Campaign developments Jim Gilmore presidential campaign, 2008

gilmore speaking during first gop debate

on may 3, gilmore participated in first televised gop debate featured on msnbc @ ronald reagan presidential library in simi valley, california. first question received regarded iraq war, defended, stating represented entire middle east issue described fundamental problem connected conflict between palestinians , israelis. during exchange california representative duncan hunter, gilmore expressed responsibility capture osama bin laden , fight terrorism allies , use diplomacy end sea of hostility believed existed morocco, way through middle east, [and] way philippines. later in debate, announced disagreement possible constitutional amendment give naturalized citizens such california governor arnold schwarzenegger, ability run president. on abortion, gilmore confirmed support woman s right abortion in first 8 twelve weeks of pregnancy, commented operated pro-life governor. affirmed opposition stem-cell research. @ end of debate, gilmore asserted attributes consistent conservative while surprising many when stated not pardon scooter libby. established opposition national identification card, , highlighted need vigorous on war on terror , focus on homeland security, , become energy independent in next presidency.

gilmore participated in second debate on may 15 in south carolina broadcast fox news. first question concerned perceived growing threat of nuclear armed iran. gilmore thanked questioner on basis believed middle east issue should looked @ beyond iraq. stated president join american allies put serious mandatory sanctions on regime let them know better them give sort of plan (nuclear proliferation). after receiving question social security, gilmore changed subject address record of cutting taxes governor of virginia. later attack fellow candidates: rudy giuliani pro-choice positions, former arkansas governor mike huckabee record on taxes, , mitt romney position on health care. when asked potential terrorist attacks, gilmore reminded audience governor when pentagon attacked on 9/11 , has experience deal these issues. @ end of debate, gilmore addressed issue of race when asked why no minorities present on stage running presidency, reacted question declaring republican party has people prepared [run] in immediate future . cited own credentials on race stating attorney general of virginia faced issue when had deal burning of african-american churches, gave him standing african-american community in own judgment.

on may 18, gilmore appeared on msnbc program tucker, hosted tucker carlson. when alerted situation in iraq, gilmore made assessment when iraq invaded president did not think american troops trying control streets in baghdad @ point. stated in interest of americans remain in iraq , involved in middle east issue because if not, america going end major war . later in interview when gilmore asked if believed attorney general alberto gonzales credible, stated, no, don’t think particularly credible . on may 27, gilmore appeared on abc s week , continued strategy of attacking opponents in race president. on show, criticized credentials of former senator , potential candidate fred thompson of tennessee. reminded audience thompson one-term senator , s known because of law & order appearance. question is, there solid, consistent record there of supporting conservative principles?

gilmore @ campaign event in des moines, april 2007

gilmore participated in final debate on june 5 in goffstown, new hampshire telecast cnn. during debate, gilmore spoke less of 9 fellow candidates. after kansas senator sam brownback stated did not read national intelligence estimate on weapons of mass destruction in iraq prior vote authorize 2003 invasion of iraq, gilmore stated responsible sending country war...ought read @ least kind of material . when asked if had problem oil companies making profit, gilmore stated saw no problems , believed appropriate thing do. later confirmed opposition kyoto protocol because going transfer money directly russia nothing , must include every nation of world in entire project...includ[ing] china , india meet approval. @ end of debate when asked if believed conservative include conservationist principles, answered believed part of platform because energy independence...is national security issue serves interests of conservatives preserving clean society safe , secure nation.

on june 17, gilmore featured spotlight guest on cnn. discussed economic policies of bush administration disagreed including prescription drug program , applauded president s record on cutting taxes , stated handling of economy not source of president s unpopularity. assessed there other areas have caused low polling numbers including iraq war . confirmed uncomfortable handling of war, disagreed democratic leaders called timetable withdrawal. argued these politicians not taking best interest of country (the united states) effect.

later in june, fox news did report on families of candidates running president. jim gilmore s family described being busy school , employment, limiting them full-time campaigning. 2 of candidate s sons, ashton , jay examined report. ashton gilmore worked full-time father s campaign headquarters, , jay gilmore worked in washington , able campaign schedule allowed. in election polling, unpromising results surfaced gilmore campaign. in cnn/opinion research corporation poll, gilmore failed register half percentage point among republican voters. grimmer portrait painted campaign when end of month finances revealed broke $61,765 cash on hand $391,693 had been raised overall.

early in july, gilmore rushed emergency room after suffering vision problems. hospitalized , compelled undergo surgery after diagnosed detached retina. gilmore s campaign stalled candidate ordered doctors restrict travel indefinite period. doctors revealed gilmore s vision problems have deteriorated loss of eyesight.

on july 14, gilmore ended campaign citing late start, made impractical continue pursue path towards further public service . withdrawal tied lack of funds , diagnosis of detached retina, cut short @ least week of scheduled campaign appearances. in final address of campaign, gilmore stated: