DES MOINES – Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Andy McGuire issued the following statement on Hillary Clinton’s performance during tonight’s presidential debate:
“Hillary Clinton proved to Iowans and the rest of America tonight that she is the only candidate capable of leading our country in a positive direction. She exhibited the poise and confidence that it takes to rise above partisanship and work across the aisle. Clinton exudes patience and has the temperament to negotiate with foreign leaders and work with our allies to protect us from our enemies.
“Donald Trump’s continued claims that the election is ‘rigged’ is a threat to our democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for future elections. It is shameful for Governor Branstad to perpetuate Trump’s conspiracy theories and question that legitimacy of Iowa elections that Republican Secretary of State of Iowa, Paul Pate, has called ‘fair and honest’.
“Donald Trump has built his campaign on divisive rhetoric, false claims and misrepresentations of Hillary Clinton’s character and record. Hillary Clinton is one of the most qualified people to ever run for President, and she proved to America again tonight that she is ready to be our Commander-In-Chief on day one.”
Clinton may or may not have won the debate, but Republicans here in Iowa are showing confidence that they will take the swing state.
Prior to the debate, the Iowa Republican Party said both parties are “working tirelessly” for the win on November 8 but “Democrats are seeing abysmal numbers when it comes to absentee ballot requests and Republicans are seeing massive percentage gains. The Iowa GOP says “the growing momentum amongst Iowa Republicans” is proven in absentee ballot requests over he last two weeks:
PARTY | September 30th | October 17th | Difference | % |
Republican | 36,914 | 131,267 | 94,353 | 256% |
Democrat | 81,960 | 157,265 | 75,305 | 92% |
No Party | 33,846 | 75,688 | 41,842 | 124% |
“I would hate to be the person at (Iowa Democratic Party) that has to tell the down ballot candidates that due to a lack of momentum and enthusiasm for their nominee, they are going to lose their races and Republican are going to win across the board. It’s difficult to manufacture enthusiasm and that’s why the Clinton campaign is failing when it comes to absentee ballot requests,” said Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann.