your vote.

I'm the conservative Republican with the best chance of defeating Senator Clinton, or whomever the Democrats nominate, and take on the challenges that confront us. I'm as committed today as when I first put on the uniform of our country to the cause that has been the work of my life: the interests and ideals of our country. I'm no more a perfect servant of my country than I am a perfect human being. But in my years of service, I hope I have proven myself worthy of your trust.

We face formidable challenges, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them. I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how Congress works, how to make it work for the country and not just the re-election of its members. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to fight and how to make peace.

If I'm your nominee and Senator Clinton is the nominee of the other party, the country will face as clear a choice as any in recent memory. That's as it should be for such an important election. She will be a formidable candidate. And while our differences are many and profound, I intend this to be a respectful debate. She and I disagree over America's direction, and it is a serious disagreement. But I don't doubt her ability to lead this country where she thinks it should go.

On matters of war and peace, I offer Americans my experience, my personal familiarity with the tragedy of war, deep involvement in all of the national security issues of the last two decades, and steadfast conviction that America cannot afford to relinquish its leadership of the world, and the world can't afford it either.

There comes a time when a President can no longer rely on briefing books and power points, when the experts and advisors have all weighed in, when the sum total of one's life becomes the foundation from which he or she makes the decisions that determine the course of history. No other candidate has my experience or the judgment it informs.

I would never make a judgment about going to war based on whether it was a popular thing to do. I would only make that grave decision were I convinced America's interests and ideals were so threatened that it required the greatest sacrifice our country can make.

And once I decided, I wouldn't surrender when we can still succeed, and accept the terrible consequences that would ensue, because I feared the polls more than history's judgment.

Senator Clinton told General Petraeus that his confidence in his new strategy and in the ability of the troops he has the honor to command required "a willing suspension of disbelief." Now, it becomes clear that General Petraeus was right. For the time being, Senator Clinton has suspended her belief in the abundant evidence of success as her rivals and the fringe of her party pull her toward a position she knows is irresponsible.

I was the only candidate in either party to say we were following a strategy in Iraq that was doomed to failure, and to call for the change that is working today. I took abuse from members of my own party-- some of it pretty tough-- for doing so. And I stuck by it knowing it could hurt my chances for the presidency. I did it for one reason: I would rather lose an election than stay silent and watch my country lose a war. I will always put America's security before politics, always.

One the one hand, Senator Clinton says we can't abandon Iraq to al Qaeda and the influence of Iran. On the other, she wants a firm deadline for withdrawal that would do just that. Senator Clinton rejected unconditional talks with Iran, but now says she would negotiate with no conditions.

As we deal with the threat of a nuclear armed Iran there are many things we can do short of war to prevent Iranians from making that fateful decision. We can strengthen our diplomacy, stand up to the Russians and Chinese, and organize our allies and Iran's neighbors to impose tough economic sanctions that could undermine Iran's economy and unleash popular resentment of the regime that should cause them to reconsider their dangerous ambitions. We can make it very clear to Iran's leaders that we will not allow them to obtain weapons that would destabilize the entire Middle East and threaten America's most vital security interests. Senator Clinton would start with unconditional negotiations, despite Iran's clear record of using negotiations to forestall sanctions and growing international opposition while they accelerate their nuclear program.

I will increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps. For too long we have asked too few to do too much. We have asked our servicemen and women to bid their loved ones goodbye for a third or fourth or fifth combat tour. We need to recruit more Americans willing to defend our country-- and I know there are more if we only ask them-- but for reasons I will never understand, the former Secretary of Defense refused to do so.

To rebuild our military as well as the capabilities of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies; and the capacity of all branches of government to defend us will require some hard choices. We will have to stop the inexcusable growth of government in other areas. Senator Clinton promises to increase the size of the military as well, but she won't make the tough decisions necessary to do it.

I am absolutely committed to reducing the size of government. I've fought against wasteful spending and big government solutions from my first day in Congress. Senator Clinton would preside over another massive increase in the size of government. She'll have Washington assume more of your responsibilities, and raise your taxes to pay for it. She won't address seriously the fiscal crisis of Social Security and Medicare or if she does she'll let congressional Democrats convince her to raise your taxes.

I won't ignore the problem and leave it to another unluckier generation of leaders and I won't raise your taxes. I will work with Congress in an open and sincere way to address these problems, but if at the end of the day, Congress wants to play politics with the issue, I will go to them and the American people, and insist they vote up or down on my proposal. I won't lack the courage to fix our toughest problems and let them become worse on someone else's watch.

I'll take on every special interest in town to finally reform our insanely complicated and punitive tax code. Senator Clinton won't.

Senator Clinton will address the lack of health care insurance in this country by proposing another big government mandate. I'll make health care more accessible by making it more affordable, without ruining the finest quality health care in the world.

Senator Clinton will appoint more judges who believe they should make the American people's political decisions for them. I will appoint judges who take their oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States as seriously as I take mine.

These are some of the essential issues this election will decide. I offer one direction for America. Senator Clinton and her Democratic rivals offer another, a course I believe is absolutely wrong for America and wrong for the world. It is your turn, my friends, to decide who is right. It's a huge responsibility. I know you will take it seriously.

I don't expect you to take our promises on faith. I expect you to listen to us, as New Hampshire voters always do, and then examine our records to determine whether we can be trusted to keep our word to you.

I didn't seek public office to go along to get along. I went to Washington to get something done for the people who sent me there. And since then, I know I've made some people angry.

I made defense contractors angry when I blew the whistle on a $30 billion boondoggle and the culprits were sent to jail.

I upset the special interests and Washington lobbyists when I fought for ethics reform and to stop union bosses and corporations from writing million dollar checks to political campaigns.

I made the Pentagon angry when I called for the resignation of Don Rumsfeld; said we needed a different strategy in Iraq; and a bigger military so that ours sons and daughters didn't have to serve four and five tours in combat zones.

I displeased a lot of the media when I said we couldn't afford to fail in Iraq, and stood by the changes in our strategy that are now showing success.

I made some folks mad when I worked to cut harmful greenhouse emissions because I believe climate change is a real and needs to be addressed now.

I made politicians angry when I called for earmark reform and spending cuts; for government to do its job, not your job; to do it better and with less of your money. I said no to bridges to nowhere and 74 million dollars for peanut storage in a defense spending bill.

Yes, I've made a lot of people angry. But I didn't go to Washington to win the Mr. Congeniality award. I went there to serve my country.

I might not like the business as usual crowd in Washington, and they might not like me. But I love America. I love her enough to make some people angry.

I'm going to put the business as usual crowd out of business-- and make them thank me when I do. I won't only restore your trust. I'll make you proud of your government again. I'm going to keep this country safe, prosperous and powerful. So help me God. And I respectfully ask for your vote to help me do it.

Thank You!

Straight Talk was what we got, with John McCain

Yesterday afternoon, reporters were given the 'Straight Talk' from Senator John McCain from Hillsborough, NH to Rindge, where the Arizona Senator would speak at a 6pm event, about his campaign, respect on the trail, and about the days topics.

I was fortunate to be able to tag along aboard the 'Straight Talk Express' sitting across the table from the Senator even being able to pick his brain, while watching football, and soaking up the short trip from Hillsborough to Rindge. While the senator was also questioned by mainstream media, It is important to mention, I was the only college student on the bus, but I was still taken seriously and given a shot to ask questions.

The trip started in Hillsborough where Senator McCain spoke to a group of individuals at Morse Sporting Goods. The straight talk we received started with an off-the-record conversation, then went straight into the thick of things with questions coming from Ron Claiborne from ABC News. We continued touching on the hot topics; iraq, energy, Barry Bonds' indictment, medical marjiuana, the latest 'push polling,' Senator McCain's christmas list, and even the Arizona Cardinals.

With the 45 minute trip we had plent of time to talk, and watch football.

I was able to ask numerous questions, and have a normal down to earth conversation with Senator McCain. Senator McCain told other 7 reporters/camera men and myself that he enjoys having debates in his town hall meetings; conversations that allow him to go back and forth with the audience.

As of right now, I am editing some video for publication on www.Boston.com, and on www.piercemediagrouponline.com.

First Partner Barbara Richardson to Speak in Rindge

Rindge-

Barbara Richardson, wife of Gov. Bill Richardson, democratic candidate for president, will be speaking at Franklin Pierce University, Tuesday from 2:00 to 2:45 PM, brought to you by the Fitzwater Center for Communication. This is apart of the First Partners Series at Franklin Pierce introducing the partners of presidential candidates to captive audiences.

For more information contact Kristen Nevious, the director of the Fitzwater Center, at 603 899 1039.

Fitzwater Center Rep. on the Straight-Talk Express with Senator McCain

On Sunday, I will join Senator John McCain on the Straight-Talk Express, riding from Keene to Rindge, NH where he will arrive at about 6pm for his event at Franklin Pierce University, where he is expected to take the stage at 6:15.

Reports say the Senator will speak about Corporate responsibility at the Engaging Students, first in the nation event, an event hosted by Franklin Pierce University and the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Mass Communication, and the Fitzwater Connections Program, shared with partner Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

I hope to have exclusive photos, and an exclusive interview with Senator McCain from aboard the Straight-Talk Express. The video will be available here, and on Boston.com following the event. With an exclusive podcast available at www.piercemediagrouponline.com.

The event will be webcast live, and available at www.FranklinPierce.edu

Mike Huckabee in Rindge, NH at Franklin Pierce University

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee spoke to students in a student media press conference at Franklin Pierce University prior to speaking amongst other South West New Hampshire natives.

Iraq war still the most important, Romney and Clinton in general election???

As the beginning of the highly condensed Presidential Primary season approaches the latest Franklin Pierce University/WBZ TV poll shows that likely voters in New Hampshire have settled on a few key candidates. Both Democratic Primary
voters and Republican Primary voters expect Hillary Clinton to win the Democratic
nomination (71% and 59%, respectively), while Mitt Romney (34%) now leads Rudy
Giuliani (25%) and John McCain (8%) within the Republican field. Many Primary voters would still prefer that the New Hampshire Primary follow the Iowa Caucus in January (50%), even as the pressures of a contracted Primary season grow. Only about one-fourth of Primary voters think that the New Hampshire Presidential Primary should be held in advance of the Iowa Caucus.

The Poll also shows that The Iraq war remains the most important issue for all likely voters, although it is more important among Democratic Primary voters. Healthcare is the second most important for Democractic Voters.

McCain to speak at Franklin Pierce University

Arizona Senator John McCain, will visit Franklin Pierce University in Rindge on the 18th of November, following a weekend of campaining in the Granite State.

McCain who will go from the north country to the southernmost part of the state is slated to arrive in Rindge on the Straight-talk Express with his daughter in time for an event in Pierce Hall, around 5pm.

The McCain event is calling this a "marquee event," and should attract upwards near three-hundred people. (students, SW New Hampshire community members, rotary members)

The event will be a part of Franklin Pierce University's first in the nation partnership with Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

The event will start with a video by the McCain Campaign, an introduction from a Franklin Pierce Administrator, the Senator will make a speech on a topic to be named, and then open the floor for questions from the audience.

The event will be webcast live to the Wartburg community and the rest of the world.

The link will be available at http://www.franklinpierce.edu/, on the morning of the event.

Their will be Press Availablity inside the event hall, Student Media are encouraged to attend!

Franklin Pierce University Professor named Veterans Chairman of Thompson New Hampshire Campaign

MANCHESTER, NH - The Friends of Fred Thompson announced today the appointment of David J. Kenney as Veterans Chairman of the New Hampshire presidential campaign.
Kenney is currently a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve. He served in a variety of active duty roles from 1975 to 1979. His military experience includes work in communications, information technology and security, and recruiting.
He is the current President of the Reserve Officers Association for the State of New Hampshire and Senior Officer of the Navy Funeral Honors Detail for New Hampshire. He is employed as an independent information technology consultant for local businesses and as an adjunct professor at Franklin Pierce University, teaching MIS and business courses.
Kenney has served as an advisor on veterans’ affairs to former New Hampshire Congressmen Jeb Bradley and Charlie Bass and worked for Veterans for Bush in 2000.
He will advise the New Hampshire campaign on veteran and military issues and will coordinate veterans’ campaign activities throughout the state.

Thanks to the New Hampshire Insider for this Story,

Richardson speaks about Healthcare, Energy, and Veterans Benfits

Plans for health care, higher education, and Energy policy, were points Presidential Candidate and former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson outlined at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge New Hampshire Yesterday afternoon. Richardson a democrat is a former secretary for U.S. energy, and former UN Ambassador. Richardson's agenda speaks of eliminating the dependence on Foreign Oil. Richardson wants to make the mile per gallon average requirement around 55 miles per gallon, versus the 35 percent it is set at now. As for his Medicare policy, if elected Richardson says he would lower the eligibility age from 65 to 55, and shift medicare funding, to direct care for screenings, and testing.

Richardson says for health care, we must as a nation promote prevention and living healthy lives, starting early with children.

If Richardson were elected president, veteran health care would not just be given at VA hospitals. Richardson told the audience in Rindge that every veteran with a Hero health card, could receive treatment anywhere.

NY Times Op-Ed Columnist, David Brooks writes about Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee Opinion piece by David Brooks, filed from Rindge, NH.

David Brooks was at the Franklin Pierce event this week with the Huckabee campaign.

Click Here

Huckabee Visits Franklin Pierce: Calls for Overhaul of Tax, and Healthcare Systems

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee prior to an event at Franklin Pierce University, in a Student Media Press conference talked about his latest surge in Iowa and in New Hampshire, and his support for the political process in the two states.

Huckabee talked about filing for the New Hampshire Primary, which he is doing at this hour in Concord.

Huckabee says money has taken a lot of control of government, and the press has focused on who has raised money but not enough on the ideas, and that adds credibility to the candidate with the most money.

In the press conference, Huckabee fired at Fred Thompson staying persistent with the challenge, to Thompson about holding a Lincoln Douglas Style debate.

Huckabee, in his event at Pierce, expressed his interest in overhauling the “broken tax system," and to transform the healthcare system. Huckabee proposes that under his overhauling, the IRS goes away. Huckabee believes, there is not a "healthcare crisis" but instead a "health problem," but says this can not be changed in a campaign cycle but instead in a generational cycle.

Interesting note, Huckabee a Boston Fan admires the Red Sox, but was a Yankees fan growing up. His true baseball love, is the Texas Rangers, but said they wont make the World Series in his life time. Mark Martin is Huckabee's favorite Nascar Nextel Cup driver.

To check out the entire Student Media Press Conference, CLICK HERE

The entire event at Franklin Pierce will be available soon.

Huckabee to File New Hampshire Primary Candidacy Papers

Wednesday October 17th

12:15 p.m. ET – Manchester, NH – Speaks at the Primary Insight Presidential Candidate Forum. Devine Millimet, 111 Amherst Street. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

2:15 p.m. ET – Nashua, NH – Tours BAE Systems and meets with employees. 95 Canal Street. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

5:45 p.m. ET – Manchester, NH – Speaks at AARP-NH Divided We Fail Issues Forum. Executive Court Banquet Facility, 1199 South Mammoth Road. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

7:30 p.m. ET – Nashua, NH – Participates in live interview by Myron Kandel of The Initiative for Corporate Responsibility with live audience for broadcast by New Hampshire Public Television. Daniel Webster College, Collings Auditorium, 20 University Drive. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

7:30 a.m. ET – Rindge, NH – Speaks at Jaffrey Rindge Rotary. Franklin Pierce College, Hampshire Room in the Emily Flint Campus Center Building, 20 College Road. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

9:00 a.m. ET – Rindge, NH – Speaks at Franklin Pierce College. Pierce Hall, 20 College Road. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

11:00 a.m. ET – Peterborough, NH – Makes campaign stop at the Peterborough Diner. 10 Depot Square, Peterborough. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

4:00 p.m. ET – Concord, NH – Files candidacy papers at Secretary of State’s Office. State House, Room 204, North Main Street. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

4:45 p.m. ET – Concord, NH – Attends reception at Huckabee Campaign Office. 143 North Main Street, Suite 103. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

6:45 p.m. ET – Amherst, NH – Makes campaign stop at Republican Party Fundraising event at the home of Rep. Steve Stepanek. 1 Colonel Wilkins Road. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

Friday, October 19, 2007

8:00 a.m. ET – Bedford, NH – Speaks at Politics and Eggs event at the Bedford Village Inn, 2 Olde Bedford Way. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

10:00 a.m. ET – Concord, NH – Plays with Concord High School jazz band and speaks to students. 170 Warren Street. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

2:00 p.m. ET – Manchester, NH – Participates in WMUR Commitment 2008 Candidate Café. Merrimack Restaurant, 786 Elm Street. (Closed Press)

6:30 p.m. ET – Whitefield, NH – Speaks at The Androscoggin Valley Republican Committee Ronald Reagan Dinner. Mountain View Grand Resort, Mountain View Road. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-986-9145.

Huckabee, Richardson to visit Franklin Pierce and the Fitzwater Center

Mike Huckabee will speak at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire at 9am on Thursday. On Sunday the action on the trail continues at Franklin Pierce, as they will host Governor Bill Richardson, as part of the Fitzwater Connections Series, connecting voters and students of the Monadnock region with the candidates.

For more information please contact Steven Dodrill, Student Director of the Fitzwater Connections Program at 603-899-4169, or at fitzconnectdodrill@gmail.com

FORUM: Youth Vote and the '08 Presidential Primary

Come hear what four Presidential Primary campaign workers, from Edwards, McCain, and Romney have to say about the importance of the youth vote.

On Tuesday at 11am, inside Franklin Pierce University's Rindge New Hampshire campus, the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication will hold its weekly Tuesday Briefing Series, the public will have an opportunity to hear what the campaigns have to say about the youth vote and how it will affect the upcoming election.

Also, learn about their personal experiences and how they got involved with the campaigns.

Ask your questions and get the answers- YOUTH to YOUTH!

For more information please contact Steven Dodrill at fitzconnectdodrill@gmail.com

Elizabeth Kucinich Outlines Goals of a Kucinich Administration.

The Kucinich Campaign for President calls the war in Iraq an abomination on the record on the history of the United States. Elizabeth Kucinich, the wife of presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich spoke to Students at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge New Hampshire this week.

“Obviously the war in Iraq, an abomination on record on the history of this country, we have to get out of Iraq, and get out as soon as we can,” said Mrs. Kucinich. "This doesn’t have to be when dennis is elected, this can be before that…but really if it is still going on this is something we would be committed too.”

Dennis Kucinich of Ohio has been a strong opposition to the war in Iraq, his wife spoke on his behalf, outlining three of her husbands goals; Universal healthcare, immediate withdrawal from Iraq and as part of Kucinich's stance on Trade they would withdraw the Unite States from the World Trade Organization.

Dennis and Elizabeth returned to the Granite State this week to take part in Wednesday nights Democratic Debates at Dartmouth College, in Hanover.

A personal interview with Elizabeth Kucinich will be available on the Pierce Arrow Website.

www.piercearrownews.com

Gardner Tells Impeding States to "Back Off!"

In an interview with the Pierce Media Group in Rindge, New Hampshire, New Hampshire's Secretary of State Bill Gardner gave a message to those states trying to get ahead of New Hampshire in the primary schedule; "Back Off."

One of Gardners reasons, "It’s a very unique political culture that exists here.”

It appears that the primary will be held no later than the 8th of January. In 1999 New legislation gave additional flexibility to the Secretary of State to move the NH Presidential Primary date “seven days or more” ahead of any other state holding a “similar election.”

"The people of this state participate in levels that are unprecedented across the country," said Gardner. “Everyone wants to have something like we have in New Hampshire; we are sort of the victim of our own success.”

“New Hampshire’s been part of most of the most significant events that have occurred in this country of political nature, governmental structure nature; New Hampshire played a huge roll.” In the last mid term election in the granite state, the state went from a red state to a blue state.

When asked about the financial impact, Gardner said, “Its not about the money, It was never about the money, it’s not about the money now, its simply about the people in this state, the grassroots to have a say in this process”

The complete interview can be heard at

http://www.piercearrownews.com/podcasts/index.cfm?event=displaychannel&upodcast_channel_id=4db52336-8658-4dc2-8acf-18b5bc2b75f6

Franklin Pierce University Poll: Romney Ahead

As the 2008 New Hampshire Presidential Primary approaches, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney maintains his lead over his Republican rivals, this according to a WBZ, Franklin Pierce University Poll released today.
In March, Senator John McCain and former mayor Rudy Giuliani were the early front-runners. Following the Republican debate on June 5th, Romney took the lead. Today, Romney maintains his lead with 30 percent of the vote, while Giuliani trails him with 23 percent of the vote. John McCain has now dropped to a distant third behind both candidates (14%), while the latest candidate to enter the race, Senator Fred Thompson, is well-behind the front-runners with just eight percent of the vote.

Although Romney has a modest lead, 31 percent of likely primary voters are still unsure who will win, suggesting that the Republican race remains wide open in New Hampshire.

Rindge Town Selectmen favoring Bill Richardson.

Rindge New Hampshire Selectmen Jed Brummer has not officially given his endorsement for any presidential candidate. Brummer says he is a life long democrat, and is leaning towards New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Brummer said, "He is who he is." The reasoning is because of Richardson's background, political and foreign affairs experience, and his domestic agenda. Brummer added that if Richardson was the one chosen, he could work both sides very well.