2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Andrew Yang Close to Qualifying for 3rd and 4th Democratic Presidential Primary Debates

ANDREW YANG IS ONE POLL AWAY FROM QUALIFYING FOR THE 3rd AND 4th DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY DEBATES.

New York, NY — Democratic Presidential candidate Andrew Yang has polled 3% in a Fox News poll released on Thursday. This is the third qualifying poll in which Yang has reached 2% or higher. In May, the DNC announced that ABC News, in partnership with Univision, would host the third debate. To qualify for the September event candidates are required to hit 2 percent in four qualifying polls and 130,000 individual donors. Yang blew through the individual donor requirement the day after the Miami debate; a testament to his strong base of supporters who have been dubbed the "Yang Gang." 

In a quote, Campaign Manager Zach Graumann said:

“Andrew and this team continue to exceed all expectations and the Yang Gang is growing every day. I have no doubt that we will see a 4th and final qualifying poll after Americans hear Yang on the debate stage in Detroit."

Kamala Harris Supporters to Host Over 40 Debate Watch Parties In Iowa Next Week

Kamala Harris Supporters to Host Over 40 Debate Watch Parties In Iowa Next Week

Campaign Chair Deidre DeJear to host Des Moines Event

Kamala Harris’ supporters are building on the momentum and energy from Harris’ dominant performance in the first Democratic debate by hosting over 40 #ForThePeople watch parties across Iowa – from Sidney to Ames to Davenport – during the second Democratic debate on July 31. Excited caucusgoers will gather at breweries, restaurants, and in the homes of local supporters to cheer Harris on at these watch parties, including one hosted in Des Moines by Iowa campaign chair Deidre DeJear.

With more than 65 paid staffers on the ground, the Harris operation has a deeply rooted organizing front that is reaching into every county and precinct across Iowa. At grassroots events across the state, organizers are engaging Iowans in conversations about why Harris is the best person to take on Donald Trump and fight for them and their families.

Harris will return to the state on August 8, one week after the second Democratic debate, for her 5-day bus tour from Sioux City in Northwest Iowa to Davenport in Southeast Iowa, from the Missouri River to the Mississippi. She will make stops across three of Iowa’s congressional districts throughout Northwestern, Northeastern, Central, and Southeastern Iowa.

Wednesday, July 31

Des Moines #ForthePeople Debate Watch Party with Deidre DeJear

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Private residence - 5431 Southeast 27th St., Des Moines, Iowa 50320

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Davenport #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party with Rep. Phyllis Thede

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Antonella's II Sicilian Pizzeria - 421 W River Dr., Davenport, Iowa 52801

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Sidney #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Private residence - 403 Webster St., Sidney, Iowa 51652

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Sanborn #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Rails - 206 Main St., Sanborn, Iowa 51248

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Cedar Falls #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Private residence - 2408 Willow Ln., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Waterloo #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party 

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Private residence - 1322 Scott Ave., Waterloo, Iowa 50701

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Davenport #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Baked Beer & Bread Co - 1113 Mound St., Davenport, Iowa 52803

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Ottumwa #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Pallister Brothers Brewing Company - 116 North Market St., Ottumwa, Iowa 52501

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Benton County #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Private residence - 216 Exchange St., Luzerne, Iowa 52257

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Traer #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Private residence - 906 2nd St., Traer, Iowa 50675

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Grinnell #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Brookside South - 214 4th Ave. West, Grinnell, Iowa 50112

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Ames #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Alluvial Brewing - 3715 West 190th St., Ames, Iowa 50014

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Ankeny & Polk City #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Private residence - 3513 Northwest 15th St., Ankeny, Iowa 50023

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Des Moines #ForThePeople Debate Watch Party

When: 6:30 pm

Where: Papa Keno's - 2330 University Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50311

PUBLIC RSVP HERE

Northwest Iowa Leaders Endorse Vice President Joe Biden for President

Northwest Iowa Leaders Endorse Vice President Joe Biden

DES MOINES – Following Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Northwest Iowa last week, community leaders and advocates from Sioux City and Council Bluffs formally endorsed Vice President Biden’s candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president.

“By believing in the dignity and decency of every American – and that our finest hour is still ahead, Vice President Biden is emboldening leaders and caucus-goers across Iowa,” said Biden for President Iowa State Director Jake Braun. “From Sioux City to Council Bluffs, community leaders, first responders, and advocates are standing with Vice President Biden because they know that with his leadership, we can reunite this country, restore the soul of America, and rebuild the middle class.”

Joining in calling for Vice President Biden’s nomination include: Iowa State Representative Tim Kacena, longtime lawyer and 2014 congressional candidate David O'Brien, Emmy award-nominated violence prevention documentary executive producer and Executive Director of the Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention Cindy Waitt, community leader and attorney Terry O'Brien, Former Woodbury County Democratic chairman Dave Somsky, and community leader and retired social worker Connie Gronstal.

“As a firefighter for 33 years, I know what dedication your community to the point of running toward the flames really means – and Joe Biden not only shares that same heart and commitment, but he has respect for those who put their lives on the line,” said Iowa State Representative Tim Kacena. “We’re on the brink of dangerous times in this country, but Joe has never shied away from a challenge before – and helped lift this country from economic crisis. We need a president that restores dignity, respect, and can bring steady leadership to the White House from Day One – and that’s Joe Biden.”

“We need more principle, more respect, and more belief that America is still great in the White House,” said longtime lawyer and 2014 congressional candidate David O'Brien. “We need the kind of president that will reach for the moon in this generation’s fight to end cancer. That’s the leader Joe Biden has always been – and it’s the compassionate friend I’ve always known. One who works to resolve the most complex problems on the world stage, and still make it back for the funeral of a friend’s loved one. We need more of that Joe Biden friendship, compassion, and dogged leadership in the White House that still believes that the best for our country is yet to come.”

“As a longtime advocate against abuse and violence, I know Joe Biden will be the voice for the voiceless that we need in the White House. From his fight to pass landmark the Violence Against Women Act, to championing the affordable, quality health services everyone deserves, Joe Biden never leaves anyone behind,” said Emmy award-nominated violence prevention documentary executive producer and Executive Director of the Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention Cindy Waitt. “It's that commitment to the dignity of every person that's helped him bring victims of abuse out of the shadows and their perpetrators to justice. We need Joe Biden because he has not only the knowledge and respect that comes from years of advocacy, but the good character and kind heart to bring dignity to the office of the president – both here and around the world.”

“Vice President Biden is the leader we not only need, but he’s the only person who can hit the ground running on Day One with the experience and respect America needs to begin solving challenges at home and around the globe,” said community leader and attorney Terry O'Brien. “That’s because Joe has always been able to fight effectively because he believes not just in what he’s fighting for, but who he’s fighting for. He’s as kind and loyal as the day is long and we need more of that not only in the White House, but in communities across the country.”

“Our nation and our world need the kind of dignity that Joe Biden shows every person he meets,” said Former Woodbury County Democratic chairman Dave Somsky. “Since my early days as his Woodbury County volunteer in 1987 and coordinator 2007 to my work as an educator today, that’s the respect I’ve always seen from Joe. From his support for teachers and the educational opportunities our kids need and every student deserves, to his ability to reestablish trust with our partners around the world, our country needs Joe – now more than ever before.”

“As a retired social worker and advocate for children and families, I’ve long respected Joe Biden’s commitment to families, our communities, and his lifelong career serving our country,” said community leader and retired social worker Connie Gronstal. “From the compassion he’s shown my family when loved ones have passed to the dignity he shows every worker, we need Joe Biden in the White House because he both empathizes and builds with the dogged optimism that can remind us that even through the darkest of times, our greatest days are yet to come.”

Elizabeth Warren to Travel to Arizona After Debate on Thursday, August 1, 2019

Elizabeth Warren to Travel to Arizona After Debate
Will be her 25th state of the campaign

Charlestown, MA - Elizabeth Warren will travel to Arizona next Thursday to host a town hall in the Phoenix area. This will be Elizabeth’s 25th state since announcing her presidential exploratory committee.

The Phoenix-area town hall will be open to the public, and tickets can be reserved using the link below.

THURSDAY, August 1st

Phoenix-area Town Hall with Elizabeth Warren

4:30 p.m. MT (doors open), 6:15 p.m. MT (event begins)

Marquee Theater

730 N Mill Ave

Tempe, AZ 85281

General public can RSVP here. https://my.elizabethwarren.com/page/s/join-elizabeth-in-phoenix?

Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service, Our Daily Planet, and MSNBC to Host Climate Forum with 2020 Presidential Candidates

Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service, Our Daily Planet, and MSNBC
to Host Climate Forum with 2020 Presidential Candidates
All Declared Candidates from Both Parties to be Invited to Two-Day Forum

The Institute of Politics and Public Service (GU Politics) at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy and Our Daily Planet, an independent environmental news organization, today announced MSNBC as the media partner for “Climate Forum 2020,” a two-day forum featuring 2020 Presidential candidates in conversation with young voters on the issue of climate change. Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC’s “All In with Chris Hayes” and Ali Velshi, host of “MSNBC Live,” will moderate the forum. The event will be streamed live on NBC News Now and featured over two nights of special coverage on "All In with Chris Hayes," which airs weeknights at 8pmET
All declared 2020 presidential candidates from both political parties have been invited to participate in the town-hall style forum at Georgetown University on Thursday and Friday, September 19th and 20th. [Note new dates.]

Each candidate will begin his/her allotted time by discussing his/her vision for addressing and limiting the effects of climate change in conversation moderated by MSNBC hosts Chris Hayes and Ali Velshi. Candidates will then take questions from students at Georgetown and other DC-area universities, as well as from other partner universities across the country.

“Poll after poll shows climate change consistently rates as one of the most important issues on the minds of young voters heading into the 2020 election,” said Mo Elleithee, Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service. “Our forum is a tremendous opportunity for each candidate to dive deep into the issue in front of a national audience, while engaging in real dialogue with young voters. We’re thrilled to partner with Our Daily Planet and MSNBC to host that dialogue at Georgetown.”

“We believe it is critical to have a deeper discussion with the Presidential contenders on this urgent issue and are grateful to be working with the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service and MSNBC to make it possible,” adds Monica Medina, Co-Founder of Our Daily Planet.

Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed.

WHAT: Climate Forum 2020, a conversation between presidential candidates and young voters on the issue of climate change.
WHEN: PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE: Thursday, September 19th and Friday, September 20th
WHERE: Gaston Hall, Georgetown University
WHO:
All Declared 2020 Presidential Candidates have been invited

Moderated by Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC’s “All In with Chris Hayes” and Ali Velshi, host of “MSNBC Live”
Students from Georgetown University, other DC-area universities, and early and primary states

HOSTS:
Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service
Our Daily Planet
MSNBC

Kamala Harris to Return to Campaign in Nevada on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, 2019 *Updated

Kamala Harris to Return to Campaign in Nevada on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, 2019 *Updated

On Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, Senator Kamala Harris will campaign in Las Vegas, Nevada. On August 3, she will participate in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) 2020 Public Service Forum, where she will discuss top issues concerning Nevadans with AFSCME public service workers as well as HuffPost Washington Bureau Chief Amanda Terkel and The Nevada Independent Editor Jon Ralston.

Kamala will also hold additional events throughout the weekend to discuss her 3 AM Agenda with Nevadans, including a “Back to School” town hall with State Senator Joyce Woodhouse and Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, who just announced their endorsements, and Assemblywoman Selena Torres. Kamala will also hold a Divine 9 meet-and-greet with local members of the nine Black fraternities and sororities and deliver remarks during Sunday morning service at Victory Missionary Baptist Church.

This will be Kamala’s sixth visit to Nevada as a presidential candidate and her eighth visit to Nevada since 2018, when she visited the state twice to campaign for Nevada’s Democratic ticket.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

AFSCME 2020 Public Service Forum
When: Saturday, August 3 at 2:40 PM
Where: Student Union, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154

Back to School Town Hall with Senator Joyce Woodhouse, Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, and Assemblywoman Selena Torres
When: Saturday, August 3 at 5:00 PM
Where: Multipurpose Room, Nate Mack Elementary School, 3170 Laurel Ave, Henderson, NV 89104
PUBLIC RSVP: Members of the public can RSVP to attend HERE. https://www.mobilize.us/kamalaharris/event/106934/

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Sunday Service at Victory Missionary Baptist Church
When: Sunday, August 4 at 9:45 AM
Where: Victory Missionary Baptist Church, 500 W Monroe Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106

Divine 9 Meet and Greet
When: Sunday, August 4 at 1:00 PM
Where: Pearson Community Center, 1625 W Carey Ave., North Las Vegas, NV 89032

Marianne Williamson Visits South Carolina on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, 2019

MARIANNE WILLIAMSON TO VISIT SOUTH CAROLINA

CONWAY, SC - Marianne Willamson will be in South Carolina for several stops on Friday and Saturday. The events below are open to the media:

Friday, July 26

12:00pm - Tour of the historic Conway River Walk and visit to the Peace Pole
2nd Ave, Conway, SC 29526

5:30pm - 8:00pm - Unity Myrtle Beach – Marianne Williamson Speaking
Surfside Industrial Park, Surfside Beach

Saturday, July 27 – Beaufort, SC

11:45am - Arrive at United Church to board the bus for the Gullah Heritage Tour
1801 Duke Street Beaufort, S.C

12:00pm - 2:00pm - Marianne Williamson will take the Gullah Heritage Tour

4:00pm - 5:30pm - United Church Event - MW Speaking
United Church, 1801 Duke Street Beaufort, S.C

Congressman Tim Ryan in South Carolina on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, 2019 *Updated

Congressman Tim Ryan in South Carolina on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, 2019 *Updated

Youngstown, OH - Congressman Tim Ryan will be in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC this weekend. Here is the Congressman’s public schedule for the trip:

Friday, July 26

4:00 p.m. - Visit to Laurel Creek Community Center (421 Dallas Road, Greenville, SC 29607)

8:30 p.m. - Dinner with Andrew & Stephanie Arnold, former Chair Greenville Democratic Party and Attorney Fletcher N. Smith at Halls Chophouse Greenville. (550 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601)

Saturday, July 27

8:30 a.m. - Meet with Greenville County Democratic Party at Upstate Circle of Friends (29 Ridgeway Dr. Greenville, SC 29605)

10:00 a.m. - Canvassing with Carrie Counton for District 19.

11:45 a.m. - Lunch with Nick Skenteris and friends at Nick’s restaurant, Carolina Drive Inn (105 Rutherford Street Greenville, SC 29609)

1:30 p.m. - Touring Regenesis Community Development Corporation (139 South Dean Street Spartanburg, SC 29302)

Amy Klobuchar Returns to Iowa on Thursday, July 25 and Friday, July 26. 2019

Amy Klobuchar Returns to Iowa to Host Housing Roundtable, Speak at Labor Events

DES MOINES, IA — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will return to Iowa this Thursday and Friday for her eleventh trip to the state since announcing her candidacy, and her third trip this month.

On Thursday, Klobuchar will address an audience of women labor and community leaders from around the Midwest at the Women Leaders Rising: Reshaping Our Workplaces and Our Politics forum, sponsored by the Teamsters Union.

On Friday, Klobuchar will host advocates and experts in a roundtable discussion on affordable housing following the release of her housing plan. She will also speak at AFSCME Council 61’s PEOPLE Night.

Thursday, July 25
WHO: U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Teamsters Union, Midwest School for Women Workers
WHAT: Klobuchar to speak at Women Leaders Rising: Reshaping Our Workplaces and Our Politics Forum
WHEN: Thursday, July 25 at 6:00PM
• Klobuchar to speak at 6:45PM
WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn - 328 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA

Friday, July 26
WHO: U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, housing industry experts and advocates
WHAT: Affordable Housing Roundtable
WHEN: Friday, July 26 at 9:30AM
WHERE: Cross Park Place - 820 Cross Park Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240

WHO: U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, AFSCME members
WHAT: Klobuchar to speak at AFSCME Council 61’s PEOPLE Night
WHEN: Friday, July 26 at 6:30PM
WHERE: Des Moines, IA

Kirsten Gillibrand Returns to Iowa for her 9th Visit on Thursday, July 25, 2019

GILLIBRAND ROLLS OUT NEW "CLIMATE CHANGE MOONSHOT PLAN" IN IOWA, ADDRESSES MIDWEST SCHOOL FOR WOMEN WORKERS

Today, Kirsten Gillibrand is returning to Iowa for her 9th visit to the state, where she will discuss her new "climate change moonshot plan" at a roundtable with State Sen. Rob Hogg at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Gillibrand released a bold and comprehensive plan to tackle climate change in order to protect our communities, enact transformative change in the economy, seize the opportunity of new technology and lead the world in green innovation.

You can read more about the plan in the Des Moines Register and on Gillibrand's Medium page.

During her visit, Senator Gillibrand will also tour Waypoint Services in Cedar Rapids and host a meet and greet in Iowa City with Johnson County Democrats to discuss her vision for America. This evening, Senator Gillibrand will participate in a discussion with the Midwest School for Women Workers in Iowa City. The discussion “Women Leaders Rising: Reshaping Our Workplaces and Our Politics,” is a dialogue about how women are reshaping the U.S. political landscape.
See below for additional details (all times are CT)

Thursday, July 25, 2019
Gillibrand Tours Waypoint Services in Cedar Rapids
Event: Senator Gillibrand will tour Waypoint Services, which provides shelter and support for those in crisis due to homelessness, poverty, or domestic violence. It also provides quality child care to over 500 children daily of all socio-economic levels.
Location: Waypoint Services Cedar Rapids, 318 5th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Time: 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm

Gillibrand Participates in Climate Change Roundtable with State Sen. Rob Hogg
Event: Senator Gillibrand will discuss her new climate change plan at a roundtable with State Sen. Rob Hogg.
Location: AV Theater, Stewart Memorial Library at Coe College, 1220 1st Avenue NE # 2, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Time: Program begins at 2:00 pm
Public RSVP. https://events.kirstengillibrand.com/event/104099/

Note: This event is being sponsored by the Coe College E-Club and the Environmental Studies Program. In accordance with federal law, Coe College does not support or oppose candidates for political office. Political opinions expressed at this event should not be taken to represent the views of Coe College. This event is free and open to the public.

Gillibrand Hosts Iowa City Meet & Greet with Johnson County Democrats
Event: Senator Gillibrand will host a meet and greet with caucus-goers in Iowa City.
Location: The Mill, 120 E Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Public RSVP. https://events.kirstengillibrand.com/event/103869/

Gillibrand Discussion with Midwest School for Women Workers

Event: Senator Gillibrand will participate in a discussion “Women Leaders Rising: Reshaping Our Workplaces and Our Politics,” with women labor leaders representing over 20 different labor organizations in Iowa and surrounding Midwestern states. The Midwest School for Women Workers brings together working women to develop leadership skills, understand challenges facing the labor movement, and learn from each other’s experiences. Held annually since 1976, the Midwest School has a proven track record of equipping women to lead effectively in their workplaces and organizations.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 328 South Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
Time: Senator Gillibrand to speak at 7:15 p.m.