2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

John Delaney Statement on Endorsing Joe Biden for President

John Delaney Statement on Endorsing Joe Biden for President

As he indicated on CNN on the morning of Super Tuesday, John Delaney is endorsing Joe Biden to be President of the United States. Full statement below:

“Joe is the right person to beat Donald Trump, because he is everything Trump is not--Joe is a good, decent person, who cares about others and understands the struggles that so many Americans face every day. He has spent years as a public servant gaining the expertise necessary to lead our nation and reestablish the United States as a global leader, reversing course on the isolationism, nationalism, and global retreat of the Trump Administration. Joe understands that we make progress through pragmatism and reaching across the aisle when possible and that yelling the loudest or having the most extreme opinions doesn’t actually accomplish any goals. Joe is the person to unite our party and our nation to tackle the challenges we face and seize the opportunities that our great nation has. April and I look forward to doing everything in our power to help him secure the nomination and win the general election in November.”

John Delaney Endorses Joe Biden

As he indicated on CNN on the morning of Super Tuesday, John Delaney is endorsing Joe Biden to be President of the United States. Full statement below:

“Joe is the right person to beat Donald Trump, because he is everything Trump is not--Joe is a good, decent person, who cares about others and understands the struggles that so many Americans face every day. He has spent years as a public servant gaining the expertise necessary to lead our nation and reestablish the United States as a global leader, reversing course on the isolationism, nationalism, and global retreat of the Trump Administration. Joe understands that we make progress through pragmatism and reaching across the aisle when possible and that yelling the loudest or having the most extreme opinions doesn’t actually accomplish any goals. Joe is the person to unite our party and our nation to tackle the challenges we face and seize the opportunities that our great nation has. April and I look forward to doing everything in our power to help him secure the nomination and win the general election in November.”

Biden leads the field in congressional endorsements with support from more than 75 U.S. Representatives and 10 U.S. Senators, including the most endorsements from members of both the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Nationally, Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals. 

John Delaney Announces Decision to Withdraw From 2020 Race

John Delaney Announces Decision to Withdraw From 2020 Race

DES MOINES, IA - Today, 2020 Presidential candidate John Delaney announces his decision to withdraw from the 2020 race. This decision is informed by internal analyses indicating John's support is not sufficient to meet the 15% viability in a material number of caucus precincts, but sufficient enough to cause other moderate candidates to not to make the viability threshold, especially in rural areas where John has campaigned harder than anyone. He strongly believes the Democratic Party should advance candidates with progressive values on the big issues of our time, but who are committed to governing with pragmatic, fact-based, bipartisan solutions. This approach – which is what successfully won back the House in 2018 – beats Trump, unifies our nation and gets things done.  We have many candidates in the 2020 race, running in Iowa and otherwise, who meet these criteria.  John does not want the good work of his campaign to make it harder for those like-minded candidates on the bubble of viability in many Iowa precincts to advance in the Iowa caucuses and garner delegates.

John’s statement:

“It has been a privilege to campaign for the Democratic nomination for President, but it is clear that God has a different purpose for me at this moment in time.  I leave this race with a profound sense of gratitude to the voters who shared with me their hopes and concerns for our magnificent country, in admiration for the other contenders for the nomination and proud of the work we did to change the debate.

I want to thank my team members, particularly those who loyally stood with me these last few months, our volunteers, supporters and friends for their incredible work, encouragement and support during our campaign.  It was a privilege to work with you on this journey, I will be grateful for you until my last days and I look forward to our work ahead. Most importantly, I want to thank my extraordinary wife, April, and my amazing daughters, Summer, Brooke, Lily and Grace, for their love and encouragement.  I thank God, every day, for the love and blessing of my family.

We need to provide workable solutions to the economic issues facing hardworking Americans, create opportunity for young people in all communities, restore a sense of unity and common purpose to our nation, and re-establish the United States as an engaged global leader. I believe our campaign was unique in its consistent focus on these four themes. Our economic, environmental and technological future is dependent upon the choices we make and the actions we take. For too long we have made bad choices and failed to act; we must change course.

This race was never about me, but about ideas and doing what’s right for our nation. The unique and data-driven ideas that our campaign generated – on how to create a functional universal health care system, price carbon, advance trade, invest in rural America, cure disease, help workers, launch negative emissions technologies, reform education, and expand national service – are now ideas for the party and I will continue to advocate for them in my next chapter.  In addition, I encourage the party to sharpen its focus on the growing opportunity inequality that exists in both rural America and struggling urban communities.  The concentration of start-ups and investment capital in a small number of areas is troubling and smart public policy is needed to encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses everywhere.  Smart public-private partnerships can encourage entrepreneurs to locate in small-town America and struggling inner cities.

Never bet against the United States of America. This is a remarkable nation full of wonderful and patriotic people.  People who love their country, their neighbors and their families. People who work tirelessly, who innovate, and who give of their time and resources.  People who care, deeply, about the character and decency of this nation.  Because of them, we have every advantage any nation could possibly want to have in 2020, except for one problem: we are a deeply divided nation. The good news is that we can fix that problem, but we have to fix it together. Step one is to beat Donald Trump and restore decency to the Office of the President.  In many ways, this is all that matters and I am fully committed to supporting our nominee and fulfilling that mission.  Step two is to get our government working for the American people again.  Step three is to focus on the future and leave the world better than we found it. The Democratic party must respond to this calling.

Let’s stop the nonsense of unrealistic and divisive campaign promises and be the party the American people need – a decent, unifying, future-focused and common-sense party. And please don’t listen to the cynics, the naysayers and the dividers; while we have significant challenges and too many Americans are struggling, the world gets better every year and the United States of America has driven much of this progress - let’s keep it that way.

Onward and upward and God Bless America.”

John Delaney's Final Sprint To The Caucuses on January 30 to February 2, 2020 *Updated

John Delaney's Final Sprint To The Caucuses on January 30 to February 2, 2020 *Updated

DES MOINES, IA - Wrapping up the most diligent and hard-working Iowa Presidential campaign in history, former Congressman and presidential candidate John Delaney will be making one 'Final Sprint To The Caucuses' this weekend, with stops all around the state thanking Iowans for their support, to sign up last minute caucus-goers and to share his vision of rebuilding rural America and creating a fully paid-for universal health care system.

"Every time we make one of our trips in Big Blue people tell us they're glad to see us and are happy to sign up to support us on February 3rd," said Delaney. "Our 'Send A Message' tour has been a great success with thousands of miles covered and gallons and gallons of coffee shared with supporters. I want Iowans to know how grateful I am to them for sharing their friendship as well as their concerns and to know that I'm committed to their state, not just because of this race but because I believe that there is real opportunity for business growth across this country in rural states, just like Iowa. I'll be traveling across Iowa this weekend and I invite folks to come out to meet with me to discuss the important issues facing our nation."

The full schedule is below:

Thursday, Jan 30

10a - 12p - Door knocking in Muscatine with John & April Delaney

1:30p - Lunch at Muscatine Family Restaurant, hosted by County Supervisor candidate Henry Marquard

2p - 5p - Door knocking in Cedar Rapids with John & April Delaney

5p - Dinner in Cedar Rapids at Granite City hosted by April Delaney

Friday, Jan 31

10a - 12p - Door knocking in Council Bluffs with John & April Delaney

12p - Lunch in Council Bluffs at Lincoln's Pub, hosted by Iowa House candidate Jennifer Pellant

2p - 5p - Door knocking in Des Moines with John & April Delaney

7p - House party in Des Moines with special guest Chuck Offenburger. RSVP for details

Saturday, Feb 1

2p - 5p - Door knocking in Waterloo with John & April Delaney

6p - Dinner in Waterloo at Galleria de Paco

Sunday, Feb 2

2p - 5p - Pre-game door knocking in Fort Dodge with John & April Delaney

6p - Super Bowl Party in Fort Dodge at Amigos

John Delaney to Speak at New Hampshire Economic Forum on Friday, January 24, 2020

John Delaney to Speak at New Hampshire Economic Forum on Friday, January 24, 2020

MANCHESTER, NH – Presidential candidate John Delaney heads to New Hampshire Friday where he will address a forum on the health and growth of the economy. The Community College System of New Hampshire is sponsoring the series along with Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses and the Union Leader. The event takes place at 11 am in the Second Floor Lounge of Grappone Hall on the NHTI campus.

The forums are free and open to community college students, the general public.

On January 21st Delaney told the Manchester Union Leader: “These are important issues we’re talking about and I still feel privileged to be a part of it.”

New Hampshire State Representative Steve Woodcock, who endorsed Delaney in 2019, recently penned an op-ed to the Conway Daily Sun explaining his decision to vote for Delaney in the upcoming primary: “Our country is in urgent need of action on the issues of health care, economic opportunity, climate change and more. John is a leader who can deliver with a laser-like focus on real solutions.”

Friday, January 24th

WHAT: Presidential Candidate Forum featuring John Delaney
WHO: John Delaney, NH Union Leader, Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses
WHEN: Friday, January 24th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WHERE: NHTI Concord’s Community College, Grappone, 2nd Floor Lounge
31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301
Grappone, 2nd Floor Lounge

Muscatine, Iowa Democrat Henry Marquard Endorses John Delaney for President

John Delaney Earns Endorsement from Influential Muscatine Democrat Henry Marquard

DES MOINES, IA - Today, John Delaney announced an endorsement from St. Ambrose University constitutional law professor and candidate for the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors Henry Marquard.

Mr. Marquard serves as Vice President and General Counsel for Stanley Consultants, one of the largest consulting firms for engineering, construction and environmental services with 18 offices and operations in more than 100 countries. He also teaches part-time at St. Ambrose University in Davenport. He previously served on the Iowa District Export Council, appointed by United States Secretary of Commerce Pritzker. Marquard also previously served on the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission for four years, and served as its Chairman from 2008-09.

Mr. Marquard said the following:

"Like many Iowans, I've found it difficult to make my decision regarding the caucus because we've had great candidates. I've been waiting for someone to inspire me. When John Delaney spoke in Muscatine on December 14, I found that inspiration. I've had the opportunity to talk to John many times in the last year. I was impressed with his background as a business leader and Congressman. His ideas for creating market incentives to reduce carbon emissions, for national public service to strengthen the bonds to unite Americans and his health care plan which ensures all Americans and delivers quality local health care were sound, practical and innovative. His honesty and integrity are obvious. In the last few months, John's message has stressed that our policy and leadership choices are really moral choices, deeply based on our American values. John ties public policy, public service, and our moral beliefs together with his faith-based belief that these are things we must do. The message is inspiring and I know now how deeply committed John is to making these things happen, not just because they are good ideas but because they are moral imperatives. You can't ask for anymore, nor should you ask for any less from a President. That's why I'm endorsing John Delaney."

Delaney is currently in the midst of a 40 town tour of rural Iowa.

John Delaney Releases New Iowa Ad to Air During Democratic Debate

John Delaney Releases New Iowa Ad to Air During Democratic Debate

FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS, MD - In a new ad to air tonight during the Democratic Debate, John Delaney delivers a call for “a real plan to bring jobs and entrepreneurship to small towns that are shrinking and aging and being left behind.” In the ad which is running statewide Tuesday, Delaney tells Iowa voters that he has stayed in the race to fight for them, and how he is the only candidate with real ideas and practical solutions that can actually get done.

Delaney, who is in the midst of a 40 town tour of rural Iowa, says in the ad:

“I’ve stayed in this fight for you. I’ve done more events than any candidate and I know in my heart that our extraordinary nation remains one of unlimited potential and that my unique ideas on infrastructure, trade, climate and national service are needed to help realize it. They are all big ideas, based on facts and they can get done."

"And I’m also the only one running with a real plan to bring jobs and entrepreneurship to small towns that are shrinking and aging and being left behind."

"As the son of a union construction worker and the only one running who was successful in business and in government. I’ve got a track record of getting things done and bringing people together. I want to do the same for you.”

The sixty-second ad can be viewed here.

John Delaney ‘Send A Message Tour’ in Iowa on January 3-27, 2020 *Updated

John Delaney Sends A Strong Message to Iowa
Month-long road trip shows unmatched commitment to rural communities and bridge-building in final push to the caucuses

DES MOINES, IOWA - From Montezuma to Tripoli and from Muscatine to Matlock Presidential candidate Congressman John Delaney will be crisscrossing Iowa for the entire month of January on a small town blitz of 40 stops, a journey he’s dubbed the Send A Message Tour. Cruising in the campaign RV, “Big Blue,” Delaney and his field staff will be hosting meet and greets, knocking on doors, making supporter calls, and meeting with caucus-goers and precinct captains around the state. The schedule is intense and unique with Delaney and his team visiting many small Iowa towns that no Presidential campaign has yet visited.

“I’m surprised to say that I’m still the only candidate who has visited all 99 counties in Iowa, which says something about the focus of the other candidates! I’m calling this final month-long trip before the caucuses the ‘Send A Message Tour’ because I’m asking Iowa voters to send a message that Rural America and Main Street America still matter and that my unique ideas about how to create economic opportunity for everyone – no matter where you live – has to be part of the Democratic platform," said Delaney.

"By coming out to these events and supporting my candidacy, Iowans will also be sending a clear message that the Democratic Party has to fight for Rural America and forgotten small towns, that Iowa is important, that the best way to beat Donald Trump is with a strong and steady nominee who was successful in business and government, and that our nation needs a problem solver with a track record of getting things done."

"I think this Send A Message Tour will be a great way to have one more face to face with Iowans before they exercise their hard-earned right as the first choice in the Presidential nominating process.”

SEND A MESSAGE TOUR highlights below:

40 campaign stops starting at the Just A Small Town Grill in Montezuma and ending at the Panther Lanes Bowling Alley in Tripoli
Delaney speaking at the Brown & Black Forum in Des Moines, the Faith, Politics, & Common Good Summit in Des Moines, the People’s Caucus in Davenport and the Indivisible March in Dubuque
Delaney speaking at County Democrat events in Dubuque, Albia, Ankeny, Ames & Davenport
Delaney defiantly staying the race in Defiance
Door knocking in Gaza, Lebanon, What Cheer, Deep River, Dana, Panora, Okoboji, Storm Lake, Melrose and many more
Inviting the towns of Matlock and Bronson to Dinner in Doon
Meeting with the board of the Crisis Intervention Service in Mason City
Precinct Captain Appreciation Dinner at Delaney favorite Galleria de Paco in Waterloo

FULL LIST OF “SEND A MESSAGE TOUR” STOPS
*Venues subject to change

1/3
1pm – Montezuma
Sauced Pizza & Pub
106 N 4th St, Montezuma, IA 50171

2pm – Deep River
Delaney & team door knocking

3:30p – What Cheer
Delaney & team door knocking

5pm – Brooklyn
The Classic Deli
120 Jackson, Brooklyn, Iowa 52211
(To be broadcast live on C-SPAN)

1/4
1p – Bronson
Delaney & team door knocking

3p – Matlock
Delaney & team door knocking

5p – Doon, Iowa
Burn’s Grill & Doon Steakhouse
222 Main St, Doon, IA 51235

1/5
1p – Lebanon
Delaney & team door knocking

3p – Gaza
Delaney & team door knocking

5p – Sheldon
Old 60 Steaks & Chops
1113 2nd Ave, Sheldon, IA

1/6
1030a - Dry Dock Restaurant
N 333, US-71, Arnolds Park, IA 51331

2p – Mason City
Crisis Intervention Service
Meeting with Board Members

1/10
5p - Roosters Bar & Grill - Boone
702 Allen St, Boone, IA 50036

7p – Faith, Politics, & Common Good Summit
Franklin Junior High Building
4801 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

1/12
3p – Davenport
The People’s Caucus
North High School, 626 W. 53rd Street, Davenport, IA

6p – Muscatine
Muscatine Family Restaurant
1903 Park Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761

1/13
2p – Griswold
Delaney & team door knocking

5p -Cumberland
‘Middle of Nowhere’ Restaurant
112 S Main St, Cumberland, IA 50843

1/14
12p – Grassroots Gallery Gift & Cafe
121 Broad St, Humeston, IA 50123

2p – Liberty
Delaney & team door knocking

5p – Osceola
Iron Horse Grill, 123 S Main St, Osceola, IA 50213

1/17
2p - Carroll - Napoli
1205 US-30 Suite A, Carroll, IA 51401

4p – Templeton
Tour of Templeton Whisky
209 E 3rd St, Templeton, IA 51463

7p – Ankeny
Ankeny Dems Winter Event
FFA Enrichment Center
Ankeny DMACC
1055 SW Prairie Trail Parkway
Ankeny, Iowa 50023

1/18
12p – Dubuque
Indivisible March
Steeple Square, Dubuque

3p – Tama
Ross Street Roasting Co.
202 Harmon, Tama, IA 52339

6p – Ames
Story County Fundraiser
Iowa State University
Collegiate United Methodist Church
2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA

1/19
2p - Washington
Frontier Family Restaurant
112 N Iowa Ave, Washington, IA 52353

4p – Georgetown
Delaney & team door knocking

7p – Albia
Monroe County Spaghetti Fundraiser
First Christian Church Albia
203 Washington Ave E, Albia, Iowa 52531

1/20
1PM – Des Moines
Brown & Black Forum
Iowa Events Center
730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309

1/21
12p – Fort Dodge
Amigos
280 N 1st St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

2p – Dana
Delaney & team door knocking

3p – Jefferson
Delaney & team door knocking

5p – Panora
Owl’s Nest
124 W Main St, Panora, IA 50216

1/22
11a - Elkader
Treats On Bridge
110 W Bridge St, Elkader, IA 52043

1p – West Union
Gus & Tony’s Town House Cafe
149 E Plum St, West Union, IA 52175

3p- Decorah
Luther College
700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101

5p - Old Armory BBQ #563-382-6208
421 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101

1/27
12p – Cedar Falls
Mulligan’s Brick Oven Grill & Pub
205 E 18th St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

4p – Tripoli
Panther Lanes
502 7th Ave SW, Tripoli, IA 50676

John Delaney Returns to Iowa on Saturday, December 14, 2019

John Delaney Shows Commitment to Rural Iowa as Sole Candidate for Clinton & Muscatine County Events

DES MOINES - John Delaney is returning to Iowa this Saturday, December 14th to speak at the Clinton County Democrats "Bring Back The Light" Fundraiser and the Muscatine County "Democrat Achievement" Dinner. Proving Delaney's commitment to rural Iowa, as of today, he is the only Presidential candidate committed to attend both events.

At "Bring Back the Light", Delaney will be speaking on his plan to revitalize rural Iowa, which he has been presenting across the state at a series of events he's called the "Heartland Startup Tour". Other speakers include Iowa congressional candidate Rita Hart and Iowa Representative Mary Wolfe.

In Muscatine County, Delaney will be joined at the Democrat Achievement Dinner with speakers Congressman Dave Loebsack, Iowa Congressional candidate Rita Hart and Kat Steyer, wife of Presidential candidate Tom Steyer. The event is co-sponsored by the Muscatine County Democrats and the Muscatine Youth Democrats.

Saturday, December 14

2:00PM
Clinton County “Bring Back the Light” Party fundraiser
Vista Grande, Clinton, IA
2141 16th St NW, Clinton, IA 52732

6:00 PM
Muscatine Democrats Achievement Dinner
In the Little Theater, Strahan Hall, Muscatine Community College
152 Colorado St., Muscatine, Iowa 52761
Speakers begin at 7:15 PM

John Delaney Returns to Iowa on Friday, December 6, 2019

While Other Moderates Drop Out Of Presidential Race, Delaney Endures
Delaney has "the most solid, well-thought platform in the field"

DES MOINES - This weekend moderate candidates Governor Steve Bullock and Admiral Joe Sestak ended their campaigns for the Presidency, but former Congressman John Delaney is staying in the race and is returning to Iowa for events with the American Cancer Society, Raygun, and the Iowa Farmer's Union. One of his supporters, legendary Iowa journalist Chuck Offenberger, recently had this to say about Delaney's endurance:

"I've watched John Delaney slowly and steadily build his campaign and his positions from conversations with tens of thousands of Iowans in all 99 counties over the past two years. The result of campaigning that way? John has the most solid, well-thought platform in the field. You need to read and consider it, if you haven't already. His pragmatic, moderate positions are what will win for Democrats in 2020. That's why I've endorsed him, and why I think Iowans should pull together for him now and keep his campaign going."

Delaney will be making campaign stops this Friday, December 6, in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Grinnell.

SCHEDULE

Friday, December 6
WHO: John Delaney
WHAT: American Cancer Society: ‘Coffee with the Candidate’
WHEN: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
WHERE: Mars Cafe, 2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

WHO: John Delaney
WHAT: Delaney Heartland StartUp at Raygun in Cedar Rapids
WHEN: 1:00 - 2:30 PM
WHERE: 1028 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

WHO: John Delaney
WHAT: Delaney Speaks at Iowa Farmer’s Union
WHEN: 4:00 - 4:30 PM
WHERE: Hotel Grinnel, 925 Park Street, Grinnell, IA, 50112

5 Democratic Presidential Candidates Confirmed for Forum on Agriculture Issues

5 Democratic presidential candidates confirmed for forum on agriculture issues

Nevada, IA – Five Democratic presidential candidates have confirmed their participation in a forum focusing on issues relevant to family farmers and rural communities at the Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) Annual Convention.

The ‘Candidate Conversations’ forum is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, 3:00 p.m. at the Hotel Grinnell in Grinnell, IA. The forum immediately follows the keynote address by Lori Wallach, Director of Global Trade Watch.

“We are excited for the opportunity to bring presidential candidates and our members together,” said Aaron Lehman, IFU President. “Time are tough in the rural Iowa and it’s important that candidates connect with farmers and rural residents on the issues that are vital to the survival of family farms, sustainable agriculture, and rural communities.”

The forum will be moderated by Aaron Lehman, IFU President and Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union President. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask presidential candidates about the issues impacting them and the rural communities they live in the most.

“Rural America is at risk,” said Lehman. “Farmers are hit hard by needless trade disputes, attacks on ethanol, massive agribusiness consolidation and the growing impact of climate change. Our members have the best perspective to ask important questions about the candidates’ vision for a better agriculture.”

Confirmed presidential candidates include:
Steve Bullock, Governor and former Attorney General of Montana
Julián Castro, Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
John Delaney, Former Member of the United States House of Representatives
Bernie Sanders, United States Senator
Tom Steyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist

Admission to the forum is included in convention registration for IFU members and is $35 for non-members. A fundraising reception will directly follow the event with proceeds supporting the IFU Education Foundation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://iowafarmersunion.org/annual-convention/.