It's Game On for Hillary and the Democrats

By Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News

14 April 15

illary Clinton officially entered the race for the Democratic nomination for president. Clinton announced her candidacy in a tweet on Sunday that included a link to a prepared video. Her message was upbeat, focusing on preparing for new challenges. In the video, “everyday Americans” spoke of the changes in their lives and then Hillary appeared, saying she is “getting ready for something too, I’m running for President.” Clinton went on to say that “Americans have fought their way back from tough economic times, but the deck is still stacked in favor of those at the top.” She argued for an economy where “you can do more than just get by – you can get ahead and stay ahead, because when families are strong, America is strong.”

In a press release, her campaign announced what they call a ramping-up period: “Just like the families in her video who are getting ready for fresh starts, Hillary is preparing her campaign organization. She’s committed to spending the next 6 to 8 weeks in a ‘ramp up’ period where her team will start to build a nation-wide grassroots organization, and she will spend her time engaging directly with voters.”

“In May, once her supporters in all 50 states are organized for house parties or to watch over live-streams, Hillary will hold her first rally and deliver the speech to kick off her campaign,” according to the press release. The former secretary of state will arrive in Iowa on Tuesday. During a two-day swing through Iowa, Clinton will join roundtables of students, educators and members of the small business community. In addition, the trip will include meetings with elected officials, community leaders, activists, and other Iowans from across the state to discuss her campaign and ask for their support.

In her announcement video, Hillary urged people to get involved in the cause, saying, “It’s your time. I hope you’ll join me on this journey.”

Four others are actively considering jumping in, along with one Independent. Former Virginia senator Jim Webb, former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley, and former Rhode Island senator Lincoln Chafee are thinking about running, and then there’s the new McGovern, Vice President Joe Biden, getting ready for round three. Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, is considering running as a Democrat. Many are still trying to encourage Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren to jump in. Staff and volunteers of Run Warren Run in Des Moines welcomed Hillary to Iowa and encouraged Elizabeth Warren to join her. A volunteer read a statement from MoveOn within minutes of Clinton’s announcement.

Martin O’Malley and Jim Webb were already in Iowa and made their case to Polk County Democrats on Friday night in Des Moines. The common theme of the night was restoring the American dream.

Webb delivered a low-key address in which he pledged a “return to the party of Roosevelt and Truman, a prudent party that truly looks after everyone that lacks a voice.” Webb was awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest decoration in the Navy and Marine Corps, for heroism in Vietnam. Webb also was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts. Webb has also served as secretary of the Navy and assistant secretary of defense.

O’Malley was better at articulating his message, courting the Warren supporters in a fine-tuned speech that received applause often. He had sharpened his attacks on Wall Street and his call to help students afford higher education since I last saw him a couple of weeks ago. He continued his theme of keeping the American dream alive. He connected with the crowd and again shook as many hands as he could. O’Malley understands Iowa and could give Hillary a run for her money.

Following the speeches, I asked O’Malley what his position is on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). He was quick to say he opposed it. He spoke of concerns about jobs and said he opposes any deal that he can’t read before voting. It is clear that O’Malley is staking out a position to the left of Clinton, a strategy that may be very effective.

Senator Bernie Sanders issued this statement on Sunday: “Hillary Clinton is an experienced and well-qualified leader who I was pleased to serve with in the Senate. During this campaign, it is imperative that Secretary Clinton, like every other candidate, address the great challenges of our time: the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality that is crushing our middle class; high unemployment and low wages; the threat that global climate change presents to our future and the future of our children; and the fact that democracy itself is at risk because of the catastrophic decision of the Supreme Court in the Citizens United case, which is allowing billionaires to spend unlimited sums to buy the government of United States. I hope that Secretary Clinton will speak out on these and other important issues in the days and weeks ahead.”

Sanders has been traveling the country and is close to a decision on his own candidacy for the presidency.

Most pundits think the race for the Democratic nomination is over, and that Hillary Clinton is the nominee. They forgot to tell Iowa Democrats that. In Iowa and New Hampshire, voters expect to be wooed. They expect to meet the candidates a few times before making up their minds. Even the Polk County chair of the Democratic Party told me he didn’t think the race was over. I hope he is right. A coronation will make for a very boring year.

Scott Galindez attended Syracuse University, where he first became politically active. The writings of El Salvador's slain archbishop Oscar Romero and the on-campus South Africa divestment movement converted him from a Reagan supporter to an activist for Peace and Justice. Over the years he has been influenced by the likes of Philip Berrigan, William Thomas, Mitch Snyder, Don White, Lisa Fithian, and Paul Wellstone. Scott met Marc Ash while organizing counterinaugural events after George W. Bush's first stolen election. Scott will be spending a year covering the presidential election from Iowa.

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