Radio Iowa

Fred Thompson, acting like a president

The Iowa Christian Alliance is holding its annual banquet in Clive this evening and invited all the presidential candidates, but they were advised they would not be allowed to speak to the assembly.  Fred Thompson showed up about an hour and a half ago.  He walked in the room, shook hands and posed for pictures as he made his way across the hall to his table, where he sat down with his wife (who held one of their children on her lap).  Thompson bowed his head during the prayer, stood during the song "I'm Proud to Be an American" (the part where the lyric is "and I'd gladly stand up), and then positioned himself at the head of the three lines of chow as the 850 people in the room lined-up.  He shook hands with nearly every person and posed for several photographs. 

His staff indicated Thompson would answer reporters' questions just outside the hall, so as not to interrupt the event.  So, a long column led by Fred Thompson walked from the head of the chow line to, well, the head. Thompson ducked in the men's room.  When he emerged, just feet from the door, the walking train of reporters and photographers followed, but Thompson veered back into the banquet room, bound for the side farthest from the door -- back to where his wife and child were.  Then, again, the conga line started for the exit as Thompson led the way.  Outdoors, Thompson quickly climbed in a black SUV and someone drove him away.  No questions.  No answers.  If you want to know what he said tonight, you'll have to ask Jeri. 

Mrs. Obama makes point Mr. Obama doesn't

Michelle Obama said yesterday that if her husband doesn't win Iowa, his candidacy will be "just a dream" and not a reality.

UPDATE:  Tommy Vietor (VEE-tor) of Obama's Iowa campaign staff called at 12:15 p.m. to complain about this post.  He promised a transcript that he said would put the quote ABC used and led with in context. 

Here is what he emailed me:  “If Barack doesn't win Iowa it's just a dream, but if we win Iowa, then we can move the world as it should be. And we need your help in making that happen so join me. Show me that you’re ready – show me that you’re ready to stand with us – show me that you’re ready to pray with us – show me that that you’ll work hard everyday for the next 100 days to make that happen – and if you’re ready to your part – I know that we’ll not only change the face of this election but we can change the world (clapping)” 

Vietor alleged that in the run-up to the quote above, Michelle Obama was talking about hearing her husband speak for the first time in public, back when he was a community organizer in Chicago.  That is not included in what Vietor sent.  I'm also thinking Mrs. Obama said "to do your part" in the last bit of that quote, but I'll go with the transcript Vietor sent.

UPDATE II:  Just to be clear, ABC got the quote right.

Giuliani on Iowa, Iraq's president & Hillary Clinton

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani called into the Radio Iowa newsroom this morning for a five minute interview.  He was in New York.  Here's the transcript:

Henderson:  "You haven't set foot in Iowa since early August and why would you campaign here since it appears you're well-positioned for contests in places like Florida & California.  I'm wondering if these virtual appearances you're doing tonight will be the modus operandi for your Iowa campaign."

Giuliani:  "No, absolutely not.  We'll be in Iowa quite a bit.  We've been to Iowa 9 times this year including 3 times in August.  This month has been devoted, quite frankly, to raising money because we have to report at the end of the week & we want to raise as much money as we can.  Raising money in the summertime, you know, in July & August is always tough and we had to put a lot of it into September & that's the only reason why we haven't made as many political trips not just to Iowa but basically to every place else as we have been doing in the summer and we will resume those in October & November.  We've got 11 full-time staff in the state.  We've got a headquarters in Clive.  We have a campaign office in Iowa City & 39 of our house parties are going to be done in Iowa tonight -- at least 39 of them...It's not going to replace our making personal appearances in IA, NH, SC -- all of which we'll be doing all throughout the fall."

Henderson:  "You'll be meeting today with the president of Iraq.  Many Republicans are frustrated with the lack of progress his government has made on several fronts. How do plan to express that frustration or do you intend to?"

Fischer to Obama camp

Former Iowa Democratic Party chairman Gordon Fischer today endorsed Barack Obama for president.

In a telephone conference call with reporters, Fischer cited three reasons for making the jump to Obama's campaign: Obama's electability, his modus operandi as a "change agent" and the politices/issue positions Obama has introduced.

Fischer said like all Democrats, he is "desperate to win the WH and I am absolutely convinced Senator Obama has the best chance against any of the Republicans in the field."  Fischer said it is not enough to just "gin up the base" -- a candidate must bring along Independents and even some Republicans.  Obama, in Fischer's words, is "clearly the best-positioned candidate" to have that cross-over appeal.  Fischer cited a poll from U-of-I in which Obama finished third among Republican respondents.  Fischer said Obama is "a candidate with coattails" to help down-the-ballot candidates.  "All the good ideas in the world...don't mean anything if you can't get elected," Fischer said.

Next up, Fischer's "change agent" mantra.  "Senator Obama brings a freshness to the race, a new perspective to the race," Fischer said.  According to Fischer, while pundits are concerned about experience, Obama "has the right kind of experience to help us break out of the gridlock."  Fischer then cited a bit more of Obama's advertising mantra, mentioning Obama's "bold, new ideas" and then discussed Obama's tax plan.

New wrinkle from Edwards in AARP forum

I've been monitoring tonight's forum in Davenport via the TV on my desk, preparing to write a story for our air tomorrow morning.  There was one piece of new rhetoric from Edwards that was interesting:  "We have the worst economic insecurity that we've had since the Great Depression.  The gap between the haves and the have nots is growing all the time."  He said it during his closing statement.

Attack Dog Vilsack

Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack was in New York City yesterday to introduce Hillary Clinton at a NYC fundraiser.  He took a turn on a New York television station and took a few shots at former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.  Vilsack mentioned Giuliani's "multiple marriages" and references Giuliani's strained relationships with his children in the interview.

Watch it here.

Vilsack's statements would no doubt be classified as "negative" by the Giuliani campaign, if the Giuliani folks were making comments on this episode (which they're not).  Adding more context to this flap is Vilsack's tirade against Barack Obama in July during the whole squabble over whether Obama and/or Clinton would or would not talk to dictators if either is elected president.  "It's not the Iowa way," Vilsack said, accusing Obama of engaging in "negative politics" in his verbal tussle with Clinton. 

Clinton Health Care Plan Roll-out

I’m sitting in the basement of a hospital in Des Moines.  It’s not the morgue.  It’s a gymnasium and gray carpeting is covering the floor to protect the hardwood.  Almost navy blue curtains are hung on the walls, festooned with “American Health Choice Plan”banners.  There are a few pictures – a child, a family, a mother and child, a doctor or nurse in scrubs.  Two American flags.  That is the backdrop for Hillary Clinton’s health care reform plan announcement.

There are nearly 100 chairs on the floor, plus three small bleachers for the invited guests.  A husband and wife I know (who are a doctor and nurse) are seated in the chairs.  There appear to be other health care workers entering, as many have the kind of badges hanging off their clothing which are required for walking around a hospital. 

There are loads of cameras here, plus a good number of Clinton campaign folks.  Many of the campaign types are walking around with a cup of Starbucks in hand.  Gordon Fischer is in the house – he’s the former Iowa Democratic Party chairman.  I’m told he is still neutral.

Harkin Steak Fry main program

It's 2:38 p.m. and emcee Matt Paul is introducing the candidates to the crowd.  Now, Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and his family are on stage.  A woman from Waterloo is singing the National Anthem.

Ruth Harkin is now behind the microphone. She's thanking folks for being here.  "We had a little rain, a little mud," she says, reminiscing about the 2003 Steak Fry. Ruth Harkin labels her husband a "proud progressive."

Harkin's now on:  "This is my idea of a surge," Harkin says of the size of the crowd. 

"I just got the numbers...a little over 12,000 today," Harkin claims.  "This is my idea of a great Sunday... we're ready to do some preaching to the choir and I say to all my friends up here on the stage that you couldn't ask for a better choir."

"My friends, we are organized, we are mobilized, we are energized, and in words that even George Bush can understand, we are ready to kick some elephant...I know why there's such a huge crowd....You came here to see (the crowd starts chanting names)....Well, let me tell you this my friends, we don't know who the nominee will be but I will make this prediction:  whichever one of my friends gets the nomination will be the next Democratic president of the United States....You can sense it. You can feel it.  The American people are desperate for a new direction....The war in Iraq was a mistake and it's time to get out of Iraq....last month as I traveled the length and breadth of Iowa, there was one message:  get us out of this mess....All of us on this stage are fighting to end Bush's....war.....There is one sure-fire way to end the war and bring the troops home and that is to elect a Demcoratic president in 2008.

"It's not going to be a cakewalk....We need a bold plan for universal health insurance...We need a bold plan for taking on global warming....We need a bold plan to restore the rights of organized labor....We need a bold plan for renewable energy....

"One more thing....Republicans are going to try to scare the dickuns out of the American people....But we Democrats have to stand up for a better way....We will not stoop to the level of our enemies....It's time to get moving....time for each and every one of you here today to commit to going to the caucuses and taking 10 people with you to those caucuses.  It all starts with you and the Iowa Caucuses....We owe it to these wonderful candidates sitting here today...We owe them a big, enthusiastic Caucus turnout in January....Let's make it the vote heard round the world in January," Harkin concluded.

Harkin Steak Fry: eatin's done; speeches to come

Here's my second dispatch from the Harkin steak fry which will showcase six Democrats who are seeking their party's 2008 presidential nomination.

The venue is a grassy field that is used as the launching pad for Indianola's hot air balloon races, held in late July, early August.  Tents with row upon row of tables and chairs are in the east quadrant of the field for folks to sit and eat their steak dinner.  Most of the people who bought tickets brought their own chairs.  A few spread out on blankets.  Others are standing.  Some are even having a beer.

The Edwards campaign has handed out paddles which are sort of tamborine-line.  The Obama campaign gathered across the road and Obam swept in with many of his 3000 people marching behind him.  The pre-program has begun.  Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge declared Iowa "Democrat County!"  Twice. 

Now, before the big kids' program begins, they're pumping a song by the Black Eyed Peas through the sound system.  "Let's get it started..." is the lyric.

In 2003 when all the Democrats seeking their party's presidential nomination were here (and Bill Clinton was the closer), it rained and the field was soggy.  (When Clinton came on stage, the sun came out.  No lie.)  Anyway, today is 180 degrees different.  Sunshine.  A firm field on which to sit or stand.   

Clock strikes noon at Harkin steak fry

A band called "Both Sides of the Mississippi" is warming up on a small stage in the middle of a green, grassy field.  A pasture, really.  It's the site of the 2007 Harkin Steak Fry.

When we parked our car, Obama's voice was wafting over the field -- a recording of one of his speeches.  Obama's camp has a set-up across the road where Obama will speak to supporters, then walk down the dustry country road to the Steak Fry field.

A bunch of young Hillary Clinton supporters are lined up at the entrance to the field, banging drums, ringing bells, blowing whistles, and chanting.  "H-I, H-I-L, H-I-L-L, A-R-Y, Hill-a-ry.  Our nom-i-nee."  It's not iambic pentameter, so typing it out doesn't do justice to the cadence.

The doors didn't open 'til noon, but a few folks got in beforehand to claim property on the field in front of the stage.  Two 79-year-old men from Witchita, Kansas, were sitting side by side, having taken a five-hour road trip up last night to get to Indianola in time.  Donald E. Hopkins has a picture of him and Hillary Clinton that was taken at the Witchita airport in 1992  "I've been a fan of the Clinton's ever since," he said.  Hopkins taught school in Burlington for several years, but needed better health insurance for his wife and went back to Boeing "which had a good union and good insurance." 

His pal, retired Witchita Eagle political reporter Al Polczinski, is a Hillary fan, sitting in the field holding her book (hoping she'll sign it and his friend's picture).  "She's one tough cookie and we need that right now," he says.  "...She's going to need that."

Hopkins likes Hillary's toughness, too.  "I can't think of any candidate that will stir up the Republican Party more than Hillary -- it'll drive 'em right up the wall," Hopkins says.