The “wing ding” experience: Sneaky sweaty media, red buckets of cash, and strong speeches (video & photos)

CLEAR LAKE – Democratic candidates took to the stage at the Surf Ballroom Friday, promising to topple incumbents like Steve King and preserve the left wing stronghold on the executive branch.

It was a hot day in Clear Lake, and lines were long for chanting, enthusiastic liberals (and the media) as they converged on the historic Surf Ballroom. The heat was so bad, in fact, that one woman passed out and an ambulance was called. Others flocked to the shade, and several elderly folks were ushered in a side door to get out of the heat.

Senator Amanda Ragan – in a svelte blue dress – assisted with their entry and went out of her way to make sure they were safe; some genuinely appeared ready to faint, as did some of the media, many of which were pouring sweat down their faces and necks. One sneaky media guy told the doorman his “camera was too heavy” and asked to come inside with the other weakened elderly “before he lost it”. His wish was granted, then he checked in and quickly walked off with a sudden burst of energy.

Once inside, the blast of air conditioning was a welcome change for all. The secret service and what appeared to be law enforcement from as far away as New York waved metal detectors over our harmless bodies to make sure we were not laden with explosives and all were herded like cattle into the feeding area. The sickly-sweet aroma of potato salad, barbecued beans and lightly-seasoned tan chicken wings wafted through the historic venue and failed to dissipate that evening.

For two hours, folks consumed grub and the media set up shop. There was fancy computer equipment and cameras everywhere. The hall continued to fill up, and folks started to have trouble finding places to sit. The booze was flowing from the bars, and volunteers with red buckets were going around seeking cash and filling them up.

Local pol’s were hobnobbing all over the Surf.  County Supervisors Jay Urdahl and Phil Dougherty arrived, as did Mason City councilman Alex Kuhn.  Senator Ragan was shaking hands, as was Rep. Sharon Steckman.

Soon, the trash cans filled up with paper plates, and folks were grooming their teeth with tooth picks.  The festival was about to kick into high gear.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Charles City’s Todd Pritchard and an introduction was given by the Iowa Democratic Chairman, Andy McGuire.

From there, Mason City’s Randy Black and John Stone handled the introductions of the politicians who came to speak.  Mr. Black’s parody of a man trying to marry his lawnmower was perhaps the most entertaining moment of the evening. He strolled out onto the stage with a real lawnmower and did everything but turn it on. The skit was, obviously, a shot at every liberal’s favorite Congressman, Steve King, who said gay marriage would lead to people trying to marry their lawn care equipment.

The “surprise” of the night was when Democratic party activist Kim Weaver announced she would be next in line to try to take down right-wing “villain” Steve King in the 4th district.

“Hardly a week goes by without him making some sort of derogatory comment, or insulting somebody on public TV,” Weaver said. “This has to stop.”

She describes herself as an AFSCME member, single mother, and member of the Democratic party central committee.

Event organizer Dean Genth later introduced Senator Ragan, who was presented with an award. She said a few words and thanked the audience for attending.

Finally, the moment everyone was really waiting for, had arrived. Four of the five Democratic presidential candidates who have declared they are in the race were set to take the stage, each for 20 minutes or so.

At 7:10 PM, Hillary Clinton strode onto the stage to a huge ovation. She walked to the podium, her hands in the air like Rocky Balboa at the top of those Philadelphia steps as he trained to fight Apollo Creed.

You could tell, however, during her far-ranging speech, that Rocky has about one-tenth this woman’s gift for speaking and even less of her intelligence. Clinton touched on so many issues in about 25 minutes, including foreign policy, Iran, email servers, paid family leave, abortion, Benghazi, right wing conspiracies, her childhood (watch her entire speech, below). She left no stone unturned. The crowd roared with appreciation, and Mason City councilman Alex Kuhn stood and clapped vigorously with everyone else.

Hillary was a tough act to follow, and despite recent struggles in the polls, her organization was evident Friday night and there appeared to be little weakness in her campaign. There were lots of supporters there for her. One young lady from Coralville said she works for Hillary’s campaign. She said “tomorrow, we will be out knocking on doors. All day.” She said her job was mainly in deciphering complex issues and regurgitating the jargon so that common people could better understand the message.

The next three men who followed Hillary onto the stage each gave very good presentations, but in their own ways. Bernie Sanders was next, and his anti-war-centric message was well-received. He had good command of the audience and they reciprocated with applause on his main points. He talked of his vote against the Iraq war. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley followed Sanders. This man can speak. He heaped praise on President Obama and scolded conservatives for attacking him. He had a 15-point plan that seemed detailed and crafted from much effort and work. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island followed with a more smooth delivery, if less bold and deliberate. He touted his experience as a mayor, senator and governor.