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.
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.
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.
Hillary Clinton’s speech at the Surf …
Posted by NorthIowaToday.com on Friday, August 14, 2015
Posted by NorthIowaToday.com on Friday, August 14, 2015
Summing up from the Democratic Wing Ding: Less freedom, more tax burden, no hope for the American Dream!
From all their rhetoric in their speeches, I don’t hear anything new or different from what we have had for several years from the Democrats.
You can conclude the Democrats are going to shit on the middle class again once in the White House!
sorta like when the rich Cons shit on the working poor….
There are more reich democrats than republicans but that doesn’t matter, rich politicians always try to enrich themselves first.
There was a book published some time ago about Hillary Clinton. The title was “Hell to Pay”. Read it and then form your own conclusions about Ms. Hillary.
Sneaky sweaty media…….. that’s NIT!
Had a fantastic time! The only downside was the heat, as the lines were very long. Glad I got there early!
The speeches were excellent and not full of empty promises like the ones that come from the Republicans. Democrats absolutely care about our children, our middle class, our seniors, our soldiers, and even old grumps like LVS. You read that right, LVS. Democrats even care about YOU. They care about your Social Security, your Medicare, your spouse, your children, and your grandchildren. How in the world could you support someone who wants to take away life-saving benefits? I’ll never understand it.
Ever hear of a lemming?
I guess I should finish reading before I answer. The democrats have you and most of the other democrats brainwashed, they are the lead lemming and all the rest of you just follow along right off the cliff.
It does not surprise me (or anyone else for that matter), that you believe in the “lemming myth”.
You believe a lot of things that are not true or based in fact.
The one thing they didn’t tell you (because they can’t) is how they are going to pay for your wish list. Obummer already has us so far in debt we will never get out.
The Wing Ding was a great event. Regardless of politics, we should be proud that our community could host such a newsworthy event. Congrats to those who organized it! Let’s just hope we can keep it in Clear Lake now that it is growing.
That we agree on. It was good for the area.
Like her or not she sure knows how to deliver a speech!
She sure does if you are stupid enough to sit there and listen to one phony lie after another. She makes me sick just looking at her and knowing that she was responsible for killing some of our people.
Explain how you think that “she was responsible for killing some of our people”.
Who do you think was responsible for Bengahsi? And, she is a Clinton and a Democrat. You can tell she is lying when her lips move. They get it from Obummer.
What about white water or all the people they had killed when bill was Pres?
Good Point. Of course they all forget that the Clintons are just criminals and thugs. I didn’t think the average Democrat was that ignorant.
Not all democrats but most of them are not ignorant. They know she is a crook and a murderer and they don’t care because she is a democrat.
Spot on LVS & David/maybe… spot on!
I addition to what you guys said, word on the street is that Hillary has also put out a “contract” on the Easter Bunny and rumor has it that she wants to kidnap Santa Claus & frame the Republicans for it.
Not to mention that President Obama has been reported to be barbecuing American Bald eagles in the White House bird baths.
@Dubya-that wouldn’t surprise me one bit. I just do not understand how Democrats can even think about voting for a proven liar and criminal. It just goes to show your level of ignorance, just like your comment does.
Wow. All that was said is that she delivers a good speech and you guys go off the deep end. You republicans are way too sensitive!!
@Anonymous-there was nothing different in her speech. She has been saying the same tired old lies and lets give everything away as long as I can remember. Only a fool would fall for that crap.
She should, she’s been blowing that smoke for a long time.
Damn, I missed Hillary, and a free lunch. I’m guessing it was free, since Urdahl was there. Does he have a scar.
Allen you are once again so very ill informed. Advance tickets sold for $30, they were $35 at the door. Do your homework dude!
What part of “I’m guessing” was so hard for you to understand?
You guys get in such a hurry to hate all over the place that you often forget to check the facts…… but then again why bother if it makes you feel good. And you sir are a prime example.
It sure looks from where I sit that you are the problem reading, or, at least understanding what you read. Anything past first grade seems to be pretty hard for you. And, you wouldn’t know a prime example if it bit you in the a$$.
Old LVS will be going at it til the final curtain call at Elmwood. He’s admirable in a way. Long after Philisophus even determined the ship was sunk, LVS still rages on.
Thanks for biting, I wouldn’t go see Hillary Clinton if she was the last woman on earth, and it was free. LOL 🙂
no problem. we’re pretty certain you won’t be missed.
Governor Martin O’Malley’s remarks at the Wing Ding:
Introduction
My name is Martin O’Malley.
I am a Democrat.
And I am running for President of the United States for one reason — and one reason only — and that is to rebuild the truth of the American Dream we share!
You and I are part of a living, self-creating mystery called the United States of America.
But the promise at the heart of that mystery is no abstraction.
It is the very real promise,…
It is the very real covenant between us as a people that wherever you start — whatever your parent’s zip code or income — you start where you start, and through your own hard work, talent, and love of family, you can get ahead.
Call it an economy that works for all of us,…
Call it the American Dream.
Whatever you call it, the truth of the matter is that it worked well for most of our 240 years as a country,…
And it can work again!
Let me ask you a question — how many of you firmly believe that you have enjoyed a better quality of life than your parents and grandparents?
Raise your hands….
Second question — how many of you believe just as firmly that your children and grandchildren will enjoy a better quality of life than you have ….?
That is the most important question now at the center of our table of democracy.
From Clear Lake, Iowa to Manchester, New Hampshire, and all points in between – I hear the same concern voiced by American families everywhere.
Our economy should work for all of us, not just for a few us.
Wages should rise – not fall – with productivity.
No American child should go to bed every night hungry.
Earning a college degree shouldn’t saddle a student — or a whole generation of students — with a life-time of crushing debt.
Our grandparents should live out their golden years in dignity, not in poverty.
These are all pillars of my 15 Goals to Rebuild the American Dream.
One by one.
Policy action, by policy action.
Each one reinforcing, and complementing the other.
Bold ideas.
Concrete plans.
Actions to make our country stronger.
To make the American Dream true again in the most important places in our country — the kitchen tables of every American family.
How you campaign determines how you govern.
Action Not Words
I am not the only candidate for President who holds progressive values,…
But I am the only candidate for President with fifteen years of executive experience — as a big City Mayor and as a Governor — turning those progressive values into actions.
Getting things done.
New leadership.
Action, not words.
In Baltimore, we saved lives by reducing record high violence to record lows; we fought to free thousands of our courageous neighbors from the scourge of drug addiction.
Actions, not words.
When I ran for Governor of Maryland, I set out bold goals. And I did something you’re not supposed to do in politics — I put deadlines on those goals.
And I led my state forward to make nation-leading progress even in the face of a recession.
Instead of cutting public education funding, we increased funding for public education by 37%, and — memo to Governor Branstad — …
We made our public schools the best public schools in America for five years in a row!
Actions, not words.
In Maryland, we defended the highest median income in the nation all through the recession and created jobs at a faster rate than our neighbors north and south.
Actions, not words.
We froze College tuition four years in a row to make college more affordable.
Actions, not words.
We passed a living wage, and we raised the minimum wage.
Actions, not words.
We expanded family leave and voting rights, we passed Driver’s licenses for New American immigrants, and we banned the sale of assault weapons.
Actions, not words.
We fought for the DREAM Act, we fought for Marriage Equality – and we won.
Actions, not words.
In tougher times than these, Franklin Roosevelt told us not to be afraid.
In changing times, John Kennedy told us to govern is to choose.
I say to you progress is choice.
Job creation is a choice.
Whether we give our children a future with less opportunity or a future of more opportunity, this, too, is a choice!
Economy
As a nation, we have come a long way since the Wall Street crash and the Bush Recession of 2008.
As our country teetered on the brink of a second Great Depression, we elected Barack Obama to move our country forward, and that is exactly what he has done!
With 65 months in a row of positive job creation, our country is doing better; but most American families are not…
The hard truth of our times is this:
Seventy percent of us are now earning the same or less than we were 12 years ago – and that is the first time that has happened this side of World War II.
There is a growing injustice on our country — an economic inequality that threatens to tear us apart.
Wealth and power have been so concentrated in the hands of so very few that it is actually taking opportunity out of the homes and the neighborhoods of the many.
This did not happen by accident.
Powerful, wealthy special interests have used our government to create — in our own country — an economy that is leaving a majority of our people behind.
The promise of the American Dream is on the ropes. Most days in this obstructionist Republican Congress, it’s not even a fair fight.
My father went to college on the G.I. Bill because of a generous and far-seeing country.
Today, we are saddling our graduating kids and their families with more college debt than any developed nation on the planet.
Meanwhile — as wages flatline or decline for most of us — family-owned businesses and farms are finding it harder and harder to compete with the ever larger concentrations of corporate power and monopoly,….
Last year, Wall Street bonuses alone totaled twice what every American working at minimum wage earned combined.
Tell me how it is, that not a single Wall Street CEO was ever convicted of a single crime related to the 2008 economic meltdown. Not. A. Single. One.
What have we come to as a nation when you can get pulled over for a broken tail light in our country, but if you wreck the nation’s economy you are untouchable.
This is not the American Dream!
This is not how our economy is supposed to work!
This is not how our country is supposed to work!
The Agenda
We must return to our true selves.
And we must remember:
Our economy is not money, our economy is people – all our people.
A stronger middle class is not the consequence of economic growth – a stronger middle class is the cause of economic growth.
No American family who works hard and plays by the rules should have to raise their children in poverty?!
Therefore we must take action, together, to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour — wherever and however we can!
We must return to the economic justice of paying overtime pay for overtime work!
We must make it easier – not harder — for workers to join labor unions and collectively bargain for better wages for all of us!
We must advance the cause of paid family leave so that all women can participate more fully in the economic life of our nation — because “when women succeed, America succeeds!”
This week, I put forward my 15 Goals to Rebuild the American Dream:
Improving the net median wealth of American families by at least $25,000 within ten years,..
Increasing wages by 4 percent a year within four years,
Cutting Youth Unemployment in half within 3 years,
Full employment for American veterans,
Instead of cutting Social Security, we must expand Social Security!
Do you want to make wages go up again for all Americans?
Then let’s bring 11 million our neighbors out of the off-the-books, shaddow economy by passing comprehensive immigration reform!
The enduring symbol of our nation is not the barbed wire fence,… it is the Statue of Liberty.
Let’s take the actions necessary to make a debt-free college degree a reality for every American family within five years!
Let’s square our shoulders to the threat of Climate Change by moving America forward to a 100% clean electric energy supply by 2050, and create 5 million new jobs along the way!
We are standing on the threshold of a new era of American progress.
But together we must take the actions necessary to walk through that door!
To rebuild America’s cities and towns as places of justice and opportunity for all!
To invest in our infrastructure, rural broadband, and clean water!
To forge a new Foreign Policy of collaboration and engagement,…
New alliances with like-minded nations around the globe to reduce threats before our only options are military options,…
None of these things can be accomplished by words alone.
We must take action.
There are also a few things we need to stop doing — as a Party and as a country — … among them, giving a free pass to the bullies of Wall Street to work over Main Street.
We must reinstate Glass-Steagall; we must prosecute financial crimes.
And if a bank is too big to fail, too big to jail, and too big to manage, then it’s too damn big, and it needs to be broken up before it breaks us up.
We must also stop sending American jobs and profits overseas with bad trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Many of us remember NAFTA. We traded away good manufacturing jobs like Maytag’s in towns like Newton, and in return, we got back empty promises and empty pockets.
I am fundamentally and adamantly opposed — as an American — to secret trade deals that our Congress is forced to vote on before the rest of us are even allowed to read them!
It’s not what other countries are doing to us. It is what we are not doing for ourselves!
We need to build up our own American economy!
The Republican Path
Did you watch that Republican debate last week?
You didn’t hear one word about climate change. Or the minimum wage. Or voting rights. Not. One. Word.
You did hear talk of raising the retirement age for senior citizens while lowering taxes for billionaires.
You heard all sorts of hateful language about immigrants and denigrating language about women.
Your own Republican governor, Terry Branstad, has shown us the direction in which their party would take us. He cuts taxes for big corporations and then vetoes funding for public schools, saying your state can’t afford an investment in your own kids.
Welcome to today’s Republican Party.
Their party once had leaders and visionaries.
Lincoln asserted our unity and our common humanity.
Eisenhower liberated the world and built our nation’s highway system to connect us.
Now Republicans create traffic jams, denigrate New American immigrants and women, and dismiss everything from climate science to vaccines.
Give them a few more weeks and they’ll be shunning Copernicus,…
Our nation needs a new consensus, not new divisions.
Our country needs new leadership, not new hates.
And today — for the progress of our nation — that new leadership must come from the Democratic Party!
Conclusion
The poet laureate of the American Dream, Bruce Springsteen, once asked:
Is a dream a lie, if it don’t come true?…
Or is it something worse?
This election is not about the big banks.
It’s not about big money taking over our politics.
It’s about US — U period. S period.
It is about whether we still have the goodness, the grit, the determination, and the compassion to forge a new consensus to rebuild the truth of the American Dream we share!
I believe we do, and I am betting you believe we do as well.
We are a good people,… We are a generous people.
We have only need of new leadership and a belief in one another to forge a new consensus for American progress.
You, here in Iowa, will all have a vital choice to make next year.
It is a choice that people will ask you about for years to come.
And so, after this election, when a child with a world of learning ahead asks who you voted for, I want you to tell them, “I voted for you.”
When you see a mom or dad sweating through another long shift in order to give their children a better future, I want you to tell them, “I voted for you.”
When you see a mom working away at two jobs to send her first son or daughter to college, I want you to tell her, “I voted for you.”
When you see a young mother or father searching for a decent job to feed their family and keep a roof over their children’s head, I want you to tell them, I voted for you!
We are Democrats for good reasons.
Because ours is the party of the people.
Ours is the party of action.
Ours is the party for our children’s better future.
And ours is the party that will rebuild the American Dream;
And make the promise real again for all Americans!
@N.I.T-Nice words. Just what everyone wants to hear. What I didn’t hear was “who is going to pay for it?”
to;dr
Reading Martin O’Malley’s speech he wants to keep the status quo.
The current Democratic leadership has caused the destruction of the middle class. O’Malley’s remarks keeps the Democrats on it’s current course to completely turn America into a third world Communist/Socialist country.
Summing up his comments: Less freedom, more tax burden, no hope for the American Dream!