Today's steak fry host and Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin just took the stage and gave a full round of thank-yous... "We're ready to kick some elephant!" said Harkin to a loud roar from the crowd.
Harkin says that the only way of getting out of Iraq is to elect a democratic president. Harkin briefly touched on a few other issues.
"Now let's hear from the next president of the United States," Harkin said (This statement may have been confused as an endorsement for speaker number one, Barack Obama? Harkin said the speaking order had been drawn out of a hat.
Enter Obama.
"The American people are not the problem, the American people are the answer."
Barack is discussing the Constitution now and hitting on economics and, of course, the war...
"Change in America is going to begin when we get Bush and Cheney out of office."
Obama says we've been spending decades discussing issues like universal heath care and independence on foreign oil, but now we need to have "fundamental change."
Obama is now talking about having "common experience" and saying he had confidence to stand up against the war when he knew it was wrong.
He says he'll bring "change." (A theme common to several campaigns).
[Some technical problems here in the press room. Sorry for the break]
Enter Richardson
[Back online. Jumping into speech mid-way]
Reduce green house gases...
"Al Gore was right, we just hope he doesn't get into the race," said Richardson.
I'll have a Teacher as Sec. of Ed.; Union member as Sec. of Labor.
"I want to earn your vote."
"Are you ready to take your country back?!"
Enter Clinton.
"Good afternoon Iowa!"
Clinton is recollecting a movie with "glorious corn fields" -- "If you build it they will come!"
(I need not remind all of you what movie this is.)
Clinton is going over a list of issues: Iraq, health care, ... "Are you ready for change?" Clinton said. (Change, where did we hear that? Hmm.)
"We've got to get back to diplomacy," Clinton says.
Clinton is now getting back to health care - specifically veterans... "How have we come to the point that even our veterans are becoming invisible?" (Those 'invisibles' - a common Clinton theme.)
"Three things we have to do: get costs down, quality up, and cover every single person."
She's now teasing her press conference on Monday where her campaign says she will make a "major" policy announcement in regards to health care.
Clinton is reminiscing about her work on health care for children.
Clinton's asking people to support the campaign, to endorse her, and "restore America's greatness."
"I know we can do this together and I'm ready to lead!"
Clinton exits to loud "Hillary" cheers.
Enter Dodd.
"You are showing great patience in Iowa."
Dodd is ALSO referencing that famous Iowa baseball movie starring that Dancing With Wolves actor (oh, what's his name?).
"Is this heaven, no it's Iowa!"
Dodd is now name-dropping. A few: Former Iowa Senator John Culver, Congressmen Berkley Bedell and Mike Blouin; current Congressmen Dave Loebsack and Bruce Braley; and also, of course, steak fry host Sen. Tom Harkin.
Dodd is reciting the things he worked on with Harkin in the Senate. "Thank you Iowa for giving us Tom Harkin!"
Dodd is recollecting his lunch menu from last month's state fair. "I had no idea there was a fried twinkie and a fried oreo..."
Now getting serious again.
"I'm angry about what has happened over the last six years."
Dodd is citing his service in the peace corps 40 years ago.
"I'm standing before you today in Iowa as a presidential candidate because I want my country to have a better future."
Dodd is joking about his age (he's 63) and the fact that he has a daughter who's age is in the single digits... His AARP and diapers joke.
"The answers to these issues will not just take one person. It will take the entire party."
Dodd touting his work passing the Family Medical Leave Act.
"Very first thing I'll do is restore the Constitution of the United States."
Dodd says the first thing a president should do is to "keep us safe."
Dodd says we need the leadership in the country like there was during the JFK era.
"We have great democratic candidates but we need to work together as a democratic party."
After the Inauguration, "All 12,000 of you are invited to spend the night in the White House."
Posting... Be back.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Steaking a Spot
I don't know if the weather could be better. It's about 75 and sunny here at Tom Harkin's Steak Fry in Indianola. So much better than four years ago during the monsoon. That was the last time we had a full slate of prez candidates. Bill Clinton also came. It rained like crazy that day. People were falling down the muddy hillside. When Clinton came out to speak, the rain stopped. And the sun came out. Or maybe that was a movie I saw.
I just about got run over by Obama's throng of supporters following him in. The campaign is claiming about 3,000 followers. Harkin's people are hoping for 8 to 10,000 overall. Quite a percentage. John Edwards' airplane just flew over. Well, it's not his plane. But it's a plane pulling a banner with his name. I wonder what that costs? I wonder how many people are looking at the skies?
I ate for the first time here. Usually I wait til afterwards. The steak was o.k., I guess. You can't expect too much more when they have to prepare thousands of them. I'll still take my Dad's.
I wonder what Dennis Kucinich would eat here at the Steak Fry? He wasn't invited. And apparently isn't happy about it. I don't remember the last time he actually campaigned here.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
No Surrender, McCain Apologizes, Gets Help with BBQ Bills
Never Surrender
It's a good thing it wasn't hot outside. John McCain's "No surrender" bus pulled in at 1:21pm by my watch. His event at the AmVets 2 Post in Des Moines was supposed to start at noon. McCain blamed the bus driver's wrong turns for the delay. In fact, I counted at least four apologies from him by the end of his appearance. I don't recall rival, Rudy Giuliani, ever saying he was sorry for making people wait at least an hour for what I think was his first visit to Des Moines as an official candidate for prez.
McCain seemed to make a bit of news during his stop. He promised he would catch Osama bin Laden, unlike President Bush, although he wouldn't say how he would do it. He said he doesn't want bin Laden to know his plans. That's why he said he can't say how he would catch him. He also called on the dems to denounce that "General Betray Us" ad by http://www.moveon.org/. I haven't seen statements from any dems so far on this.
McCain's money problems have been well-documented over this campaign. We stumbled upon some help for him. A Vietnam War veteran, Lee Booton of Ankeny, manned the barbecue outside AmVets Post 2.
Lee told me the vets got together to donate their time and 260 pounds of chicken, 5 gallons of cole slaw, 8 gallons of potato salad and 4 gallons of beans. He said they did it all for less than $200 and fed nearly 250 people. Why? Lee told me, "He (McCain) is the guy who knows more than anyone else in there. I trust him because of his knowledge of what he's gone through. I mean, you spend six years as a P.O.W. See how you like it." He added, "See that (the flag of the U.S. Navy) flag? Navy brothers stick together."
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Op-Edin' for a Better Seat
Bill Richardson's been looking for a better seat at the table. He's 4th in most of the Iowa polls I've seen. He's looking to knock off at least 1 of the 3 dems above him on Caucus night. And unlike the 3 above him (except for Edwards sometimes), he's getting a little "specifically aggressive". He's going after other candidates. But unlike what Clinton and Obama seem to do, Richardson is criticizing/comparing/challenging the others by actually saying their names, instead of making the media try to figure out which opponents they mean.
Here's his op-ed piece in today's Washington Post
Why We Should Exit Iraq Now
By Bill Richardson
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have suggested that there is little difference among us on Iraq. This is not true: I am the only leading Democratic candidate committed to getting all our troops out and doing so quickly.
In the most recent debate, I asked the other candidates how many troops they would leave in Iraq and for what purposes. I got no answers. The American people need answers. If we elect a president who thinks that troops should stay in Iraq for years, they will stay for years -- a tragic mistake.
Clinton, Obama and Edwards reflect the inside-the-Beltway thinking that a complete withdrawal of all American forces somehow would be "irresponsible." On the contrary, the facts suggest that a rapid, complete withdrawal -- not a drawn-out, Vietnam-like process -- would be the most responsible and effective course of action.
Those who think we need to keep troops in Iraq misunderstand the Middle East. I have met and negotiated successfully with many regional leaders, including Saddam Hussein. I am convinced that only a complete withdrawal can sufficiently shift the politics of Iraq and its neighbors to break the deadlock that has been killing so many people for so long.
Our troops have done everything they were asked to do with courage and professionalism, but they cannot win someone else's civil war. So long as American troops are in Iraq, reconciliation among Iraqi factions is postponed. Leaving forces there enables the Iraqis to delay taking the necessary steps to end the violence. And it prevents us from using diplomacy to bring in other nations to help stabilize and rebuild the country.
The presence of American forces in Iraq weakens us in the war against al-Qaeda. It endows the anti-American propaganda of those who portray us as occupiers plundering Iraq's oil and repressing Muslims. The day we leave, this myth collapses, and the Iraqis will drive foreign jihadists out of their country. Our departure would also enable us to focus on defeating the terrorists who attacked us on Sept. 11, those headquartered along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border -- not in Iraq.
Logistically, it would be possible to withdraw in six to eight months. We moved as many as 240,000 troops into and out of Iraq through Kuwait in as little as a three-month period during major troop rotations. After the Persian Gulf War, we redeployed nearly a half-million troops in a few months. We could redeploy even faster if we negotiated with the Turks to open a second route out through Turkey.
As our withdrawal begins, we will gain diplomatic leverage. Iraqis will start seeing us as brokers, not occupiers. Iraq's neighbors will face the reality that if they don't help with stabilization, they will face the consequences of Iraq's collapse -- including even greater refugee flows over their borders and possible war.
The United States can facilitate Iraqi reconciliation and regional cooperation by holding a conference similar to that which brought peace to Bosnia. We will need regional security negotiations among all of Iraq's neighbors and discussions of donations from wealthy nations -- including oil-rich Muslim countries -- to help rebuild Iraq. None of this can happen until we remove the biggest obstacle to diplomacy: the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq.
My plan is realistic because:
It is less risky. Leaving forces behind leaves them vulnerable. Would we need another surge to protect them?
It gets our troops out of the quagmire and strengthens us for our real challenges. It is foolish to think that 20,000 to 75,000 troops could bring peace to Iraq when 160,000 have not. We need to get our troops out of the crossfire in Iraq so that we can defeat the terrorists who attacked us on Sept. 11.
By hastening the peace process, the likelihood of prolonged bloodshed is reduced. President Richard Nixon withdrew U.S. forces slowly from Vietnam -- with disastrous consequences. Over the seven years it took to get our troops out, 21,000 more Americans and perhaps a million Vietnamese, mostly civilians, died. All this death and destruction accomplished nothing -- the communists took over as soon as we left.
My position has been clear since I entered this race: Remove all the troops and launch energetic diplomatic efforts in Iraq and internationally to bring stability. If Congress fails to end this war, I will remove all troops without delay, and without hesitation, beginning on my first day in office.
Let's stop pretending that all Democratic plans are similar. The American people deserve precise answers from anyone who would be commander in chief. How many troops would you leave in Iraq? For how long? To do what, exactly? And the media should be asking these questions of the candidates, rather than allowing them to continue saying, "We are against the war . . . but please don't read the small print."
Here's his op-ed piece in today's Washington Post
Why We Should Exit Iraq Now
By Bill Richardson
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have suggested that there is little difference among us on Iraq. This is not true: I am the only leading Democratic candidate committed to getting all our troops out and doing so quickly.
In the most recent debate, I asked the other candidates how many troops they would leave in Iraq and for what purposes. I got no answers. The American people need answers. If we elect a president who thinks that troops should stay in Iraq for years, they will stay for years -- a tragic mistake.
Clinton, Obama and Edwards reflect the inside-the-Beltway thinking that a complete withdrawal of all American forces somehow would be "irresponsible." On the contrary, the facts suggest that a rapid, complete withdrawal -- not a drawn-out, Vietnam-like process -- would be the most responsible and effective course of action.
Those who think we need to keep troops in Iraq misunderstand the Middle East. I have met and negotiated successfully with many regional leaders, including Saddam Hussein. I am convinced that only a complete withdrawal can sufficiently shift the politics of Iraq and its neighbors to break the deadlock that has been killing so many people for so long.
Our troops have done everything they were asked to do with courage and professionalism, but they cannot win someone else's civil war. So long as American troops are in Iraq, reconciliation among Iraqi factions is postponed. Leaving forces there enables the Iraqis to delay taking the necessary steps to end the violence. And it prevents us from using diplomacy to bring in other nations to help stabilize and rebuild the country.
The presence of American forces in Iraq weakens us in the war against al-Qaeda. It endows the anti-American propaganda of those who portray us as occupiers plundering Iraq's oil and repressing Muslims. The day we leave, this myth collapses, and the Iraqis will drive foreign jihadists out of their country. Our departure would also enable us to focus on defeating the terrorists who attacked us on Sept. 11, those headquartered along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border -- not in Iraq.
Logistically, it would be possible to withdraw in six to eight months. We moved as many as 240,000 troops into and out of Iraq through Kuwait in as little as a three-month period during major troop rotations. After the Persian Gulf War, we redeployed nearly a half-million troops in a few months. We could redeploy even faster if we negotiated with the Turks to open a second route out through Turkey.
As our withdrawal begins, we will gain diplomatic leverage. Iraqis will start seeing us as brokers, not occupiers. Iraq's neighbors will face the reality that if they don't help with stabilization, they will face the consequences of Iraq's collapse -- including even greater refugee flows over their borders and possible war.
The United States can facilitate Iraqi reconciliation and regional cooperation by holding a conference similar to that which brought peace to Bosnia. We will need regional security negotiations among all of Iraq's neighbors and discussions of donations from wealthy nations -- including oil-rich Muslim countries -- to help rebuild Iraq. None of this can happen until we remove the biggest obstacle to diplomacy: the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq.
My plan is realistic because:
It is less risky. Leaving forces behind leaves them vulnerable. Would we need another surge to protect them?
It gets our troops out of the quagmire and strengthens us for our real challenges. It is foolish to think that 20,000 to 75,000 troops could bring peace to Iraq when 160,000 have not. We need to get our troops out of the crossfire in Iraq so that we can defeat the terrorists who attacked us on Sept. 11.
By hastening the peace process, the likelihood of prolonged bloodshed is reduced. President Richard Nixon withdrew U.S. forces slowly from Vietnam -- with disastrous consequences. Over the seven years it took to get our troops out, 21,000 more Americans and perhaps a million Vietnamese, mostly civilians, died. All this death and destruction accomplished nothing -- the communists took over as soon as we left.
My position has been clear since I entered this race: Remove all the troops and launch energetic diplomatic efforts in Iraq and internationally to bring stability. If Congress fails to end this war, I will remove all troops without delay, and without hesitation, beginning on my first day in office.
Let's stop pretending that all Democratic plans are similar. The American people deserve precise answers from anyone who would be commander in chief. How many troops would you leave in Iraq? For how long? To do what, exactly? And the media should be asking these questions of the candidates, rather than allowing them to continue saying, "We are against the war . . . but please don't read the small print."
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Looking for Pledges
DNC Chair Howard Dean and the Iowa/New Hampshire/Nevada/South Carolina Dem Parties offered up a pledge today to try to end this jumping around craziness of "who goes when" in the prez nominating process. Here's the pledge:
As of 4:48pm, three candidates have signed on (Richardson, Biden and Dodd)...still waiting on the top three ranked candidates to weigh in... Will they?
Four State Pledge Letter 2008
Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina
August 31, 2007
WHEREAS, Over a year ago, the Democratic National Committee established a 2008 nominating calendar;
WHEREAS, this calendar honors the racial, ethnic, economic and geographic diversity of our party and our country;
WHEREAS, the DNC also honored the traditional role of retail politics early in the nominating process, to insure that money alone will not determine our presidential nominee;
WHEREAS, it is the desire of Presidential campaigns, the DNC, the states and the American people to bring finality, predictability and common sense to the nominating calendar.
THEREFORE, I _______________, Democratic Candidate for President, pledge I shall not campaign or participate in any state which schedules a presidential election primary or caucus before Feb. 5, 2008, except for the states of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina, as “campaigning” is defined by rules and regulations of the DNC.
___________________________ __________
John/Jane Doe, Doe for President DATE
As of 4:48pm, three candidates have signed on (Richardson, Biden and Dodd)...still waiting on the top three ranked candidates to weigh in... Will they?
Four State Pledge Letter 2008
Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina
August 31, 2007
WHEREAS, Over a year ago, the Democratic National Committee established a 2008 nominating calendar;
WHEREAS, this calendar honors the racial, ethnic, economic and geographic diversity of our party and our country;
WHEREAS, the DNC also honored the traditional role of retail politics early in the nominating process, to insure that money alone will not determine our presidential nominee;
WHEREAS, it is the desire of Presidential campaigns, the DNC, the states and the American people to bring finality, predictability and common sense to the nominating calendar.
THEREFORE, I _______________, Democratic Candidate for President, pledge I shall not campaign or participate in any state which schedules a presidential election primary or caucus before Feb. 5, 2008, except for the states of Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina, as “campaigning” is defined by rules and regulations of the DNC.
___________________________ __________
John/Jane Doe, Doe for President DATE
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
No Ames after All
So much for the big scoop on Hillary Clinton laboring in Ames next Monday. I posted yesterday how her campaign had asked the Ames City Council to block off a portion of downtown so Clinton could hold an event for approximately 1,000 people.
The campaign today sent out an early advisory that Clinton and her hubby will be going to Des Moines (and Sioux City). No official word yet on why Des Moines and not Ames.
But an employee in the Ames City Clerk's office filled us in. She said Hillary Clinton’s campaign submitted its the original request last Thursday. She said it was "a late request" for such an event involving a road closure of Main Street. However, the city manager’s recommendation was to approve the request on the basis that it will “create positive energy and promote downtown businesses”.
The clerk’s office says that a Clinton campaign worker called late yesterday (4:00 p.m.) – an hour or so before the city council meeting was to convene – that there was a change of plans and the event was not going to occur.
The campaign today sent out an early advisory that Clinton and her hubby will be going to Des Moines (and Sioux City). No official word yet on why Des Moines and not Ames.
But an employee in the Ames City Clerk's office filled us in. She said Hillary Clinton’s campaign submitted its the original request last Thursday. She said it was "a late request" for such an event involving a road closure of Main Street. However, the city manager’s recommendation was to approve the request on the basis that it will “create positive energy and promote downtown businesses”.
The clerk’s office says that a Clinton campaign worker called late yesterday (4:00 p.m.) – an hour or so before the city council meeting was to convene – that there was a change of plans and the event was not going to occur.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Clinton Laboring on Labor Day
Looks like Hillary Clinton is planning on laboring on Labor Day. We found this on the Ames City Council's agenda for tonight. It's a request from the Clinton campaign to get the city to block off an area in downtown Ames for a speech on "labor issues" for an event of about 1,000 people.
Lucky for Clinton, it's a holiday. The campaign won't have to pay to block off the area by the parking meters, since they're free on holidays.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Who's the Winner?
It seems as soon as these presidential debates wrap up, the campaigns are claiming victory. Sunday's democratic debate at Drake University in Des Moines was no different.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
A Few Kernels
35,448. That is a lot of corn kernels. That's how many kernels you dropped in Mason jars at the WHO-TV "Cast Your Kernel" Booth at the Iowa State Fair (click here for full results). Pretty simple idea (unless you liked it, and then I'll tell you I spent endless hours planning this complicated plan). All you had to do was drop a kernel into the jar of the person you thought should be the next Prez. 11 republicans, which became 10 after Tommy Thompson went back to the land of cheese and beer, and 8 democrats.
I wish I knew the demographic breakdown of fairgoers. But democrats clearly had their ears. 21,438 people voted for the dems. 14,010 went for the repubs.
Hillary Clinton took the top kernel honor. Her jars held nearly a third of the democratic vote. It was interesting to listen to people talk about her. You seem to love her or you hate (Hate is such a strong word. Let's say strongly dislike) her. Couples clashed. Friends fought. Strangers sparred.
John Edwards surged a bit, it seemed, after he and his wife visited the Fair. But he couldn't catch Clinton. Barack Obama urged the crowd to help him out when he stopped by our booth. He still lost to Clinton by more than 2,200 kernels. Bill Richardson finished a solid fourth (he seemed pleased when he stopped by to check out his totals). Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, your jars still have an awful lot of room in them. Detassling on a 105 degree late July day may feel a lot easier than the field you'll have to plow through to win the Caucuses.
On the republican side, Mitt Romney hardly broke a sweat despite the sweltering weather. He took more than 36% of the vote. Mike Huckabee bounced a bunch after the Straw Poll. He went from fourth to second. Rudy Giuliani slid from second to third. Fred Thompson finished fourth. Tom Tancredo took fifth. The Ron Paul Revolution put him sixth. Sam Brownback stood seventh. John McCain, Duncan Hunter and John Cox could have easily shared a jar. A few months ago, who would have thought McCain could only top two near-complete unknowns?
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Pork is Good
(Courtesy: www.stonetavernfarm.com)Two presidential candidates stopped by our Cast Your Kernel booth at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Their visits had far different feels.
As far as I know, John McCain flew into town just for the fair. And it was a quick visit. He walked around a bit, checked out the State Republican Party booth, came to our booth and then stopped by the Des Moines Register's booth. I think that was it. McCain really watches how much time he spends in the sun. Perhaps, that's why his words were so few when he took the stage at our booth. He talked for one minute and 31 seconds. He made a joke about cutting pork after he saw "Big Red", the big boar at the fair. Then he mentioned how he's standing firm on supporting the efforts in Iraq. That was about it. McCain usually is pretty generous with him time to the media. He sure wasn't this time. And to top it off, he didn't even cast his kernel for himself at our booth. His jar could definitely use the help.
Bill Richardson seemed in no apparent hurry during his visit. He came by our booth and voted for himself by dropping a kernel into his Mason jar. He joked that the number of kernels in his jar looked pretty good (he's been running third to Clinton, Edwards and Obama). He talked to dozens of people and then spent about 10 minutes in the blazing sun on our stage. It looked like his crowd was about two to three times larger than McCain's. (btw, they spoke right after each other and some of McCain's crowd was actually there for Richardson. McCain arrived about 20 minutes late).
As far as I know, John McCain flew into town just for the fair. And it was a quick visit. He walked around a bit, checked out the State Republican Party booth, came to our booth and then stopped by the Des Moines Register's booth. I think that was it. McCain really watches how much time he spends in the sun. Perhaps, that's why his words were so few when he took the stage at our booth. He talked for one minute and 31 seconds. He made a joke about cutting pork after he saw "Big Red", the big boar at the fair. Then he mentioned how he's standing firm on supporting the efforts in Iraq. That was about it. McCain usually is pretty generous with him time to the media. He sure wasn't this time. And to top it off, he didn't even cast his kernel for himself at our booth. His jar could definitely use the help.
Bill Richardson seemed in no apparent hurry during his visit. He came by our booth and voted for himself by dropping a kernel into his Mason jar. He joked that the number of kernels in his jar looked pretty good (he's been running third to Clinton, Edwards and Obama). He talked to dozens of people and then spent about 10 minutes in the blazing sun on our stage. It looked like his crowd was about two to three times larger than McCain's. (btw, they spoke right after each other and some of McCain's crowd was actually there for Richardson. McCain arrived about 20 minutes late).
Monday, August 13, 2007
Major Announcement
Governor Tom Vilsack to Make Major Campaign Announcement
During Press Conference Monday
What could it be, I wondered after reading that headline on an email this morning from the Clinton camp. Then I found out. Hillary Clinton will start running television ads. Is that a major announcement?
Tom Vilsack, her national co-chair, said the ad will introduce her to Iowans. When I questioned him on whether nearly every Iowan has already heard of her, he said, "they know her name. But they don't know the person." So turn on the tube if you want to meet her.
During Press Conference Monday
What could it be, I wondered after reading that headline on an email this morning from the Clinton camp. Then I found out. Hillary Clinton will start running television ads. Is that a major announcement?
Tom Vilsack, her national co-chair, said the ad will introduce her to Iowans. When I questioned him on whether nearly every Iowan has already heard of her, he said, "they know her name. But they don't know the person." So turn on the tube if you want to meet her.
Grillin' with BO
Barack Obama has apparently found some dinnermates to "grill" him...at least, that's the way his campaign puts it...
Obama Campaign Announces Iowans Selected for “Grilling with Barack”
BBQ&A Will Give Obama a Chance to Respond to Iowans on the Issues Before the Iowa Debate
DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today announced the 10 Iowans selected to go “Grilling with Barack” at a BBQ on August 18th, the day before the ABC debate at Drake University. “Grilling with Barack” comes during Obama’s five-day “Road to Change” tour across Iowa August 15th through 19th.
“The hundreds of thoughtful, heartfelt questions we received are a testament to how seriously Iowans take their responsibility as the first-in-the-nation caucus state,” Obama said. “It was very difficult to narrow the selection to only 10 people, but I’m really looking forward to grilling out with them and talking about how together, we can change our politics in Washington.”
The campaign announced “Grilling with Barack” in a video featuring Obama on its Iowa campaign website. To enter, Iowans submitted a question they wanted to ask Obama at Iowa.BarackObama.com between August 7th and 11:59 PM on August 11th. The campaign then chose the 10 dinner guests based on the submissions.
The campaign received 807 submissions in just the one week the contest was open. The BBQ will be held in the Cedar Rapids area and specific details will be announced later this week.
The 10 Iowans selected for Grilling with Barack are listed below:
Matthew Josten, Ventura
Matthew is a college student and the son of a farmer in Cerro Gordo County. He’s interested in hearing about how Obama would address the issue of poverty in America. Other issues Matthew is concerned about are the Iraq war and how to restore our standing in the world.
Rose Holmes, Forest City
Rose is a single mother of an 11-year-old son. She is looking for a candidate who truly understands the health-care crisis and will do something to address it.
David Grant, Cedar Falls
David is an assistant professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. He is interested in how Obama will address global climate change in a way that is fair and sustainable.
Laura Medberry, Fairbank
Laura is a principal at a rural elementary school in Buchanan County. Laura wants to know about Obama’s plans for rural America, specifically rural schools.
Jason Nissen, Fairbank
Jason is in the process of starting his own small software business. He wants to know about Obama’s thoughts on scientific research and the government’s role in funding stem-cell research.
Gail Kenkel, Council Bluffs
Gail is a public school teacher with a son in the military. She wants to know how we can fix No Child Left Behind in a way that supports academic excellence without overburdening teachers with paper work and the pressure to teach to the test.
Karen Osborne, New London
Karen is a retired mother of three from Henry County. She is like many Iowans out there, just looking to be convinced that a particular candidate is the right person to be our next president. She is also looking for someone will bring the country together, not seek to divide it.
Molly Cassens, Fairfield
Molly works for a company that recruits software engineers for various companies throughout the Midwest. Her husband is from Mozambique and she wants to know what Obama will do as president to help Africa with the crises that continent faces every day.
Emily Elliot, Grimes
Emily is a new mother. She and her husband are recent graduates of the University of Iowa and settled in the Urbandale area. They hope one day to start their own renewable energy business and want to know how an Obama administration will seek ways to develop the field and provide more opportunities in it.
Ron Carlson, Clearfield
Ron is a part-time pastor at a local church and a full-time student seeking his master’s of divinity degree. Ron wants to know how Obama plans to change a health-care system that others have unsuccessfully tried to change for decades.
BBQ&A Will Give Obama a Chance to Respond to Iowans on the Issues Before the Iowa Debate
DES MOINES – The Obama for America campaign today announced the 10 Iowans selected to go “Grilling with Barack” at a BBQ on August 18th, the day before the ABC debate at Drake University. “Grilling with Barack” comes during Obama’s five-day “Road to Change” tour across Iowa August 15th through 19th.
“The hundreds of thoughtful, heartfelt questions we received are a testament to how seriously Iowans take their responsibility as the first-in-the-nation caucus state,” Obama said. “It was very difficult to narrow the selection to only 10 people, but I’m really looking forward to grilling out with them and talking about how together, we can change our politics in Washington.”
The campaign announced “Grilling with Barack” in a video featuring Obama on its Iowa campaign website. To enter, Iowans submitted a question they wanted to ask Obama at Iowa.BarackObama.com between August 7th and 11:59 PM on August 11th. The campaign then chose the 10 dinner guests based on the submissions.
The campaign received 807 submissions in just the one week the contest was open. The BBQ will be held in the Cedar Rapids area and specific details will be announced later this week.
The 10 Iowans selected for Grilling with Barack are listed below:
Matthew Josten, Ventura
Matthew is a college student and the son of a farmer in Cerro Gordo County. He’s interested in hearing about how Obama would address the issue of poverty in America. Other issues Matthew is concerned about are the Iraq war and how to restore our standing in the world.
Rose Holmes, Forest City
Rose is a single mother of an 11-year-old son. She is looking for a candidate who truly understands the health-care crisis and will do something to address it.
David Grant, Cedar Falls
David is an assistant professor of English at the University of Northern Iowa. He is interested in how Obama will address global climate change in a way that is fair and sustainable.
Laura Medberry, Fairbank
Laura is a principal at a rural elementary school in Buchanan County. Laura wants to know about Obama’s plans for rural America, specifically rural schools.
Jason Nissen, Fairbank
Jason is in the process of starting his own small software business. He wants to know about Obama’s thoughts on scientific research and the government’s role in funding stem-cell research.
Gail Kenkel, Council Bluffs
Gail is a public school teacher with a son in the military. She wants to know how we can fix No Child Left Behind in a way that supports academic excellence without overburdening teachers with paper work and the pressure to teach to the test.
Karen Osborne, New London
Karen is a retired mother of three from Henry County. She is like many Iowans out there, just looking to be convinced that a particular candidate is the right person to be our next president. She is also looking for someone will bring the country together, not seek to divide it.
Molly Cassens, Fairfield
Molly works for a company that recruits software engineers for various companies throughout the Midwest. Her husband is from Mozambique and she wants to know what Obama will do as president to help Africa with the crises that continent faces every day.
Emily Elliot, Grimes
Emily is a new mother. She and her husband are recent graduates of the University of Iowa and settled in the Urbandale area. They hope one day to start their own renewable energy business and want to know how an Obama administration will seek ways to develop the field and provide more opportunities in it.
Ron Carlson, Clearfield
Ron is a part-time pastor at a local church and a full-time student seeking his master’s of divinity degree. Ron wants to know how Obama plans to change a health-care system that others have unsuccessfully tried to change for decades.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Brownback at the Back of the Pack (of Speakers)
Sam Brownback has taken the stage with a sports coat. When he stood with the other candidates, he had gone without.
His crowd looks big. Will he make a move at 2nd or 3rd when the day is over?
Here are a few quotables:
"The best place to raise a child is between a mom and a dad bonded for life."
"The best way to reduce poverty in America is to have strong families."
"Faith is a good thing. Not a bad thing."
"Hard Workin' Man" is playing as he leaves the stage.
His crowd looks big. Will he make a move at 2nd or 3rd when the day is over?
Here are a few quotables:
"The best place to raise a child is between a mom and a dad bonded for life."
"The best way to reduce poverty in America is to have strong families."
"Faith is a good thing. Not a bad thing."
"Hard Workin' Man" is playing as he leaves the stage.
Is This His Farewell?
Tommy Thompson seemed spent last night when I saw him. He just didn't seem to be flowing with optimism. He's the only candidate, that I know of, at least, that has said he has to finished first or second in this Straw Poll. If he doesn't, he says he'll drop out of the race.
He's taking the stage here. I don't recognize the song that's playing. Now, he's thanking everybody for helping his campaign.
The national media seem to be ignoring his speech.
Lots of bikers in here to hear Thompson. Thompson's a proud Harley rider.
Here are a few quotes:
"Let's defeat breast cancer by 2015, prostate cancer by 2020 and colon cancer by 2025."
"If you're going to come into the country legally, you should learn the language."
"God love you. God love Iowa. And God love the United States of America."
He's taking the stage here. I don't recognize the song that's playing. Now, he's thanking everybody for helping his campaign.
The national media seem to be ignoring his speech.
Lots of bikers in here to hear Thompson. Thompson's a proud Harley rider.
Here are a few quotes:
"Let's defeat breast cancer by 2015, prostate cancer by 2020 and colon cancer by 2025."
"If you're going to come into the country legally, you should learn the language."
"God love you. God love Iowa. And God love the United States of America."
Revenge is Sweet
I just ran into Polk Co Republican Chair Ted Sporer. He said he just had three people arrested for trespassing. He said they were causing problems. They were also part of that group that filed that suit in Federal Court this week, opposing the machines the repubs use to count ballots here.
I wonder why he had them arrested. Wouldn't it be punishment enough to just make them stand outside in the sauna?
I wonder why he had them arrested. Wouldn't it be punishment enough to just make them stand outside in the sauna?
Here Comes Huck
"I'm Walkin' on Sunshine" plays as Mike Huckabee's video plays. He's hugging just about everybody in his video. It's nearly 100 degrees in Ames today. I wonder if he'll be hugging everyone outside. That may not go over too well...
Here are a few of his words:
"Give American back to the people of Main Street, not just on Wall Street."
As a republican in Arkansas I feel about as out of place as Michael Vick at the Westminster Dog Show (My phone rang. I didn't quite get the verbatim on that one.)
A seven-year-old running a lemonade stand can understand the Fair Tax (the Fair Taxers were hoping to bring nearly 3,000 people here to the Straw Poll. If they unite as a group, could they give Huckabee a strong finish...2nd or 3rd?)
Keep your foreign oil...put it on your salad. Put it on your heads.
Here are a few of his words:
"Give American back to the people of Main Street, not just on Wall Street."
As a republican in Arkansas I feel about as out of place as Michael Vick at the Westminster Dog Show (My phone rang. I didn't quite get the verbatim on that one.)
A seven-year-old running a lemonade stand can understand the Fair Tax (the Fair Taxers were hoping to bring nearly 3,000 people here to the Straw Poll. If they unite as a group, could they give Huckabee a strong finish...2nd or 3rd?)
Keep your foreign oil...put it on your salad. Put it on your heads.
The Paul People Have Arrived
Laura Ingraham is trying her best to outshout the chants of the Ron Paul faithful. It ain't going well. They've been shouting "Ron Paul" while the Ed in 08 people tried to play their video. I doubt anyone hear could really hear much of anything.
Paul's campaign apparently didn't provide of a video of its own to play, so Paul has now taken the stage.
Here are some of his words:
"Our campaign is all about freedom, prosperity and peace."
We have a terrible threat of terrorism and we are not handling it well.
"9/11 could have been prevented if we had a lot more respect for the 2nd Amendment."
"The founders would be ashamed of us for what we're putting up with."
He wants to repeal the IRS and get rid of the 16th Amendment.
16th Amendment
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
"You pay to rebuild bridges in Iraq, while ours is falling down here."
Paul has definitely tapped into something. His supporters seem to be the most vocal. And judging by the size of his crowd inside Hilton, he does have a movement going in Iowa. Will he surprise some people with his final vote totals tonight or has this mostly been just a show of out-of-towners?
Paul's campaign apparently didn't provide of a video of its own to play, so Paul has now taken the stage.
Here are some of his words:
"Our campaign is all about freedom, prosperity and peace."
We have a terrible threat of terrorism and we are not handling it well.
"9/11 could have been prevented if we had a lot more respect for the 2nd Amendment."
"The founders would be ashamed of us for what we're putting up with."
He wants to repeal the IRS and get rid of the 16th Amendment.
16th Amendment
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
"You pay to rebuild bridges in Iraq, while ours is falling down here."
Paul has definitely tapped into something. His supporters seem to be the most vocal. And judging by the size of his crowd inside Hilton, he does have a movement going in Iowa. Will he surprise some people with his final vote totals tonight or has this mostly been just a show of out-of-towners?
Tom T.
"God Bless the U.S.A." is bringing in Congress Tom Tancredo. Former Congressional Candidate Bill Salier just introduced him...
Tancredo's started talking, but a lot of people in the audience are, too. Perhaps, it's just the commotion of Romney's people moving around. (Supporters get to stand in the "mosh pit" in front of their candidate while he's speaking. They then move out when their candidate finishes, so the next group can move in."
Here are some of his words:
Tancredo lamented how people complain about people who think like he does about evicting illegal immigrants. "They call us xenophobes, racists."
Man, he talks fast.
"Political correctness can cost us our lives."
"The only rule of engagement I will have in the Tancredo administration will be, we win. You lose."
He just supported the Fair Tax.
"We will deport people who are here illegally, because it's the law." (his biggest ovation so far)
Favorite movie he said: Saving Private Ryan.
First Ronald Reagan story. I don't remember Romney saying one, although he often does.
Cue Lee Greenwood....
Tancredo's started talking, but a lot of people in the audience are, too. Perhaps, it's just the commotion of Romney's people moving around. (Supporters get to stand in the "mosh pit" in front of their candidate while he's speaking. They then move out when their candidate finishes, so the next group can move in."
Here are some of his words:
Tancredo lamented how people complain about people who think like he does about evicting illegal immigrants. "They call us xenophobes, racists."
Man, he talks fast.
"Political correctness can cost us our lives."
"The only rule of engagement I will have in the Tancredo administration will be, we win. You lose."
He just supported the Fair Tax.
"We will deport people who are here illegally, because it's the law." (his biggest ovation so far)
Favorite movie he said: Saving Private Ryan.
First Ronald Reagan story. I don't remember Romney saying one, although he often does.
Cue Lee Greenwood....
Too hot for a suit?
The eight republicans have just taken the stage. It's that group photo we've been waiting to see. Romney and Brownback skipped the suit. Romney went with a black pullover, short-sleeved shift. Brownback chose a red, plaid, button down. Tancredo went halfway. He's wearing a sportscoat, but he skipped the tie. O.K., enough fashion talk.
Romney's taken the stage. His supporters have really filled the room. He, by far, had the loudest and largest ovation when he was announced.
Here are some highlights:
"Strengthen our military and strengthen our families."
"100,000 new military members."
Romney said everyone's been criticizing the President. But he said the Prez "has kept us safe these last six years." (big ovation)
Romney ripped on Clinton, Edwards and Obama for wanting to raise taxes. He went a step further on Edwards. He says Edwards wants to match up to 250 dollars for savings accounts fro the working poor. But Romney says those kinds of numbers "won't even buy (Edwards) a haircut". (big laughter and ovation) BTW, in case you care, I think Edwards' figure is actually $500, not $250, but who's counting?
Romney's voice is getting hoarse. I didn't notice that last night when we talked to him during his rally on Main Street in Ames.
"A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action" by Toby Keith blared as he left the stage.
Romney's taken the stage. His supporters have really filled the room. He, by far, had the loudest and largest ovation when he was announced.
Here are some highlights:
"Strengthen our military and strengthen our families."
"100,000 new military members."
Romney said everyone's been criticizing the President. But he said the Prez "has kept us safe these last six years." (big ovation)
Romney ripped on Clinton, Edwards and Obama for wanting to raise taxes. He went a step further on Edwards. He says Edwards wants to match up to 250 dollars for savings accounts fro the working poor. But Romney says those kinds of numbers "won't even buy (Edwards) a haircut". (big laughter and ovation) BTW, in case you care, I think Edwards' figure is actually $500, not $250, but who's counting?
Romney's voice is getting hoarse. I didn't notice that last night when we talked to him during his rally on Main Street in Ames.
"A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action" by Toby Keith blared as he left the stage.
Are you from Iowa?
The sizzlin' Iowa Republican Straw Poll is underway here in Ames. No, that's not an editorial. It's all about the weather, baby. I think the temp has gone up 10 degrees since I got here around 7am.
I don't know how this will affect the voting tonight, but Ron Paul's people are everywhere. Although, I still haven't met anyone here who's actually from Iowa. I'm sure they're here somewhere. I just haven't met them. Of course, only Iowans can vote.
"I want to welcome you to Iowa's edition of America Idol". Those were the words of Laura Ingraham, the Master of Ceremonies. Remember how much flak Jim Nussle got when he said something similar on WHO-TV one morning a few months back?
I don't know how this will affect the voting tonight, but Ron Paul's people are everywhere. Although, I still haven't met anyone here who's actually from Iowa. I'm sure they're here somewhere. I just haven't met them. Of course, only Iowans can vote.
"I want to welcome you to Iowa's edition of America Idol". Those were the words of Laura Ingraham, the Master of Ceremonies. Remember how much flak Jim Nussle got when he said something similar on WHO-TV one morning a few months back?
Thursday, August 09, 2007
It's Still Hot at the Fair
Sam Brownback stopped by our booth here at the Iowa State Fair. He spoke about 15 minutes on our stage. About 20 people or so stopped to hear what he had to say. I couldn't believe he talked so long. It's miserably hot out here.
The Senator is just back on the trail. He took Tuesday off to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary. He seemed a little extra happy about it. He said it's about impossible to surprise his wife. Apparently, this year he did. Convertibles are nice.
The Senator is just back on the trail. He took Tuesday off to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary. He seemed a little extra happy about it. He said it's about impossible to surprise his wife. Apparently, this year he did. Convertibles are nice.
Sweatin' with the Kernels
It's day one of the "Cast Your Kernel" corn poll here at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. It's "only" about 90 degrees. It feels like about 190!
Duncan Hunter was our first v.i.p. guest here. He showed up in a suit. Yes, a suit. My obvious question to him...why a suit? He said he needs to get people to pay attention to him as he walked around. Wearing a suit, he said, would do that. The medics may need to pay attention, as well.
Hunter brought a handful of family members with him...his brother, sister-in-law and two nephews. His son, Sam, also came along. I'm pretty sure both Sam and his dad wore the same clothes yesterday.
I asked Hunter what food he most wanted to eat while he was here. "Corn." That's all he said.
Duncan Hunter was our first v.i.p. guest here. He showed up in a suit. Yes, a suit. My obvious question to him...why a suit? He said he needs to get people to pay attention to him as he walked around. Wearing a suit, he said, would do that. The medics may need to pay attention, as well.
Hunter brought a handful of family members with him...his brother, sister-in-law and two nephews. His son, Sam, also came along. I'm pretty sure both Sam and his dad wore the same clothes yesterday.
I asked Hunter what food he most wanted to eat while he was here. "Corn." That's all he said.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
2008 Caucuses in 2007?
O.K. this is crazy. There's a report out that the 2008 Iowa Caucuses could take place December 17th of 2007...are you kidding?! Blame South Carolina. And Florida. And New Hampshire.
Surely, this won't happen (and don't call me, Shirley). Surely, they can't hold the Caucuses in 2007, can they? Is all this moving around stuff going to mean the end of the Iowa Caucuses the way we know them? Will this mean we'll see regional primaries in 2012. Or 2011.
I was watching the 10pm news tonight. Mitt Romney ran an ad. Then Bill Richardson aired one. Then Barack Obama. Then Ron Paul. Then, if that wasn't enough, the Club for Growth ran an anti-Mike Huckabee ad. That doesn't even count the Duncan Hunter ad that aired earlier. It's August 8th. Wow. Our sales people must be smiling.
The Link to Victory?
From Vilsack to Victory? Jeff Link's now helping out with the Edwards campaign. He's undoubtedly hoping for a longer run than he got with Tom Vilsack's short-lived candidacy. Here's the release from the Edwards campaign:
JEFF LINK ENDORSES EDWARDS, JOINS CAMPAIGN TO CHANGE AMERICA
Veteran Strategist Has Proven Record of Success in Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa – The John Edwards for President Campaign announced today the addition of Jeff Link as an adviser on message and strategy. Link, a Burlington native, is widely respected as one of the top Democratic operatives in Iowa.
“I’m honored to have Jeff Link joining our campaign,” Senator Edwards said. “He shares my view that we need real change in this country, and that change begins in Iowa. His skills and experience will help us to engage Iowans in an important cause: ending the war in Iraq, guaranteeing health care to all, and expanding opportunities for every American.”
“Not only does John Edwards have the boldest agenda of change and taking on special interests, but he is the strongest candidate to carry our party to victory next November,” Link said. “He is the only candidate who has won in a solidly red state and in poll after poll he is the best Democratic candidate against whomever the Republicans nominate. I’m honored to be a part of his team.”
Jeff Link has nearly two decades of Iowa political experience and is widely respected as one of the state’s top political strategists. Link's work in campaigns has dovetailed with his experience in government. After successfully managing Sen. Tom Harkin's 1996 reelection campaign, Link served in Washington, D.C. as Sen. Harkin's Chief of Staff from 1997 until 1999. In 1999 Link returned to Iowa to obtain his law degree from Drake University.
During law school, Link founded LinkStrategies, ran the Gore-Lieberman 2000 campaign in Iowa and began managing Senator Harkin's 2002 reelection campaign. Senator Harkin was reelected to his fourth term in November 2002 and Link's work in the campaign was recognized by the American Association of Political Consultants with a Pollie Award for combining technology with grassroots organizing. Most recently, Link served as Senior Communications Strategist for former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack’s presidential campaign.
JEFF LINK ENDORSES EDWARDS, JOINS CAMPAIGN TO CHANGE AMERICA
Veteran Strategist Has Proven Record of Success in Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa – The John Edwards for President Campaign announced today the addition of Jeff Link as an adviser on message and strategy. Link, a Burlington native, is widely respected as one of the top Democratic operatives in Iowa.
“I’m honored to have Jeff Link joining our campaign,” Senator Edwards said. “He shares my view that we need real change in this country, and that change begins in Iowa. His skills and experience will help us to engage Iowans in an important cause: ending the war in Iraq, guaranteeing health care to all, and expanding opportunities for every American.”
“Not only does John Edwards have the boldest agenda of change and taking on special interests, but he is the strongest candidate to carry our party to victory next November,” Link said. “He is the only candidate who has won in a solidly red state and in poll after poll he is the best Democratic candidate against whomever the Republicans nominate. I’m honored to be a part of his team.”
Jeff Link has nearly two decades of Iowa political experience and is widely respected as one of the state’s top political strategists. Link's work in campaigns has dovetailed with his experience in government. After successfully managing Sen. Tom Harkin's 1996 reelection campaign, Link served in Washington, D.C. as Sen. Harkin's Chief of Staff from 1997 until 1999. In 1999 Link returned to Iowa to obtain his law degree from Drake University.
During law school, Link founded LinkStrategies, ran the Gore-Lieberman 2000 campaign in Iowa and began managing Senator Harkin's 2002 reelection campaign. Senator Harkin was reelected to his fourth term in November 2002 and Link's work in the campaign was recognized by the American Association of Political Consultants with a Pollie Award for combining technology with grassroots organizing. Most recently, Link served as Senior Communications Strategist for former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack’s presidential campaign.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
BBQ Battle
As if the Brownback/Romney battle isn't heating up enough on its own, now this...a battle over BBQ. Brownback will have Famous Dave's cater his straw poll tent in Ames next month.
Romney is using Hickory Park. Bring your wet wipes.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
We are the Champions!
For the last few years we've been playing a just-for-fun softball tournament with co-workers from my station at WHO-TV against KCCI and WOI. This morning, we resumed our tradition. What a beautiful day, too. Sunny...temps in the high 70s or so.First up....KCCI. We won 20-16. I don't want to say it was bad pitching and bad fielding. We'll just say it was a lot of good hitting.
And in the championship...WOI. Yep, we won that, too, 14-10. (I won't go into detail about how my legs are already sore, how I have a blister on my right hand and how I scraped up the palm of my right hand and right forearm. It'll make me feel too old).
But who cares? We won! As one of our sports guy, Shawn Terrell, put it best...We are "Central Iowa's Softball Leader." We'll work on a better slogan...maybe next year.
Wrapping Up
Obama finished by bringing the crowd to its feet (I think the third time he did it during his speech before several hundred AFSCME members here at the Holiday Inn in Des Moines).
He stuck around nearly a half hour shaking hands and posing for pictures. He's headed home. So am I.
He stuck around nearly a half hour shaking hands and posing for pictures. He's headed home. So am I.
He's Taken The Mic
Obama just started, about five minutes early. That hasn't happened much lately. I don't mean with him. I mean with most any candidate it seems.
Here are some of his words...
"Who is going to stand up for me?" (He was talking about union members)
Obama talked about sanitation workers in the South who earned little money and little respect in the 1960s. These are the people he says who have worked to lay the foundation for jobs that these union workers now enjoy.
"You believe in organization without intimidation."
The guy in the Oval House doesn't care about workers (I missed a word, I think, but this is almost his direct quote)
“You fight for the right to organize, but the business lobby fights back by getting their friends in Congress and the White house to block card check, and stack the labor relations board with their friends and allies. Well it’s not the Department of Management, it’s the Department of Labor, and it’s time we won that fight too.”
Obama says the White House is the most anti-union administration in generations.
He said the only way a person can make changes that will help union workers is for the country to elect a person who can bring people together. He said he is the person who can do that.
"I will sign a universal health care plan by the end of my administration." (Can he still do that if voters give him a Republican Congress? We'll have to hold onto this quote for later.)
Obama reminds the room that he spoke out against the War in Iraq before it started. He's been doing this at most every recent stop I can remember. Just a subtle reminder, without actually saying the words, that Edwards and Clinton voted for the war.
Here are some of his words...
"Who is going to stand up for me?" (He was talking about union members)
Obama talked about sanitation workers in the South who earned little money and little respect in the 1960s. These are the people he says who have worked to lay the foundation for jobs that these union workers now enjoy.
"You believe in organization without intimidation."
The guy in the Oval House doesn't care about workers (I missed a word, I think, but this is almost his direct quote)
“You fight for the right to organize, but the business lobby fights back by getting their friends in Congress and the White house to block card check, and stack the labor relations board with their friends and allies. Well it’s not the Department of Management, it’s the Department of Labor, and it’s time we won that fight too.”
Obama says the White House is the most anti-union administration in generations.
He said the only way a person can make changes that will help union workers is for the country to elect a person who can bring people together. He said he is the person who can do that.
"I will sign a universal health care plan by the end of my administration." (Can he still do that if voters give him a Republican Congress? We'll have to hold onto this quote for later.)
Obama reminds the room that he spoke out against the War in Iraq before it started. He's been doing this at most every recent stop I can remember. Just a subtle reminder, without actually saying the words, that Edwards and Clinton voted for the war.
He's Early...
Barack Obama was scheduled to speak here tonight at the AFSCME convention in Des Moines at 7pm. I think he got here at 6 and he was ready to go. The room wasn't yet.
I just ran into Dick Myers, the former State Rep. from Iowa City. He's supporting Obama. Why, I asked.
"He challenged the status quo."
"I like his sense of community" (Myers read his books)
"If we try to win elections by putting the fellows down, we're gonna lose." Myers said Obama doesn't do that and won't do that."
I just ran into Dick Myers, the former State Rep. from Iowa City. He's supporting Obama. Why, I asked.
"He challenged the status quo."
"I like his sense of community" (Myers read his books)
"If we try to win elections by putting the fellows down, we're gonna lose." Myers said Obama doesn't do that and won't do that."
Friday, July 20, 2007
Don't Sing With Your Mouth Full
I think the country band here at the AFSCME convention in Des Moines is called Crossfire. The lead singer just asked the audience to sing. Too bad the audience is eating right now. This might get messy.
Hillary Clinton just took the stage to the sounds of Celine Dion (Americans really voted for that song?). Crossfire must not have known any Celine. Celine came from a recording.
Some of her words tonight...
"Let's end this outsourcing of America." Clinton said she wants to cut 500,000 federally-contracted employees.
"The government is not against you. Your government understands the important role you (unions) pay in society."
"I think we need more middle class tax cuts."
I just spotted a few more leaders...Ako Abdul Samaad, the DSM State Rep., Bruce Hunter, who's also a DSM State Rep. Dan Albritton is also here. He's the former CIETC consultant who was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of trying to cover up the pay scandal there.
O.K., back to the Clinton comments...
"Women are good at cleaning."
I think there are actually birds flying over our heads inside the hotel here. Those are actually my words, not hers.
Clinton just finished.
Hello, Brothers and Sisters, Part II
No, that's not ice cream. It's butter! Butter? It's on each table here at the AFSCME convention at the Holiday Inn near the DSM Airport. Who needs that much butter?
It's a noticeably different feel here tonight for Hillary Clinton than it was around lunchtime when Bill Richardson took the stage. No box lunches for dinner. Tonight there's a nice spread of pork chops, potatoes, beans, salad, carrot cake and who knows what else...
Security's much different, too. I don't remember any security for Richardson. But there's the usual entourage of maybe a dozen or so secret service, police, etc. for Clinton.
Des Moines Senator Dick Deardon and Des Moines Representative Janet Peterson are among the crowd. So is Secretary of State Michael Mauro.
And, man, is it hot in here. I hope it doesn't melt the butter.
Hello, Brothers and Sisters
I'm sitting inside the Holiday Inn just across from the DSM Airport. Bill Richardson just took the podium before about 150 AFSCME members from Iowa. Why is this appearance important for him? Perhaps, his own words explain... Richardson said, "An AFSCME endorsement is, perhaps, the ultimate prize."
Other candidates must agree this is a pretty big weekend. John Edwards spoke yesterday. Hillary Clinton's flying in tonight just for this event. Chris Dodd stops by tomorrow evening, so will Barack Obama, who is also flying in just for this.
A few more words from Richardson...
"I don't have their rock star status, but I'm working on it?"
"Have you seen my ads? Do you like 'em?"
"There are no free riders in my state." He was talking about legislators' attempts in Iowa to pass what they called "Fair Share", so that non-union employees don't get free services from the unions. New Mexico has this. Here in Iowa, despite a democratic governor, a democrat-controlled house and democratic-controlled senate, it went no where last session.
"I know last time the (AFSCME) endorsement went a little off-key." ("off-key"...get it? AFSCME endorsed Howard Dean last time around)
Other candidates must agree this is a pretty big weekend. John Edwards spoke yesterday. Hillary Clinton's flying in tonight just for this event. Chris Dodd stops by tomorrow evening, so will Barack Obama, who is also flying in just for this.
A few more words from Richardson...
"I don't have their rock star status, but I'm working on it?"
"Have you seen my ads? Do you like 'em?"
"There are no free riders in my state." He was talking about legislators' attempts in Iowa to pass what they called "Fair Share", so that non-union employees don't get free services from the unions. New Mexico has this. Here in Iowa, despite a democratic governor, a democrat-controlled house and democratic-controlled senate, it went no where last session.
"I know last time the (AFSCME) endorsement went a little off-key." ("off-key"...get it? AFSCME endorsed Howard Dean last time around)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Did He Lie to Me?
I was about to head to the gym this morning, when someone called me about a story in the L.A. Times. Here's a recap... Tom Vilsack ran for President. Vilsack went into debt. He dropped out. Vilsack endorsed Hillary Clinton. That same day, the Clinton campaign said it would help Vilsack pay off his bills. Two days later, Vilsack told me that wasn't the case. (You can watch the story here)
He would pay back his own bills, he said. About four months later, the L.A. Times figured out Clinton backers have also been giving money to Vilsack's now-defunct, but still-in-debt campaign. Hmmm...
It reminds me of a day in 2004. John Kerry won the caucuses in January. Christie Vilsack had endorsed him. Her husband hadn't. After the caucuses, I was in the Governor's office with several other reporters. We asked Vilsack if he would endorse Kerry. He told me "no". The next day, the Des Moines Register reported Vilsack would endorse Kerry. I later found out that Vilsack already knew at the time he was endorsing. He said his staff said it would be o.k. to release his decision to the newspaper. I wonder why he just didn't tell that to me and the other reporters standing with me? I wonder why he told me he'd pay off his own bills? I wonder...
He would pay back his own bills, he said. About four months later, the L.A. Times figured out Clinton backers have also been giving money to Vilsack's now-defunct, but still-in-debt campaign. Hmmm...
It reminds me of a day in 2004. John Kerry won the caucuses in January. Christie Vilsack had endorsed him. Her husband hadn't. After the caucuses, I was in the Governor's office with several other reporters. We asked Vilsack if he would endorse Kerry. He told me "no". The next day, the Des Moines Register reported Vilsack would endorse Kerry. I later found out that Vilsack already knew at the time he was endorsing. He said his staff said it would be o.k. to release his decision to the newspaper. I wonder why he just didn't tell that to me and the other reporters standing with me? I wonder why he told me he'd pay off his own bills? I wonder...
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Another One Bites the Dust
Jim Gilmore has just dropped out of the republican race for Prez. The news for many of you in this may be that this means Jim Gilmore had actually been running for President in the first place.
Here's what he sent out to his supporters, or his family, whichever the case may be...
Dear Friend:
I am today withdrawing my candidacy for the Republican nomination for President. It has been a positive and rewarding experience for me, for my family, and for my supporters.
It has become apparent to me that the combination of my late start, and the front loaded nature of the primary schedule, have made it impractical to continue to pursue this path towards further public service.
I am proud of the fact that my campaign focused on the issues, worked hard to block amnesty for illegal immigrants, brought attention to the need to protect private property rights, and called for a new path in Iraq that would provide our valiant military men and women with a more clearly defined and achievable mission.
However, I have come to believe that it takes more than a positive vision for our nation's future to successfully compete for the Presidency. I believe that it takes years of preparation to put in place both the political and financial infrastructure to contest what now amounts to a one-day national primary in February.
In the coming weeks and months, I intend to remain active in the Republican Party and in the public debate. I will be forming a state political action committee to assist Republican candidates in the General Assembly. Additionally, I will be actively looking for other opportunities to continue in public service in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Thank you for your interest and support of my candidacy. I look forward to finding opportunities to continue working with you in the future so that together we can make America an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
Sincerely,
James S. Gilmore
Here's what he sent out to his supporters, or his family, whichever the case may be...
Dear Friend:
I am today withdrawing my candidacy for the Republican nomination for President. It has been a positive and rewarding experience for me, for my family, and for my supporters.
It has become apparent to me that the combination of my late start, and the front loaded nature of the primary schedule, have made it impractical to continue to pursue this path towards further public service.
I am proud of the fact that my campaign focused on the issues, worked hard to block amnesty for illegal immigrants, brought attention to the need to protect private property rights, and called for a new path in Iraq that would provide our valiant military men and women with a more clearly defined and achievable mission.
However, I have come to believe that it takes more than a positive vision for our nation's future to successfully compete for the Presidency. I believe that it takes years of preparation to put in place both the political and financial infrastructure to contest what now amounts to a one-day national primary in February.
In the coming weeks and months, I intend to remain active in the Republican Party and in the public debate. I will be forming a state political action committee to assist Republican candidates in the General Assembly. Additionally, I will be actively looking for other opportunities to continue in public service in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Thank you for your interest and support of my candidacy. I look forward to finding opportunities to continue working with you in the future so that together we can make America an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
Sincerely,
James S. Gilmore
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Ohhh, the haircut
John Edwards usually seems to bring up that infamous $400 haircut during the Iowa stops I've covered these last few months. But tonight in Ft. Dodge is the first time I remember someone in the crowd bringing it up...and it wasn't all that pretty.
A woman first asked him if he would consider living on the "food stamp diet' a few members of Congress are trying. He told her he hadn't heard about it, but if he could make it work on the Presidential campaign trail, he would think about it. Then she brought up the haircut. She told him her family lives for weeks on what he paid for that one haircut. The comment brought a collective "ohhhh" from the crowd and silence for a bit from Edwards.
A woman first asked him if he would consider living on the "food stamp diet' a few members of Congress are trying. He told her he hadn't heard about it, but if he could make it work on the Presidential campaign trail, he would think about it. Then she brought up the haircut. She told him her family lives for weeks on what he paid for that one haircut. The comment brought a collective "ohhhh" from the crowd and silence for a bit from Edwards.
Waiting for J.E.
Tomorrow Begins Today...that's printed on the big banner hanging across the Ft. Dodge Public Library tonight. We're hoping this event begins tonight and not tomorrow. John Edwards is already nearly 30 minutes late flying into town. We already have a bit of what he'll say tonight.
Here's part of the release that'll come out...
EDWARDS CALLS FOR INVESTMENT IN RURAL AMERICA Also Highlights Plan for Universal Health Care During Town Hall in Fort DodgeFort Dodge, Iowa – During a town hall meeting in Fort Dodge today, Senator John Edwards called for a major new federal effort to reinvest in rural America and highlighted his plan to guarantee health care to all Americans. “I grew up in a rural community, and I saw what happened to people just like my dad when the mill closed down,” Edwards said. “For too long, the needs of rural Americans and their communities have been neglected in Washington – and the result has been a steady exodus of jobs and opportunity. As president, I’ll make it a major priority to bring those jobs back through investments in renewable energy and main street small businesses.”Edwards' Rural Recovery Plan would:
Restore economic fairness to rural America by helping small businesses thrive and grow. Edwards will create the Rural Economic Advancement Challenge (REACH) Fund to bring capital and management expertise to small town America.
Create a new energy economy in rural America by establishing the New Energy Economy Fund to jumpstart renewable energies. Edwards will create new markets for ethanol, invest in renewable energy research, support locally owned biorefineries and require 25 percent of electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2025.
Strengthen rural schools by improving pay for teachers in rural and other hard-to-staff schools to help attract quality new and experienced teachers, and by creating digital learning opportunities.
Improve health care in rural America by rewriting the unfair Medicare and Medicaid funding formulas that punish rural states and communities, and supporting investments in telemedicine. Additionally, Edwards' plan for universal health care will cover the 9 million rural Americans that lack insurance and establish a nationwide network of safety net clinics and public hospitals.
Rid rural America of methamphetamines by investing in the enforcement of drug laws in rural areas, help states make meth ingredients more difficult to get and expand programs that successfully treat addicts.
Edwards also highlighted his plan to guarantee quality, affordable health care for every American – the only specific plan offered by any candidate in either party for truly universal health coverage. His plan is based on the principle of shared responsibility: businesses, families, and governments must each do their part to achieve universal health coverage and a better health care system for all of us. The Edwards Plan achieves universal coverage by:
Requiring businesses and other employers to either cover their employees or help finance their health insurance.
Making insurance affordable by creating new tax credits, expanding Medicaid and SCHIP, reforming insurance laws, and taking innovative steps to contain health care costs.
Creating regional "Health Care Markets" to let every American share the bargaining power to purchase an affordable, high-quality health plan, increase choices among insurance plans – including the option of a public plan - and cut costs for businesses offering insurance.
Once these steps have been taken, requiring all American residents to get insurance.
Here's part of the release that'll come out...
EDWARDS CALLS FOR INVESTMENT IN RURAL AMERICA Also Highlights Plan for Universal Health Care During Town Hall in Fort DodgeFort Dodge, Iowa – During a town hall meeting in Fort Dodge today, Senator John Edwards called for a major new federal effort to reinvest in rural America and highlighted his plan to guarantee health care to all Americans. “I grew up in a rural community, and I saw what happened to people just like my dad when the mill closed down,” Edwards said. “For too long, the needs of rural Americans and their communities have been neglected in Washington – and the result has been a steady exodus of jobs and opportunity. As president, I’ll make it a major priority to bring those jobs back through investments in renewable energy and main street small businesses.”Edwards' Rural Recovery Plan would:
Restore economic fairness to rural America by helping small businesses thrive and grow. Edwards will create the Rural Economic Advancement Challenge (REACH) Fund to bring capital and management expertise to small town America.
Create a new energy economy in rural America by establishing the New Energy Economy Fund to jumpstart renewable energies. Edwards will create new markets for ethanol, invest in renewable energy research, support locally owned biorefineries and require 25 percent of electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2025.
Strengthen rural schools by improving pay for teachers in rural and other hard-to-staff schools to help attract quality new and experienced teachers, and by creating digital learning opportunities.
Improve health care in rural America by rewriting the unfair Medicare and Medicaid funding formulas that punish rural states and communities, and supporting investments in telemedicine. Additionally, Edwards' plan for universal health care will cover the 9 million rural Americans that lack insurance and establish a nationwide network of safety net clinics and public hospitals.
Rid rural America of methamphetamines by investing in the enforcement of drug laws in rural areas, help states make meth ingredients more difficult to get and expand programs that successfully treat addicts.
Edwards also highlighted his plan to guarantee quality, affordable health care for every American – the only specific plan offered by any candidate in either party for truly universal health coverage. His plan is based on the principle of shared responsibility: businesses, families, and governments must each do their part to achieve universal health coverage and a better health care system for all of us. The Edwards Plan achieves universal coverage by:
Requiring businesses and other employers to either cover their employees or help finance their health insurance.
Making insurance affordable by creating new tax credits, expanding Medicaid and SCHIP, reforming insurance laws, and taking innovative steps to contain health care costs.
Creating regional "Health Care Markets" to let every American share the bargaining power to purchase an affordable, high-quality health plan, increase choices among insurance plans – including the option of a public plan - and cut costs for businesses offering insurance.
Once these steps have been taken, requiring all American residents to get insurance.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Can You Answer the Question?
I need a little help.
I'm looking for some republicans, democrats and independents. Here's why: We asked the presidential candidates (19 in all, I believe) some questions I think are pretty important. But did they actually answer them? That's where I need your help. We're going to bring in some folks to look over the candidates' answers to see two things...1. Do the answers make sense? 2. Did the candidates actually answer the question?
Wanna help? Check this out
I'm looking for some republicans, democrats and independents. Here's why: We asked the presidential candidates (19 in all, I believe) some questions I think are pretty important. But did they actually answer them? That's where I need your help. We're going to bring in some folks to look over the candidates' answers to see two things...1. Do the answers make sense? 2. Did the candidates actually answer the question?
Wanna help? Check this out
The 10am Showdown...or so
Hillary Clinton...Barack Obama...same time, same city...our first showdown (yeah, I know we still have six months til the Caucuses)
10am--the showdown begins. Or not. 10:15 for Clinton, I'm told. 10:13 for Obama. That's where I am this morning. Clinton is releasing her plan on how to end the war. (I'll copy it below)
Obama seems to be a little extra fired up here at Des Moines Area Community College (we're just a few blocks away from the Clinton event downtown). Is he trying to compete with Clinton? Is it because it's 1000 degrees inside this garage? Or is he just "on" today?
Obama received the longest ovation that I remember recently here on the campaign trail. (Bill and Hillary Clinton received a big one, too, last week at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.)
He told the crowd of about 500 there are no "do-over's" when it comes to issues like Iraq (take that, Hillary). He repeated his phrase that the war should have never been authorized (take that, too). Big applause. (I'll copy some of his remarks and post them under Clinton's comments).
We get a little 1 on 1 time with him afterwards. More on that later. The campaign's been giving us more access to him lately. Not the case with HRC.
Here are the releases from Obama and Clinton campaigns about this morning...
Hillary Clinton’s Plan to End the War in Iraq as President
Today in Iowa, Hillary Clinton announced her plan to end the war in Iraq and urged President Bush to act immediately.
“Our message to the President is clear. It is time to begin ending this war – not next year, not next month – but today.“We have heard for years now that as the Iraqis stand up, our troops will stand down. Every year, we hear about how next year they may start coming home. Now we are hearing a new version of that yet again from the President as he has more troops in Iraq than ever and the Iraqi government is more fractured and ineffective than ever.“Well, the right strategy before the surge and post-escalation is the same: start bringing home America’s troops now.”
If President Bush does not end the war, when Hillary Clinton is President, she will. Her three-step plan would bring our troops home, work to bring stability to the region, and replace military force with a new diplomatic initiative to engage countries around the world in securing Iraq’s future. Hillary has been fighting every day in the Senate to force the President to change course. And today she described how she would bring the war to an end.
Starting Phased Redeployment within Hillary’s First Days in Office: The most important part of Hillary’s plan is the first: to end our military engagement in Iraq’s civil war and immediately start bringing our troops home. As President, one of Hillary’s first official actions would be to convene the Joint Chiefs of Staff, her Secretary of Defense, and her National Security Council. She would direct them to draw up a clear, viable plan to bring our troops home starting with the first 60 days of her Administration. She would also direct the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare a comprehensive plan to provide the highest quality health care and benefits to every service member – including every member of the National Guard and Reserves – and their families.
Securing Stability in Iraq as we Bring our Troops Home. As President, Hillary would focus American aid efforts during our redeployment on stabilizing Iraq, not propping up the Iraqi government. She would direct aid to the entities – whether governmental or non-governmental – most likely to get it into the hands of the Iraqi people. She would also support the appointment of a high level U.N. representative – similar to those appointed in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo – to help broker peace among the parties in Iraq.
A New Intensive Diplomatic Initiative in the Region. In her first days in office, Hillary would convene a regional stabilization group composed of key allies, other global powers, and all of the states bordering Iraq. The- mission of this group would be to develop and implement a strategy to create a stable Iraq. It would have three specific goals:
*Non-interference. Working with the U.N. representative, the group would work to convince Iraq’s neighbors to refrain from getting involved in the civil war.
*Mediation. The group would attempt to mediate among the different sectarian groups in Iraq with the goal of attaining compromises on fundamental points of disputes.
*Reconstruction funding. The members of the group would hold themselves and other countries to their past pledges to provide funding to Iraq and will encourage additional contributions to meet Iraq’s extensive needs.
As our forces redeploy out of Iraq, Hillary would also organize a multi-billion dollar international effort – funded by a wide range of donor states – under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to address the needs of Iraqi refugees. And as we replace military force with diplomacy and global leadership, Hillary will not lose sight of our very real strategic interests in the region. She would devote the resources we need to fight terrorism and will order specialized units to engage in narrow and targeted operations against al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in the region.
Obama Discusses Economic Impact of Iraq War at Des Moines Town Hall
Iowa families squeezed by war in Iraq which costs American taxpayers $275 million each day
DES MOINES –At a town hall meeting with Iowans today, Democratic candidate for President Barack Obama discussed the ways in which Iowa families are affected by the demands of an increasingly competitive global economy and rising health care and energy costs. Obama also discussed how spending more than $275 million each day on the war in Iraq has hurt America’s ability to help working families who are feeling squeezed.
“It will be enormously difficult to invest in jobs and opportunity until we stop spending $275 million a day on this war in Iraq,” Senator Barack Obama said. “When I opposed this war before it began in 2002, I was about to run for the United States Senate and I knew it wasn’t the politically popular position. But I believed then and still do that being a leader means that you’d better do what’s right and leave the politics aside, because there are no do-overs on an issue as important as war.”
For those living in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Des Moines, the cost of the war in Iraq will be $756.6 million through 2007. This total is equivalent to providing health care for 238,693 adults and 339,808 children; equipping 851,323 homes with renewable electricity; hiring 17,489 elementary school teachers; offering 134,819 scholarships for university students; creating 113,832 Head Start places for children; building 89 new elementary schools; recruiting 18,745 public safety officers; and hiring 12,676 port container inspectors. [National Priorities Project]
Obama said neglecting these important domestic priorities has a significant impact on workers and their families who are working harder, but falling further behind:
“You’ve seen the factories close their doors and move overseas, leaving too many cities and mill towns without their biggest source of employment,” said Obama. “I saw it when I first arrived in Chicago in the early 80s, where I took a job helping to rebuild neighborhoods that had been devastated by steel plant closings. I saw it in Galesburg, Illinois and in Newton with Maytag plants shedding jobs and moving overseas.”
Iowa families continue to feel the economic crunch brought on by soaring health care and energy costs. Iowans spend over $15 billion per year on health care, which accounts for nearly 14% of the state economy. Health insurance premiums in Iowa are increasing at an unacceptable pace – almost 4 times faster than wages over the past 6 years. In May, Senator Obama introduced a health care plan that would save the average American family up to $2500 in health care costs per year through money saving measures such as requiring competition in the insurance industry to reduce administrative costs and lower premiums, investing in Health IT and more. Click here for more information on Senator Obama’s detailed health care plan: Fact Sheet.
“We are about to receive yet another report telling us that Iraq’s political leaders have not met a single goal they set for themselves to demonstrate any kind of progress towards stability,” Obama said. “Not one goal. Well they have had their chances and George Bush has had his – we cannot keep our troops in the middle of a civil war that Iraq’s leaders refuse to end. It’s time to bring them home.”
Senator Obama also has a plan to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. In January, Obama introduced legislation that would have all our combat troops home from Iraq by March 31, 2008.
10am--the showdown begins. Or not. 10:15 for Clinton, I'm told. 10:13 for Obama. That's where I am this morning. Clinton is releasing her plan on how to end the war. (I'll copy it below)
Obama seems to be a little extra fired up here at Des Moines Area Community College (we're just a few blocks away from the Clinton event downtown). Is he trying to compete with Clinton? Is it because it's 1000 degrees inside this garage? Or is he just "on" today?
Obama received the longest ovation that I remember recently here on the campaign trail. (Bill and Hillary Clinton received a big one, too, last week at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.)
He told the crowd of about 500 there are no "do-over's" when it comes to issues like Iraq (take that, Hillary). He repeated his phrase that the war should have never been authorized (take that, too). Big applause. (I'll copy some of his remarks and post them under Clinton's comments).
We get a little 1 on 1 time with him afterwards. More on that later. The campaign's been giving us more access to him lately. Not the case with HRC.
Here are the releases from Obama and Clinton campaigns about this morning...
Hillary Clinton’s Plan to End the War in Iraq as President
Today in Iowa, Hillary Clinton announced her plan to end the war in Iraq and urged President Bush to act immediately.
“Our message to the President is clear. It is time to begin ending this war – not next year, not next month – but today.“We have heard for years now that as the Iraqis stand up, our troops will stand down. Every year, we hear about how next year they may start coming home. Now we are hearing a new version of that yet again from the President as he has more troops in Iraq than ever and the Iraqi government is more fractured and ineffective than ever.“Well, the right strategy before the surge and post-escalation is the same: start bringing home America’s troops now.”
If President Bush does not end the war, when Hillary Clinton is President, she will. Her three-step plan would bring our troops home, work to bring stability to the region, and replace military force with a new diplomatic initiative to engage countries around the world in securing Iraq’s future. Hillary has been fighting every day in the Senate to force the President to change course. And today she described how she would bring the war to an end.
Starting Phased Redeployment within Hillary’s First Days in Office: The most important part of Hillary’s plan is the first: to end our military engagement in Iraq’s civil war and immediately start bringing our troops home. As President, one of Hillary’s first official actions would be to convene the Joint Chiefs of Staff, her Secretary of Defense, and her National Security Council. She would direct them to draw up a clear, viable plan to bring our troops home starting with the first 60 days of her Administration. She would also direct the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to prepare a comprehensive plan to provide the highest quality health care and benefits to every service member – including every member of the National Guard and Reserves – and their families.
Securing Stability in Iraq as we Bring our Troops Home. As President, Hillary would focus American aid efforts during our redeployment on stabilizing Iraq, not propping up the Iraqi government. She would direct aid to the entities – whether governmental or non-governmental – most likely to get it into the hands of the Iraqi people. She would also support the appointment of a high level U.N. representative – similar to those appointed in Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Kosovo – to help broker peace among the parties in Iraq.
A New Intensive Diplomatic Initiative in the Region. In her first days in office, Hillary would convene a regional stabilization group composed of key allies, other global powers, and all of the states bordering Iraq. The- mission of this group would be to develop and implement a strategy to create a stable Iraq. It would have three specific goals:
*Non-interference. Working with the U.N. representative, the group would work to convince Iraq’s neighbors to refrain from getting involved in the civil war.
*Mediation. The group would attempt to mediate among the different sectarian groups in Iraq with the goal of attaining compromises on fundamental points of disputes.
*Reconstruction funding. The members of the group would hold themselves and other countries to their past pledges to provide funding to Iraq and will encourage additional contributions to meet Iraq’s extensive needs.
As our forces redeploy out of Iraq, Hillary would also organize a multi-billion dollar international effort – funded by a wide range of donor states – under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to address the needs of Iraqi refugees. And as we replace military force with diplomacy and global leadership, Hillary will not lose sight of our very real strategic interests in the region. She would devote the resources we need to fight terrorism and will order specialized units to engage in narrow and targeted operations against al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in the region.
Obama Discusses Economic Impact of Iraq War at Des Moines Town Hall
Iowa families squeezed by war in Iraq which costs American taxpayers $275 million each day
DES MOINES –At a town hall meeting with Iowans today, Democratic candidate for President Barack Obama discussed the ways in which Iowa families are affected by the demands of an increasingly competitive global economy and rising health care and energy costs. Obama also discussed how spending more than $275 million each day on the war in Iraq has hurt America’s ability to help working families who are feeling squeezed.
“It will be enormously difficult to invest in jobs and opportunity until we stop spending $275 million a day on this war in Iraq,” Senator Barack Obama said. “When I opposed this war before it began in 2002, I was about to run for the United States Senate and I knew it wasn’t the politically popular position. But I believed then and still do that being a leader means that you’d better do what’s right and leave the politics aside, because there are no do-overs on an issue as important as war.”
For those living in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Des Moines, the cost of the war in Iraq will be $756.6 million through 2007. This total is equivalent to providing health care for 238,693 adults and 339,808 children; equipping 851,323 homes with renewable electricity; hiring 17,489 elementary school teachers; offering 134,819 scholarships for university students; creating 113,832 Head Start places for children; building 89 new elementary schools; recruiting 18,745 public safety officers; and hiring 12,676 port container inspectors. [National Priorities Project]
Obama said neglecting these important domestic priorities has a significant impact on workers and their families who are working harder, but falling further behind:
“You’ve seen the factories close their doors and move overseas, leaving too many cities and mill towns without their biggest source of employment,” said Obama. “I saw it when I first arrived in Chicago in the early 80s, where I took a job helping to rebuild neighborhoods that had been devastated by steel plant closings. I saw it in Galesburg, Illinois and in Newton with Maytag plants shedding jobs and moving overseas.”
Iowa families continue to feel the economic crunch brought on by soaring health care and energy costs. Iowans spend over $15 billion per year on health care, which accounts for nearly 14% of the state economy. Health insurance premiums in Iowa are increasing at an unacceptable pace – almost 4 times faster than wages over the past 6 years. In May, Senator Obama introduced a health care plan that would save the average American family up to $2500 in health care costs per year through money saving measures such as requiring competition in the insurance industry to reduce administrative costs and lower premiums, investing in Health IT and more. Click here for more information on Senator Obama’s detailed health care plan: Fact Sheet.
“We are about to receive yet another report telling us that Iraq’s political leaders have not met a single goal they set for themselves to demonstrate any kind of progress towards stability,” Obama said. “Not one goal. Well they have had their chances and George Bush has had his – we cannot keep our troops in the middle of a civil war that Iraq’s leaders refuse to end. It’s time to bring them home.”
Senator Obama also has a plan to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. In January, Obama introduced legislation that would have all our combat troops home from Iraq by March 31, 2008.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Tougher to Be Black or Female?
Nothing scientific here, but I had an interesting talk in a Pella front lawn on the 4th of July. I sat down with three women. They were all 55 plus. They were all white. One was a republican (who is curious about Obama). The other two are democrats, who are still making up their minds on their choices. I asked whether it will be more difficult for an African-American or a woman to be elected President. All three said running as a woman will be more difficult. Interesting. I need to do more on this...
From Billary to B.O.
I know it was only about 90 or so in Pella. But, man, did it feel like 110! Iowans will tell you, "it's the humidity." We were all drenched by the time Barack Obama arrived for our media avail. Best I could tell, he wasn't sweating.
A couple observations...despite the heat, the several hundred people who gathered in the front yard of the host's house to hear the Senator stuck around until he finished (including the curious neighbors who didn't come over, but did set up lawn chairs in the front yards to peak in on the activities). That's unlike what we saw Monday night at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. It was a much larger crowd. I'd guess somewhere between 3 and 4,000 (The campaign claimed 7,000 both to the media and in a followup email to supporters. I polled the national media folks, as well as a few locals I trust for their "guesstimating" skills, and no one seemed to think the crowd was anywhere near 7,000.)
Hillary Clinton spoke after her husband handed over the microphone. I counted dozens, if not hundreds of people who left early. Were they more interested in her husband? Were they just tired? (The Clintons did start the event an hour late) Were they just trying to beat the traffic? I didn't get to talk to them as they made their escape. I wish I could have. But I had to listen to the rest of Senator Clinton.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Bubba's late; Mac is cutting back
"Life is a Highway" is playing...again...for the fourth time. Not sure what the delay is, but Bill and Hillary Clinton have yet to come out for his much-heralded return to Iowa here at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. They're already 47 minutes late by my watch. Apparently, he's not much more punctual as the spouse of a candidate than he was as the candidate (in other words, yes, he's ALWAYS late).
While I'm waiting, let's move to another candidate, John McCain. The word I'm hearing is that the campaign has gutted its Iowa operations. The Iowa campaign spokesman won't say how many of the 23 paid Iowa people (that includes 3 paid consultants) will be let go, but he says there have been "significant cuts." I remember a few months ago, McCain telling us he would do better raising money than he did during the first quarter. That didn't happen. Other campaigns are whispering in our ears about how this is more than the beginning of the end for McCain's campaign. But his Iowa spokesman says an Iowa visit is still planned for mid-July and that the all of these budget cuts actually mean the Senator will now be in Iowa more, not less.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Romney Loves His Dog
Mitt Romney has been criticized for strapping the family dog on top of his vehicle during a family trip. Saturday night in Des Moines, he was asked to explain. Here's his response...
Romney said, "Sometimes when the stories come out in the media, they don't quite get it accurate. The kennel that my family pet used to ride in is enclosed. It's not an open-air kennel. It's enclosed. And there are air vents, of course, in the back. My family pet used to climb up there and lay down on his own. We love our family pets, have always loved our family pets, have nothing by honor and pride in taking care of our great dogs."
Empty Your Pockets, Sir
Hillary Clinton is the former First Lady and also a U.S. Senator from New York. Barack Obama has received death threats. Neither was inside Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines Saturday afternoon. But the security sure was something for the six republicans who were there (7 if you count Ron Paul, who set up his own event next door).
We had to walk through metal detectors to get inside the forum room, which I don't recall doing for any political event so far this year. They took my bottled water. They even took my banana. Have the terrorists resorted to fruit these days? They apparently didn't notice my granola bar. I did get that inside. Hmm, granola at the republican event. There some kind of joke about irony here, but I'm just not coming up with it right now.
We had to walk through metal detectors to get inside the forum room, which I don't recall doing for any political event so far this year. They took my bottled water. They even took my banana. Have the terrorists resorted to fruit these days? They apparently didn't notice my granola bar. I did get that inside. Hmm, granola at the republican event. There some kind of joke about irony here, but I'm just not coming up with it right now.
Romney's a democrat
Mitt Romney's republicans critics love to complain he's not really a republican. I doubt this line he uttered during the Presidential Candidates Forum in Des Moines will help his cause much...
"Then I became a democrat of a state, excuse me, I became Governor that's the most democratic state in America." Mitt Romney--Saturday, June 30, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Candidates...
Since it doesn't look like I'm road-tripping to Iowa City (see earlier post--Iowa Firefighters canceled the prez forum for Tuesday because of the upcoming activity in the U.S. Senate) I have some time to catch up on some baseball. Tony LaRussa just pulled the Cards' new starter, Mike Maroth, in the 8th. Not sure why. Maroth was great in his Cards debut. Sometimes, I think Tony just wants some exercise walking to the mound. Oh, well.
I don't see how this will be their year anyway. Maybe that's why I think I just did something I've never done: I just filled out my ballot for the All-Star Game and it didn't include any Cardinals' starters. What's happened to me? I used to vote with my heart, not my head. Damn, old age...
National League
First Base: Fielder, P., MIL
Second Base: Utley, C., PHI
Third Base: Cabrera, M., FLA
Shortstop: Renteria, E., ATL
Catcher: Martin, R., LAD
Outfielder: Griffey Jr., K., CIN
Outfielder: Holliday, M., COL
Outfielder: Lee, C., HOU
American League
First Base: Morneau, J., MIN
Second Base: Polanco, P., DET
Third Base: Rodriguez, A., NYY
Shortstop: Jeter, D., NYY
Catcher: Mauer, J., MIN
Outfielder: Crawford, C., TB
Outfielder: Guerrero, V., LAA
Outfielder: Suzuki, I., SEA
Richardson Says He's Up; Obama Goes Up
As Bill Richardson walked away from us at Drake University Friday afternoon, he told us to pay attention to the next poll that was about to come out. As it turns out, it's his campaign's poll. But if it's accurate, it seems to offer signs that his "mo" is continuing to grow. (His rise in the polls seems to have coincided with those tv ads that try to add some humor to the race)
Here's what Richardson's camp had to say:
SANTA FE, NM -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has jumped to 13% in a new survey of likely Iowa caucus-goers, a 10-point gain since March. He is the only Democrat to make any significant gains over the past three months. Among the likeliest caucus-goers (representing just over 40% of the sample - voters who attended the 2004 caucuses, voted in the 2006 primary, and say they are definite to attend next year's caucus) Governor Richardson has actually overtaken Senator Barack Obama and moved into third place at 18%.
"These positive numbers are exciting but not surprising- Iowans are getting to know Bill Richardson and he's winning them over," said David Contarino, Governor Richardson's campaign manager. "In advertising and in person, the Governor has begun to get his message out to Iowans and they are responding. The Governor is spending a lot of time campaigning across Iowa, shaking hands, attending community events, and wearing out the shoe leather listening to people. People are responding to the Governor's plan to get the US out of Iraq with no residual troops and his "man on the moon' vision for building America's energy independence and creating a new, renewable energy economy. Furthermore, Iowans know we need a President who is ready- on day one -- to reverse the damage of the Bush administration. Bill Richardson's record of accomplishment has convinced many Iowans he can be that President."
The poll of 500 likely Iowa caucus-goers was conducted for the Richardson campaign by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin and Associates June 18-20 and has a margin of error of + 4.4%.
Governor Richardson is now solidly in double-digits in both Iowa and New Hampshire. A CNN-WMUR TV poll following the June 3 debate had the Governor at 10%, as did last month's poll published in the Des Moines Register.
Here are the results to the question "If the caucuses were held today, who would you support?" (likely caucus-goers)
John Edwards
34%
Hillary Clinton
24%
Barack Obama
17%
Bill Richardson
13%
Joe Biden
2%
Dennis Kucinich
2%
Chris Dodd
0%
Other
1%
Don't Know/NA
8%
Here are the results to the same question, broken out among "likeliest" caucus-goers (representing just over 40% of the sample - voters who attended the 2004 caucuses, voted in the 2006 primary, and say they are definite to attend next year's caucus):
John Edwards
31%
Hillary Clinton
23%
Bill Richardson
18%
Barack Obama
16%
Joe Biden
3%
Dennis Kucinich
2%
Chris Dodd
0%
Other
1%
Don't Know/NA
8%
Now, the man Richardson says he has passed, is now hitting the tubes himself. Our sales department just got a late, albeit, relatively small, ad buy from the Obama campaign. I'm told the ads will air statewide. Wanna see them? www.iowa.barackobama.com/tvads
Here's what Richardson's camp had to say:
SANTA FE, NM -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has jumped to 13% in a new survey of likely Iowa caucus-goers, a 10-point gain since March. He is the only Democrat to make any significant gains over the past three months. Among the likeliest caucus-goers (representing just over 40% of the sample - voters who attended the 2004 caucuses, voted in the 2006 primary, and say they are definite to attend next year's caucus) Governor Richardson has actually overtaken Senator Barack Obama and moved into third place at 18%.
"These positive numbers are exciting but not surprising- Iowans are getting to know Bill Richardson and he's winning them over," said David Contarino, Governor Richardson's campaign manager. "In advertising and in person, the Governor has begun to get his message out to Iowans and they are responding. The Governor is spending a lot of time campaigning across Iowa, shaking hands, attending community events, and wearing out the shoe leather listening to people. People are responding to the Governor's plan to get the US out of Iraq with no residual troops and his "man on the moon' vision for building America's energy independence and creating a new, renewable energy economy. Furthermore, Iowans know we need a President who is ready- on day one -- to reverse the damage of the Bush administration. Bill Richardson's record of accomplishment has convinced many Iowans he can be that President."
The poll of 500 likely Iowa caucus-goers was conducted for the Richardson campaign by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin and Associates June 18-20 and has a margin of error of + 4.4%.
Governor Richardson is now solidly in double-digits in both Iowa and New Hampshire. A CNN-WMUR TV poll following the June 3 debate had the Governor at 10%, as did last month's poll published in the Des Moines Register.
Here are the results to the question "If the caucuses were held today, who would you support?" (likely caucus-goers)
John Edwards
34%
Hillary Clinton
24%
Barack Obama
17%
Bill Richardson
13%
Joe Biden
2%
Dennis Kucinich
2%
Chris Dodd
0%
Other
1%
Don't Know/NA
8%
Here are the results to the same question, broken out among "likeliest" caucus-goers (representing just over 40% of the sample - voters who attended the 2004 caucuses, voted in the 2006 primary, and say they are definite to attend next year's caucus):
John Edwards
31%
Hillary Clinton
23%
Bill Richardson
18%
Barack Obama
16%
Joe Biden
3%
Dennis Kucinich
2%
Chris Dodd
0%
Other
1%
Don't Know/NA
8%
Now, the man Richardson says he has passed, is now hitting the tubes himself. Our sales department just got a late, albeit, relatively small, ad buy from the Obama campaign. I'm told the ads will air statewide. Wanna see them? www.iowa.barackobama.com/tvads
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Standup, Pushups and Cookies
Bill Richardson had 'em rolling at Drake University Friday. Richardson asked the room whether people liked his "job interview" tv commercials he's been airing. The overwhelming answer was "yes." Humor has been a big part of them and it was a big part of his Drake appearance. He tried about a half dozen one-liners. BTW, Richardson's poll numbers have reached double digits since the ads began after not being much above zero when they started.
Richardson also made a push for a national mandate for physical education for kids. "Find ways to invest in healthy breakfast for every child and mandatory physical education, " he said. I wondered how he instituted p.e. for all in his home state. According to New Mexico's Dept. of Education, he hasn't. High schoolers need just one year of p.e. over their four years there. K-8'ers have no statewide mandate at all. It's up to their school district.
So, no sweats, how 'bout some sweets? The event at Drake was called a "Cookies and Conversation". Organizers asked Richardson's campaign to submit his favorite cookie recipe for the event. The campaign sent in this recipe for shortbreads...
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Here's to the Celebs, Mrs. Robinson
(Courtesy: http://www.time.com/)Chris Dodd seems to have started the Celebrity Train that will roll through town... (well, unless you count "Bubba")
PAUL SIMON TO CAMPAIGN WITH CHRIS DODD IN IOWA DURING FOURTH OF JULY TOUR
Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Paul Simon will join presidential candidate Chris Dodd and his family for part of Dodd’s “River to River” bus tour of Iowa during the week of the Fourth of July. Simon will campaign with Dodd on July 6th and 7th, appearing with him on those days’ tour stops and adding informal performances to Dodd’s events.
“I am thrilled that Paul will be joining Jackie, our daughters, and me in Iowa,” said Senator Dodd. “Paul is a long-time friend and one of the most important voices in American music, and he has been tireless in his service to the greater good of people throughout our country and the world.
“His music and his commitment to bettering our world reflect the leadership and optimism that my campaign is all about.”
Simon will join the Dodd family at stops in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Sioux City, Carroll, and Council Bluffs.
“I am thrilled that Paul will be joining Jackie, our daughters, and me in Iowa,” said Senator Dodd. “Paul is a long-time friend and one of the most important voices in American music, and he has been tireless in his service to the greater good of people throughout our country and the world.
“His music and his commitment to bettering our world reflect the leadership and optimism that my campaign is all about.”
Simon will join the Dodd family at stops in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Sioux City, Carroll, and Council Bluffs.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Giuliani Leaves Health Advocates Feeling Sick
Some health advocates (most with the Partnership for Better Health, I believe) say they got the brush off from Rudy Giuliani during his campaign stop in Des Moines (his first visit to the state since his campaign announced he would not take part in the Iowa Republican Straw Poll). They weren't pleased from the start since the event began more than a half hour late.Giuliani took no questions from the crowd, and according to the health care'ers, he walked past them as they tried to talk with him about his commitment to improving health care for people with chronic disease.
One woman did tell me she didn't completely get ignored. As she tried to hand the Mayor a packet of health care packet, he instead reached out and grabbed her "12 Commitments" handout from his campaign. Then, he signed it and gave it back to her.
I could also mention the post-speech debacle in an adjacent room where we reporters were permitted to speak with Rudy G. Unfortunately, there was no podium for our several dozen microphones. We were told the campaign also didn't want lights illuminating the event (at least according to one of the equipment workers).
So instead, we were forced to half-circle around the Mayor, reaching and stretching however we could to make sure our microphones could get within a decent distance from his lips so our people back home could hear what he had to say. I could also mention how it forced one reporter, who happens to be 9 months pregnant, to have to kneel on the floor in front of him for the duration of the news conference. But I'm late for dinner, so I won't mention those things...
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