Tom Harkin still has it. The pulse of Iowa on instinct auto dial. And a force of moral clarity and that defining doggedness, an aw-shucks ease with voters, and a rhetorical sledgehammer ever ready when he needs it. He's fast, too, on the draw with a prescription for Democrats in Iowa in 2024.
Unfortunate that so many don't want to broadcast "the truth" but rather "doctored" truth and get away with it simply because of a near 300 year old document that gave free speech to individuals whose comprehension of anything close to wide spread news was limited to a newspaper! Manipulation of the original documents has been the cutting edge of turnng democracy on its ear simply to benefit the interests of the wealthy and powerful (because of their weath and ability to manipulate politicians much easier than the voters) . So now, faced with one of the most gross manipulators our country has ever seen, we stand on the edge of democracy looking over the side into the abyss of fascism. Our court system twisted up with so many lawyers standing in line to tear holes in the fabric that governs us for no good end, and a man with over 90 felony charges against him likely to be President for life! That is what they have done for their own best interests! Am I supposed to be greatful for this opportunity to be crushed under the foot of so many whose ethics are so shallow?
I would agree, Democrats and the Party walked away from their base, without a doubt! Choices for candidates for leadership roles continue to come straight away from Des Moines. The thinking appears to be if the Metro area there got behind the candidate they could easily carry the state. You can easily see how well that worked over how many election cycles! Running on name recognition might get you into the governors office, but if you can't shine at the job, there ends the "dynasty!" If you want smart democratic voters, then you improve the public schools, quite obvious what the Republican Party wants and that certainly is not people who can think clearly about which side their bread is buttered on and go with the best option. Democrats have always run on hope. Hope for better tommorrow; a plan for a "chicken in every pot". Not fear someone was going to steal your chicken and your pot! Don't make Republicans look like the safer bet by doing things badly, like the last presidential caucus. This coming one is bound for failure simply because the Party thinks it knows what is best, they are wrong again!
So good to read common sense from Tom Harkin. Nurses for Harkin was a group that I have always been proud to have been a part of. Stick to the knitting is the phrase I think applies to Tom Harkin's challenge for 2024. The cultural wars have become foolish, mean spirited, and not worth a rat's tail. Thanks Doug, again your interview gets always impress.
Thank you, Doug. Thank you, Tom.
👍As Dave Busiek said, “makes sense.” Now all we have to do is DO IT!
Unfortunate that so many don't want to broadcast "the truth" but rather "doctored" truth and get away with it simply because of a near 300 year old document that gave free speech to individuals whose comprehension of anything close to wide spread news was limited to a newspaper! Manipulation of the original documents has been the cutting edge of turnng democracy on its ear simply to benefit the interests of the wealthy and powerful (because of their weath and ability to manipulate politicians much easier than the voters) . So now, faced with one of the most gross manipulators our country has ever seen, we stand on the edge of democracy looking over the side into the abyss of fascism. Our court system twisted up with so many lawyers standing in line to tear holes in the fabric that governs us for no good end, and a man with over 90 felony charges against him likely to be President for life! That is what they have done for their own best interests! Am I supposed to be greatful for this opportunity to be crushed under the foot of so many whose ethics are so shallow?
He makes a lot of sense.
I would agree, Democrats and the Party walked away from their base, without a doubt! Choices for candidates for leadership roles continue to come straight away from Des Moines. The thinking appears to be if the Metro area there got behind the candidate they could easily carry the state. You can easily see how well that worked over how many election cycles! Running on name recognition might get you into the governors office, but if you can't shine at the job, there ends the "dynasty!" If you want smart democratic voters, then you improve the public schools, quite obvious what the Republican Party wants and that certainly is not people who can think clearly about which side their bread is buttered on and go with the best option. Democrats have always run on hope. Hope for better tommorrow; a plan for a "chicken in every pot". Not fear someone was going to steal your chicken and your pot! Don't make Republicans look like the safer bet by doing things badly, like the last presidential caucus. This coming one is bound for failure simply because the Party thinks it knows what is best, they are wrong again!
So good to read common sense from Tom Harkin. Nurses for Harkin was a group that I have always been proud to have been a part of. Stick to the knitting is the phrase I think applies to Tom Harkin's challenge for 2024. The cultural wars have become foolish, mean spirited, and not worth a rat's tail. Thanks Doug, again your interview gets always impress.
Simon & Garfunkel's (Mrs. Robinsin) line, "Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio..." came to mind as I was reading this. I miss Tom Harkin. Thanks!
Nice column, Doug. Thanks, Tom, for your wisdom.