The Best State Fair in the State
The Presidential campaign of 2020 is still a year too early to be taken in earnest, but there are touchpoints along the way, and a major one is the Iowa State Fair. In the run-up during the caucus, it can be a scene of major moments, not just Rick Perry eating corn dogs (although there is that, but Mitt saying corporations are people, Barack playing bumper cars with his daughters and the Donald telling kids he's Batman and taking them on helicopter rides.
The soapbox is an exciting spot which puts candidates to the people, and gives you things like Romney's gaffe, and occasional a longshot speaking to a crowd of two dozen indifferent spectators.
This year actually had a crowd of presidential contenders (or hopefuls) along with those in the State Races.
John Delaney - John is the only major announced candidate and probably one of the highlights so far was him giving his soapbox speech and seeing John Boehner in his audience. "I appreciate you coming out and supporting me. I really do", Delaney called out to Boehner who was in Iowa and Nebraska that week. The Cedar Rapids Gazette caught his ride on the great State Fair slide. They said he had admirers - one woman interviewed said his campaign ads were 'a breath of fresh air' and they also reported his trip to see the butter cow was uninterrupted.
Eric Swalwell - Eric is a Democratic congressman from California. He is of note, for being besides Delaney, the politician to make the most appearances in state (at least 10 in a year and a half), so there are obviously some aspirations there. He beat a long tenured Dem Pete Stark for his seat. A quick glance of Swalwell leaves a bunch of mixed messages. He's a Democrat but he's been accused of being a member of the Tea party (though this accusation was born from the Stark camp). That said, his stances do seem to be liberal norms. An original idea he has is a "mobile Congress" which would have members cast votes remotely and spend more time in their district. He is also mentioned as a "moneyball" candidate taking on and defeating Stark. Stark wouldn't debate Swallell, so he used YouTube to host a fake debate and had a campaign ran by political unknowns and high school volunteers, being outspent by hundreds of thousands, and waiting for his opponent to make mistakes. It seems like he is certainly a long shot for the White House, but comes with some qualities the party certainly needs. Swalwell has Iowa ties too. His dad was police chief in Algona, Iowa- a southwest county seat. He has a baby due in November and then he will make his decision.
Andrew Yang- I have mentioned Yang before. He has announced his run, and although he has not held public office, who knows. Yang's campaign is driven by the freedom dividend- a $1000 monthly stipend to every American adult. He had about 50 audience members according to the Register. To show he's serious about Universal Basic Income, he is supposed to give that much of his money to one resident of New Hampshire.
Eric Steyer - Tom's another rich guy- a billionaire hedge fund manager. Like Michael Avenatti, he's been taking Donald Trump to task. Steyer has been spending money on "Impeach Trump" ads. While Tom Delaney has been the only one to run "Presidential ads", it's obvious that by Steyer putting his name on Iowa ads, he's trying to get some name recognition out of the deal. Steyer's soapbox speech led with his Trump impeachment speaking points, calling it a 'patriotic act'. Steyer spoke about healthcare for all and other Democrat issues, and is trying to turn out the youth vote; saying he will make a decision to run next year. Steyer has enough clout that Conservatives are already taking shots at him.
Julian Castro - Castro, former mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of HUD has a better name recognition than most on this list. One of Castro's unique ideas is to to have college graduates roll their student debt into their mortgage payments, so they can pay both down over time. He says he will make a decision about a Presidential run by the end of the year. He feels it is a wide open race, and the national pundits are getting their lists wrong.
Steve Bullock- The Montana governor has spent quite a bit of time in Iowa. His claim to fame is being a blue politician winning a red state (though it's not that big of a state). The Register says two in attendance asked about his Presidential ambitions which he dodged. He says he's "listening", but he certainly must be thinking about it. Bullock took jabs at Citizens United and the effect of money in politics. Bullock got a tour of the State Fair from Iowa's Attorney General Tom Miller, who undoubtedly would be an ally if he does run.
Evan McMullin- There was one non-Democrat at the soapbox who might have Presidential aspirations. You might remember, McMullin coming out of seemingly nowhere to be a serious candidate in 2016. Running as an independent with libertarian leanings, he finished with 21% of Utah's votes, but at one time, looked poised to maybe win that state and throw the election to Congress. McMullin who was a hero to the NeverTrumpers says he's not running, but not ruling it out either. McMullin says he's going to campaign for moderate Democrats and Republicans, and imagines someone will run in the primary against Trump, even if it might not be him. He does say he will run for something again in the future somewhere.
Michael Avenatti did not appear on the soapbox, as far as I know, but went to the Fair (as did Boston Mayor Marty Walsh who says he was only here to campaign for Democrats, not to run for President). It is to Avenatti's credit, that every article about 2020 seems to lead back to him. The Kavanaugh confirmation hearings have only kept his name in the headlines. Avenatti is charismatic (Everytime he speaks, he seemingly gains support). He's serious (He said he wouldn't be here if he wasn't serious). He has been making the rounds and taking it to 45 (a 'snake oil' salesman). He was shaking hands with everyone and one woman admits she had no idea who he was, and assumed he was a local TV personality.
Certainly, he won't be boring. His idea to take the fight to Trump is one that seems like fresh air to a party that generally remains passive. Indeed, Avenatti's trip to Iowa even got support from right wing NeverTrumpers.
The soapbox is an exciting spot which puts candidates to the people, and gives you things like Romney's gaffe, and occasional a longshot speaking to a crowd of two dozen indifferent spectators.
This year actually had a crowd of presidential contenders (or hopefuls) along with those in the State Races.
John Delaney - John is the only major announced candidate and probably one of the highlights so far was him giving his soapbox speech and seeing John Boehner in his audience. "I appreciate you coming out and supporting me. I really do", Delaney called out to Boehner who was in Iowa and Nebraska that week. The Cedar Rapids Gazette caught his ride on the great State Fair slide. They said he had admirers - one woman interviewed said his campaign ads were 'a breath of fresh air' and they also reported his trip to see the butter cow was uninterrupted.
Eric Swalwell - Eric is a Democratic congressman from California. He is of note, for being besides Delaney, the politician to make the most appearances in state (at least 10 in a year and a half), so there are obviously some aspirations there. He beat a long tenured Dem Pete Stark for his seat. A quick glance of Swalwell leaves a bunch of mixed messages. He's a Democrat but he's been accused of being a member of the Tea party (though this accusation was born from the Stark camp). That said, his stances do seem to be liberal norms. An original idea he has is a "mobile Congress" which would have members cast votes remotely and spend more time in their district. He is also mentioned as a "moneyball" candidate taking on and defeating Stark. Stark wouldn't debate Swallell, so he used YouTube to host a fake debate and had a campaign ran by political unknowns and high school volunteers, being outspent by hundreds of thousands, and waiting for his opponent to make mistakes. It seems like he is certainly a long shot for the White House, but comes with some qualities the party certainly needs. Swalwell has Iowa ties too. His dad was police chief in Algona, Iowa- a southwest county seat. He has a baby due in November and then he will make his decision.
Andrew Yang- I have mentioned Yang before. He has announced his run, and although he has not held public office, who knows. Yang's campaign is driven by the freedom dividend- a $1000 monthly stipend to every American adult. He had about 50 audience members according to the Register. To show he's serious about Universal Basic Income, he is supposed to give that much of his money to one resident of New Hampshire.
Eric Steyer - Tom's another rich guy- a billionaire hedge fund manager. Like Michael Avenatti, he's been taking Donald Trump to task. Steyer has been spending money on "Impeach Trump" ads. While Tom Delaney has been the only one to run "Presidential ads", it's obvious that by Steyer putting his name on Iowa ads, he's trying to get some name recognition out of the deal. Steyer's soapbox speech led with his Trump impeachment speaking points, calling it a 'patriotic act'. Steyer spoke about healthcare for all and other Democrat issues, and is trying to turn out the youth vote; saying he will make a decision to run next year. Steyer has enough clout that Conservatives are already taking shots at him.
Julian Castro - Castro, former mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of HUD has a better name recognition than most on this list. One of Castro's unique ideas is to to have college graduates roll their student debt into their mortgage payments, so they can pay both down over time. He says he will make a decision about a Presidential run by the end of the year. He feels it is a wide open race, and the national pundits are getting their lists wrong.
Steve Bullock- The Montana governor has spent quite a bit of time in Iowa. His claim to fame is being a blue politician winning a red state (though it's not that big of a state). The Register says two in attendance asked about his Presidential ambitions which he dodged. He says he's "listening", but he certainly must be thinking about it. Bullock took jabs at Citizens United and the effect of money in politics. Bullock got a tour of the State Fair from Iowa's Attorney General Tom Miller, who undoubtedly would be an ally if he does run.
Evan McMullin- There was one non-Democrat at the soapbox who might have Presidential aspirations. You might remember, McMullin coming out of seemingly nowhere to be a serious candidate in 2016. Running as an independent with libertarian leanings, he finished with 21% of Utah's votes, but at one time, looked poised to maybe win that state and throw the election to Congress. McMullin who was a hero to the NeverTrumpers says he's not running, but not ruling it out either. McMullin says he's going to campaign for moderate Democrats and Republicans, and imagines someone will run in the primary against Trump, even if it might not be him. He does say he will run for something again in the future somewhere.
Michael Avenatti did not appear on the soapbox, as far as I know, but went to the Fair (as did Boston Mayor Marty Walsh who says he was only here to campaign for Democrats, not to run for President). It is to Avenatti's credit, that every article about 2020 seems to lead back to him. The Kavanaugh confirmation hearings have only kept his name in the headlines. Avenatti is charismatic (Everytime he speaks, he seemingly gains support). He's serious (He said he wouldn't be here if he wasn't serious). He has been making the rounds and taking it to 45 (a 'snake oil' salesman). He was shaking hands with everyone and one woman admits she had no idea who he was, and assumed he was a local TV personality.
Certainly, he won't be boring. His idea to take the fight to Trump is one that seems like fresh air to a party that generally remains passive. Indeed, Avenatti's trip to Iowa even got support from right wing NeverTrumpers.
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