2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

What Iowans are Saying About Kamala Harris at the Second Democratic Debate

Iowans Weigh In: Kamala Harris Successfully Prosecutes the Case Against Trump in Debate

Tonight, Iowans across the state applauded Senator Kamala

Harris’ performance in the second Democratic debate, where she laid out her plans to deliver real, bold solutions for the challenges American families face and showed why she is the best candidate to prosecute the case against four more years of Donald Trump.

She discussed her “3AM Agenda” to find solutions for the issues that wake people up at night and take actions to make their lives better, including her Medicare for All plan that ensures health care is a right, not a privilege. She brought critical issues to the forefront of the conversation, discussing reproductive justice and her plans to hold corporations responsible for ensuring equal pay
for women.

Harris will return to Iowa on August 8 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.

Here are some early reviews from caucusgoers across Iowa:

Alexandra Rucinski, Women's Health Activist
- “Kamala Harris' Medicare for All plan is the health care plan that Iowans want and she showed she can defend it from attacks on both sides.”

Kelli Emerson, Bettendorf, IA -
“I think her closing statement said it all. She is the one who can prosecute the case against Donald Trump and begin to repair the damage he has done. That’s why I’m all in.”

Rep. Phyllis Thede, Davenport, IA
- “Kamala is a fighter she will prevail no matter how tough it gets. She exhibited strength and tenacity. Her fierce fight and stage presence gives the American people a real sense of how President Harris will help all of us succeed.”

Vanessa
Phelan, Northwest Des Moines Democrats Chair -
“Thank you for talking about the pay gap in the #DemDebate, @KamalaHarris! It's a big issue for so many families. She brought women into the conversation
#ForThePeople. Go get more info:
kamalaharris.org/equalpay/”

Amber Gustufson, Small Business Owner and Gun Sense Advocate, Ankeny, IA -
“SO grateful that Kamala Harris brought choice and reproductive rights to the debate stage tonight! Without her, this issue that is so important to women and families would have been ignored for two full nights.”

Randa
Wall, Middle School Teacher, Panora, IA -
“I support Kamala Harris because she’s going to support and fight for teachers!”

Vernon Fitzpatrick, Cedar Falls -
“She really showed that she can hold her own up there.”

Jean
Hessberg, Iowa Democratic Party Women’s Caucus Chair -
“@KamalaHarris yes! Pay Equity plan is spot on in our year of the Lord #DemDebate #ForThePeople #IACaucus”

Rebecca
Taylor, West Des Moines, IA
- “Loving Kamala and all her fierceness and her vision #ForThePeople”

Prakash
Kopparapu, Chair of the Iowa Asian and Latino Coalition
- “Sen. Harris made the best case so far.”

Ron
Parker, Des Moines, IA -
“#KamalaHarris is solid. Onward! Upward! #WatchParty”

Republican Party of Iowa Statement on Night Two of the Democratic Debates in Detroit

RPI Statement on Night Two of the Democratic Debates in Detroit

DES MOINES -- Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann issued the following statement regarding the second 2020 Democratic debate in Detroit:

“Tonight showed us that 2020 Democrats will continue following Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Crazy Bernie’s socialist lead, touting radical proposals that would cripple our economy and bankrupt Iowa families. While President Trump continues to deliver for the American people, Democrats are obsessed with obstructing and reversing his pro-growth agenda.”

Iowa’s Longest Serving Congressman Neal Smith Endorses Joe Biden

Iowa’s Longest Serving Congressman Neal Smith Endorses Joe Biden

Iowa endorsement adds to slate of new supporters announced in key states
Des Moines, IA – Today, Iowa’s longest serving U.S. Congressman Neal Smith, who represented the people of Iowa for 36 years, is endorsing Joe Biden.

The endorsement in the nation’s first caucus state comes after Biden for President announced 91 endorsements from elected and community leaders across the country in key Super Tuesday and key battleground states, bringing this week’s total number of endorsements for Biden to 92.

“Vice President Joe Biden has earned the trust of revered leaders across Iowa because of his unwavering fight to protect the dignity of working people and rural communities,” said Jake Braun, Iowa State Director, Biden for President. “We’re incredibly proud to have the support of former Congressman Neal Smith, who dedicated his career to serving the people of Iowa, fighting climate change and protecting our environment. His endorsement demonstrates not only his confidence in Vice President Biden’s leadership, but is a testament to his faith that Joe Biden will continue his legacy of improving the lives of Iowa families and communities for years to come.”

In endorsing Vice President Biden, former Rep. Neal Smith cited Vice President Biden’s decades of common-sense leadership and steadfast commitment to Iowa communities:

“In all of my years serving Iowa, seldom have I had the opportunity to work with a leader that not only understood the needs of Iowa families and businesses, but championed their cause as effectively as Vice President Joe Biden,” said former U.S. Congressman Neal Smith (D-IA). “Joe has the cool and deliberate disposition, and the straight-shooting common sense that disarmed even the most stubborn opposition across the aisle. Whenever Joe and I worked together, we were able to achieve milestones – from establishing the Violence Against Women Act that helped bring domestic violence out of the shadows, to developing the insurance safety net programs Iowa families and businesses still depend on today when natural disasters like severe flooding strikes. I’m proud to support my friend Joe Biden for President of the United States because he’s without a shadow of a doubt the most equipped to handle our challenges from day one, and to win back the White House.”

Dr. Jill Biden will stump for Vice President Biden in Iowa later this week on Aug. 1 and 2, attending office openings in Sioux City and Council Bluffs and meet-and-greets in Glenwood and Clarinda. Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden will return to the Hawkeye State for a campaign swing from Aug. 7-10 and Vice President Biden again on Aug. 20-21.

Jill Biden to Travel to Iowa on Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2, 2019

Jill Biden to Travel to Iowa
On Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2, Jill Biden will travel to Iowa to hear from supporters, volunteers and, community members.

On Thursday, Biden will attend Biden for President office openings in Sioux City and Council Bluffs.

On Friday, Biden will attend community meet-and-greets with supporters, volunteers, and activists in Glenwood and Clarinda.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1

Sioux City Biden for President Campaign Office Opening, Sioux City, Iowa
When: 4:00 PM CT
Where: Biden for President Campaign Office, 1754 Hamilton Boulevard, Sioux City, Iowa 51103
https://www.mobilize.us/joebiden/event/106736/

Council Bluffs Biden for President Campaign Office Opening, Council Bluffs, Iowa
When: 6:30 PM CT
Where: Biden for President Campaign Office, 530 West Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503
https://www.mobilize.us/joebiden/event/106737/

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Meet and Greet with Jill Biden in Glenwood, Iowa
When: 10:00 AM CT
Where: United Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 109 North Walnut Street, Glenwood, Iowa 51534

Meet and Greet with Jill Biden in Clarinda, Iowa
When: 12:15 PM CT
Where: Garrison Coffee House, 106 North 16th Street, Clarinda, Iowa 51632

Beto O’Rourke’s Campaign in Iowa Announces Seven Debate Watch Parties

Beto O’Rourke’s Campaign in Iowa Announces Seven Debate Watch Parties

DES MOINES, IA — Today Beto O’Rourke’s campaign in Iowa announced seven debate watch parties around the state for tomorrow night’s Democratic debate in Detroit, Michigan. The seven watch parties continue the campaign’s momentum in Iowa, including the recent opening of 11 field offices across the state. In addition to hosting watch parties across the state, Beto For America is providing resources to those hosting watch parties on their own or on the map, including a host guide and support webinar.

Beto just finished up his seventh trip in the state where he held a town hall with Iowans from four of the most Republican counties in the state. Beto began his interview on the nationally-televised ABC show “The View” last week by referencing his recent visit to Sioux City, Sioux Center and Council Bluffs. Last month, Beto visited Williams, a town with a population of less than 350 people, to meet with and listen to the concerns of the community. According to the Des Moines Register, “many residents said they couldn't remember the last time in recent years a candidate had stopped there."

DES MOINES: 3821 University Avenue
IOWA CITY: 3202 Friendship Street
IOWA CITY: 2070 Melrose Ave
BURLINGTON: 231 South 3rd St, Ste A
OTTUMWA: 408 E. Main Street
SIOUX CITY: 1308 Pierce St
INDIANOLA: 1802 W 2nd Ave

Amy Klobuchar for Iowa to Host More than 15 Debate Watch Parties Across the State

Amy for Iowa to Host More than 15 Debate Watch Parties Across the State

DES MOINES, IA — Amy for Iowa is set to host more than 15 debate watch parties across the state as Senator Klobuchar takes the debate stage in Detroit to share her optimistic economic agenda for our country and plan to take back the White House in November 2020.

Next week’s debate comes on the heels of a new CBS News Iowa poll in which Klobuchar met the polling requirement for the fall DNC debates.

Tuesday, July 30
WHO: Amy for America Iowa Supporters
WHAT: July Debate Watch Parties
WHEN: Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30PM
WHERE: Supporter’s homes and local businesses across the state!

• Clinton
• Davenport 
• Storm Lake
• Sioux City 
• Mason City 
• Waukee 
• Des Moines 
• Coralville 
• Cedar Rapids 
• Waterloo 
• Waterloo 
• Decorah 
• Ames 
• Osceola
• Stuart 
• Newton 

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.”

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.