Bullock for President

TO: Interested Parties
FR: Jenn Ridder, Bullock Campaign Manager
DA: July 30, 2019
RE: Governor Bullock to Focus on Progress Over “Wishlist Economics”

At tonight’s debate, Governor Steve Bullock will introduce himself as a pro-choice, pro-union, populist Democrat. Voters looking for a candidate who can beat Trump and win back the places Democrats lost in 2016 — states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin — will hear from a fresh face who won a red state three times over. Bullock will highlight how he is the only candidate to have won and governed a Trump state — and did so without compromising our progressive values.

At a time when Democrats care passionately about issues like choice, healthcare and college affordability, Governor Bullock will spotlight how he has repeatedly protected a woman’s right to choose, expanded Medicaid, and froze college tuition in Montana. The Governor will make clear that this election isn’t a choice between the left and the center. It’s not a choice between “wishlist economics” or sacrificing our values in order to win. This election should be about giving people a fair shot and making sure we don’t forget the people Washington has left behind. 

Lastly, Governor Bullock understands that to make true progress on important issues like climate change, gun violence, wages and more, we need to rid our system of the corrupting influence of money in politics. Bullock will make taking on dark money a central pillar of his Presidency — and he’s the only candidate with the record to do so.
 
 Three Key Takeaways

A PROGRESSIVE WHO HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO BEAT TRUMP: Bullock is a pro-choice, pro-union Democrat who won three elections in a red state – not by compromising our values – but by getting stuff done.

FOCUSED ON THE HERE AND NOW, NOT “WISHLIST ECONOMICS: While others are focused on “wishlist economics,” Bullock knows Americans can’t wait for a revolution. He’s running for President to get stuff done in the here and now.

WILL TAKE ON THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF DARK MONEY: Governor Bullock knows that the influence of Big Money in politics makes it harder to achieve progress on everything from tackling climate change, ending gun violence, lowering healthcare costs, to improving wages. That’s why he will make taking on dark money the defining issue of his Presidency.

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Beto for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Beto Brings Iowa State Rep. Ras Smith to Detroit Democratic Debate

DETROIT, MI — Today, Beto O’Rourke announced that Iowa State Representative Ras Smith will join the O’Rourke family in the audience at the second Democratic Presidential Debate in Detroit, Michigan.

Rep. Smith represents Iowa House District 62, which includes Waterloo, Elk Run Heights, Evansdale, and Raymond. The Iowa Democratic Party inducted him into the Iowa Democrats’ Hall of Fame as a ‘Rising Star’ in 2019. Out of session, Smith works to raise awareness about dropout prevention services within the Cedar Valley area and across the state. 

Beto’s guests will also include three Lansing Catholic High School students who in 2017 were disciplined by their school for kneeling during the National Anthem in protest of police brutality and the over-policing of communities of color.

Rep. Ras Smith

Representative Ras Smith represents Iowa House District 62, which includes Waterloo, Elk Run Heights, Evansdale, and Raymond. Smith was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in November 2016. Out of session, Smith works to raise awareness about dropout prevention services within the Cedar Valley area and across the state.

Michael Lynn III, Matthew Abdullah, Roje Williams, Lansing Catholic High School Students 

In 2017, four student-athletes in Lansing, Michigan were disciplined for kneeling during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick and other athletes across the country protesting police brutality against black people and the over-policing of communities of color. All four students were starters on the football team at Lansing Catholic High School the students were either not allowed to play the first half of the game or had their playing time reduced after they chose to kneel. While the students were not suspended for violating the "Respect for God & Country" section of the school’s student handbook, Coach Jim Ahern chose to reduce their game time for the rest of the season for all four starters as a disciplinary action. The school faced backlash for their response and two of the students, Michael Lynn III and Matthew Abdullah, transferred to other local high schools due to racial tensions at the school. Their parents, Michael Lynn Jr and Marcie Abdullah will also join as guests.
 
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Tim Ryan for America
July 30, 2019

SURROGATES FOR CONGRESSMAN RYAN AVAILABLE IN SPIN ROOM PRIOR TO DEBATE

WHEN: Tuesday, July 30th, 3:30 PM 
 
WHERE: Detroit, Michigan, Presidential Debate Spin Room 
 
DETAILS: 
 
Today, before the second Democratic debate, Senior Communications Advisor for Tim Ryan for America, Brad Bauman, and Former State Representative Fletcher Smith, Jr. of South Carolina will be meeting with members of the press to discuss Congressman Ryan's candidacy and newly released industrial plan to protect and enrich the working class. 
 
Former Representative Fletcher Smith was a State Representative for 11 years and a member of the greenville County Council for 8 years. Just last week, Mr. Smith, a long time ally of former Vice President Biden, announced his support for Tim Ryan and has joined him on the campaign trail. 
 
Both Mr. Bauman and Mr. Fletcher will be available to the press.  
 
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League of Conservation Voters
Contact: Holly Burke
July 30, 2019

LCV STATEMENT AHEAD OF DETROIT DEBATES

Detroit, MI- Ahead of the second round of Democratic primary debates, the League of Conservation Voters issued the following statement from SVP of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld:

“In more than four hours of debates last month in Miami, just over 15 minutes were spent discussing the climate crisis. Debate moderators and candidates failed to meaningfully address the threat posed by climate change and discuss solutions for a just and equitable clean energy future. Over the next two nights we will be watching for a substantial conversation about how candidates will prioritize climate action starting on day one as president and throughout their time in office. Voters are demanding a serious discussion of the climate crisis, and now is the time for the candidates and the networks to step up.”
Donald J. Trump for President
July 30, 2019

“They Are All the Same” – Trump Newspaper Ad in Detroit

Full-page ad contrasts Dem plans to wreck America with Trump record of accomplishment

Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. today ran full-page, color newspaper ads in the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News contrasting Democrats’ disastrous plans for America with President Trump’s clear record of accomplishment.  The ads, which ran on the morning of the first day of the second wave of Democrat debates in Detroit, ripped Democrats for plans for a government takeover of healthcare, elimination of private health insurance, free taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants, and higher taxes.  

The ad contrasts the Democrats’ plans with President Trump’s record of creating almost six million new jobs, 500,000 manufacturing jobs, and 625,000 construction jobs.  The ad notes that unemployment has hit its lowest level in half a century, paychecks are rising for 90 percent of Americans, and unemployment among blacks, Latinos, and women is historically low. The ad also credits the President for strengthening America’s trade deals.

Republican National Committee
July 30, 2019

Questions CNN should ask the Democrats but probably won't

We all know CNN is going to take it easy on Democrats during these debates, but here’s a list of questions that should be asked of them … but probably won’t.  
 
1.       After decades of total Democrat control in urban centers like Baltimore and Detroit, what responsibility do Democrats have for the lack of progress, rampant corruption, sky-high crime and poverty rates?
2.       Whose support do you want the most, and who do you pledge to fight harder for: illegal immigrants or American citizens?
3.       Do you support allowing taxpayer-funded late term abortions for illegal immigrants?
4.       You’re in Rashida Tlaib’s home district for the debate, last Sunday she said Israel exists to the “detriment” of Palestinians. Do you agree with her repeated anti-Semitic comments?
5.       Is there a single past statement from any member of the socialist squad your disagree with? Anything they have said that you would like to condemn tonight?
6.       What do you think of Rahm Emmanuel’s comment that this group on stage has moved so far to the left that you’ve turned your back on middle America?
7.       Do you disagree with the Notorious RBG that packing the Supreme Court is a bad idea?
8.       How can you go to Detroit and look auto workers in the eye and not support the USMCA?
9.       Why do you continue to push radical policies which the vast majority of Americans don’t want like a government takeover of health care, open borders, and continuing the Russia hoax?
10.   Are Barack Obama, former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh, and Bernie Sanders racist for calling out the problems in Baltimore?
 
 
Steve Guest
Rapid Response Director
Republican National Committee
Pete for America
July 27, 2019

Hi there,

This Tuesday, July 30th, Pete will take the stage for the second Democratic primary debate. 

Supporters all across the country are hosting watch parties to gather their friends and family to support Pete while he debates -- and you are invited!

What: A debate watch party 
When: Tuesday, July 30th, at 8:00 pm EDT
Why: Build community and support Pete
How: Find your local watch party here >> https://www.mobilize.us/peteforamerica

Building community around our bold vision for the future is core to the way we’re going to organize and win. These type of watchparties are fun, but they’re also important. We hope you'll find one in your community!

Thanks, 
Team Pete

P.S. Don’t see a watch party near you? There’s still time to host. Click here to register an event: https://www.mobilize.us/peteforamerica/event/create
Kamala Harris for the People
July 29, 2019

Kamala Harris Supporters Organize Over 450 Debate Watch Parties in All 50 States and Washington, DC

After successful Camp Kamala online training program, thousands of supporters will gather at 450 watch parties nationwide to cheer on Harris at the second presidential debate 

On the heels of successfully training 16,000 volunteer leaders across the country, volunteers and supporters have organized over 450 debate watch parties across all 50 states and Washington, DC for Wednesday’s second Democratic debate. This more than doubles the 200 watch parties Harris supporters organized for the June debate -- the latest evidence of massive grassroots enthusiasm for Senator Harris’ campaign. 

Earlier this month, Camp Kamala, an innovative eight-week online volunteer training program, trained over 16,000 volunteer leaders in all 50 states. This week, these volunteers are taking action to help the campaign: they have signed up over 2,500 watch party volunteer shifts for Wednesday night.

“Every single day this campaign is seeing a groundswell of grassroots enthusiasm and these coast to coast watch parties are just the latest reflection of that,” said Harris campaign manager Juan Rodriguez. “Our nationwide network of volunteers and supporters give our campaign an organizational advantage that we’ll carry throughout the primary season. We’re excited even more Americans will hear from Kamala on how she will take on the issues that keep Americans up at night and makes clear she is the best candidate to take on Donald Trump.”

Media interested in attending a #ForThePeople watch party should email [***]

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Beto for America
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 29, 2019

Beto’s Campaign in Iowa Announces Seven Debate Watch Parties

DES MOINES, IA — Today Beto O’Rourke’s campaign in Iowa announced seven debate watch parties around the state for tomorrow night’s Democratic debate in Detroit, Michigan. The seven watch parties continue the campaign’s momentum in Iowa, including the recent opening of 11 field offices across the state. In addition to hosting watch parties across the state, Beto For America is providing resources to those hosting watch parties on their own or on the map, including a host guide and support webinar.

Beto just finished up his seventh trip in the state where he held a town hall with Iowans from four of the most Republican counties in the state. Beto began his interview on the nationally-televised ABC show “The View” last week by referencing his recent visit to Sioux City, Sioux Center and Council Bluffs. Last month, Beto visited Williams, a town with a population of less than 350 people, to meet with and listen to the concerns of the community. According to the Des Moines Register, “many residents said they couldn't remember the last time in recent years a candidate had stopped there."

If media expect to attend any watch parties, please RSVP to [***]. The watch parties will be held in the following locations:
 
  • DES MOINES: 3821 University Avenue
  • IOWA CITY: 3202 Friendship Street
  • IOWA CITY: 2070 Melrose Ave
  • BURLINGTON: 231 South 3rd St, Ste A
  • OTTUMWA: 408 E. Main Street
  • SIOUX CITY: 1308 Pierce St
  • INDIANOLA: 1802 W 2nd Ave
 
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Democratic National Committee
July 29, 2019

Michigan is a true battleground, and Democrats have already begun laying the groundwork and infrastructure for our eventual presidential nominee to win the state in 2020.

Trump faces major headwinds here: in 2018, Democrats won the Senate race by 7 points, won the governor’s race by 10 points and flipped 2 congressional seats. A May Detroit News/Glengariff poll found less than 36 percent say they would vote to reelect him, and Morning Consult finds his net approval has decreased 23 points in the state since taking office.

Ahead of the Democratic presidential primary debate in Detroit, here are some key facts to know about the DNC and Michigan Democratic Party’s early initiatives:

ON THE GROUND, EARLY ORGANIZING:

  • Organizing Corps 2020. In partnership with the DNC’s Organizing Corps 2020 program, Michigan Democrats have 45 organizers on the ground this summer, working to register and mobilize the Tri-County voters we need to win -- with a special focus on communities of color.
  • Project 83 and the One Campaign For Michigan. Michigan Democrats are continuing their grassroots organizing campaign -- Project 83 which is focused on engaging voters in every county and the One Campaign For Michigan -- both programs that helped deliver massive statewide victories for Democrats in 2018. The campaign has 10 staffers already on the ground.
  • Early Outreach In Communities of Color. The Michigan Democratic Party has a full-time Director of African American Outreach who works to engage this critical community around general election readiness.

DIGITAL ORGANIZING: The Michigan Democratic Party has a full-time digital organizer who is helping to bridge the gap between traditional field and virtual organizing -- ensuring Democrats reach voters both on their doors and online.

VOTER RIGHTS AND PROTECTION: The Michigan Democratic Party has a full-time Voting Rights Director focused on defending the rights of Michigan voters. They are undertaking an aggressive effort to ensure Michiganders are aware of their rights following changes to the state’s registration and voting laws in 2018.

HOLDING TRUMP ACCOUNTABLE: The DNC and Michigan Democratic Party will continue aggressively holding Trump accountable for his record of broken promises.

Some recent examples: MDP Chair Lavora Barnes wrote about Trump’s record of slashing support for the Great Lakes in a Michigan Advance guest column; Senator Stabenow slammed Trump’s record on health care and his lawsuit to make protections for preexisting conditions unconstitutional; and the DNC just released a new research brief detailing Trump’s broken promises on the state’s economy. 


David Bergstein
Director of Battleground State Communications
Democratic National Committee
Republican National Committee
July 30, 2019

MEMO: Sorry, Democrats. President Trump, Republicans Already Have the Infrastructure to Win in Michigan Again in 2020.

 
DETROIT, MI- As 2020 Democrats descend on Detroit for their second debate, the Republican National Committee just wrapped up their second National Week of Training for the 2019 cycle. Here in Michigan, the RNC and Michigan Republican Party’s ground game and data operation simply cannot be matched by the Democrats, paving the way for President Trump and Republicans to win up-and-down the ballot in the Great Lakes State in 2020.
 
GROUND GAME:
Trump Victory wrapped up its second National Week of Training for the cycle last Friday, wherewe mobilized and trained upwards of 6,000 people across 14 battleground states. Over the course of one week, Trump Victory hosted 141 Trump Victory Leadership Initiative (TVLI) Trainings across the country and trained grassroots supporters on voter registration in key states, including Michigan.  
Here in Michigan, we have already held over 75 TVLI trainings this cycle and have trained over 1,400 volunteers and activists who now have the tools necessary to aggressively recruit their neighbors and turn them into supporters, build out their own field teams, and turnout targeted voters to win up-and-down the ballot in 2020. You can learn more about the Republicans’ “well-oiled machine” in Michigan here.
  • Paid RNC Staff in Michigan: The RNC currently has 1 RNC State Director, 1 Deputy State Director, 1 Data Director, 2 Regional Field Directors, 1 Regional Political Director, and 1 State Communications Director.
DIGITAL/DATA:
The RNC put over $300 million into its data operation since 2012, and last week Dave Weigel of the Washington Post emphasized the sizeable advantage Republicans have over the Democrats in the realm of digital targeting and data.
From the Washington Post:
“Republicans, cash rich and confident of their pricey data operation, are working to identify every potential Trump voter and turn idle fans of the president into people who'll cast a ballot. Monday's training was part of the RNC's “week of action,” the latest in an effort to turn Trump supporters into voter turnout machines. 
 
Democrats, traumatized by their 2016 experience, are trying to make up ground with constant canvassing, registration and voter contact — the work they didn't see Hillary Clinton's campaign doing in that election. […] Republicans point out that they've got a head start and a big cash advantage in voter mobilization — and Democrats agree. The RNC's long-term data investment, beginning after its surprisingly lopsided 2012 defeat, put at least $300 million into the construction of a voter data file that includes nearly everyone who might vote for the party. It's constantly updated, with voters appearing on a 100-point scale to rate their enthusiasm. […]Democrats concede that their campaign is not as centralized as the Republicans' and probably can't be. The party only recently built the “data trust,” accessible to any campaign that can pay for it, that Republicans built after 2012. The DNC is raising less money than the RNC. The party won't have a nominee until late next spring, at the absolute earliest.”
 
With over 3,000 data points on every individual in America, the DNC and the Democrats do not have enough time to catch up to Republican data, nor have they collected those similar data points on voters stemming back to 2014. The RNC also offers state parties around the country a 24/7 customer service program for data, catering to the needs of each individual state Republican party, something the cash-strapped DNC cannot provide. With the data collected at the doors and over the phones, we’re able to push a micro-targeted message to voters in ads online, and have already begun a 6-figure ad buy across 20 congressional districts, including two right here in Michigan (MI-08 and MI-11).
 
A LOSING MESSAGE IN MICHIGAN:
With Democrats set to showcase their socialist agenda in Detroit this evening and tomorrow evening, they bring a message that won’t resonate with Michiganders. Recent polling shows that Michiganders reject their government takeover of our healthcare system that would kick over 5.5 million Michiganders off their private health insurance. Meanwhile, socialism remains as toxic as ever with critical swing state voters, with just 19% of voters having a favorable view of socialismand 69% of voters rejecting socialism. Some top Democrats even agree that "socialism is toxic to these voters.”
A WINNING MESSAGE IN MICHIGAN:
Meanwhile, Republicans can point to tax reform that gave the average middle-class family in Michigan a $1, 437 tax cut, a booming economy that 62% of Michiganders support, nearly 300 opportunity zones created that will benefit the African American community, a revitalized auto industry with wage growth, new jobs, and investment, and more, while urging Democrats to support the USMCA trade deal that would immensely benefit Michigan’s economy. To learn more about the winning message for Republicans in Michigan in 2020, see the latest from RNC Research HERE.

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Michael Joyce
Republican National Committee