Meet and Greet Report from youthere...

[youthere]

Well, I got to Tipton about 20 minutes early, there were about 3 dozen or so people there-which is pretty good considering the size of the venue (just a small, family owned cafe). I saw quite a few people I know and we got a chance to chit chat before hand..they (like me) were undecided, leaning mostly Obama, or Edwards, one was considering Richardson...no Hilary supporters though....anyway, my cell phone rings, and it's my oldest daughter. The kids had just gotten home from school and my youngest had started throwing up, so I had to leave before I even SAW Sen. Biden.
BUT, I did touch base with several of the people I knew there since then, and the feedback was VERY positive. Every person I talked to was extremely impressed with him. Two had decided that they were going to support him. Another one said he just couldn't get over the Anita Hill thing, and I told him that Joe did ultimately vote against Clarence Thomas'confirmation...then he felt he might be able to "forgive" it, but he'd have to think about it more.
There did seem to be a common theme though, that there is general confusion about why he doesn't have more support, and why his campaign isn't more..I guess "In your face" would be the best word. They felt Joe Biden was more like a well kept secret. He doesn't have a lot of commercials out, and his events are not well publicized...even the Tipton weekly paper did not publish that he was going to be in Tipton. Maybe the campaign will ramp up as we get closer to caucus, though. But all in all there was a general disappointment that so many are missing the message of JoeBiden.
Some comments were that, he didn't have the perfect "fix-it-all" solutions, but they were were things that could actually be done, and would be a general improvement. (This was a direct comparison to Kucinich and his healthcare proposal). Most of them felt his plan for Iraq made the most sense out of any of the candidates. And Joe did well at coming across as a "straight-shooter" and no-nonsense kind of guy. And everyone seemed almost surprised they liked him as much as they did, which makes me wonder, what did they expect? What preconceived notions did they have of the Senator before they went? But his common-sense approach played well. Quite honestly Iowans (like the rest of America) are sick and tired of pie-in-the-sky campaign promises. We want to see REAL action for a change, and it seems Biden is the guy that can actually deliver.
At any rate, I'm even more disappointed I didn't get to see him, so I'll be watching his schedule closely for an event near me..but all this feedback bodes well for Joe, and I hope the campaign becomes a little more agressive in the coming weeks and months.

[Froward69]

1. thats the reaction I get from all who would listen.

Kick :kick: Those who don't or wont, Have made up their minds anyway.

[gateley]

2. Thanks so much! I was looking forward to your report. I keep harping on it

but the reason his campaign isn't more "in your face" is money. If he could just run a few of the videos we've seen as commercials - I know people would notice.

Now we can look forward to your NEXT report when you get a chance to actually meet him!

I'm sorry to hear about your youngest - everything okay?

[youthere]

3. She's fine..thanks for asking..

Just a little tummy bug.
I'm really looking forward to getting to meet him...and hopefully my husband will be able to go too. He's starting to get more interested in Joe.
I think, as far as his campaign goes, with these small gatherings he's contacting the most likely caucus goers...so it's great strategy on his part. Remember Carter...same strategy delivered him Iowa on a very tight budget.

[gateley]

5. Where did I read that people were a bit frustrated by the size of the Clinton/

Obama/Edwards rallies because they were so large? Again, just the thought of being with a presidential candidate - especially Joe - in such an intimate environment is so exciting to contemplate.

We'll be standing by for your rave reviews when the time comes!

Happy to hear your daughter's doing well. :hi:

[youthere]

8. You know, the large rallies are a lot of fun and great for...

getting folks fired up and motivated..but not so great when you're examining cadidates and trying to decide who you're going to support.

[gateley]

11. Agree. If I'm going to a Rolling Stones concert it's one thing, if I want to

get a sense of who I feel is best suited to next lead our country, not so good.

[jillan]

4. Would you consider sending that to the campaign - about how they

need to be more in your face, how events aren't even getting advertised?

I read something like that from a college student a while back. Biden spoke at his college, but it wasn't even advertised.
Wtf is up with that?

Maybe hearing it from someone in a primary state might make them listen.

Thanks for the update! I'm glad Biden did so well. One of my favorite things he says is when he tells you what he think he can get done. He is so honest. No false promises.

Sorry your daughter got sick.
Isn't that how life always goes when you are a mom? My kids would always get sick, or have some important event going on that made me put my plans on hold - but they are worth it- they are the best part of life.

[gateley]

6. Here's something you've never heard me say before...

MONEY! :sarcasm:

He needs to be able to send an advance team to prep the crowd and get the word out. It would be ideal if he could run TV, radio and print ads so people get to hear his name and get to hear HIM. He needs access to some of the big names Hillary is getting to endorse her. She runs with that moneyed crowd. Give me money!

The more apparent that becomes, the angrier and more frustrated I get.

[jillan]

7. Her money is dirty. I'm glad Biden doesn't have her money.

That's what always gets me about people calling Joe 'mbna Joe'. Hillary is #1 getting money from commercial banks, Obama not far behind. Biden is way down there. Same with pharma, lobbyists. ick.

I just wish Biden would go for broke right now. Spend it all - go in debt - whatever it takes.
If Gore does not run, he is the only viable alternative to Clinton. But first he has got to get his word out.
He is still an unknown. Go get 'em Biden!

[gateley]

10. I agree - I'm glad he doesn't have HER money, but I wish he had SOME! nt

[youthere]

9. Oh absolutely!

[PatSeg]

12. Thanks

I've been checking frequently to see your reaction to Biden, but now I know why. So sorry you missed him in person, but obviously children come first. Glad to hear your youngest is okay.

I hope you do get another opportunity to attend one of his Meet and Greets and that we get an opportunity to live vicariously through you!

[youthere]

13. I am definitely making the effort to see him now..

especially after all the positive feedback I heard.

[Froward69]

14. Hope you child is feeling better.

and Glad you are making a fervent effort. Take your kids along if you can, it might be a memorable experience for them. Get some pics possibly some video, post em here. sadly I have to road trip across Nebraska to see him in IOWA. I just don't have the time just now.