Politics, Iowa-Style
Pity all those pugnacious political pundits — the ones who recently have been wailing, even louder and more obnoxiously than usual, about Iowa’s outsized-role in the presidential nominating process. They keep complaining that this state is far too small (only 3 million inhabitants) — and far too unrepresentative (they mean it’s too “white”) to have the kind of political power it always wields in the run-up to the presidential election.
And they are correct. But the truth is — nothing those pesky pundits say or write matters. Like it or not, Iowa DOES have the kind of influence that is both envied and hated, depending on your point of view. And the presidential candidates understand this state’s power and influence. They know they have to be here, boots on the ground. So they show up, here, there and everywhere, every chance they get — more than 1,000 public appearances by the candidates since the first of the year. Their favorite “stopping spots” tend to be coffee shops, where they can meet-and-greet in an up-close and personal manner, but they also make a point to show up at the amazingly important Iowa State Fair.
As I chronicled a few days ago, the fair in Des Moines is a state institution with a national reputation. It attracts about one-third of Iowa’s population, and it’s home to the Des Moines Register’s legendary “soapbox,” where political candidates get 20 minutes to make their cases to the often-enormous crowds that gather in front and along the sides. Every presidential candidate appreciates the importance of that soapbox, and last week, virtually all of them climbed onto it during a frenzied four-day period.
We went to the fair on Opening Day, for food and for the soapbox appearances. We were not disappointed by either. The food was good, and the politics were better. Montana Governor Steve Bullock was first on the soapbox. He made a fine ad-lib presentation (candidates on the soapbox do not read speeches). He was personable. He was strong. He was clear. And he has no chance to become president. But that did not matter to the large crowd. They went to hear a candidate speak.
Joe Biden was up next on Opening Day, and he also made a fine presentation. And that was important because the national news media were all there, waiting for him to make one of his “gaffes.” ABC was there. So were CBS, NBC, the New York Times, the Washington Post, Bloomberg. You name it — the “biggies” had arrived. And they likely were disappointed, because Biden got through his presentation virtually gaffe-free. Yes, our political system — and media coverage — are so messed up right now that Biden’s “gaffes” have somehow taken on the gravitas and importance usually assigned to President Trump’s more infamous tweets — at least in the eyes of the national media.
Following Biden and Bullock on Thursday, five more Democratic hopefuls turned up at the soapbox on Friday. Nine more appeared Saturday, and four followed on Sunday. But the fair was far from the only spot where presidential candidates could be seen. Since they were in the state anyway, many of them trekked up to Clear Lake for a big Democratic gathering, and virtually all returned to Des Moines the next day for a forum on guns.
On Friday a week ago, Sharon and I went to Boone — just a few miles west of Ames — to see Biden. His rally at the Boone Fairgrounds took place on a hot, sunny day. But at least 150 people showed up, not counting dozens of national media reporters and photographers. Biden made a fine, thoughtful speech — and afterward, shook hands with everyone who wanted to shake his. And, yes, he took the selfie — with my camera — that appears here. Try having that happen in California.
Following Joe’s presentation, Sharon and I drove into downtown Boone for lunch at one of those great eateries the locals love and try to keep secret. But it’s a secret no more, because we were joined by numerous national media folks who, like us, had Googled in search of a highly regarded “only-in-Boone” place. And, yes, our barbecue lunch was magnificent.
Then we headed northwest to Fort Dodge, for an afternoon appearance by Kamala Harris. The California senator is making big waves here in Iowa, and on that Friday afternoon, she “wowed” a standing-room only crowd at the middle school. We got a chance to talk with some of those in attendance, and their stories seem typical of many Iowa residents. They turn out for any presidential hopeful who shows up — whether they support that candidate or not. They want to listen and learn and decide — and they all know how amazing it is that they have the chance to meet and greet and shake hands with virtually everyone who runs for president. The woman sitting next to me on my right said Harris was the 17th Democratic candidate she had seen, in person. And, yes, after Harris’ ad-lib presentation, the senator stayed for pictures. You can see the result here.
The next day — Saturday — turned out to be frenzied in terms of political activity around these parts. Three candidates showed up in Ames at different times at the same place — Café Diem, on Main Street. On Saturday morning, billionaire Tom Steyer made his pitch. Around lunchtime, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet took his turn at the café. Then, as evening approached, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard made her presentation. All were accompanied by the national media horde. Café Diem is my favorite hang-out during our summers here — and I had to work hard to avoid the crush of humanity the candidates attracted at “my place.” No, I did not see any of the three because, frankly, they do not interest me.
But the point is, we could have seen them, shaken their hands, talked with them and taken selfies with them, because they all came, and they will all continue to come until the famed Iowa caucuses take place on a cold, cold night next February. Just last month, we attended a meet-and-greet with Beto O’Rourke at an Ames home. Yes, he spoke to us, one-on-one — as he did with virtually everyone who wanted to talk with him. He took the time. He did not rush out. He understood the meaning of “Iowa nice,” and he reciprocated.
On July Fourth, Bernie Sanders not only walked in our annual parade — he held a spirited campaign rally afterward at his headquarters on Kellogg Avenue. And in that hot, crowded room that was packed with the college-age students who are the core of his support, you could see why so many people love the man. He is an energetic, emotional speaker who knows how to excite a crowd, and he did, on that day. Up-close. Personal.
And that’s the way it is around Iowa during presidential cycles. The candidates all spend time and money to be here. And “time” is the key word, because they all desperately want and need to make the “right” impression. It’s “connection” politics unlike that of any other state. And the stakes are enormous. Iowa’s caucuses cannot “make” a presidential candidate, but they often “break” them. Finishing first here does not ensure the presidential nomination, but finishing below expectations often mortally wounds candidates.
So, yes, Iowa can be “heaven” for candidates — but it also can be, and often is, something much worse. And while those persnickety pundits often lament Iowa’s political role, they also know — whether they grudgingly admit it or not — that this state does have “a role.” And it’s a mighty big one, indeed.