Sanders fires up supporters in Iowa

[cyberswede]

WEST BRANCH, Iowa – Bernie Sanders talked himself hoarse on his second day officially courting Iowa voters.

The independent Vermont senator, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, ended the day with a speech at the West Branch home of Dave Johnson and Jennie Embree. Though Sanders' voice was audibly taxed, he spoke with passion and the crowd listened attentively aside from periodic applause.

No less than 175 people showed up for the backyard picnic-campaign event, according Pete D'Alessandro, Sander's Iowa campaign organizer.

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2015/05/29/mayor-sanders-serious-player-iowa/28161763/

Other highlights:

Before the event at Muscatine Community College, campaign organizer D'Alessandro said that he was expecting two-dozen local Democrats and activists.

A crowd of 87 showed up to hear Sanders speak.

Davenport mayor:

"If he keeps at it, he is going to capture the hearts and minds of Iowans."

And

"He became a serious player in the Iowa caucus last night."

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Awesome news!

[onehandle]

1. Fire Up Democrats, Bernie!

In 2016 we will retain the White House and retake the Senate.

Then on to 2020...

[cyberswede]

2. It sure would be nice to regain the Senate.

I suppose the House is impossible.

[TheNutcracker]

3. Look at the happy faces to see him!!! go Bernie go!

[BrotherIvan]

4. Uh oh, a black dude is smiling at him in that picture!

He must be a plant.

[madfloridian]

18. .........

[CoffeeCat]

5. I live in Iowa…and this is like a replay of 2008...

In 2008, Hillary was inevitable. However, Obama won the Iowa caucuses.

Hillary gave very impersonal, canned speeches. Obama went out and met with and talked with the people. He knew that I attended an Obama house party and he called me to discuss the issues with me (his phone died and he had to call me back…funny). But really, that's how it is in the run-up to the Iowa caucus. The state is like a big party. We EXPECT to see the whites of your eyes, and to ask you tough questions.

Hillary Clinton…where is she? I've only heard a couple of news stories about her doing closed-door meetings with no media.

Iowa has a very, very strong Progressive contingent. Iowans don't like to be told who is "inevitable." We'll decide for ourselves, thank you very much.

I really can feel a repeat of 08 coming on. Bernie definitely could capture the hearts and minds of Iowans, and if Hillary continues to be canned, corporate and inaccessible--Iowa Democrats could flock to him in droves.

Iowa and New Hampshire may not be the biggest or most important states in the US--but they are first and second in the primaries and if Sanders wins one or both--and does well--then that could really make things interesting.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. Thanks for confirming what I thought was going to happen

before this... since I know that Sanders excels at this type of politics.



Some here think I am clueless of the national scene or other state's politics since I live in a city that I swear, slips to the sea, none will notice until awards season... and then maybe.

[KingCharlemagne]

13. Sanders' path to the nomination starts by knocking HRC out in Iowa, dispatching her

in New Hampshire (where Sanders is something of a favorite son, anyway), and then running even or ahead of her in South Carolina. It's a perfect 1-2-3 flurry of blows and will cause her to drop out of the race.

My prediction and my fervent hope.

[sabrina 1]

16. Thank you. I remember the 2008 primaries also. I was an early Obama supporter but was

told constantly that he 'didn't have a chance'. I almost believed it but stuck with him because to do otherwise would make it a self-fulfilling prophecy.

And everyone knows how it all turned out.

At this point in the game, anything can happen. Unless of course we are no longer a democracy and our candidates are chosen FOR us

[progressoid]

21. The 08 caucuses were interesting to say the least.

In my precinct, was split among Clinton, Obama and Edwards. But it was close! I think the Hillary contingent was surprised at the support for Obama and Edwards. And the turnout was huge.

[CoffeeCat]

23. Yes, that was an exciting year for the Iowa caucuses...

Our turnout was huge too. It was exciting. Truly, democracy in action!

I love the Iowa caucuses. One of the last remaining vestiges of our democracy.

It will be interesting to see what happens leading up to the upcoming caucuses.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. If there is one thing Sanders is good at is retail level politics.

he actually excels at it.

[CoffeeCat]

24. Yes, he is terrific...

…in his speeches and talks. And he's not afraid to open the floor to questions.

Obama had a superior ground game in Iowa. I wonder if Bernie has plans to do some of the same
type of political marketing--having house parties, a large volunteer base, etc.

Should be interesting.

[Sherman A1]

7. K&R!

[Katashi_itto]

9. K&R

[cyberswede]

10. Shameless self-kick for the morning crowd

[Jefferson23]

11. Happy to help. K&R

[lonestarnot]

12. Awesome is the right word.

[MineralMan]

14. I'm glad the real campaigning is beginning.

With O'Malley announcing this morning, we'll start to see what each candidate is planning for the early caucuses and primaries. We'll be able to stop speculating and arguing and watch what the candidates are saying and doing.

[jwirr]

15. If anyone knows West Branch they know that 175 people showing up is big. This small community

was a Quaker community when it started and is the home of the Herbert Hoover Library. Good going Bernie.

[hootinholler]

17. needs a kick n/t

[azmom]

19. Bern baby bern

[L0oniX]

20. K & R

[Recursion]

22. Iowa and New Hampshire both should be strong states for Sanders, which is interesting

I'm very curious to see how this goes.