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Friday, September 18, 2009

LOOK, LISTEN: Powell, Bush and Giuliani address motivational seminar in Des Moines

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Former First Lady Laura Bush, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and retired Gen. Colin Powell were among those who spoke Thursday at a motivational seminar at the Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines.
The event was also be broadcast live via satellite in the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids.

Read below for excerpts from their speeches and links to the audio:

POWELL: America is starting to pay too great a price for the increased security since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and anger has become too much a part of public life, retired Gen. Colin Powell said Thursday at a motivational seminar attended by about 15,000 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

"We are starting to pay too much for our security," said Powell, a four-star general, former U.S. secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "Foreign students who normally come to our universities are not coming. It's too hard to get a visa ... so we are losing with this contact with the rest of the world. We are losing money also."

Powell also warned that while America has always been a nation of debates, anger has lately become a large part of public life. "We're slipping into a dangerous period right now where nobody wants to listen to anybody else," he said. "The anger level is rising to the point where it is dangerous for us and dangerous for our political leaders. ... We've got to knock off the expressions of hatred and anger and racism."

BUSH: Former First Lady Laura Bush on Thursday gave Iowans insight into how she endured the criticism during President Bush's eight years in the White House, especially after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"One of the questions I'm most often asked is, 'How did you stand it? Didn't it bother you? Didn't it make your blood boil to reap and watch this constant flood of criticism in a vacuum?' Bush told about 15,000 people at a motivational seminar in downtown Des Moines. "And of course, it bothered me. Just as it would bother anyone in this room."

She said it bothered her, but it didn't get to her, because she's confident of who she is and who her husband is -- and because this is America.

"All that blathering and bloviating -- is, in reality, a kind of sacred music or, at least, the clanking gears of democracy," Bush said. "When you live in the White House, you live not just with the ghosts of presidents, but with the echoes of citizens holding this government to account."

GIULIANI: Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said Thursday in Des Moines that "relentless preparation" for everything in life -- from job interviews to football games, court trials to presidential debates and even terrorist attacks -- will even help with the unexpected.

"If you prepare for everything you can think of, you'll be prepared even for the thing you hadn't thought of," said Giuliani, who was one of the final speakers in a daylong motivational center attended by about 15,000 at the Iowa Events Center.

Giuliani recalled the day of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and how he watched a man throw himself off the 101st floor of the World Trade Center. "This is much worse than we've ever faced before," he said. "We're going to have to make up our response because we don't have a plan for this."

But in the hours, days, weeks and months that followed, Giuliani pulled from his knowledge of the city's plans for blackouts, derailments, hurricanes, the West Nile virus, a nuclear attack and high-rise fires to make the necessary decisions. "Every decision I was making, I had made before," he said. "We were prepared. We didn't know we were prepared because we had prepared for other things."

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

LOOK/LISTEN: "New face" Roberts announces bid for governor

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State Rep. Rod Roberts, R-Carroll, today promoted himself as a "new face" and touted himself as a fiscal and social conservative who is friendly and approachable as he announced creation of his exploratory committee for governor to about 100 people packed in a Statehouse conference room.

"I want to serve the people of Iowa as their next governor," Roberts said. "I have spoken with countless Iowans who have told me that Iowa needs a change in leadership and a change in direction. ... I cannot think of a time personally when there have been so many people who are unhappy, dismayed and upset with the way things are."

Roberts promised to be real, upfront, candid and transparent with the people of Iowa, and to respect the people as those who hold true political power. "I will be careful with your money as I am with my money, and I am very careful with my money," he said. "I also believe in protecting the life of the unborn. I also believe in the traditional definition of marriage."

Frank Severino of Urbandale, a retired lobbyist, will be Roberts' campaign manager. Diana Clay of Clive is communications director and former Lt Gov. Art Neu is on the leadership team, as is state Rep. Jeff Kaufmann, R-Wilton. Roberts said former Govs. Robert Ray and Terry Branstad were among those who encouraged him last fall to run, creating a "statewide buzz that has grown ever louder."


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Friday, June 26, 2009

LOOK/LISTEN: Barbour downplays effect of Sanford scandal, prospect of 2012 presidential run

Gov. Haley Barbour, R-Miss., at the Republican Party of Iowa's "Night of the Rising Stars" event

Gov. Haley Barbour, R-Miss., said he didn't think South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's disappearance and extra-marital affair would have any effect at the polls, downplayed the prospect of running for president himself in 2012, and said he thinks Iowa's chances are good to elect a Republican governor next year.

"What happens in these races this year and next year will be what really matter to the party," Barbour said when asked about a 2012 run. "If after that it seems like a reasonable thing, I will consider it. I have no plan to run for president; I have no intention to run for president. But I've been around long enough to say, 'never say never.' And we'll just see where we are after '10. But I would be very surprised if I turned out to be a candidate for president."

Barbour outlined his strategy for rebuilding the Republican Party during his keynote address at the Republican Party of Iowa's "Night of the Rising Stars" night-time fundraiser at Hoyt Sherman Place.


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Saturday, June 6, 2009

LOOK/LISTEN: Pelosi says GOP working to distract with focus on CIA comments

Pelosi visit

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Saturday that Democratic successes in Congress are "driving the Republicans to distraction," and that is why many conservative politicians have focused on comments she recently made regarding the CIA and interrogation techniques.

"You want to be the leader? You have to be there to take whatever hit comes at you," Pelosi said. "So as speaker of the House I knew when I assumed this responsibility that those who did not agree with the new direction that we want to take the country in, the change that the American people asked for, would try to distract from the focus that we have. It is the arena that I have chosen to be in, and I understand what that is, but it will not take us off our course of action."

Pelosi and U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, were at Hiatt Middle School in Des Moines to discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's impact on Iowa schools. Also in attendance were Iowa Department of Education Director Judy Jeffrey, Lt. Gov. Patty Judge and several state senators and representatives.


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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

LOOK/LISTEN: McCain talks with business leaders in Des Moines

McCain shakes hands

Calling this the "biggest financial crisis of our lifetime," Republican presidential candidate John McCain today urged action to restore confidence in the system, one day after Congress defeated a $700 billion Wall Street bailout plan on a 228-205 vote.

"Inaction is not an option," McCain said repeatedly to more than 300 Iowa business executives, workers and Republican leaders who gathered at EFCO in Des Moines for a roundtable discussion. "The dire consequences of inaction are far more damaging to the economic security of American families."

McCain surrounded himself with six Iowa business executives who helped tell the story of how the nation's economic crisis is impacting their companies.

Their stories helped to back up McCain's assertion that there are franchisees who currently can't borrow, contractors not getting remodeling work, equipment makers losing sales, restaurants going out of business and students unable to get loans.

"One of the reasons why Congress failed to act is because it hasn't really sunk in that the people who are hurting and are being hurt are Main Street families, small businesses – those kinds of people that are the engine of our economy," McCain said. "There is a perception out there that this is just something for Wall Street."


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Monday, September 15, 2008

LOOK: Schweitzer headlines Harkin Steak Fry

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Despite the cold and windy September weather, nearly 1,000 Iowa Democrats faithfully drove to the Indianola Balloon Field on Sunday for the 31st annual Tom Harkin Steak Fry.

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, the event headliner, spent much of his time on stage talking about American sources of alternative energy and bucking the power wielded by “petro-dictators” in the Middle East and Latin America.

"We need to grow our own fuel," Schweitzer said. "We need to do it now. Biofuels are here to stay. Biofuels are the future of America."

In introducing Schweitzer, Harkin called him a valuable "WMD" -- a west-of-the-Mississippi Democrat. He also made reference to the success a previous steak fry speaker had in the presidential arena.

"Four years ago Barack Obama gave that blockbuster speech to the convention. Two years later he showed up here to speak at the steak fry, and now look where he is. Brian Schweitzer gave a blockbuster speech at the convention this year. He is here at the steak fry. Who knows what's next for Brian Schweitzer?" Harkin said.


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Monday, September 8, 2008

LOOK: Joe Biden returns to Des Moines


Joe Biden in Des Moines, originally uploaded by IowaPolitics.com.


In his first visit to Iowa since the caucuses, Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden today touted plans to provide adequate health care to all Americans and tax breaks to 95 percent of working families. But his statement that an Obama/Biden administration will end the war in Iraq that drew a standing ovation and the loudest cheers.

Biden spoke at a rally of about 1,200 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds' Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center -- a building that last month was filled with baby animals during the Iowa State Fair. Biden said high unemployment rates and the elimination of pensions are indications of how bad the economy is right now. "Most people are a paycheck away from serious, serious problems," he said.

In a pre-emptive strike, Republican state Auditor David Vaudt told reporters before the rally that it will take significant revenues to pay for the Obama/Biden spending plans. "The taxpayers always pay for the generosity of the politicians," Vaudt said.

But Biden said that while the Obama/Biden plan will cost money, it will not raise taxes for working Americans. Instead, he said it would take away from the Republican tax base. He also assured Iowans that federal money will come to the state for flood damages. "In an Obama/Biden administration, we will never forget you," he said.

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LOOK: Nancy Pelosi visits Iowa


Nancy Pelosi visits Iowa, originally uploaded by IowaPolitics.com.


U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in Iowa today to assure officials and residents that federal money will come soon to help Iowa's disaster recovery costs. She said the U.S. House will have a bill next week, and the money will then begin to flow.

"All Iowans who need assistance have assurances that they will receive it," she said. "That money will come ... so count on it."

Pelosi met with Gov. Chet Culver, U.S. Rep Leonard Boswell, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, state representatives and others today at North High School, which borders the Des Moines River. Among those talking to Pelosi was Janet Green, a former Birdland resident who lost her house to the floods. The house had been in her husband's family for almost a century.

"There's no reason why that money shouldn't have been released right away," Pelosi said. "We want to honor the compact ... so people know government is there. This compact with government is sacred. They shouldn't lose confidence in it."

Iowa Republicans have criticized congressional leaders for recessing before passing more flood aid for Iowa. GOP congressional candidate Marianette Miller-Meeks, running against Dem U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack in the 2nd Congressional District, today criticized the delay.

"Pelosi and congressional Democrats rushed to approve billions of dollars in aid for New Orleans in the days after Hurricane Katrina," Miller-Meeks said in a press release. "They've waited months now to do anything for Iowans who have suffered at least as much."

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Friday, August 17, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: Fred Thompson tours Iowa State Fair

Fred Thompson receives state fair tour

Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, making his first visit to Iowa of the election cycle, toured the Iowa State Fair with U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley.


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Monday, June 18, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: Brownback takes bus tour of Iowa

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Sam Brownback meets with supporters June 18 in Winterset. Winterset was the fourth stop on the senator's four-day, 27-community bus tour through Iowa.


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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: At Iowa HQ opening, Huckabee reiterates straw poll plans

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said he intends to participate in the Republican Party of Iowa's straw poll, adding he was shocked by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Sen. John McCain's decision last week to withdraw from the Aug. 11 event.

"I am very disappointed in the McCain and Giuliani campaigns for throwing a monkey wrench into the process," Huckabee said.

Huckabee made the remarks at the opening of his Iowa campaign headquarters in downtown Des Moines.


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Saturday, June 9, 2007

LOOK: Obama campaigns in Boone

Sen. Barack Obama visits Boone

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, a Democratic presidential candidate, visits Boone during a campaign swing through Iowa.


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Friday, June 1, 2007

LOOK/LISTEN: John McCain visits Nationwide Insurance

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Thursday, May 31, 2007

WATCH/LISTEN: Mitt Romney in West Des Moines

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks to nearly 400 people May 30 at the Hy-Vee Convention Center in West Des Moines.

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Friday, May 25, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: Brownback opens Iowa HQ

Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, a GOP presidential candidate, officially opens his Iowa campaign headquarters in West Des Moines.

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: Gingrich visits Iowa on book tour

Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich visited a Barnes and Noble in West Des Moines during his book signing tour.


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Sunday, May 20, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: Richardson campaigns in Red Oak

Democratic New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson talking to a crowd in the Republican-heavy 5th Congressional District.


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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

LOOK/LISTEN: Edwards rolls out 'Women for Edwards' in Des Moines

John Edwards campaigns in Des Moines

Former Sen. John Edwards meets with supporters May 15 in Des Moines. He announced a statewide "Women for Edwards" organization, with 1,500 members, at the event.


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Thursday, May 10, 2007

WATCH: Romney discusses his pro-life stance

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a GOP presidential candidate, discusses his pro-life stance and religion with members of the media on May 9 in Ames.


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Sunday, May 6, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: Clinton speaks in Red Oak

U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks at the Montgomery County Historical Society in Red Oak.


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Saturday, May 5, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: Sen. Joe Biden campaigns in Ankeny

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Thursday, May 3, 2007

WATCH/LOOK/LISTEN: Chris Dodd in West Des Moines

Presidential hopeful Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., speaks May 3 at a West Des Moines restaurant.


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Friday, April 27, 2007

LOOK/LISTEN: John McCain visits Des Moines on announcement tour


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Saturday, April 21, 2007

LOOK/LISTEN: Barack Obama in Johnston


Barack Obama in Johnston, originally uploaded by IowaPolitics.com.

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Friday, April 20, 2007

LOOK/LISTEN: John Edwards in Adel


John Edwards in Adel, originally uploaded by IowaPolitics.com.

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Saturday, April 14, 2007

LOOK: Pictures from the Lincoln Day Dinner in Des Moines

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Tuesday, February 20, 2007

LOOK: Tommy Thompson in Des Moines


Tommy Thompson in Des Moines
Originally uploaded by IowaPolitics.com.
Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, a Republican, in Des Moines to speak at a Iowa Realtors Association meeting on Feb. 20, 2007.

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Monday, February 19, 2007

LOOK: Tom Vilsack in Winterset


Tom Vilsack in Winterset
Originally uploaded by IowaPolitics.com.
Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, a Democrat, outside a campaign event in Winterset on Feb. 19, 2007.

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