John Kerry, trailing in the polls, decided to throw all of his resources into Iowa, culminating with a 1st place finish. This gave the campaign momentum, leading to future Primary and Caucus wins and the Democratic Nomination. John Kerry's Iowa staff and organization, underestimated, surpassed Howard Dean's and also Dick Gephardt's Union assistance.
John Kerry unveiled the "Real Deal" theme at the JJ Dinner emceed by Hillary Rodhan Clinton. John Kerry and Howard Dean had the largest presence at the dinner, followed by John Edwards. Dick Gephardt, with the help of organized labor, held a large rally outside, but the decision to not have more of a presence inside the Vetrerans Auditorium may have created an opening for John Kerry and John Edwards. During introductions of the candidates, Howard Dean appeared in the crowd surrounded by red & blue signs that read "A New Day for Democrats." He gave a fiery speech stating "You have the power" as he pointed to various sections of the auditorium. The campaign built a large organization and looked unstoppable.
"Your courage can give America back its future, its strength, its soul."
John Kerry spoke in Des Moines, Iowa September 2nd as part of his "American Courage" Campaign Announcement Tour. Iowa was the second stop on the campaign kick-off, which also included, South Carolina, Boston, and New Hampshire. The theme of American Courage was reinforced by Kerry's introduction of those who served with him on a Swift Boat in Vietnam.
John Edwards visited 19 counties in 6 days on his "Real Solutions" Bus Tour. The 60 page booklet "Real Solutions for Real People," his disciplined positive campaign style, and a Des Moines Register endorsement, would vault him to 2nd place in the 2004 Iowa Caucus. Like Howard Dean, he would visit all 99 Iowa counties.
"Because of America's good fortune, the first stop on the road to the White House, is here in Iowa"
Bob Graham and his family took an RV trip of Iowa in August of 2003 designed to "invade and persuade Iowans." His entry into the race was delayed by health problems and would be the first candidate to drop out.
"This whole campaign is built by word of mouth through the Internet"
Howard Dean's innovative use of the Internet, including the Meet-up web site, Blog for America, and record fund-raising, led to his decision to decline matching funds. This allowed John Kerry to follow suit, without criticism and the attention that would have been placed upon him.
"I need your help on Jan. 19th, so let's go out and talk to all those Iowans."
Howard Dean was the story of 2003. As he put it "from an asterisk in the polls to the leader."
The negative ad war with co-leader Dick Gephardt, gave Iowa voters cause to look at other candidates. He would visit all 99 counties in Iowa, and finish 3rd.
"Please join us as we take this campaign from Des Moines to the White House"
The 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee, Joe Lieberman did hold an Iowa Headquarters' Grand Opening. He later decided, as did Wesley Clark, to skip the Iowa Caucus. One wonders if he or Wesley Clark might have taken away votes from another candidate, changing the final outcome.
