Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Youth Vote
Count me among the people who think that Iowa hinged on the youth vote. I'll have a full account of my caucus night and my thoughts on the aftermath, but in the meantime, check this out: it's the single most insightful thing I've seen written about the youth vote.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Last thought
My last thought before the caucus tonight is this. Our greatest movement the last few days has been from people we had as Undecided, Leaners or Supporters to WNC--Will Not Caucus. Now, lots of these say they're just leaving town. The caucuses got moved awful early this year, and that was always considered a concern. But certainly, some are just sick of it, and they're acting out by saying "Screw 'em all! I'm sick of this."
One thing, though, we have called and visited people SO MANY TIMES. Many have received daily calls from us recently, so multiply that by the other campaigns. They are so sick of it. I remember feeling this a year ago on the McNerney campaign too. I appreciate that even once a voter gives you their support, that, in the big picture, you want to stay on them to make sure they haven't strayed.
But there has to be a better way. There has to be a way that is less irritating. Whoever invents a way to convince voters, keep in contact with them, and turn them out, without pissing them off to no end, will be a legend.
One thing, though, we have called and visited people SO MANY TIMES. Many have received daily calls from us recently, so multiply that by the other campaigns. They are so sick of it. I remember feeling this a year ago on the McNerney campaign too. I appreciate that even once a voter gives you their support, that, in the big picture, you want to stay on them to make sure they haven't strayed.
But there has to be a better way. There has to be a way that is less irritating. Whoever invents a way to convince voters, keep in contact with them, and turn them out, without pissing them off to no end, will be a legend.
Prediction
As Cassie or mom can tell you, I've grown more pessimistic the last few days. The overall polling data--after an initial burst when I got here--has gone back to it's mediocre level. A mid-twenties tie, with Edwards a point below Hillary, Hillary a point or two below Obama. There are out-lying polls--the Des Moines Register's final poll, in particular, that shows Obama ahead by 7 points.
I've also been in neighborhoods crappy for Edwards, which hasn't helped my confidence. Of course, his strength in the rural counties is what's most important.
Last night, a rumor started that Richardson and Biden were going to suggest their supporters go to Obama if they are not viable in a precinct. Kucinich has already done this, and Dodd--my second choice--has come out saying this is ridiculous and immoral.
I don't know if it's that, but it certainly is bad for us. A huge part of the strategy is to get those second choice people. Ugh. I guess, the thinking goes, that Biden and Richardson want this race to go on as long as possible. If Hillary wins Iowa, it is likely over, so they're supporting the rival that's polling best.
Who knows if that really will happen? It hasn't been highly publicized yet.
If I were to make a prediction, I'd honestly say Obama, Hillary, then Edwards. I sure hope I'm wrong. We'll see in a few hours.
I've also been in neighborhoods crappy for Edwards, which hasn't helped my confidence. Of course, his strength in the rural counties is what's most important.
Last night, a rumor started that Richardson and Biden were going to suggest their supporters go to Obama if they are not viable in a precinct. Kucinich has already done this, and Dodd--my second choice--has come out saying this is ridiculous and immoral.
I don't know if it's that, but it certainly is bad for us. A huge part of the strategy is to get those second choice people. Ugh. I guess, the thinking goes, that Biden and Richardson want this race to go on as long as possible. If Hillary wins Iowa, it is likely over, so they're supporting the rival that's polling best.
Who knows if that really will happen? It hasn't been highly publicized yet.
If I were to make a prediction, I'd honestly say Obama, Hillary, then Edwards. I sure hope I'm wrong. We'll see in a few hours.
Emotions One Day Out
I had a long day on Wednesday. Kicking around a fairly ritzy neighborhood in northern Iowa City/Coralville, I was not feeling the love. The few Edwards supporters I found all seemed to be leaving town or unable to caucus or some such. More than that, there were a LOT of Hillary signs.
Two conversations stuck in my craw.
One
I was ringing the doorbell of a house with a Hillary sign in the front yard. (It's proven to be worthwhile to hit these houses. Sometimes the sign only reflects one spouse or there is some other chink in the armor.) A bulldog and pug were staring at me through the glass door barking their heads off. They kept looking over their shoulders expecting their human owner to come to the door, but no one seemed to be coming. I left my lit and started back down the steps to the minivan. As I was starting the car, I looked up to see a woman standing outside the front door, waving at me.
"Wont you people just stop. You call and interrupt people without caring a bit what they might be doing!"
"I apologize, 'Mam, but we just think this election is so important, we can't make a mistake. I'm just a volunteer."
"I just don't know what to think anymore!" she said with angry frustration.
"Well, it looks like you have a Clinton sign. Are you concerned at all about her in the general election?"
We spoke for a minute or so. She was confused. She clearly had gone back and forth like so many of us, trying to make this momentous decision. Finally having made that decision, she resented the continued attention, but clearly she wasn't as sure of herself as she'd like to be.
I made my electability pitch, saying as much as I might admire Hillary, I just think about 50% of America has decided she's no good and we're not going to change their minds. It was weird. She didn't dispute my points but was in her stocking feet. It was 8 or 9 degrees. Her body language told me it was time to go, so I excused myself.
I started the car and backed out of the driveway. As I started up the hill of her street, I looked over to see her again outside, waving a newspaper at me. I rolled down the window.
"Don't just tell me why NOT to vote for someone! Tell me why I should support your guy!"
"Well, sure--"
"See! See this! Do you know the Press-Citizen?" (The Iowa City paper.)
"Sure."
She had it on a page that was clearly a chart comparing all the candidates positions on dozens of issues.
She started, "On immigration, Edwards says, 'We must secure our borders (something...something, I don't exactly remember) but maintain our country's heritage of immigrant contribution.' What does that mean?? It doesn't mean anything!"
"Well, I'm not sure exactly what you're reading there, but--"
"None of them say anything specific! None of them have a plan for anything!"
"Well, that's just not true, 'Mam." At this point, I had gotten out of my car and gotten about halfway to the door. "John Edwards has more detailed plans about more things than anybody. I've got a book in my car."
She was not pleased, but I went to my car and got the little handbook out entitled "Plan for One America." She had retreated back inside, but opened the door so I could give it to her. I told her it was VERY specific. I wished her a happy new year and thanked her for caucusing. And finally left.
Phew...bizarre....
It was my first time really seeing the confused emotion that must be boiling inside a number of people. I was bewildered. I felt I had done all right, but I was way out of my comfort zone.
Two
Perhaps the exact opposite. A few hours later I stopped by another house. Big, long driveway. I knocked on the door, and through the window I could see a study with shelves and shelves of vinyl records. A music buff. The guy opened the door. He had shoulder length hair, partly pulled back.
"Hi, I'm from the John Edwards campaign. You planning on caucusing tomorrow?"
"Nah, I got bowling," he said with a sideways smile.
"You can't take one week off?"
"Nah."
"Well, have a nice day."
That was that. Maybe I'll offend someone here, but I don't think that man deserves to live in America. I don't think he deserves to have the fire department come to save his home. I don't think he appreciates what an opportunity, what a blessing it is to live in a country of such opportunity. It's hard to offend me, but I was furious.
I really had to pee at this point, which is often the case while canvassing. I thought about doing so in the bushes by his driveway--as I said, it was long, remember. But I didn't. I held it for another hour until I was done.
I spent 5 and a half hours going door-to-door, mainly for people who didn't want me to be there. A week out of my life. Hundreds of dollars in gas and meals. In the FREEZING cold. Trying to educate people about a candidate who I think offers the greatest hope that this country can right it's rotten political system. He'd rather go bowling.
Two conversations stuck in my craw.
One
I was ringing the doorbell of a house with a Hillary sign in the front yard. (It's proven to be worthwhile to hit these houses. Sometimes the sign only reflects one spouse or there is some other chink in the armor.) A bulldog and pug were staring at me through the glass door barking their heads off. They kept looking over their shoulders expecting their human owner to come to the door, but no one seemed to be coming. I left my lit and started back down the steps to the minivan. As I was starting the car, I looked up to see a woman standing outside the front door, waving at me.
"Wont you people just stop. You call and interrupt people without caring a bit what they might be doing!"
"I apologize, 'Mam, but we just think this election is so important, we can't make a mistake. I'm just a volunteer."
"I just don't know what to think anymore!" she said with angry frustration.
"Well, it looks like you have a Clinton sign. Are you concerned at all about her in the general election?"
We spoke for a minute or so. She was confused. She clearly had gone back and forth like so many of us, trying to make this momentous decision. Finally having made that decision, she resented the continued attention, but clearly she wasn't as sure of herself as she'd like to be.
I made my electability pitch, saying as much as I might admire Hillary, I just think about 50% of America has decided she's no good and we're not going to change their minds. It was weird. She didn't dispute my points but was in her stocking feet. It was 8 or 9 degrees. Her body language told me it was time to go, so I excused myself.
I started the car and backed out of the driveway. As I started up the hill of her street, I looked over to see her again outside, waving a newspaper at me. I rolled down the window.
"Don't just tell me why NOT to vote for someone! Tell me why I should support your guy!"
"Well, sure--"
"See! See this! Do you know the Press-Citizen?" (The Iowa City paper.)
"Sure."
She had it on a page that was clearly a chart comparing all the candidates positions on dozens of issues.
She started, "On immigration, Edwards says, 'We must secure our borders (something...something, I don't exactly remember) but maintain our country's heritage of immigrant contribution.' What does that mean?? It doesn't mean anything!"
"Well, I'm not sure exactly what you're reading there, but--"
"None of them say anything specific! None of them have a plan for anything!"
"Well, that's just not true, 'Mam." At this point, I had gotten out of my car and gotten about halfway to the door. "John Edwards has more detailed plans about more things than anybody. I've got a book in my car."
She was not pleased, but I went to my car and got the little handbook out entitled "Plan for One America." She had retreated back inside, but opened the door so I could give it to her. I told her it was VERY specific. I wished her a happy new year and thanked her for caucusing. And finally left.
Phew...bizarre....
It was my first time really seeing the confused emotion that must be boiling inside a number of people. I was bewildered. I felt I had done all right, but I was way out of my comfort zone.
Two
Perhaps the exact opposite. A few hours later I stopped by another house. Big, long driveway. I knocked on the door, and through the window I could see a study with shelves and shelves of vinyl records. A music buff. The guy opened the door. He had shoulder length hair, partly pulled back.
"Hi, I'm from the John Edwards campaign. You planning on caucusing tomorrow?"
"Nah, I got bowling," he said with a sideways smile.
"You can't take one week off?"
"Nah."
"Well, have a nice day."
That was that. Maybe I'll offend someone here, but I don't think that man deserves to live in America. I don't think he deserves to have the fire department come to save his home. I don't think he appreciates what an opportunity, what a blessing it is to live in a country of such opportunity. It's hard to offend me, but I was furious.
I really had to pee at this point, which is often the case while canvassing. I thought about doing so in the bushes by his driveway--as I said, it was long, remember. But I didn't. I held it for another hour until I was done.
I spent 5 and a half hours going door-to-door, mainly for people who didn't want me to be there. A week out of my life. Hundreds of dollars in gas and meals. In the FREEZING cold. Trying to educate people about a candidate who I think offers the greatest hope that this country can right it's rotten political system. He'd rather go bowling.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Long Conversations Inside the Front Door
The last two days I have been invited in quite a bit by my canvassing friends. (And no, it's not by hot, young U of I co-eds; they all seem to still be on winter break. Take that Obama!)
More and more, I'm invited in because these people have not made up their minds, and they want to talk. I mean with a capital "T". I spent 20-30 minutes helping a young mother see why Obama talks a nice talk but is naive/mis-informed about how to get things done (See Paul Krugman article linked below: "Big Table Myth") and how Hillary is a corporate shill and dangerously unelectable, while her toddler looked on and her Siamese cat climbed my leg. Seriously, despite the fact that campaigns have been hassling these people for a YEAR, they haven't decided. I suppose it's a sign of the quality of the candidate pool.
I am never dogmatic, but I let them know why I'm supporting Edwards. There is no spin from me. I lead them through my thought process from the root of our governments problems (un-mediated greed from business combined with politicians who need more and more money to compete with 30 second TV ads) to the progressive/populist solutions (advocated by Obama and Edwards) to the one candidate who wants to play hardball (Edwards) rather than sing sweetly a siren's song of bi-partisanship (Obama). To drive the nail in, I mention electability.
For more on the False God of Bi-partisanship, read my post below.
Anyhow, I've been having long conversations with people willing to listen, and it's awesome. I can't caucus and try to convince my neighbors on election night, so this is the next best thing.
The more homes I visit, the more I think this will indeed be decided on caucus night. The big three are close in just about every poll. It will all come down to how well those individual precinct captains fight over the delegates for the non-viable candidates. (A candidate has to have at least 15% of the vote in each precinct to be viable, so most people supporting Dodd, Biden, and Richardson will have to go for someone else.) I think the Edwards argument is clear and sensible. I think it will win the day.
More and more, I'm invited in because these people have not made up their minds, and they want to talk. I mean with a capital "T". I spent 20-30 minutes helping a young mother see why Obama talks a nice talk but is naive/mis-informed about how to get things done (See Paul Krugman article linked below: "Big Table Myth") and how Hillary is a corporate shill and dangerously unelectable, while her toddler looked on and her Siamese cat climbed my leg. Seriously, despite the fact that campaigns have been hassling these people for a YEAR, they haven't decided. I suppose it's a sign of the quality of the candidate pool.
I am never dogmatic, but I let them know why I'm supporting Edwards. There is no spin from me. I lead them through my thought process from the root of our governments problems (un-mediated greed from business combined with politicians who need more and more money to compete with 30 second TV ads) to the progressive/populist solutions (advocated by Obama and Edwards) to the one candidate who wants to play hardball (Edwards) rather than sing sweetly a siren's song of bi-partisanship (Obama). To drive the nail in, I mention electability.
For more on the False God of Bi-partisanship, read my post below.
Anyhow, I've been having long conversations with people willing to listen, and it's awesome. I can't caucus and try to convince my neighbors on election night, so this is the next best thing.
The more homes I visit, the more I think this will indeed be decided on caucus night. The big three are close in just about every poll. It will all come down to how well those individual precinct captains fight over the delegates for the non-viable candidates. (A candidate has to have at least 15% of the vote in each precinct to be viable, so most people supporting Dodd, Biden, and Richardson will have to go for someone else.) I think the Edwards argument is clear and sensible. I think it will win the day.
Iowa is Really Cold in Winter
Aunt Paula's corner
My chariot.It is damn cold in Iowa. Today, January 1, 2008, it was generally between 6-9 degrees and WINDY while I was walking precincts. (Thank god, "walking" precincts in the upper-middle class neighborhoods I was in meant walking from the car to the front door and back.) I also forgot the long-johns dad so earnestly reminded me to bring. My solution? I wore my KC Chiefs pajama pants under my jeans all day. Not bad.
Also, thank god for mom and dad's GPS thingy. It's kind of like playing a video game as you ride around. Paula tells me it was dubbed "Penelope" during her trip with mom to Arkansas last summer. Penelope is my new love--sorry, Cass. I do a LOT of driving, and she has unfailingly told me where to go--except once on the way to Dubuque where she told me I was driving through a lake rather than on Route 151. Rest assured, my minivan-chariot is not amphibious.
The False God of Bi-Partisanship
If you, like my father, wax on about how the pendulum swings from conservative to liberal and back again in this country. (And ignore the fact that the country has marched steadily to the right for almost 30 years...don't even bring up Clinton, the dude passed NAFTA and "reformed" welfare. He was a moderate conservative. Why the right demonizes him genuinely mystifies me.)
Anyhow, if you buy the pendulum thing and yearn for bi-partisanship (I'm not sure if my dad does the second part, he just seems to adopt a bi-disgustedship.) I submit to you this: a really smart look at what bi-partisanship has done for us lately, namely give cover for vastly unpopular policies by creating consensus around them, even though the public doesn't agree. Check it out.
Anyhow, if you buy the pendulum thing and yearn for bi-partisanship (I'm not sure if my dad does the second part, he just seems to adopt a bi-disgustedship.) I submit to you this: a really smart look at what bi-partisanship has done for us lately, namely give cover for vastly unpopular policies by creating consensus around them, even though the public doesn't agree. Check it out.
On Drinking Kool-Aid
There is a good deal of animus towards the Obama campaign at Edwards HQ, as is to be expected. Rob, a staff member, 27, who graduated from law school about a year and a half ago was ripping Obama as a fake. I said to him, "Oh sure, Rob, but if he wins the primary you'll be voting for him in November." "I'm not so sure of that," he responded.
Now, this is probably just aggressive campaign talk. In one way, how can you blame these poor sacks? They've been working 50-60 hours a week for Edwards since the summer or even spring. That energy is often directed right at the opposing candidates. (Another staff member, Sara, told me of being dropped off on a corner, 3 miles from the Tom Harkin Steak Fry this September in 100 degree heat and humidity. They were told to "Do Visibility!" So they walked 3 miles, shouting at the top of their lungs for Edwards and waving signs. My favorite chant was one directed at Hillary before she'd released a healthcare plan: "We've got healthcare, yes we do. We've got healthcare, how 'bout you? " and then pointing at a group of Hillary supporters.)
But back to the fierce campaign partisanship. Every one of the Edwards staffers believe Obama is a fraud. In the office, if a voter is mentioned as supporting Obama over Edwards, almost the entire room responds, "Look at the policy!" It is a fact that Edwards has the most detailed plans about the widest variety of issues. Ever other campaigns would admit--off the record--that this is true. Now, would Obama be a more effective advocate for the much discussed "change"? He'd sure like you to think so.
I've grown more and more anti-Obama, primarily as a result of Paul Krugman. Progressives have very, very few mainstream media voices, but Krugman, an economist who writes Op-Eds for the NYTimes, is one of them. Here is an absolute must-read piece comparing the approaches of Edwards and Obama: READ ME, PLEASE!
Here's another piece by Krugman, published on Slate.com, that articulates what is possible for the progressive movement in this election, but only if we seize the moment.
Now, this is probably just aggressive campaign talk. In one way, how can you blame these poor sacks? They've been working 50-60 hours a week for Edwards since the summer or even spring. That energy is often directed right at the opposing candidates. (Another staff member, Sara, told me of being dropped off on a corner, 3 miles from the Tom Harkin Steak Fry this September in 100 degree heat and humidity. They were told to "Do Visibility!" So they walked 3 miles, shouting at the top of their lungs for Edwards and waving signs. My favorite chant was one directed at Hillary before she'd released a healthcare plan: "We've got healthcare, yes we do. We've got healthcare, how 'bout you? " and then pointing at a group of Hillary supporters.)
But back to the fierce campaign partisanship. Every one of the Edwards staffers believe Obama is a fraud. In the office, if a voter is mentioned as supporting Obama over Edwards, almost the entire room responds, "Look at the policy!" It is a fact that Edwards has the most detailed plans about the widest variety of issues. Ever other campaigns would admit--off the record--that this is true. Now, would Obama be a more effective advocate for the much discussed "change"? He'd sure like you to think so.
I've grown more and more anti-Obama, primarily as a result of Paul Krugman. Progressives have very, very few mainstream media voices, but Krugman, an economist who writes Op-Eds for the NYTimes, is one of them. Here is an absolute must-read piece comparing the approaches of Edwards and Obama: READ ME, PLEASE!
Here's another piece by Krugman, published on Slate.com, that articulates what is possible for the progressive movement in this election, but only if we seize the moment.
Monday, December 31, 2007
More on Sioux (Bleeping) City
Turns out my annoyance at all the action in West Iowa is actually the sign of a big-time trend:
http://www.iowaindependent.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1739
http://www.iowaindependent.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1739
My Singular Effect on the Race
Look, I just got here Friday, but clearly, I'm already changing things for the better:
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/062255.php
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/062255.php
Canvassing Around the Chiefs
Since it was Sunday, they didn't want us to show up to canvass until noon. I took the opportunity to sleep. Hard.
I showed up and got two different precincts. It was a crappy bunch. No one was home. I visited about 20 houses from 12-3:30pm and had maybe 3 people answer the door. (When I told this to my dad on the phone, he said, "Well, you can't blame people for not being home." And I responded, "Of course not, but that doesn't mean it doesn't suck slogging around in the snow like a mailman, just dropping off flyers on people's doors.")
I took a break to watch the Chiefs go for their 9th straight loss against the Jets, one of the few teams in football with fewer wins than them. They succeeded, but it took overtime. At least, they'll pick between 3 and 5 in the draft. Darn, I hope it's 3.
I headed back out after the game and hit the same houses. Much better luck. Even better, most of them were at least considering Edwards, if not decided on him. If they were still deciding, it tends to be him or Obama.
After I finished, I made my way over to Edwards' HQ. This time the place was packed with staff and volunteers. A real nice crew. They had me tally my results, which I hadn't done before, and I just hung out. As you can imagine, it's a fun, smart crew. Tonight is New Years, and I'm gonna hang out with them. I had been invited to the Des Moines party with the big wigs, but it makes more sense to further my relationships with this crew.
By the way, several members of the crew mentioned that Edwards speech at the December DNC meeting was the moment they decided to support him. Here's a link to several specific clips: http://www.johnedwards.com/dnc-meeting/index.html
And here's the pre-selected highlights:
I showed up and got two different precincts. It was a crappy bunch. No one was home. I visited about 20 houses from 12-3:30pm and had maybe 3 people answer the door. (When I told this to my dad on the phone, he said, "Well, you can't blame people for not being home." And I responded, "Of course not, but that doesn't mean it doesn't suck slogging around in the snow like a mailman, just dropping off flyers on people's doors.")
I took a break to watch the Chiefs go for their 9th straight loss against the Jets, one of the few teams in football with fewer wins than them. They succeeded, but it took overtime. At least, they'll pick between 3 and 5 in the draft. Darn, I hope it's 3.
I headed back out after the game and hit the same houses. Much better luck. Even better, most of them were at least considering Edwards, if not decided on him. If they were still deciding, it tends to be him or Obama.
After I finished, I made my way over to Edwards' HQ. This time the place was packed with staff and volunteers. A real nice crew. They had me tally my results, which I hadn't done before, and I just hung out. As you can imagine, it's a fun, smart crew. Tonight is New Years, and I'm gonna hang out with them. I had been invited to the Des Moines party with the big wigs, but it makes more sense to further my relationships with this crew.
By the way, several members of the crew mentioned that Edwards speech at the December DNC meeting was the moment they decided to support him. Here's a link to several specific clips: http://www.johnedwards.com/dnc-meeting/index.html
And here's the pre-selected highlights:
The Hillary Machine
I got to the Grand River Center about 7:30pm. Turns out this is a giant convention center that's been build down on the river, near a giant hotel and casino.
I made it inside and Hillary was winding down her speech. (It seems I had over-played the politician-lateness card.) She was speaking in a large ballroom. She stood on the floor in the middle, with people seated all around. I was left to peer in from the doorway, over the heads of many standing.
A couple of things were notable:
1) Hillary's tone. She was very soft and conversational. Nothing loud. Not a lot of dynamics. At first, I figured she was saving her voice given the campaign grind. Then I realized there was probably a lot more to it. She sounded Obama-esque. Very rational, very civil. No Shrillary here.
2) She was also pitching herself as the "Serious" candidate, with a capitol "S." She ended the speech imploring people to remember their responsibility to those who could not be there on caucus night: the soldiers at war, the people working night shifts, the Americans outside of Iowa. This is pretty galling to me, but she seemed to be saying, "Hey, I'm ahead in the polls everywhere else by huge margins. Don't get seduced into voting for some flash-in-the-pan. It's your duty as a citizen to get me elected. I'm the goods here."
To me, Iowans have gotten the best looks at all the candidates. They're the least influenced by the vicissitudes of the national media. Yes, they have their pet issues (ethanol) but the average Iowan knows more about the various candidates than the average citizen anywhere else. If they are not on the Hillary wagon--and they may be, that's not the point--they should not jump on because of some perceived duty to the rest of the country.
She finished up and started walking the rope, signing autographs and taking pictures. I stood up on a chair and tried to capture the scene with my crap-ass camera. The more interesting part was watching her secret service detail. 5 of them surrounded her. All eyes and ears. One of them looked younger than me, which I thought was odd.
All this took place through the blaring of Tom Petty's "American Girl," and the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", and the like.
I rolled out and found a local sports bar to watch the Patriots go for 16-0. The place had this Buffalo Chicken Fettuccine dish. Mmmmmmm.
I made it inside and Hillary was winding down her speech. (It seems I had over-played the politician-lateness card.) She was speaking in a large ballroom. She stood on the floor in the middle, with people seated all around. I was left to peer in from the doorway, over the heads of many standing.
A couple of things were notable:
1) Hillary's tone. She was very soft and conversational. Nothing loud. Not a lot of dynamics. At first, I figured she was saving her voice given the campaign grind. Then I realized there was probably a lot more to it. She sounded Obama-esque. Very rational, very civil. No Shrillary here.
2) She was also pitching herself as the "Serious" candidate, with a capitol "S." She ended the speech imploring people to remember their responsibility to those who could not be there on caucus night: the soldiers at war, the people working night shifts, the Americans outside of Iowa. This is pretty galling to me, but she seemed to be saying, "Hey, I'm ahead in the polls everywhere else by huge margins. Don't get seduced into voting for some flash-in-the-pan. It's your duty as a citizen to get me elected. I'm the goods here."
To me, Iowans have gotten the best looks at all the candidates. They're the least influenced by the vicissitudes of the national media. Yes, they have their pet issues (ethanol) but the average Iowan knows more about the various candidates than the average citizen anywhere else. If they are not on the Hillary wagon--and they may be, that's not the point--they should not jump on because of some perceived duty to the rest of the country.
She finished up and started walking the rope, signing autographs and taking pictures. I stood up on a chair and tried to capture the scene with my crap-ass camera. The more interesting part was watching her secret service detail. 5 of them surrounded her. All eyes and ears. One of them looked younger than me, which I thought was odd.
All this took place through the blaring of Tom Petty's "American Girl," and the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does is Magic", and the like.
I rolled out and found a local sports bar to watch the Patriots go for 16-0. The place had this Buffalo Chicken Fettuccine dish. Mmmmmmm.
Chatting with Grandpa and Grandma
Leaving the Biden event about 6:30pm--right about the time Hillary was scheduled to hold forth around the corner--I made my trip over to Linwood, banking on the "politicians always arrive late" mantra. I found the gate closed and the hours clearly posted as 10-5pm. I was chatting on the phone with Cassie at the time, so I told her I'd call her back while I "figured things out."
The car gate was closed but there was an open walkway, so I parked the car and headed on in by foot. Now, I don't make a habit of trekking through cemeteries by moonlight, but I was determined not to be spooked by the one my grandparents were resting in. That, and I just wasn't coming all this way without saying hello. So, I started up the hill. I quickly realized my first mistake, forgetting my gloves and hat. Last I had checked, the car thermometer said 22 degrees, but luckily, there wasn't much wind.
The 6-8 inches of snow covering the ground made it fairly bright, and I made a few educated guesses about which roads to take. I've been there enough to know the general direction to go, but not enough--thankfully--to know it by heart, in the dark. Graves and monuments stood all around, and occasionally a rabbit or something would dart in the corner of my eye. I got to the end of the road and realized I was right where I needed to be, looking straight into the plot where Paul, Lavon, and Kathy lie.
Just then, I saw some bigger movement. I wasn't sure if it was a dog or bear--just kidding--but then it looked at me. Right over near Grandpa and Grandma's grave was a deer staring at me. The moonlight silhouetted it's head. Beautiful. I fumbled for my camera-phone, but in the low light it was useless. Then the deer was gone.
I tramped through the snow over to the grave. Up to this point, I'd enjoyed well-plowed roads, so this was different. I saw the deer tracks and used them to ease my path. I found the grave, but only the big "Laube" part was visible. Without thinking much, I leaned down and brushed the snow away from the names below. Very cold. Bare hand meets snow. Oh, well.
I stood there with them high above the Mississippi and chatted a while. Made sure they knew all about Skyeler's birth and Thanksgiving at Dave and Carol's. How quickly the house had sold. How much we missed them.
Might have forgotten Giff and Yami's wedding. (Sorry, dude.) Wondered aloud what they would have thought about the current Democratic field and about my change in course career-wise. When I was out of words, I began the tramp back down. It went surprisingly fast, and I was soon climbing out through the gate again.
I'm kinda glad the gate was locked. It made it special.
The car gate was closed but there was an open walkway, so I parked the car and headed on in by foot. Now, I don't make a habit of trekking through cemeteries by moonlight, but I was determined not to be spooked by the one my grandparents were resting in. That, and I just wasn't coming all this way without saying hello. So, I started up the hill. I quickly realized my first mistake, forgetting my gloves and hat. Last I had checked, the car thermometer said 22 degrees, but luckily, there wasn't much wind.
The 6-8 inches of snow covering the ground made it fairly bright, and I made a few educated guesses about which roads to take. I've been there enough to know the general direction to go, but not enough--thankfully--to know it by heart, in the dark. Graves and monuments stood all around, and occasionally a rabbit or something would dart in the corner of my eye. I got to the end of the road and realized I was right where I needed to be, looking straight into the plot where Paul, Lavon, and Kathy lie.
Just then, I saw some bigger movement. I wasn't sure if it was a dog or bear--just kidding--but then it looked at me. Right over near Grandpa and Grandma's grave was a deer staring at me. The moonlight silhouetted it's head. Beautiful. I fumbled for my camera-phone, but in the low light it was useless. Then the deer was gone.
I tramped through the snow over to the grave. Up to this point, I'd enjoyed well-plowed roads, so this was different. I saw the deer tracks and used them to ease my path. I found the grave, but only the big "Laube" part was visible. Without thinking much, I leaned down and brushed the snow away from the names below. Very cold. Bare hand meets snow. Oh, well.
I stood there with them high above the Mississippi and chatted a while. Made sure they knew all about Skyeler's birth and Thanksgiving at Dave and Carol's. How quickly the house had sold. How much we missed them.
Might have forgotten Giff and Yami's wedding. (Sorry, dude.) Wondered aloud what they would have thought about the current Democratic field and about my change in course career-wise. When I was out of words, I began the tramp back down. It went surprisingly fast, and I was soon climbing out through the gate again.
I'm kinda glad the gate was locked. It made it special.
Biden Speaks With the Fishes
So, after canvassing on Saturday from about 10am-3pm, I hopped in the car and shuttled up to Dubuque. My chat with Robin and a quick snarfing of a burrito at Chipotle (John Spernoga's favorite joint) had put me a little behind schedule. I rolled into Dubuque at about 5:20, with the event set to begin at 5pm.
Of course, if you can count on anything more than death and taxes, it's politicians being late to their events, so as I walked in to Mississippi River Museum (my dad's favorite spot in Dubuque, a very well done new museum/aquarium) Senator Biden had just arrived. His campaign workers excitedly ushered me in saying, "Oh, he just got here! Hurry!"
I made my way up to the second floor, where I got a good view. Something like the photos on the right.
The first guy to speak was some local party chair. He was terrible, but well intentioned. Older guy. Poor speaker.
Then Richard Schiff got up. He played the White House Communications Director on the West Wing and won an Emmy or two. (The picture on the right sucks, but that's the best my $225 cell phone could do given the lighting.) He gave a great speech. Basically, he's liked Biden for a while. He had his wife's very large family over for Xmas, and they were all over the map in their support. By the end of the holiday, he's convinced them all. Now, they're all working for Biden. His message: if everyone just did this, we wouldn't be stuck with the Big Three media darlings.
So on came Senator Biden. He speaks directly, which everyone loves. He spent most of his time making his case through the Bhutto assassination and his readiness to lead the country right NOW. He mentioned his 30 plus years in the Senate and said he just wanted everybody to look him over, kick his tires, and if they thought somebody else was better, fine.
He has a plan for everything, and when he started answering questions, you could start to get some of the criticism that is often leveled at him for his verbosity. Everything had a 3 or 4 point plan, but then he, literally, would start adding sub-points to points of the plan. Then he's wrap up by saying, "Well, I've probably already bored you, so I'll stop there."
Now, obviously, issues like Pakistan are immensely complicated and deserve very complex analysis. But he's on
the campaign trail. I will try to give some more in-depth analysis of Biden later. I have yet to make it through all the literature I picked up. I also asked one of the campaign workers about Biden's Bankrupcy Bill of a few years back that pissed off so many Progressives. The guy shot me an email within hours--very classy--and I have yet to investigate it fully.So, before I left, I made it downstairs and took a picture of Richard Schiff. I felt a little silly and paparazzi-ish, but whatever. I live to serve my readership. I then hit the the bathroom before hitting the road. Who walks in right after me? Richard Schiff. He had, uh, more serious business to attend to than I. :)
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Day One
So, I show up at Edwards HQ in downtown Iowa City about 9am. Introduce myself. A college-age woman named Nancy says, "Oh, have you been in contact with Ruth?"
"Nah. A couple people at the national office, but I just thought I'd show up."
"Where you from?"
"Oakland. California"
"Ooooh. Wow."
And we were off. At first they asked me to phone bank, but I requested going door to door. The phone sucks. How annoying and impersonal are people calling on the phone? Especially to these Iowans who've been inundated for over a year?
I figure I'm at my best smiling at the front door. People can still be rude to you, but the fact that you're traipsing around their neighborhood in the freezing cold probably earns you at least a momentary audience.
I got sent to another office about a mile away to meet Robin. According to Nancy, I'd know it was him because he was one of the only Indian guys in Iowa City. I found Robin in a tiny plumber's office that had been donated for the campaigns use. (Obviously a fervent democrat, this female plumber had half-naked pictures of JFK Jr. on the wall. Dude worked out!)
Robin was way cool. 26 years old from LA. Been in Iowa a month. Unpaid. Left his job in LA for the cause. We chatted briefly, he handed me a packet with directions to a neighborhood, a google map with little flags for each house to visit, and additional sheets with each household listed along with data of each voter.
It should be noted that, at this point in the process, the campaign is in GOTC mode. (Get Out to Caucus) Basically, we're sent to make sure people that support us or might support us make it to their caucus on Thursday. That's a big emphasis "Thursday." After a year of crap, it's finally over THURSDAY. We also want to make sure people know where their caucus location is.
Anyhow, I made it over the the neighborhood on Iowa City's lower east side. Working to middle class neighborhood. I was pretty nervous to knock on my first door, so I set about procrastinating. I figured I better go find the caucus site, so I used made my way over to the local elementary school. I drove back to my first house, sat in the car, looked over the formalized "message" I was supposed to deliver, listened to a song on Air One Radio--more of that later. Finally, I had been enough of a weeny. I marched across the street to a duplex, knocked on the door. It was the perfect home to start with. A young couple with loud dogs. They said "Oh, yeah, we're all about Edwards!" while holding back the doggies. I said, "Oh cool, you know where you're caucusing?" They said yeah, and I wished them well and went on my way. Success!
I made my way all over the neighborhood, up and down cul-de-sacs, looking for house numbers. I felt like an intruder. I felt like everyone who drove by and saw me with all my bling thought, "Oh GOD, there's some campaign person. Ugh." Of course, I was universally well received, even if people didn't want to engage, they said no nicely; I said have a great day, and I was off.
Couple funny things, once in a while, people invited me in. Normally, just into the entryway, but it's much warmer there. I had one middle-aged couple early on who invited me in and said, "Why not Biden and Dodd? What's wrong with them?" I replied, "Well, nothing, except they haven't gotten any traction. Frankly, if I could caucus, I would probably go with them and then drop down to Edwards." They were shocked, but entertained. They told me not to let the Edwards people catch me saying that.
I don't know if I really would caucus for Dodd, (I like him over Biden.) but agreeing with the people you're talking to really helps establish rapport. I find myself telling Obama supporters that my "dream ticket" has Obama as VP to Edwards.
Another family I visited had a rambunctious black poodle. She got away from the man, and just ran like a shot, a half mile up the street. He kept yelling her name to no avail. I kinda felt responsible and that I should go run after it. But I talked to the wife while the man did that.
The biggest thing was surprised to learn was how much Richardson support there is. I would say I see about as many Richardson signs as anything else, and people often bring him up. If that happens, I always try to slide in Edwards as their second choice. I think his "all troops out now" Iraq policy is the main reason.
I canvassed from about 10-3. Then dropped by and gave Robin the stuff. We got chatting and he was going on and on about why Edwards is gonna win, and Obama doesn't have as much support as he thinks. We debated the fall-out of the various possible finishing orders. I really enjoyed it. I just don't have any friends in Cali that would like to talk about such things ad nauseum. Fun!
Two other things. Both soporific, so please don't read on if you think better of me.
Funniest voter name of the day: "Tani Cac" Say it three times fast.
Funniest street of the day: "B'Jaysville" It runs right by Sigma Pi Fraternity. Hmmmm.
Oh, before I go, "Air One Radio." So, I'm scanning through the FM stations, and I hear some passable rock music and keep it there. After a few minutes, the DJ's come on and I realize they're doing a fundraising drive. They're non-stop with this, NPR-style. I realize they keep talking about the hope that the music from their station brings, which is funny cuz the music is fairly hard. When they mention that you can call in anytime to pray with them, I figure it out. I'm listening to a Christian Rock station in the middle of Iowa. Awesome!
Oh, the final final thing, I got a $5 parking ticket while getting coffee this morning cuz I didn't pay my meter. (For some reason, on a Saturday, in the freezing cold, with snow banked high, I just didn't even consider paying my meter.) But seriously? 5 bucks? Take that San Francisco! I'm moving here. No more 50 dollar tickets for bullshit streetcleaning.
"Nah. A couple people at the national office, but I just thought I'd show up."
"Where you from?"
"Oakland. California"
"Ooooh. Wow."
And we were off. At first they asked me to phone bank, but I requested going door to door. The phone sucks. How annoying and impersonal are people calling on the phone? Especially to these Iowans who've been inundated for over a year?
I figure I'm at my best smiling at the front door. People can still be rude to you, but the fact that you're traipsing around their neighborhood in the freezing cold probably earns you at least a momentary audience.
I got sent to another office about a mile away to meet Robin. According to Nancy, I'd know it was him because he was one of the only Indian guys in Iowa City. I found Robin in a tiny plumber's office that had been donated for the campaigns use. (Obviously a fervent democrat, this female plumber had half-naked pictures of JFK Jr. on the wall. Dude worked out!)
Robin was way cool. 26 years old from LA. Been in Iowa a month. Unpaid. Left his job in LA for the cause. We chatted briefly, he handed me a packet with directions to a neighborhood, a google map with little flags for each house to visit, and additional sheets with each household listed along with data of each voter.
It should be noted that, at this point in the process, the campaign is in GOTC mode. (Get Out to Caucus) Basically, we're sent to make sure people that support us or might support us make it to their caucus on Thursday. That's a big emphasis "Thursday." After a year of crap, it's finally over THURSDAY. We also want to make sure people know where their caucus location is.
Anyhow, I made it over the the neighborhood on Iowa City's lower east side. Working to middle class neighborhood. I was pretty nervous to knock on my first door, so I set about procrastinating. I figured I better go find the caucus site, so I used made my way over to the local elementary school. I drove back to my first house, sat in the car, looked over the formalized "message" I was supposed to deliver, listened to a song on Air One Radio--more of that later. Finally, I had been enough of a weeny. I marched across the street to a duplex, knocked on the door. It was the perfect home to start with. A young couple with loud dogs. They said "Oh, yeah, we're all about Edwards!" while holding back the doggies. I said, "Oh cool, you know where you're caucusing?" They said yeah, and I wished them well and went on my way. Success!
I made my way all over the neighborhood, up and down cul-de-sacs, looking for house numbers. I felt like an intruder. I felt like everyone who drove by and saw me with all my bling thought, "Oh GOD, there's some campaign person. Ugh." Of course, I was universally well received, even if people didn't want to engage, they said no nicely; I said have a great day, and I was off.
Couple funny things, once in a while, people invited me in. Normally, just into the entryway, but it's much warmer there. I had one middle-aged couple early on who invited me in and said, "Why not Biden and Dodd? What's wrong with them?" I replied, "Well, nothing, except they haven't gotten any traction. Frankly, if I could caucus, I would probably go with them and then drop down to Edwards." They were shocked, but entertained. They told me not to let the Edwards people catch me saying that.
I don't know if I really would caucus for Dodd, (I like him over Biden.) but agreeing with the people you're talking to really helps establish rapport. I find myself telling Obama supporters that my "dream ticket" has Obama as VP to Edwards.
Another family I visited had a rambunctious black poodle. She got away from the man, and just ran like a shot, a half mile up the street. He kept yelling her name to no avail. I kinda felt responsible and that I should go run after it. But I talked to the wife while the man did that.
The biggest thing was surprised to learn was how much Richardson support there is. I would say I see about as many Richardson signs as anything else, and people often bring him up. If that happens, I always try to slide in Edwards as their second choice. I think his "all troops out now" Iraq policy is the main reason.
I canvassed from about 10-3. Then dropped by and gave Robin the stuff. We got chatting and he was going on and on about why Edwards is gonna win, and Obama doesn't have as much support as he thinks. We debated the fall-out of the various possible finishing orders. I really enjoyed it. I just don't have any friends in Cali that would like to talk about such things ad nauseum. Fun!
Two other things. Both soporific, so please don't read on if you think better of me.
Funniest voter name of the day: "Tani Cac" Say it three times fast.
Funniest street of the day: "B'Jaysville" It runs right by Sigma Pi Fraternity. Hmmmm.
Oh, before I go, "Air One Radio." So, I'm scanning through the FM stations, and I hear some passable rock music and keep it there. After a few minutes, the DJ's come on and I realize they're doing a fundraising drive. They're non-stop with this, NPR-style. I realize they keep talking about the hope that the music from their station brings, which is funny cuz the music is fairly hard. When they mention that you can call in anytime to pray with them, I figure it out. I'm listening to a Christian Rock station in the middle of Iowa. Awesome!
Oh, the final final thing, I got a $5 parking ticket while getting coffee this morning cuz I didn't pay my meter. (For some reason, on a Saturday, in the freezing cold, with snow banked high, I just didn't even consider paying my meter.) But seriously? 5 bucks? Take that San Francisco! I'm moving here. No more 50 dollar tickets for bullshit streetcleaning.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Why?
Meant to do this before.
Why am I in Iowa? What am I doing? Let's make this quick and dirty.
I'm a John Edwards supporter from Oakland, California. I've got family in Iowa, and I wanted to come check out this "democracy" thing. (Where about 100,000 people have an enormously disproportionate effect on the race for leader of a country of 300 million, not mention the "free world" or whatever we're gonna call it when Bush is done.)
Why do I dig JDE? I believe out of control corporations have taken the reigns of our democracy. Don't take my word for it, read David Sirota. He's much smarter than me. http://action.credomobile.com/sirota/2007/11/corporate_interests_have_liter.html
I'm gonna include a picture of Sirota--or as my father now knows him, the Head Gay--and me soon. Oh, a pic of Edwards and me too. I had one lucky week, lemme tell ya.
And while I'm here for Edwards, I'm really here for me! (Maybe I should incorporate? I'm good at this selfish thing.) What I mean by that is that I'm here to learn, and I don't think learning means working for Edwards every second of every day. We shall see.
Why am I in Iowa? What am I doing? Let's make this quick and dirty.
I'm a John Edwards supporter from Oakland, California. I've got family in Iowa, and I wanted to come check out this "democracy" thing. (Where about 100,000 people have an enormously disproportionate effect on the race for leader of a country of 300 million, not mention the "free world" or whatever we're gonna call it when Bush is done.)
Why do I dig JDE? I believe out of control corporations have taken the reigns of our democracy. Don't take my word for it, read David Sirota. He's much smarter than me. http://action.credomobile.com/sirota/2007/11/corporate_interests_have_liter.html
I'm gonna include a picture of Sirota--or as my father now knows him, the Head Gay--and me soon. Oh, a pic of Edwards and me too. I had one lucky week, lemme tell ya.
And while I'm here for Edwards, I'm really here for me! (Maybe I should incorporate? I'm good at this selfish thing.) What I mean by that is that I'm here to learn, and I don't think learning means working for Edwards every second of every day. We shall see.
Fretting
So, amongst my friends and family members I'm very informed. But now I'm among IOWANS. Uh oh.
Seriously, if tomorrow I'm on the phone or at someone's door and they're like, "Yes, Edwards is good on healthcare, but I really think Obama's got him with his Early Childhood Education plan." What am I gonna do?? I don't know the stuff that well.
Of course, the campaign is probably prepared for this by now. They better have a damn good cheat sheet.
And if you don't know what I mean by IOWANS, Aunt Paula has over 10 expertly designed glossy mailers from various Democrats sitting in her recycle bin that have only arrived in the last 2 days! WTF! So that's where the 50 bucks I sent Edwards went....
Seriously, if tomorrow I'm on the phone or at someone's door and they're like, "Yes, Edwards is good on healthcare, but I really think Obama's got him with his Early Childhood Education plan." What am I gonna do?? I don't know the stuff that well.
Of course, the campaign is probably prepared for this by now. They better have a damn good cheat sheet.
And if you don't know what I mean by IOWANS, Aunt Paula has over 10 expertly designed glossy mailers from various Democrats sitting in her recycle bin that have only arrived in the last 2 days! WTF! So that's where the 50 bucks I sent Edwards went....
F$@* Sioux City
Sioux City is far. 315 miles from Iowa City. Almost 5 hours.
Why do I care? Well, various candidates seem to be doing all sorts of events there I want to see, on the days I would like to see them. Nuts.
I sat down at Paula's computer tonight and started cruising websites. Obama's is the prettiest. Edwards was easiest to navigate. Hillary's had a search function that allowed you to filter events by distance, date, and city. (She is best "prepared" methinks.)
Oh, by the way, the drive was uneventful. The I-80 pile-up had been sufficiently towed. I passed 6-7 abandoned cars in the median, max. Listened to podcasts of Ring of Fire episodes from Air America. (Side note: Damn, Chevron is evil. Check this out: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/7113903.stm)
Anyhow, I didn't just ogle the big stars. I checked out Biden and Dodd's sites too. I've decided I want to see them in person. Kucinich is not campaigning in Iowa, so he's out.
And Richardson? He's just never interested me much, and when he specifically called out a fellow democrat (Edwards) for "trying to start a class war," he was dead to me. That, and I've heard whispers for over a year from some very different sources that he's got infidelity problems that would come out were he ever to gain the spotlight. By the way, here's Ezra Klein on Richardson labeling himself as the "pro-growth" Democrat: http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_economics_of_bill_richardson
How that for using a Republican frame and a Democratic straw man at the same time? Nice job, Bill.
So, tomorrow. As early as I can, I am showing up at Edwards HQ in downtown Iowa City. I'll try to be perky and caffeinated. See what happens. I'm sure I'll be put to work. Going door to door would probably be best, I haven't been to yoga in a month.
Then in the afternoon, I'm heading to Dubuque. Gonna go say hi to grandma and grandpa at Linwood. Then go see Biden at 5pm at the Mississippi River Museum and at 6:30pm, head around the bend to see Hillary at the Grand River Center. (Never heard of that place....)
Why do I care? Well, various candidates seem to be doing all sorts of events there I want to see, on the days I would like to see them. Nuts.
I sat down at Paula's computer tonight and started cruising websites. Obama's is the prettiest. Edwards was easiest to navigate. Hillary's had a search function that allowed you to filter events by distance, date, and city. (She is best "prepared" methinks.)
Oh, by the way, the drive was uneventful. The I-80 pile-up had been sufficiently towed. I passed 6-7 abandoned cars in the median, max. Listened to podcasts of Ring of Fire episodes from Air America. (Side note: Damn, Chevron is evil. Check this out: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/7113903.stm)
Anyhow, I didn't just ogle the big stars. I checked out Biden and Dodd's sites too. I've decided I want to see them in person. Kucinich is not campaigning in Iowa, so he's out.
And Richardson? He's just never interested me much, and when he specifically called out a fellow democrat (Edwards) for "trying to start a class war," he was dead to me. That, and I've heard whispers for over a year from some very different sources that he's got infidelity problems that would come out were he ever to gain the spotlight. By the way, here's Ezra Klein on Richardson labeling himself as the "pro-growth" Democrat: http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_economics_of_bill_richardson
How that for using a Republican frame and a Democratic straw man at the same time? Nice job, Bill.
So, tomorrow. As early as I can, I am showing up at Edwards HQ in downtown Iowa City. I'll try to be perky and caffeinated. See what happens. I'm sure I'll be put to work. Going door to door would probably be best, I haven't been to yoga in a month.
Then in the afternoon, I'm heading to Dubuque. Gonna go say hi to grandma and grandpa at Linwood. Then go see Biden at 5pm at the Mississippi River Museum and at 6:30pm, head around the bend to see Hillary at the Grand River Center. (Never heard of that place....)
Auntie Paula Sends A Warning
Snow stopped early this morning in KC, but Aunt Paula of Iowa City has some news. The stretch of I-80 between Des Moines and Iowa City is so snowed/iced over that tow trucks are no longer going out. I guess it's just a mess. Now, that stretch of highway, normally about a 2 hour drive, is key to my trip.
What to do? I'm gonna get in the minivan. Turn on the heated seat, and head up to Des Moines--about 3 hours drive under normal conditions. Perhaps I'll spend the night there? Perhaps the roads will be better by then? After all, the campaigns are headquartered in Des Moines. Of course, I'm pretty sure all motels are booked solid. So, I guess I'm taking a chance. Cool. About time I got this party started.
What to do? I'm gonna get in the minivan. Turn on the heated seat, and head up to Des Moines--about 3 hours drive under normal conditions. Perhaps I'll spend the night there? Perhaps the roads will be better by then? After all, the campaigns are headquartered in Des Moines. Of course, I'm pretty sure all motels are booked solid. So, I guess I'm taking a chance. Cool. About time I got this party started.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
On your mark, get set, snow!
Tomorrow is the day. Iowa is the place. The family minivan lies in wait. My foot hungers for the gas pedal. Guess what?
Snow! Last report said 2-4 inches. Looks like I may not speed out of KC so fast. Should be over by tomorrow midday. In the meantime, I'll freshen up my snow-driving skills, do some figure eights on the frozen pond.
Snow! Last report said 2-4 inches. Looks like I may not speed out of KC so fast. Should be over by tomorrow midday. In the meantime, I'll freshen up my snow-driving skills, do some figure eights on the frozen pond.
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