April 18, 2007
Obama, Biden, Richardson To Skip First Major Democratic Cattle Call In Iowa
Three Democrats have promised to attend the Iowa Democratic Party's major fundraiser, it's Hall of Fame dinner, in early June. The other three who were invited -- Sen. Joe Biden, Sen. Barack Obama and Gov. Bill Richardson -- have not.
IDP chairman Scott Brennan did not mince implications: "It is obvious that Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd and John Edwards take the First in the Nation Iowa Caucuses very seriously and their attendance at the Hall of Fame is a sure sign of the importance of Iowa in selecting a Democratic Presidential nominee.”
This is unusual, but it is not inexplicable. There will be plenty of chances for Iowa Dem activists to compare candidates side-by-side, and a paltry peformance at an early cattle call can't really hurt. Biden will be in New Hampshire that weekend. The others may have more pressing engagements. We're a ways away from January of 2008.
The 1,000 or so activists who show up will notice who did not. The party uses this fundraiser and October's Jefferson-Jackson dinner to raise the $1M or so it takes to hold the caucuses. Candidates generally help out. [MARC AMBINDER]
Posted at 03:23 PM
Comments
gawd, I hate pandering. I hate the way our politicians pander to each and every group under the sun to satfisy these groups inflated egos.
Micah | 04.18.07 03:55 PM
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Will Hillary allow the common folk to ask a
question or two?
Will Hillary tell us more about the $18,000.00
fine she had her campaign pay for her committing
the crime: "..The biggest Campaign Finance Crime
in the History of Politics..." We'd like to hear.
Will Hillary tell us what bills she has brought
up in the Senate and had passed. We do not mean
those that she attached her name to at this time?
We'd rather she Hillary just answer the questions
as asked. We do not want to see the questions
put up first for her or her 'handlers' to choose
for her and answer for her.
terry | 04.18.07 06:28 PM
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Seems like you ought to at least inquire WHY Richardson is not coming. Perhaps he has a schedule conflict? I would certainly like to know Why.
By the way, I picked up this story on Patrick Ruffini's website. Are there some better websites for really current news items for Demo candidates. Someone tell me please....by direct email to me is fine. Ruffini is working a cyber-blog coordinator for Giuliani, doesn't answer emails, even pointing out that he still lists Vilsack as part of a poll or has clearly irrelevant articles that have nothing to do with the particular candidate thrown in with the good ones, etc. Clearly, he is so focused on his candidate that he is ignoring his own website, sorry to say.
Stephen Fox
Stephen@santafefineart.com | 04.18.07 09:58 PM
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Good for Hillary and Edwards. Of course this isn't the first time Obama has skipped an important forum. He is polling so low in Iowa, you would think he'd be making every effort.
I know Hillary plans to visit all 99 counties in Iowa. And well, Edwards practically lives there.
Drew Sorenson | 04.19.07 09:39 PM
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