Iowa Democrats Hear Six Presidential Candidates at J & J Dinner

Potential caucus-goers had a chance to hear candidates (in order in which they spoke) John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Barack Obama in Des Moines' Veterans Auditorium at the annual Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner. Those who spent $150 per person sat on the floor while almost 8,000 enthusiastic attendees sat in the raised seating with others who shared their candidate preference. At times, the noise was deafening.

Governor Chet Culver and Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge made short speeches, but the attention was clearly on Nancy Pelosi, who served as master of ceremonies for the presidential candidates' speeches, and the six candidates. Pelosi introduced each as "the next president of the United States," and was masterful at introductions that showed no hint of favoritism. The candidates did not use the annual forum to announce initiatives; they emphasized their priorities and worked to increase momentum among their most faithful Iowa followers.

John Edwards' themes were similar to those in his 'heroes' commercial, which began airing in Iowa in the past week (his first major media buy). He stressed the needs of working families and reiterated his promise that if there is not universal health coverage for all Americans by July 2009 he will work to the fullest extent of his power as president to cancel coverage for himself and members of Congress. He was sharply critical of the situation in Iraq and talked about the need to reestablish strong relations with the many countries who have been put off by the go-it-alone philosophy of President Bush. He pledged that, "We will not ignore the poor, devastate our environment, or ship American jobs overseas. We do not believe in allowing lobbyists to write the laws of the U.S., nor do we believe we are above the law. We believe in the promise of America."

Bill Richardson opened by thanking the participants for "making democracy look good." He committed to "rooting out torture" in the U.S. system and chastised the Senate for confirming Attorney General Mukasey's without a filibuster. He said he would bring troops back within one year, replacing them with an all-Muslim peacekeeping force. As is often the case in a Governor Richardson speech, he touched on many topics, often coming back to his experience as a negotiator.

Joe Biden did not focus as much on foreign policy as he has done in many speeches throughout Iowa. However, he did offer an interesting perspective on two ways he would have responded to 9-1-1. He said that he would have invited world leaders to an October 2001 meeting in Geneva to encourage all nations to work together to combat Islamic fundamentalism. Biden would also have called on citizens to "free us from the oligarchs of oil," noting it will take sacrifices from all of us. He also used the phrase "ladies and gentlemen" at least 30 times during his remarks, making him the candidate who sounded most as if he were giving a speech rather than talking to the audience.

Introduced as a champion for children, Senator Chris Dodd noted that the Bush administration has failed to uphold the constitution of the U.S. and keep the country safe - two points the president swears to do as he takes the oath of office. He promised in the first hour of office he would restore the constitution - no more Guantanamo Bay prisons, Abu Ghraib, or torture. He committed to, "Lead by force of our example rather than by examples of our force." He also noted he was the only candidate on stage who had served in the military; he was a National Guard member and reservist after serving in the Peace Corps.

The theme among the Clinton supporters was "turn up the heat." Senator Clinton promised that, "If you will stand for me for a night I will stand and fight for you in this campaign and every day in the White House." Her theme was reform - of government in general and programs for children and the middle-class. After noting there have been nearly eight years of a government by and for the few, she focused on the importance of having a Democrat president in 2009 so that the nation can rebuild its alliances around the world and provide health coverage for its citizens at home.

Barack Obama stressed his early and continuing opposition to the war in Iraq. He talked about his hope for the future, the need to ensure children attend thriving schools, and the importance of meeting the needs of veterans. The quote that stood out most for this writer was, "When I am this party's nominee, my opponent will not be able to say that I voted for the war in Iraq...[or] that I wavered on something as fundamental as whether it is okay for America to torture, because it is never okay." With the most supporters in the rafters, his remarks drew the longest and loudest applause.

While the speeches were generally interesting, the pre-JJ dinner events for each candidate were what attracted many of the attendees. There or immediately after the formal event is where supporters see their candidate up close and personal. John Edwards previewed parts of his speech in a pre-event talk to supporters and his partisans were treated to musicians Dr. Ralph Stanley and the Sherwood Blues Band. The enthusiasm of the campaign staffs is most visible in the 'sign war' that is a centerpiece of any multiple-candidate event in Iowa, as shown in the hallway photograph.

By next year's Iowa Jefferson and Jackson Day dinner there will be one Democrat presidential candidate addressing the crowd. Iowa caucus goers hope it will be the individual they select on January 3, 2008.