IowaPolitics.com: National Convention Blog

Mark Lundberg, a delegate from heavily Republican Sioux County, said the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as McCain's VP was "truly a remarkable pick" that would help motivate the party's conservative base.

"Some of the conservative voters had some concern about John McCain and this just reinforces their support from the conservative wing of the party for the ticket," he said from the floor of the Minneapolis Convention Center during the delegate welcoming event Sunday night.

Anecdotally, the state Republican Party reported a noticeable uptick in callers offering to donate or volunteer after they heard about the Palin pick on Friday.

Tim Demuth, an at-large delegate from Coralville, said Palin helped to reinforce McCain's message of bringing change to Washington and fighting wasteful spending.

"It's an excellent pick to show that John McCain is still the maverick. Washington hasn't changed him," Demuth said. "Bringing her in -- not from Washington -- reinforces that John McCain is the real agent of change, if that's what this election is going to be about."

Demuth also talked about the way the convention was changing in the face of Hurricane Gustav hitting the Gulf Coast. He said the thoughts and prayers of the convention attendees would be with the people in the path of the hurricane.

"We understand that we're in the midst, unfortunately, of another crisis," Demuth said. "It's unfortunate that folks like [Florida Gov. Charlie] Crist and [La. Gov.] Bobby Jindal -- rising stars within our party -- aren't going to be able to make it, but they're needed elsewhere."

Lundberg said he would have liked to have seen President George W. Bush at the convention, but that he understood the decision to slim down the schedule.

"It would have been wonderful to have President Bush kick off the convention on Monday night, kind of saying goodbye to everybody, but obviously they have more pressing issues," Lundberg said.

-- By Mike Schramm

Labels: RNC2008

Driving from Des Moines to St. Paul carried with it a sense of uncertainty. With Hurricane Gustav threatening the Gulf Coast of the United States, we had heard rumors from every major McCain surrogate on the media circuit that the convention would be changed.

As we drove on, we were intently glued to the radio waiting for an announcement from Senator McCain himself to tell us if we were going to be participating in a political convention, or a 4-day telethon program to raise money for those affected by the storm. Finally, as we crossed the Minnesota border, Senator McCain's voice crackled across the static on the AM radio for his interview stating that we would be "playing it by ear."

We learned that only Monday's program had changed for certain. We would be conducting the legal process necessary to nominate Senator McCain and Governor Palin as our party's candidates for president and vice president, passing a platform, approving our rules and then adjourning.

Early reports hinted that many of the after-party events presented by the host committee would change or be completely canceled.

After arriving at the hotel, we received our credentials and were then hurried onto the charter bus that would take us across town to the Minneapolis Convention Center for our delegate welcome party.

Stepping off the chartered bus at the convention center, we were greeted by a sea of volunteers welcoming us to Minneapolis and the delegate party. There was a three-piece band that included a very enthusiastic banjo player, playing a touch of Dixie.

We headed inside to Civic Fest, a massive gala full of exhibits and vendors. In truth, it was a lot like a highly politicized version of the Varied Industries building at the Iowa State Fair.

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Delegates from across the country convened tonight at the Minneapolis Convention Center to take in Civic Fest, a look at American history produced by the Minneapolis St. Paul 2008 Host Committee. More than 100 corporations, organizations and individuals made donations to support the event.

Attendees were ushered by volunteers down a long red carpet into a giant room filled with dozens of exhibits, tables of finger food and bars with free drinks. Displays included mock-ups of Air Force One, the Oval Office and the White House Rose Garden plus looks at historical documents and the history of Minnesota.

Read more about Civic Fest

Labels: RNC2008

As the GOP prepares to head to St. Paul, Minn., next week for its national convention, John McCain unveiled Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential candidate at a campaign stop in Ohio today.

Iowa Republicans praised the move as they prepare to head across the border.

Republican Party of Iowa chairman Stewart Iverson called it a "fantastic choice."

"Governor Palin is a tough executive who has proven that she is ready to lead," he said in a prepared statement. "As governor of Alaska, she has affected real change by reducing state spending and championing Congressional earmark reform. She is a fresh face for the Republican Party and very literally couldn't be farther from the Washington, D.C. bubble. Governor Palin has truly been an asset to her home state and I couldn't be more excited that John McCain has chosen her to now be an asset for America."

Meanwhile state Rep. Sandy Greiner of Keota was already in Minnesota preparing for next week's convention.

"Women who have been in politics a lot longer than I were fixed to televisions and moved to tears upon seeing that Governor Palin had been chosen to be our vice presidential nominee," Greiner said in a statement released by RPI. "The excitement here is incredible and it is because her selection signifies real change for the Republican Party and for the United States."

Democratic Gov. Chet Culver said "Palin's 18 months in office pale in comparison to Sen. [Joe] Biden's years of service to our country" and went on to say Biden has Palin outclassed in world affairs, energy policy and abortion rights.

In the Iowa blogosphere, conservatives were generally pleased with the pick while liberal bloggers were less impressed.

Liberal blogger John Deeth says the pick "hurts the experience argument in a big big way: it's hard to argue Obama's not ready when your running mate was mayor of a small suburb two years ago."

Tara van Brederode, a Democratic activist who shares a blog with Republican state Sen. Jeff Angelo, said she doubted Palin would appeal to Clinton voters.

"I think McCain and many Republicans are overestimating the crossover appeal for former Hillary supporters, as they are undoubtedly the types of feminists who will also be concerned about Palin's anti-choice stance," she wrote. "All women are not interchangeable. Expecting women to follow like lemmings, just because Sarah Palin shares their gender, is naive (and a bit offensive to me, honestly--in much the same way that I was irked by people suggesting that I had to support Hillary over Obama because I am a woman)."

Nathan Greene of the blog Battleground Iowa called the pick a "brilliant move" to pick up disaffected supporters of Hillary Clinton.

"Now, not only can these women cast a vote against the guy who knocked out their hero, Hillary, but they can actually cast a vote to put a woman in a place a woman has never been," he wrote. "This takes away some of the novelty of the Obama ticket, because, now, either way, you are voting for a historic first."

See more blog reaction to the Palin pick

Labels: RNC2008

Now that the Democratic National Convention is over, Iowa delegates to the Republican National Convention are excited to officially name Sen. John McCain as their party's presidential nominee next week in Minnesota.

"Folks are starting to get excited," Iowa delegate Ed Failor Jr. said. "We are soon going to truly be able to rally behind John McCain and beat Obama in November."

The two parties have already begun lobbing bombs at each other. Democrats have stressed this past week at their convention that electing McCain would result in another four years of President George W. Bush's policies. Insiders say Republicans will raise questions about Obama's inexperience and say he is not ready to assume the Oval Office.

"I believe that the enthusiasm is really building for the Republican Party and our candidates and Senator McCain," said Iowa delegate Steve Scheffler.

Failor Jr. encouraged McCain to stay on his message -- one that resonates with conservative principles.

"John McCain needs to stay on message about his common sense conservative values," he said. "He will because he is a solid conservative who believes in limited government."

The Republican National Committee's standing committee began some of its work prior to the arrival of elected delegates. The committee voted Wednesday to maintain Iowa's First in the Nation Caucus status. The final action is expected to be approved by the full convention on Monday.

"I am very excited to bring the news back home that the RNC has taken this first step to solidify Iowa's leadoff spot on the caucus calendar. Iowa has a long tradition of cultivating thoughtful, educated voters and this tradition was recognized by the committee via this decision," Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Stew Iverson said. "There are still hurdles to be cleared, but at this point Iowa's Republican Caucuses will be first in the nation for the 2012 Presidential Election."

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Wes Enos, who was former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's political director during the Republican caucus victory, will be writing a "delegate diary" for IowaPolitics.com to chronicle his time at the convention.

Enos said he is excited about the upcoming convention and rallying behind McCain.

"Republicans have a strong candidate in Senator McCain and we have a true opportunity to retain the presidency in November," Enos said. "However, a risky choice for vice president could have very easily damaged those changes by demobilizing our base and causing chaos among the Republican rank-and-file not just in Iowa but across the whole country."

The selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as McCain's VP is a strong choice, Enos added.

"I believe that Senator McCain made an excellent choice for Vice President in Governor Palin," he said. "Gov. Palin will inject a new sense of interest, vitality and energy to the Republican Party. However, the choice of Gov. Palin give the Republican Party more than just a strong candidate who embodies our values, it gives this ticket a true place in history. ... So obviously, the level of excitement in our delegation is very high now as we pack up to attend this historic convention."

Labels: RNC2008

Several Iowans are playing key roles in this year's convention. David Roederer, McCain's Iowa chairman, is a convention co-chair. Steve Scheffler and Katie Koberg are serving on the credentials committee, while Steve Roberts and Sandy Greiner are sitting on the rules committee. Staffing the resolutions committee are David Chung and Lisa Smith, while Loras Schulte and Vergene Donovan are serving on the permanent organization committee.

"This is my first convention and I am thrilled to be a representative of Iowa Republicans," Koberg said. "I look forward to listening to Republican leaders and being part of the thousands of other delegates from across the United States at convention."

"Iowa Republicans are excited and ready to officially nominate our candidate for the president of the United States," Koberg said. "John McCain has the right credentials to be our next president. When the balloons and confetti fall on Thursday night we will be fully charged to help elect Republicans across the country."

Labels: RNC2008

Iowa Republican officials continue to finalize their GOP convention plans, but have already set their breakfast schedule.

On Monday, former presidential candidate and former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson will speak to the delegation. A McCain surrogate is slated to address the delegation on Wednesday. On the final day of the convention, a speaker with Iowa ties will speak to the folks from the Hawkeye state.

The Iowa delegation is staying at the La Quinta Inn in West Bloomington.

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During the final evening of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Al Gore addressed 50,000 people at Mile High Stadium, saying that while the November election would be a close one, America’s youngest voting generation was having an easy time deciding to support Barack Obama. In his acceptance speech that same evening, Obama himself said how appreciative he is for the support of the young and “young at heart.”

Even while the Obama campaign has placed an emphasis on -- and been successful at -- attracting the youth vote, there have been calls from some within the party to dial back that focus and aim to secure the base of lifelong Democratic voters. Even within the Iowa delegation there are varying views on the stability and dependability of youth involvement.

Nineteen-year-old Obama delegate Molly Grady has worked tirelessly to see Obama become her party’s presidential nominee. The UNI student said it was an “indescribable honor” to cast her ballot for the junior senator from Illinois in this week’s roll call vote.

“People don’t work hard to become a delegate, they work hard because they believe in what they are doing,” Grady said.

She acknowledged criticisms of Obama supporters -- particularly young supporters -- that they are supposedly swept up in his “celebrity appeal” and not focused on him as a candidate or the stances he takes on the issues. Grady rejected those blanket claims along with the idea that being elected a national delegate is a “reward” reserved for those who have been active in the party for decades.

“There really are no guidelines for who is most deserving of delegate status,” she said. “There are people who were Republicans six months ago who are now delegates here in Denver. No one said that you only have a shot here if you’ve been voting for Democrats for 40 years.”

Obama delegate Helen Miller was at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and appreciates the increased youth participation compared to four years ago, but is worried younger delegates are not always 100 percent committed to fulfilling all the duties of their important role. She said a general mentality of “excited kids” coupled with specific examples of them shrugging off responsibilities, leaves her worried that if the under-30 crowd were the majority of the delegation not everything would get done.

“I’m not sure the patience is there for the younger delegates,” Miler said.

She said that occasionally some of the younger delegates were unwilling to stick around for some of the more mundane parts of the convention, seemingly interested in only the easier and more exciting parts of being a delegate.

“There are times when younger people will leave the caucus meetings before they are even over,” Miller said. “They know that even if they leave, the old party faithful will pick up the slack and make sure the work is done.”

See more on Iowa's youthful delegates in a post-convention piece by Matt Clark

Labels: DNC2008

Now that Barack Obama has wrapped up the convention with his acceptance speech, a few Iowa delegates reflect on the events of the past four days.

State Rep. Helen Miller, D-Des Moines

"I am exhausted. The convention was definitely bookended by Michelle and Barack on Monday and tonight."

"Al Gore was delightful along with Biden and some of the other speakers. Kerry's speech was outstanding and was definitely one of the highlights of the week."

"I have heard that some of the young people are a little troubled by the Clintons' perceived 'hiding out' tonight, but at least Hillary was there in the audience."

"What I am worried about is the talking heads on cable news immediately saying that we didn't make our case well enough for the need for change. I am going to have to go back over the talking points of the week and see if I agree with that."

Evan Anderson of Cedar Rapids, a member of the credentials committee

"I feel sorry for the protesters who were really trying to make it their week. Most of the time it was just them on the street looking at police looking at them. Since the Recreate '68 group didn't end up doing anything sensational, it was a less vibrantly violent week than it could have been."

"I was impressed with how efficiently we resolved the Florida and Michigan delegate debacle. I thought that would have been a much larger headache than it was."

"On day one there was some general miscommunication, which is to be expected. More disappointing was the line-up of floor speeches, which I didn't think was that great. After that first day, things have been solid."

Molly Grady, Cedar Falls

"[The] convention did a great job at delivering the 'go and do' message."

"There is a realization of how much work there is to be done. As much fun as it is to listen to all of these big-wig politicians, each one reminds us of how hard we need to keep working through November."

"Obama's acceptance speech was a barrier breaker. Every speech was something incredible and you just knew it was leading to something spectacular. I think he reignited something that MLK started 40 years ago."

"The DNC did a great job and the roll call was beautiful. The crowds and congestion is everywhere, but there is just no way to avoid that."

Labels: DNC2008

Delegate Nancy Bobo and her convention hat


Denver Police presence


Ostrich-based critique of John McCain


Anti-abortion protester

See more convention photos from IowaPolitics.com

Labels: DNC2008

Radio Iowa's O. Kay Henderson reports:

Olympic gymnast/West Des Moines 16-year-old Shawn Johnson is scheduled to lead the Pledge at the opening of the Democratic National Convention proceedings in Denver today. Expect it at 4 p.m. Iowa time.

Labels: DNC2008

From Radio Iowa:

A national union leader sent a zinger toward Governor Chet Culver this morning during a public meeting of Iowa Democrats in Denver.

Gerald McEntee, president of AFSCME -- the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union, noted that both Culver and Iowa's lieutenant governor are attending their party's national convention in Denver and McEntee suggested a top AFSCME staffer in Iowa was minding the store back in Iowa.

"Chet Culver: good governor, good record -- but he's even going to make it better, right? We hope. We've had some discussions with the governor," Entee said, then pointedly joked at Culver's expense. "(AFSCME's) Marcia Nichols isn't here, right? Marcia Nichols is the acting governor of Iowa right now, just so everybody knows it, and she just signed the 'Fair Share'...We now have that governor."

Read the full article

Iowa's delegation also heard from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who assured them that a federal disaster aid package would be on its way soon.

Labels: DNC2008

Quad-City Times: Obama takes majority of Iowa delegation's votes

Des Moines Register: 'Obama will deliver,' Biden vows

Des Moines Register: Democrats confident flood relief is on way

Cedar Rapids Gazette: Top Democrats promise flood aid

Radio Iowa: Pelosi speaks to Iowans, briefly addresses disaster

Labels: DNC2008

Gov. Chet Culver hosted a party for excited Iowans in Denver Wednesday night who were still buzzing over a surprise appearance from Barack Obama at the Pepsi Center an hour earlier.

Culver greeted dozens of delegates and their guests at an Italian restaurant and bar blocks from the Marriott where the delegation is staying. The governor mingled with friends as they enjoyed the open bar and took a few questions.

When asked what he thought about renewed calls from Iowa Republicans to call a special session of the Legislature, Culver said he wouldn't know if it was necessary until the Rebuild Iowa Commission completed their final report.

"When I get the report from the commission we will make that decision," he said.

Culver said he had confidence that the federal money would come through with relief aid to help with rebuilding efforts. He said U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi planning a trip to survey flood damage was a good sign.

"I think it's a great thing that the speaker is coming to the state because that suggests that she is very interested in helping Iowans," he said. "It's all going to work out well and we're going to get the help that we need from the feds."

As for the first three days spent in Denver, Culver said that the convention was "a lot of fun" and he was honored to be a witness to history.

"It's an historic occasion," he said. "We're passing the torch to a new generation of Democratic leadership and uniting here as a party in Denver."

-- By Matt Clark

Labels: DNC2008

While Dems in Denver are getting all the attention this week, Republicans are meeting in Minnesota in advance of their convention.

Today the Republican Party of Iowa is praising the RNC's Rules Committee for a vote that, at least for now, keeps Iowa's Republican caucuses first in 2012.

Here's a statement from RPI Chair Stewart Iverson:

I am very excited to bring the news back home that the RNC has taken this first step to solidify Iowa's leadoff spot on the caucus calendar. Iowa has a long tradition of cultivating thoughtful, educated voters and this tradition was recognized by the committee via this decision. There are still hurdles to be cleared, but at this point Iowa's Republican Caucuses will be first in the nation for the 2012 Presidential Election.

Labels: RNC2008

As the roll call advanced to the New York delegation, Sen. Hillary Clinton moved for Barack Obama to be nominated by acclamation. He was already leading the tally by a substantial margin.

Her motion was seconded and convention chair Nancy Pelosi just announced that Obama has accepted the nomination.

Jacob Krapfl, 24, a veteran of the Iraq War and a native of New Vienna, Iowa, announced the state's roll call vote on the floor of the convention. Krapfl is an Obama delegate attending his first convention and wore his combat boots to honor his fellow troops.

See a Democratic Party press release on Krapfl

Iowa's 57 delegates went 48 for Obama, 9 for Clinton.

Labels: DNC2008

Click here to watch C-SPAN's online feed of the vote

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Campaigns & Elections reports:

Sen. Hillary Clinton just addressed her delegates at the Denver Convention Center, informing them of how this afternoon's roll call vote will work -- many aren't happy about it.

"It is traditional that we have nominations, and that we have a roll call," said Clinton -- it was a line that was met with loud applause.

"As part of that tradition, I am here to release you," Clinton continued. That was met with shouts and audible dissent mixed with some cheers from the assembled crowd.

Still, Clinton made it clear that she doesn't intend on telling her delegates what to do.

Labels: DNC2008

Obama Chief of Staff Jim Messina gave the Iowa delegation an update on campaign strategy today, saying that the lessons learned in Iowa would continue to be deployed in the final months of the general election.

"You all taught us how to run a campaign on the ground," he said. "We don't even look at national polls in Chicago; we are focusing on the 18 battleground states."

In on-the-record briefings with other reporters, senior members of Obama's campaign expanded on Messina's message today.

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder reports on a discussion with campaign manager David Plouffe:

We tried to get Plouffe to react to a spate of national polls showing a tightening race.

"All we care about is these 18 states," he said. He repeated, with emphasis, that the campaign does not care about national polling. Instead, the campaign's own identification, registration and canvassing efforts provide the data he uses to determine where to invest money and resources.

Polling expert Mark Blumenthal was there as well and had this to report:

Plouffe also emphasized that the internal polling the campaign does is focused on those same 18 states, and that their real concern is not the horse race results but the "data underneath." Later, he added, "the top-line [polling data] doesn't tell you anything." Rather, they focus on who the "true undecideds" are, "how they are going to break," and what messages will best persuade them.

The Gallup Daily tracking poll is apparently a particular sore point. When asked whether they were unhappy that the Biden announcement had not produced a bounce in national polls, Plouffe shot back: "How would we know ... from the Gallup Daily?" The Gallup Daily is "something we don't pay attention to," he said again.

Communications director Dan Pfieffer later put it more bluntly, expressing unhappiness with the "inordinate focus on bad polling" by the media and also in the routine misinterpretation of sampling noise in the Gallup Daily poll. "The Gallup Daily is the worst thing that's happened in journalism in 20 years," he said.

Labels: DNC2008

By Keith Dinsmore

Barbara Leach has long been a participant at Democratic National Conventions. This year -- her eighth convention -- the former vice chair of the Iowa Democratic Party and DNC executive committee member has a new role as the president of My Rural America, a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to raising "bread and butter" issues to the forefront of the public agenda.

On Tuesday afternoon at Coors Field in Denver, Leach assembled an impressive group of party leaders to address a diverse audience interested in learning in the economic messages needed to win over traditionally GOP-leaning rural voters.

Leach, a former co-owner of a family farm near Atlantic, founded My Rural America in 2005 to offer education on progressive policymaking and leadership training for rural Americans who want to learn about how national policymaking affects their daily lives. "We focus upon bread and butter issues like the Farm Bill, education, access to health care and other areas where the 60 million people who live in rural communities are often short-changed," Leach said Tuesday evening.

U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, who grew up in the small farming community of Brooklyn in Poweshiek County, moderated a panel that pointed out how the challenges rural residents face are exacerbated by their distance from metropolitan areas.

Braley said that it's important for leaders in the Democratic party understand that "rural America is critical to the overall success of our country."

Braley, who won 10 of the 12 counties in his district when he won an open-seat race by 12 percent in 2006, said many people told him to not "waste his time" campaigning in rural areas. "I knew that if I worked hard, and went out into the rural parts of my district, that I could convince rural voters to vote for a Democrat," he said.

Leach points out that rural schools receive only 24 percent of the money spent on education while they educate 40 percent of the nation's students, for example. Lack of broadband internet access in many rural communities makes it more difficult to start and operate small businesses, placing them at a disadvantage.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, the fiery independent from Vermont who caucuses with Senate Democrats, set the stage for a panel that explored "tools for change." Sanders pointed the way to the need for new "green jobs," energy independence, affordable health care for all, and wiring rural areas for high speed internet by emphasizing budget issues.

"We've got to get this budget under control immediately and the first steps for that is to change the tax code so that middle class citizens will no longer carry the heavy burden while the richest people in this country have been given a pass," said Sanders. "If you believe as I do that our middle class is shrinking with too many people sliding over the edge into poverty, then we have to get the budget and tax code under control so that we can move our country forward. Otherwise, we will soon become a second rate nation that has laid its own path into poverty."

Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio keynoted the program, saying that the shrinking middle class has adversely affected rural America. He underlined the fact that 60 percent of the casualties suffered in the Iraq war are coming from rural areas, indicating that families from these communities have borne a disproportionate military burden compared to more affluent urban areas.

"You don't have to be a policy wonk to understand how dangerous our country's situation is," said Strickland. "All you have to do is ask yourself a few questions: Are you better off today than you were eight years ago? Do you really have health care you can trust when you're sick?"

He criticized the current system for excluding for excluding people when they get sick because "you're lowering their bottom line."

Panelists included leaders from various walks of life including Dr. Joe Shirley, president of the Navajo Indian tribe; Larry Mitchell, government affairs director of the American Corn Growers Association; John Hanse, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union, and representatives from the Pennslvania State Education Association and Communications Workers of America.

Sarah Swisher, a nurse from Iowa City who is a superdelegate to the convention, addressed health care concerns as a single mother.

"The bottom line regarding health care accessibility is that we're really on a path pack to the covered wagon days," said Swisher. "Our rural hospitals are in serious danger of closing their doors, our lack of broadband makes it more difficult to recruit doctors to rural communities, and more people who live in our small towns put off going to the doctor because they can't afford it," she pointed out.

"Although rural concerns have often been overlooked by the current administration, we are optimistic that the economic benefits of jobs associated with new energy sources and opportunities that result from increased internet access in rural areas can help us improve the quality of life for those who choose to live in rural America," Leach said. "In these last days before the election, our goal is to help mobilize rural voters and make sure they are armed with the information they need to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress and among federal decision-makers."

-- Dinsmore, a former Iowa newspaper editor and publisher, is now a political media consultant based in Des Moines who was communications director for Joe Biden's campaign in Iowa.

Labels: DNC2008

By Jordan Oster

This morning was our third delegation breakfast. All the buzz was on the great speech by Senator Hillary Clinton and the McCain-ribbing oratory of Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

We were visited by two guests this morning, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Durbin sang the praises of Iowa for believing in Senator Obama's ability to lead and also for training a generation of campaign staffers. Governor Culver had spoken earlier in the week about inviting Speaker Pelosi to Iowa to tour flood damage in order to move along federal funding for relief effort; she's due to visit on Sept. 8. Pelosi's time at the event was short, but she was well received.

Today marked one of rare chances for a delegate to have official duties in the modern convention era. I cast my nomination vote for Senator Barack Obama following the delegation breakfast. Oddly, the process is not by secret ballot: as delegates checked the box and signed the roll they could see previous votes cast.

Tonight will be exciting, when each delegation chair announces the votes for their state. I have heard that some Clinton delegates will remain committed, but the whips within our caucus gave Obama their backing.

-- Oster, a national delegate for Barack Obama, is a Drake University student who worked on Democrat Becky Greenwald's congressional campaign this summer.

Labels: DNC2008

Scott Brennan, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party and the Denver delegation, announced this morning that ballots are available for delegates to officially cast their vote for the Democratic nominee.

His announcement came after talk among delegates at the morning breakfast meeting left many confused as to when and how the roll call vote would actually happen, Brennan announced that delegates can vote until 12:30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. Iowa time). They will have a chance to change their vote starting at 2 p.m. local time on the floor of the convention until the ballots close two hours later.

Hillary Clinton supporters remain divided about what the vote will mean and whether it matters that Iowa delegates are voting in the basement of the Marriott they are staying in instead of on the floor of the convention center.

"It looks like the Obama campaign is trying to keep us from voting out in public," Clinton delegate Ione Shadduck said. "Our group really wanted the opportunity to vote because that is what we were sent here to do. We'd be a lot happier if we did it on the floor."

Shadduck said she is disappointed with the arrangements but is not unhappy about Obama being named the nominee tomorrow night.

"I think we'd all vote for him if there is a second round of voting, but we want to be able to publicly choose Hillary first," she said.

Iowa superdelegate and Clinton supporter Sandy Opstvedt was less bothered by the announcement, saying that everyone will be able to vote and officially have their choice recorded.

"I would think Clinton supporters would be pleased with this system. In 2004 there was just a verbal roll call taken on the floor and the results announced by Governor Vilsack to the convention. This way there is a paper record," she said. "The logistics of the vote should not be what matter. We heard Senator Clinton say last night that this is not about her, it's about the issues we care about."

The window of time from 2 p.m. to 4 pm will allow for delegates to change their vote if they feel compelled to do so after Clinton hosts an event with supporters at 1 pm.

-- By Matt Clark

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Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she strayed from her usual convention schedule -- she usually only attends events with California and her native state of Maryland -- this morning to thank Iowans again for the work they did at the caucuses.

"When Barack Obama takes that oath of office in January, Iowans can proudly say 'We led the way,'" Pelosi said.

Pelosi headlined this morning's Iowa delegation breakfast meeting, following remarks from former Gov. Tom Vilsack and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

She reinforced a running theme of the convention, saying that if Iowans are "ready for victory" they must be "ready for unity." Pelosi praised the speech delivered by Sen. Hillary Clinton last night before taking a swipe at GOP nominee John McCain, saying that he was wrong on everything from health care to education policy.

"Our common values are not there with McCain," she said.

Durbin also sung Iowa's praises, saying that Obama would not be named the Democratic nominee tomorrow night had it not been for his success in the Iowa caucuses.

"The Obama campaign didn't just start with Iowa, it continues to focus on Iowa," he said.

Durbin said his support for Obama has been long-running and unwavering. Not even questions during the early days of the primary season from party insiders about the electability of a black candidate gave him pause. Durbin said the "unparalleled" enthusiasm Obama attracts continues to astound him.

"They had to turn away 40,000 more people who wanted to be at his speech tomorrow night who wouldn't be able to get in," he said. "Wouldn't John McCain love to have one night like that in his political life?"

Vilsack told the Iowans that they play a role in shaping political achievements across the country, including helping to elect some of the governors that spoke to last night's convention crowd.

"You are game-changers," he said.

-- By Matt Clark

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Here's a round-up of Wednesday morning's convention stories:

-- Quad-City Times: Iowa delegation praises Clinton's support for Obama

-- Des Moines Register: Culver blasts McCain on ethanol

-- Des Moines Register: Iowan touts Obama's education, health plans

-- Radio Iowa: Harkin: It's time to "put away the Hillary buttons & put on the Obama buttons"

-- Radio Iowa: Culver speaks at DNC in Denver, flooding on Iowans' minds

-- Cedar Rapids Gazette: High-energy electricity zaps first-time Iowa delegates

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As Iowa's delegation gathered for breakfast in anticipation of a morning address from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a couple delegates shared their thoughts on the previous night's speeches.

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner gave the keynote and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton had the most anticipated speech of the night, but delegate Richard Myers said he thought Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana gave one of the most impressive performances.

"In many ways, Schweitzer was the best speech of the evening," Myers said. "He was very engaging. he had the crowd and the crowd was feeling it."

Some national pundits have compared Schweitzer's speech to that given by Barack Obama four years ago -- calling it a compelling narrative that could mark his introduction to the national stage.

"He is definitely someone who could now remain on the national radar for the future," Myers said.

Richard Machacek said Clinton outshined Warner's keynote address.

"No matter how amazing Warner is, how would anyone get ahead of Clinton last night?" he said.

Myers had praise for the entire line-up.

"To me, they're all keynotes. They're all amazing speakers," Myers said. "They're all leaders of the party and it's exciting to see them all here in Denver under one roof."

-- By Matt Clark

Labels: DNC2008

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack knows what it's like to end a presidential campaign and go to work for a rival.

Vilsack turned his attention to backing Hillary Clinton once his presidential run was over and on Tuesday night he watched as Clinton used her convention speech to convince her supporters to work hard for Barack Obama.

Vilsack said the speech was "great" and reminded the Democrats gathered in Denver that the race is not about a singular person or even just the position of being president.

"She basically said to supporters that we need to come together for the good of the country and the way to do that is by supporting Obama," Vilsack said. "On top of that the speech was well put together. She was funny, gracious, took a couple of shots at McCain, and put to rest any lingering questions about her backing of Obama."

Clinton supporters in the Iowa delegation agreed that the speech was powerful and historic even as they had varying opinions on the impact it would have on their vote.

"I think the speech was awesome. It was very strong, very sure, and very decisive," Clinton delegate Stephanie Imhoff said. "Anybody would be hard-pressed to say they didn't think she ultimately wants a Democrat in the White House."

Imhoff said that even though her candidate will not end up with the party's nomination, Clinton has still had an important impact on the presidential race and American politics.

"Women will be more powerful in politics than ever before," Imhoff said. "Between Senator Clinton's speech tonight and Michelle Obama's speech last night, it's clear we are entering a time in our country where women can expect their husbands to stand beside them as partners."

Not until tomorrow will Imhoff decide whether to cast her convention ballot for Clinton or Obama, hoping to have a chance to see Clinton in person before turning in her ballot and making sure Clinton understands the delegates still support her even if they vote for Obama.

Clinton delegate Sandy Galer said that Clinton's speech said as much about her character as it did her political calculations.

"Yes it was a good speech, and yes it showed that Hillary is just a class act," she said. "It's probably the hardest speech she's ever had to give and yet she did it in a way that highlighted her understanding of the fact that she is an integral part of the solution to unite the party."

Galer says that while she is comfortable with an Obama presidency, she will still vote for Clinton tomorrow as a final show of support.

Clinton is expected to release her delegates tomorrow before the end of the roll call vote.

-- By Matt Clark

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The Iowa Democratic Party has announced that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is due to address Iowa's delegation Wednesday morning during breakfast. Other featured speakers at Wednesday's breakfast include Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, former Gov. Tom Vilsack, Attorney General Tom Miller and state Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald.

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Excerpts from New York Sen. Hillary Clinton's speech to close Tuesday night:

I am honored to be here tonight. A proud mother. A proud Democrat. A proud American. And a proud supporter of Barack Obama. ... I haven't spent the past 35 years in the trenches advocating for children, campaigning for universal health care, helping parents balance work and family, and fighting for women's rights at home and around the world ... to see another Republican in the White House squander the promise of our country and the hopes of our people.

And you haven't worked so hard over the last 18 months, or endured the last eight years, to suffer through more failed leadership.

No way. No how. No McCain.

Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our president. ...

To my supporters, my champions -- my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits – from the bottom of my heart: Thank you.

You never gave in. You never gave up. And together we made history. ...

I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible? ...

We need to elect Barack Obama because we need a president who understands that America can't compete in a global economy by padding the pockets of energy speculators, while ignoring the workers whose jobs have been shipped overseas. We need a President who understands that we can't solve the problems of global warming by giving windfall profits to the oil companies while ignoring opportunities to invest in new technologies that will build a green economy. ...

when Barack Obama is in the White House, he'll revitalize our economy, defend the working people of America, and meet the global challenges of our time. Democrats know how to do this. As I recall, President Clinton and the Democrats did it before. And President Obama and the Democrats will do it again. ...

John McCain says the economy is fundamentally sound. John McCain doesn't think that 47 million people without health insurance is a crisis. John McCain wants to privatize Social Security. And in 2008, he still thinks it's okay when women don't earn equal pay for equal work.

With an agenda like that, it makes sense that George Bush and John McCain will be together next week in the Twin Cities. Because these days they're awfully hard to tell apart. ...

We are Americans. We're not big on quitting.

But remember, before we can keep going, we have to get going by electing Barack Obama president.

We don't have a moment to lose or a vote to spare.

Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hang in the balance.

Read the full text of Clinton's speech

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After their Tuesday morning meeting, some of the Iowa delegates mentioned their day would be relatively slow until heading to the convention center for the mid-afternoon speech from Gov. Chet Culver.

While they may have had a lull in their schedule for a few hours, their day certainly picked up. The delegation heard from Culver and several other governors and legislators before the prime-time speeches began.

By the end of the night the night the Pepsi Center was buzzing after hearing from Clinton, keynote speaker and Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, and Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a surprise crowd favorite.

Read the text of Warner's speech

Read the text of Schweitzer's speech

-- By Matt Clark

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Katherine Marcano, a Cedar Rapids resident who was displaced by this summer's floods, addressed the convention tonight to argue for Barack Obama's health care plan. Marcano works full-time and goes to college while also caring for her developmentally disabled sister, who has cerebral palsy.

it's still hard when I have to take my sister Barbara to school, to her medical appointments and I have to fight for the services and resources she needs. I am determined to do well and get a degree and a different pay grade so I can live a better life and provide for my family. But I am tired and overwhelmed, stuck in a system that tells me there is not enough funding for disabled kids like my sister. I am told we have to wait, we have to be patient. But I am running out of patience. And I am done waiting. ...

It's time to elect Barack Obama president of the United States. Barack Obama understands the needs of real families like mine. He understands that access to health care isn't a luxury for the few, but a necessity for all of us. He understands that higher education isn't just for the privileged few, but also for people like me who are fighting to get ahead.

Read the full text of Marcano's speech

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Gov. Chet Culver addressed the DNC Tuesday and said the men that will appear on the Dems' ticket in November have passed the Iowa test.

"Today I stand proudly with Barack Obama and Joe Biden -- no strangers to Iowa, they share our values," he said. "When they are in the White House our country will once again rise to meet the great challenges of our time."

In addition to supporting Obama and Biden, the governor thanked the delegates from across the country for coming to Iowa's side in the wake of devastating summer floods

"On behalf of every Iowan I want to thank you for assisting us in our time of need. We will get through this difficult challenge," he said. "We know the Iowa values of faith, hard work and connom sense will guide us and strengthen us as we rebuild an even better, safer and stronger state."

The governor who has often called for making Iowa the "Silicon Valley of the Midwest" through a focus on alternative energy also touched on Obama's energy plan.

Culver said that for eight years oil companies have "literally literally written our national energy policies" and ended up taking in record profits.

"Only Barack Obama has a detailed plan to give us the change we need: lower energy prices and more 'green-collar jobs,'" Culver said. "If anyone still doubts whether renewable energy can lower prices and create jobs, look no further than Iowa. We have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in renewable energy, created more than 100,000 good-paying jobs and provided clean alternatives to overpriced, foreign oil."

Making reference to Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucus status, Culver urged all in attendence to campaign hard through November.

"My fellow Democrats, let's lock arms and work together," he said. "Let's ensure that the journey that began in Iowa will continue on from Denver to Washington."

Read the text of Culver's speech

-- By Matt Clark

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The Iowa delegation began day two in Denver with a breakfast meeting featuring a preview of Gov. Chet Culver's convention speech to be delivered later today.

Culver spoke largely about the relief effort in Iowa from this summer's flooding coupled with ongoing long-term initiatives the state government is working on. From health care coverage to renewable energy development, Culver said Iowa has made a lot of progress but needs the next president to be more in line with the state's goals.

"Now we need a federal partner in the White House that gets it like we get it here in Iowa," he said.

Culver was joined by Lt. Gov. Patty Judge and state Sen. Mike Gronstal in praising the work Iowans and their state government are doing, making the case that if the next presidential administration is a Democratic one even more will be accomplished.

Judge reminded the delegation that in the wake of natural disasters Iowans "could have just given up, but we didn't." She likened the determination to Iowans to that of Obama, saying it was one of the reasons she personally felt inspired to campaign hard for him.

"We have a candidate that is resilient and tough and we just need to go the distance," Judge said.

Highlighting some of the achievements made during the past two years of a Democrat-controlled Statehouse in Iowa, Gronstal said Iowa voters needed to elect Obama to take advantage of the Democratic majority in the U.S. Congress.

"It is our time now, and we're going to win this election," he said.

Paul Tewes, former Obama Iowa state director and current liaison between the DNC and the campaign, also spoke to the delegation, thanking them again for their early support of Obama. He said that as in years past he expects Iowa to be a battleground state and that with little more than two months until the November election, residents should continue to do all they can to put the state in the Obama victory column.

"Iowa set the tone of how this election cycle would be run," Tewes said. "The best lesson in organizing politics is Iowa. I hope everyone will go back and roll up their sleeves."

-- By Matt Clark

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Blogger Steve Benen of the Washington Monthly's Political Animal blog thinks the DNC speech given by former Republican Rep. Jim Leach should be getting more attention from national media outlets, especially considering the attention paid to Zell Miller's RNC speech in 2004 and Joe Lieberman's plans to address the RNC this year.

Leach ... is getting the short shrift. He's a credible, serious guy, who was part of the House Republican caucus for decades, and this year, Leach concluded that Obama is the leader the nation needs.

Maybe he's too mild-mannered to generate more attention (he did not, for example, mention "spitballs" during his speech last night). Maybe if he'd challenged Chris Matthews to a duel, news outlets would have taken his remarks more seriously.

But that's a genuine shame, because Leach had a message worth listening to.

Read the full blog entry

Labels: DNC2008

By Jordan Oster

Yesterday evening was the opening night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I arrived at the hall early and took my seat on the floor of the Pepsi Center. The Iowa delegation is to the right side of the stage and just behind the tiny Vermont contingent.

The session opened with voice confirmation of the Credentials, Platform, and Rules reports, the former which lead to restoring full votes to Michigan and Florida delegates who were stripped following their cutting in line in the primary calendar.

The convention hall is an amazing place. The stage is quite the operation. Visuals aside, it is difficult to not see familiar faces from TV and the halls of Congress.

The biggest highlights of the evening were of course Senator Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama. Senator Kennedy was not expected to attend the convention let alone speak so forcefully for Senator Obama and a new direction for this country. There were many teary eyes to accompany his deep Boston accent. As amazing was the response which came in reaction to the short documentary about the senator.

Read the text of Kennedy's speech

Michelle's speech was great, real, and down-to-Earth. Many Iowans I know said that Michelle was the person who closed the deal for their support of Senator Obama. She spoke about the strength that family played in her upbringing, education, and career. Speaking too to the character of her husband she did a good job of introducing the Obama family.

Read the text of Obama's speech

This afternoon, Iowa Gov. Chet Culver will take the stage, making him the third Iowa official thus far to speak after Senator Harkin and former Republican Congressman Jim Leach, who is heading up Republicans for Obama. All the Iowa delegates were given a 2008 Convention Chet Culver/Patty Judge button for the evening.

-- Oster, a national delegate for Barack Obama, is a Drake University student who's also working on Democrat Becky Greenwald's congressional campaign.

Labels: DNC2008

Gov. Chet Culver and Katherine Marcano, a Cedar Rapids flooding victim, are scheduled to address the national convention today.

See the complete speaking schedule

Labels: DNC2008

Here's a round-up of Tuesday morning's convention stories from Iowa news sources:

Quad-City Times: Leach touts Obama's talents

Sioux CIty Journal: Iowa's top Dems stress party unity

Radio Iowa: Oldest, youngest Iowa DNC delegates are women; Iowa Republican speaks at convention

Radio Iowa: No candidates of the future wooing Iowa Democrats

Cedar Rapids Gazette: Democrats not courting Iowa delegation -- for now

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An evening of Iowa voices on the floor of the convention continued Monday night with U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin introducing former Rep. Jim Leach. The current Democratic senator praised the one-time Republican U.S. representative for recently endorsing Obama, breaking with his party to support the Democratic candidate.

"We are willing to do what's right, not what is easy," Harkin said of Iowans. "And nobody exemplifies the Iowan spirit more than Jim Leach."

Members of the Iowa delegation made a lot of noise while Harkin and Leach were on stage, excited to see a pair of familiar faces they are not accustomed to seeing together.

"Here you have one of the most liberal representatives of Iowa introducing one of the staples of the Iowa GOP," Molly Grady said. "Even before Leach said anything, it was pretty remarkable."

Harkin also made reference to Leach's situation by honoring him for casting aside party politics to see what is right for the American people.

"We do not genuflect to blind ideology," Harkin said. "We value thoughtful discourse rather than slogans and posturing."

Tom Harrington also felt that Harkin gave a rousing introduction of Leach and that the Republican's appearance in Denver would bolster the idea that the Democrats are once again the "big tent" party.

"I don't think this extreme polarization is necessary," he said. "Leach's support shows that people from all walks of life can unite behind one candidate they think will do the most good."

Grady said what she appreciated most about Leach's rationale for being in Denver was not to simply bash his party, but to acknowledge how disappointed he is that it has changed.

"I stand before you proud of my party's contributions to American history but, as a citizen, proud as well of the good judgment of good people in this good party, in nominating a transcending candidate, an individual whom I am convinced will recapture the American dream and be a truly great president," Leach said.

Even if he didn't entirely throw the GOP under the bus, Harrington said Republicans should be worried -- not just at the reality that one of their own supports the Democrat running to take the White House -- but also because of how many moderates he could take with him.

"I think a lot of different people are impressed with him and what he is doing," he said. "I know I am."

-- By Matt Clark

Labels: DNC2008

Candi Schmeider was the first Iowan to deliver remarks from behind the podium at the Democratic National Convention in Denver Monday night. Billed as an "average Iowan," she spoke about the first hearing about Barack Obama and the subsequent transformational effect he had on her life.

"When Senator Obama announced he would run for president, I was thrilled and - for the first time in my life - I decided to get involved," she said. "Living in Iowa, we had the opportunity to attend many events and to meet Senator Obama, Michelle and their family."

Schmeider spoke about her first time seeing Obama in person during an Iowa campaign stop. She explained that attending the event moved her not just because of the change Obama offered in American politics today, but because she saw how he could change the lives of her kids.

"I understood what he meant by the 'fierce urgency of now,'" she said.

Crediting Obama with having the "judgment, compassion, intelligence, perseverance, and experience needed" to be the next leader of the country, Schmeider said Obama had the style and substance to get the job done.

"Yes, Senator Obama inspired me with his words, but he then motivated me with his good, solid plans for action," she said.

Iowa delegate Molly Grady said she was glad Schmeider was chosen to represent the typical Iowan story. Grady said her story is one of renewal for anyone who doesn't feel like they can make a difference.

"She made a good point about how a little inspiration can take you a long way to where you want to be," Grady said. "She is an example of a sort of 'trickle up' process in which the less influential do something so incredible that they end up influencing the powerful."

Also a member of the Iowa delegation, Tom Harrington agreed Schmeider made a poster child for everything an Iowa could and should be.

"She really is an Iowan because of her spirit and unrelenting drive to better herself and the ones she loves," he said. "That is heart and soul."

-- By Matt Clark

Labels: DNC2008

On a night that was highlighted by speeches from U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, D- Mass., and Michelle Obama, several Iowans also spent some time at the podium.

Monday's Iowa speakers were U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, former Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Leach and "regular Iowan" Candi Schmeider. Links and speech excerpts are below.

Tom Harkin's introduction of Leach

He served three decades in the House. He chaired two committees. He ran two national organizations dedicated to Republican causes. He did all of these things as a strong, proud, influential Republican.

At a time when some would have us believe that America is a nation divided by red state and blue state, Jim is here today because he knows that red and blue are not nearly as important as red, white, and blue.

Jim Leach's speech

... what frustrates so many citizens is the lack of bipartisanship in Washington and the way today's Republican Party has broken with its conservative heritage.

The party that once emphasized individual rights has gravitated in recent years toward regulating values. The party of military responsibility has taken us to war with a country that did not attack us. The party that formerly led the world in arms control has moved to undercut treaties crucial to the defense of the earth. The party that prides itself on conservation has abdicated its responsibilities in the face of global warming. And the party historically anchored in fiscal restraint has nearly doubled the national debt, squandering our precious resources in an undisciplined and unprecedented effort to finance a war with tax cuts. ...

The portfolio of challenges passed on to the next president will be as daunting as any since the Great Depression and World War II. This is not a time for politics as usual or for run-of-the-mill politicians. Little is riskier to the national interest than more of the same. America needs new ideas, new energy and a new generation of leadership.

Hence, I stand before you proud of my party's contributions to American history but, as a citizen, proud as well of the good judgment of good people in this good party, in nominating a transcending candidate, an individual whom I am convinced will recapture the American dream and be a truly great president: the senator from Abraham Lincoln's state—Barack Obama.

Candi Schmeider's speech

I don't know how to express how unlikely it is that I would be here today. Like Senator Obama, I lost my mother to cancer when she was too young. I was a junior in high school and made some poor life choices. I started but never finished college.

Today, I am a 39-year-old wife and mother of three children. I work part time from home. I can't even say this experience is like a dream coming true, because I've never allowed myself to dream so big! I am here today because of Senator Obama. ...

During the course of this campaign, I have been involved like never before. I am a precinct captain. I go door to door, talking to my neighbors about Senator Obama. I donate money, and I had the opportunity in May to introduce Senator Obama in front of a great Des Moines, Iowa crowd.

Yes, Senator Obama inspired me with his words, but he then motivated me with his good, solid plans for action. He convinced me that I was an important part of making these plans happen. He convinced me that my voice does matter. In fact, he was so convincing that I've decided to go back to college, finish my bachelor's degree and pursue something that I'm now very passionate about– public service!

Labels: DNC2008

Vermont's three rows of floor seats are all that sit between the Iowa delegation and a front-row view of the Pepsi Center podium.

Iowa's delegation is on the floor of the convention, seated on the far left side of the center stage. Its seats are slightly closer than those of Pennsylvania, Nevada and North Dakota and roughly the same distance from the stage as Indiana and Michigan.

See the full DNC seating chart

Iowa nabbed a good spot for its hotel too -- it's downtown and located less than a mile from the Pepsi Center.

See the Web site for the Downtown Courtyard Marriott

Labels: DNC2008

U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell hosted a luncheon for members of the Iowa delegation at his daughter Cindy's home in Denver on Monday afternoon. Boswell and his family welcomed Iowans to the city and told them to "hold on tight" for the long week ahead of them.

"You're going to hear some very inspiring speeches," Boswell said. "I know I am singing to the choir, but this is a very historical moment in the history of our nation."

Saying he's "never felt more hitched to the wagon," and dedicated to getting a lot done, Boswell said national party conventions are an excellent reminder of why he continues to stay in politics, working for progress on behalf of Iowans.

"After we hear all of these speeches out here this week, we've got to go back home and really make it happen," he said.

Boswell said that seeing Barack Obama elected president would be another event he'd add to the list of things that convince him America is a place where big ideas can be become reality.

"For my family and I, to have spent our lives in the United States of America is a privilege," he said.

Acknowledging that he continues to get a lot of questions about his health since a recent hospital stay, the sixth-term 74-year-old congressman assured those in attendance that he is "feeling just fine."

Before returning to their pork chops, members of the delegation were treated to an original song written and performed by Boswell's wife Dody, who told the crowd she's had more time to work on her poetry since retiring. The delegates were also entertained by a mariachi band, pictured at the top of this post.

-- By Matt Clark

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From the University of Iowa:

As the Democratic National Convention gets underway in Denver today, traders on the Iowa Electronic Markets' political prediction markets are still making presumptive nominee Barack Obama the favorite to win the popular vote in November.

As of 8 a.m. CT Monday, Obama's contract was selling for 60 cents on the IEM's presidential Winner Take All market, which means traders believe there is a 60.1 percent probability that he will win the popular vote.

A contract for John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, was trading for 40.1 cents, which means traders believe there is a 40.1 percent probability he will win the popular vote.

On the IEM's presidential Vote Share market, an Obama contract is selling for 52.8 cents, which means traders believe he will receive 52.8 percent of the popular vote between the two major party candidates. A McCain Vote Share contract is trading for 49.5 cents, which means traders believe he will receive 49.5 of the popular vote.

Labels: DNC2008

By Jordan Oster

The first Iowa delegation breakfast began this morning at 7:30 a.m. I think there will be little time for sleep during this busy week. The delegation had a hard time fitting into our room with family members, elected official staffs, and the media which is in tow. Senator Harkin was the host of today's breakfast. In Harkin manner he opened with folksy tales and hard hits on Senator McCain. He introduced our first guest, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. The freshman senator was elected in 2006 and took the seat of a retiring Democrat. Klobuchar spoke highly of Harkin, as a friend of the late Paul Wellstone. Harkin and Klobuchar have worked hard together on the Agriculture bill. After a few jokes on Minnesota and Iowa relationships and Slovenian food, Klobuchar talked about her support for Senator Barack Obama. She has been traveling the country as a surrogate and talked up Obama's leadership on in the Senate on ethics reform and consumer safety concern following the lead toy scare.

Editor's note: Radio Iowa has a complete audio recording of the remarks from Harkin and Klobuchar

After learning more about the day ahead, all 57 delegates and the alternates posed for a photo in the lobby. Later this afternoon we will be going to the home of Congressman Boswell's daughter for some Iowa food favorites. There is word that Senator Ted Kennedy will be making an appearance now, which will be amazing considering the severity of his illness. Senator Biden will also be in Denver today for Michelle Obama's speech this evening. I look forward to the first gaveling in!

-- Oster, a national delegate for Barack Obama, is a Drake University student who's also working on Democrat Becky Greenwald's congressional campaign.

Labels: DNC2008

Here's a round-up of convention stories from Iowa news sources:

Quad-City Times: Leach will speak at Democratic convention

Radio Iowa: Leach to speak at DNC

Des Moines Register: Marengo woman, Leach to address convention

Cedar Rapids Gazette: Harkin speaks to Iowa delegation

Radio Iowa: Harkin goes higher than "Mile High" city

Des Moines Register: Delegates skew toward first-timers

Radio Iowa: Clinton-backing Iowans intend to vote for her in Denver

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The following is a rundown of the pre-planned events on the Iowa delegation's Monday schedule, courtesy of the Iowa Democratic Party.

WHO: Iowa delegation
WHAT: Delegation breakfast featuring Senator Harkin with special guest Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
WHEN: 7:30am – 9:00am
WHERE: Cosmopolitan Room, Courtyard by Marriott, 934 16th St, Denver, CO

WHO: Iowa delegation
WHAT: Welcome to Denver Lunch Reception hosted by Congressman Leonard Boswell and Dody Boswell
WHEN: 11:30am – 1:30pm
WHERE: Greg and Cindy Brown Residence, 2448 S. Cook St, Denver, CO

WHO: Candi Schmieder from Marengo, Iowa
WHAT: Democratic National Convention speech
WHEN: TBD
WHERE: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO

WHO: Iowa delegation
WHAT: Democratic National Convention, prime-time speaker Michelle Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and a video message from Senator Ted Kennedy
WHEN: 3:00pm – 9:00pm
WHERE: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO

See the delegation schedule for the entire week

Labels: DNC2008

Keith Dinsmore, who was communications director for Joe Biden's presidential campaign in Iowa, says Iowa's devoted Biden supporters are excited to see him back on the campaign trail after Saturday's VP announcement.

Dinsmore joined more than 25 Biden supporters at an Iowa bar to watch the Obama-Biden ticket deliver its first campaign address Saturday. Barack Obama and Biden addressed a crowd in Springfield, Ill., as Obama makes his way across the country to the Denver convention.

Susan Nelson, a staunch Biden advocate and a precinct captain, watched with pride as Obama introduced Biden by describing his life story to a national TV audience. During Biden's passionate speech that followed, he "showed the rest of the country what we saw in Iowa," Nelson said. "In Iowa, in early-morning diners, on front porches in summer, in libraries with snow on the ground outside, Joe Biden came to talk to us from the heart about issues we care about."

Nelson was pursued by several candidates, including Obama, before she committed to Biden at the Harkin Steak Fry last September. "Speaking in the early twilight at the Steak Fry, he gave voice to the anguish of the Iraq War for people whose sons and neighbors and mothers are serving there," she recalls.

Gabriel Weil, who came to Iowa last summer as a press intern, said of the pick: "This is actually the ticket I was hoping for, just the other way around." Weil, who graduated this spring from Northwestern, is beginning his freshman year in law school in Georgetown University this week.

Read Dinsmore's commentary piece for much more reaction from Iowa's Biden fans

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By Jordan Oster

I arrived in Denver at 8:45 this morning after a twelve hour train ride into the city. Though the bumpy ride left me with little sleep, I began walking the streets of the Denver before I could check into my hotel room this afternoon. It is difficult to wander too far without seeing Senator Obama's face on a poster or t-shirt in the window of a business or on a vendor's table. Armed guards are a constant around the city and there have already been a few scuffles with protestors today, delaying city bus service for me. Denver is a lovely city in a great location and I am glad to see it outside of their airport.

This evening I will be attending the large event at the Convention Center for all delegates (a big crowd) to honor Katrina relief efforts. After that, I will go to a reception put on by Senator Harkin to honor Iowa's delegates and welcome them for a great week. One of the big questions on my mind this week is logistics and how all the gears will move to coordinate so many delegates, journalists, and political tourists as they move about the city and its events this week.

-- Oster, a national delegate for Barack Obama, is a Drake University student who's also working on Democrat Becky Greenwald's congressional campaign.

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From the Iowa Democratic Party:

Iowa Democratic Party Chair and Iowa Delegation Chair Scott Brennan announced today that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer from Maryland, Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois, and Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota will speak to the Iowa delegates at the convention. Further speaking announcements are likely to be made next week.

"The Iowa delegation is honored to have such a distinguished group of speakers," said Brennan. "Majority Leader Hoyer, Senator Durbin, Senator Klobuchar, and Iowa Democratic leaders will speak to our delegation about their strong support for Barack Obama and the need for change in Washington."

Brennan also announced today that Governor Chet Culver, Senator Tom Harkin, Attorney General Tom Miller, and State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald will serve as Honorary Iowa Delegation Co-Chairs.

The IDP also said Culver and two "everyday Iowans" are due to speak during the week. Culver's planning to focus on renewable energy in his Tuesday night remarks. Here's what IDP said about the other two Iowans:

Candi Schmieder of Marengo will take the stage on Monday. After years spent removed from the political process, Schmieder became a precinct captain because she was excited by Obama's "common sense ideas."

Katherine Marcano of Cedar Rapids, who balances working a full-time job and being a college student, while providing health insurance for her younger sister, will also speak. Katherine suffered even greater hardship after being displaced by this summer's devastating floods in Iowa.

See more details in the IDP press release

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Barack Obama announced Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate in a text message sent to supporters early this morning. See the news from the campaign blog

The Dem ticket is set to head on a swing state tour -- which includes a stop in Davenport -- leading up to Obama's acceptance speech Thursday in Denver.

Attendance at the Monday morning event in Davenport will be by invitation only, according to a release sent by the campaign Friday afternoon.

The battleground state tour starts with a Springfield, Ill. event this morning, to be followed by a Sunday BBQ in Eau Claire, Wis. The next stop after Eau Claire is Monday in Davenport and after that there are stops scheduled in Missouri on Tuesday and Montana on Wednesday before the tour ends in Denver on Thursday.

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Drake University students and professors finished their first week in Denver today and are preparing for the whirlwind of activity to come as the Democratic National Convention begins on Monday.

Drake sent 10 students and two professors from their political science and journalism programs as part of the Washington Center's "Campaign 2008" series. The students will spend a total of two weeks in Denver, attending lectures and special events during week one, and working with different organizations during week two.

"Every student will do fieldwork," professor Rachel Paine Caufield said. "They'll be volunteering with media organizations, interest groups, the DNC, the DNCC, the host committee, and state party delegations. They'll also help with events like the Emily's List reception with special guests Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Michelle Obama and at a Rock the Vote concert headlining Fall Out Boy."

The Drake group combined forces with students from the University of Missouri, the University of South Dakota, and Hastings College to create a blog of their experiences at http://drakenationalconvention.blogspot.com/.

See the Drake University press release for more details

Labels: DNC2008

From the IowaPolitics.com REPORT, sent to paid subscribers on Aug. 21. Take a two-week free trial and learn more about subscribing.

After a historic and highly contentious battle for the Democratic nomination, Sen. Barack Obama will formally become his party's candidate for president next week in Denver, finishing a nomination process that started January in Iowa.

But before the junior senator from Illinois climbs the steps to the podium and delivers his acceptance speech, the national delegates will take a vote, and Sen. Hillary Clinton's name will be on the ballot.

After a year of being Obama's chief competitor for the spot, Clinton bowed out of the race in June, making him the presumptive nominee. Since then, some Clinton supporters have struggled to fall in line with the Obama campaign, sometimes vocally challenging his candidacy.

The recent decision to have a roll call on the floor of the convention has created waves among Obama and Clinton supporters alike. Cable news pundits and party officials have weighed in, and now the Iowa delegation is days away from making the trip to Colorado to cast their votes.

Among the Iowans heading to Denver, not everyone is in agreement as to what the vote will mean.

"For the sake of accuracy and honoring what has happened during the primary season, I think we definitely need to see a vote at the convention," Clinton delegate Stephanie Imhoff said. "Barack being the nominee isn't official until we take a vote on the floor and there is value in seeing the diversity in that vote."

Aside from simply going through the motions of deciding on Obama, Clinton delegates have the chance to make one last symbolic show of support for their candidate by voting for her.

"This will be one last way to record which candidates really won a lot of support from Iowa and across the country," Imhoff said. "After that, we can all move on and feel good about Obama as our nominee."

Not all Clinton supporters are so confident that their candidate's name being placed in nomination will have the desired unifying effect.

Don Shaffer, a pledged Clinton delegate, said that there should have been no question about having an open vote and that the delay in making the decision could permanently alienate a considerable amount of Democrats.

"When it looked like there might not even be an opportunity for us to vote for her, some Clinton delegates didn't even make plans to attend the convention," he said. "They just finally announced there'd be a vote last week, which means there are some Clinton people who now would like to be out there, but aren't able to find arrangements in Denver on that short of notice."

Shaffer said he's been so bothered by the "botched" convention plans that he has refused requests from the Obama camp since earlier this summer to help out with the campaign.

"I keep telling them we'll have to wait and see how things are after the convention," he said.

While John Edwards will not have his name placed in nomination at the convention, some of his supporters have felt in a similar position to the Clinton delegates that worry about being respected by the Obama crowd.

"Of course this has been an emotional nominating process," Edwards delegate Merci Wolff said. "Everyone wants to see their candidate end up on top and when that doesn't happen it is difficult to know how to feel and go forward."

Wolff said she thinks it's a good idea that the Clinton delegates are able to vote how they want. She doesn't worry that they will be unwilling to support Obama in the end.

"I know that the Obama people have really reached out to the Edwards delegates just like they have to the Clinton supporters," she said. "They've been gracious and made the process easier for everyone."

Another Edwards delegate, Arlene Prather-O'Kane, said she will happily vote for Obama because she knows Edwards endorsed him without hesitation. Since Edwards left the presidential race, Prather-O'Kane has been to fundraising events for Obama and volunteered in one of the campaign offices doing data entry.

"I have been doing everything I can for the Obama campaign because I know that's what John wants us to do," she said. "I know at the convention we will all vote for Obama and that will be that."

Next week Obama will accept the Democratic Party's nomination in front of an audience of millions. Only after the dust settles will it be clear if he's done what it takes to win over the skeptics he'd hope would be part of his base.

-- By Matt Clark

Labels: DNC2008

IowaPolitics.com will be covering the Democratic National Convention on the ground in Denver with this news blog.

The blog will include updates from IowaPolitics.com reporter Matt Clark, correspondent Keith Dinsmore as well as commentary from national Dem delegate Jordan Oster, a Barack Obama supporter and a Drake University student.

Iowa's delegates are staying at the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Denver, not too far from the Pepsi Center, which is where the night-time events will be held.

Labels: DNC2008