2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Elizabeth Warren to Return to Iowa on January 17-20, 2020 *Updated

Elizabeth Warren to Return to Iowa on January 17-20, 2020 *Updated

Charlestown, MA - Elizabeth Warren will return to Iowa on Friday, January 17, for a four-day campaign swing that includes events in Newton, Des Moines and Grimes; the Ankeny Area Democrats Winter Banquet; the 2020 Iowa Brown & Black Democratic Presidential Forum; and the 2020 ISEA Legislative Conference, among other events

Please note: This schedule is subject to change as additional events are confirmed and depending on the schedule for impeachment in the U.S. Senate.

Friday, January 17th

Updated: Newton Community Conversation with Elizabeth Warren and Special Guest U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland
1:45 p.m. CT (doors open), 3:15 p.m. CT (event begins)

Maytag Complex, at Legacy Plaza
403 W. 4th St. N.
Newton, IA 50208

General public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforwarren/event/199409/

Ankeny Area Democrats Winter Banquet

6:00 p.m. CT (event begins)

FFA Enrichment Center
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy
Ankeny, IA 50023

Tickets are available for purchase here. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/winterbanquet2020

Saturday, January 18th

2020 ISEA Legislative Conference

9:00 a.m. CT (program begins), 9:45 a.m. CT (Elizabeth’s estimated speaking time)

West Des Moines Sheraton
1800 50th Street
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

New event: Planned Parenthood Action Fund Fireside Chat with Elizabeth Warren

5:00 p.m. CT (event begins)

A private residence in Des Moines

Creative Visions, Des Moines NAACP & Urban Dreams Block Party with Sen. Elizabeth Warren

6:30 p.m. CT (doors open), 7:00 p.m. CT (event begins)

Urban Dreams
601 Forest Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314

General public can RSVP here.

Sunday, January 19th

Des Moines South Side Town Hall with Elizabeth Warren

9:45 a.m. CT (doors open), 11:00 a.m. CT (event begins)

Weeks Middle School
901 E Park Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315

General public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforwarren/event/199427

We The People 2020: Protecting Our Democracy a Decade After Citizens United

3:00p.m. CT (event begins), 3:30 p.m. CT (Elizabeth’s estimated speaking time)

Des Moines Curate Event Space
322 E. Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

General public can RSVP here. https://publiccitizen.salsalabs.org/iowademocracy/index.html

Monday, January 20th

2020 Iowa Brown & Black Democratic Presidential Forum

11:00 a.m. CT (event begins), 2:30 p.m. CT (Elizabeth’s estimated speaking time)

Iowa Events Center
730 3rd Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

Grimes Community Conversation with Elizabeth Warren

2:00 p.m. CT (doors open), 3:30 p.m. CT (event begins)

Dallas Center Grimes Community High School
2555 West 1st Street
Grimes, IA 50111

General public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforwarren/event/199431/

Please note: This schedule is subject to change as additional events are confirmed and depending on the schedule for impeachment in the U.S. Senate.

Donald J. Trump Campaign Rally at The Knapp Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday, January 30, 2020

TRUMP CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES RALLY THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 - DES MOINES, IA

Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. announced that President Trump will host a Keep America Great Rally on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 7:00 pm (CST) at The Knapp Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Under President Trump, Iowa’s unemployment rate has fallen to just 2.6 percent and 22,000 jobs have been added, including 15,000 manufacturing jobs,” said Michael Glassner, Chief Operating Officer of Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. “President Trump looks forward to celebrating the good news of the Trump economy and the vast accomplishments of his administration with the Hawkeye State.”

Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 7:00 pm (CST): Des Moines, IA

President Trump will hold a Keep America Great Rally at The Knapp Center at Drake University in Des Moines, IA.

The Knapp Center at Drake University
2601 Forest Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311

General Admission
Doors open at 3:00 pm (CST) for General Admission.

https://www.donaldjtrump.com/events/des-moines-ia-jan-30-2020

Bernie Sanders Releases New TV Ad in Iowa Ahead of Democratic Debate

Bernie Sanders Releases New TV Ad in Iowa Ahead of Democratic Debate

DES MOINES, Iowa – Sen. Bernie Sanders’ campaign on Monday, ahead of the Democratic debate, launched a new TV ad in Iowa, titled “Strive.”

Watch: “Strive”

The spot opens with footage of President John F. Kennedy’s famous speech in 1962 calling on America to strive for greatness, saying, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” The ad continues with Sanders echoing Kennedy’s words and stating that settling for half measures is not good enough.

“Strive” is Sanders’ ninth ad to run in Iowa, following “Patients Before Profits,” “Billionaires,” “Fights For Us,” “Belongs To Us,” “Hope,” “Iowa First,” “Big Us” and “For All.” All nine ads have been produced entirely in-house by Bernie 2020 staff.

The full ad can be seen here and the transcript is below:
KENNEDY: We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.

SANDERS: President Kennedy knew settling for half-measures wasn't good enough.

So when candidates say we can’t guarantee health care for all, make college affordable for all, combat climate change, or create a world at peace, remember that America is best when we strive to do big things, even when it’s hard.

I’m Bernie Sanders and I approve this message.

Amy for America to Host Debate Watch Party in the Olmsted Center at Drake University

Amy for America to Host Debate Watch Party in the Olmsted Center at Drake University

DES MOINES, IA — Amy for America will host a debate watch party in the Olmsted Center at Drake University on Tuesday, January 14 as U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar takes the debate stage in Des Moines.

Senator Klobuchar recently completed her tour of Iowa’s counties, and is the only candidate on the debate stage to have done so. With last week’s endorsement from Iowa State Senator Rich Taylor, she now has the support of more sitting Iowa legislators than any other candidate in the race.

Tuesday, January 14
WHO: Amy for America Iowa Supporters
WHAT: Drake University Debate Watch Party
WHEN: Tuesday, January 14 at 8:00 PM; doors at 7:00 PM
WHERE: Parents Hall (Upper Olmsted), Olmsted Center, Drake University, 2875 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

New York Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney Endorses Joe Biden for President

New York Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney Endorses Joe Biden for President
Maloney Represents New York’s 18th District

Today, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:

“The next president faces a monumental task: restoring America as a leader in the world and bringing our country together. We live in dangerous times, and Donald Trump’s actions have made us less safe and more isolated. At home, our political process has become so fractured we cannot deliver results for working families across the country.

“Joe Biden’s unmatched record, command of domestic and foreign affairs, and progressive vision for America’s future is the leadership we need at this critical moment. Joe hasn’t just advocated for progressive change throughout his career, he’s delivered on it - from ushering through the Violence Against Women Act, to fighting shoulder to shoulder alongside President Obama to pass Obamacare, and supporting marriage equality. As president, I know he’ll build on that progress - and address the climate emergency, rebuild the middle class, and ensure everyone is treated with dignity.

“As president, Joe Biden will deliver the local tax relief, infrastructure, clean drinking water and support for our military and veterans that my neighbors in the Hudson Valley want. And, as he has always done, Joe Biden will seek to unite us as Americans and drain the poison out of our divided politics.”

“In the 21 days, the Iowa Caucus will officially launch the start of the election season. As voters go to the polls over the coming months, I hope they will join me in voting for Joe Biden.”

Biden for President has previously announced more than 1,100 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.

New York Congressman Max Rose Endorses Mike Bloomberg for President

Congressman Max Rose Endorses Mike Bloomberg for President
U.S. Army Veteran Max Rose is the First Member of Congress to Endorse Bloomberg for President

NEW YORK, NEW YORK — U.S. Representative Max Rose (NY-11) endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg today, praising Mike’s dedication to working America and his ability to put New York City back on track in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“The city Mike Bloomberg inherited in 2002 was reeling from the worst terrorist attack in American history and facing economic recession. There were real fears nothing would ever feel or be the same again. Mike Bloomberg took the reins, brought New York City back to life and put us on track to lead in the 21st century,” said Congressman Max Rose. “Mayor Bloomberg’s even keeled and visionary leadership is what we need to reduce the chaos, partisanship and hyper-vitriol that has overtaken Washington. Rather than submit to another stage of politics as usual, we must be bold and unifying in taking on the huge challenges we face as a nation. We need to root out corruption so we can put the economy back on the side of working people, fix our crumbling infrastructure, lower prescription drug costs and end the opioid epidemic. Mike Bloomberg has taken on tough fights and gotten results, which is why I believe he is the best candidate for my district, my city, and for our country.”

“Max Rose understands what public service is all about: working for the people, not a political party, lobbyists, or your own self-interest,” said Mike Bloomberg. “Max knows that the people of Staten Island and South Brooklyn sent him to Congress to get stuff done on critical issues — from tackling the opioid epidemic to ensuring the passage of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund — and his efforts to work across the aisle are exactly what we need more of in Washington. He’s a patriot who served with distinction in the Army, and he continues to serve our country with distinction — and I’m honored to have his endorsement.”

Congressman Rose, a United States Army veteran and the first post-9/11 combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan to represent New York City, is also the first member of Congress to endorse Mayor Bloomberg for president.

Cory Booker Suspends Campaign for President

Cory Booker: I've made the hard decision to suspend my campaign for president.

Cory Booker sent the following email to supporters today at 11am ET:

Friend,

Nearly one year ago, I got in the race for president because I believed to my core that the answer to the common pain Americans are feeling right now, the answer to Donald Trump’s hatred and division, is to reignite our spirit of common purpose to take on our biggest challenges and build a more just and fair country for everyone.

I’ve always believed that. I still believe that. I’m proud I never compromised my faith in these principles during this campaign to score political points or tear down others. And maybe I’m stubborn, but I’ll never abandon my faith in what we can accomplish when we join together.

I will carry this fight forward -- I just won’t be doing it as a candidate for president this year.

It’s with a full heart that I share this news -- I’ve made the decision to suspend my campaign for president.

It was a difficult decision to make, but I got in this race to win, and I’ve always said I wouldn’t continue if there was no longer a path to victory.

Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win -- money we don’t have, and money that is harder to raise because I won’t be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington.

So I’ve chosen to suspend my campaign now, take care of my wonderful staff, and give you time to consider the other strong choices in the field.

I’m proud of the ideas we brought to this Democratic primary and, more importantly, the values we championed throughout -- that the only way we make progress is by bringing people together -- even when we were told that our approach couldn’t win. Because our values must always be our values, even when that’s not convenient.

Over the past eleven months of this campaign, we rallied around bold ideas to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face as a nation. We moved the debate forward on gun violence -- introducing a plan with the most aggressive gun safety measures our country had ever seen. We advocated for progressive, swift change to our criminal justice reform system. We fought to protect and strengthen reproductive rights and access to abortion. Together, we spoke out and stood up for people and communities that have been left out and left behind.

We never backed down from our commitment to being a campaign powered by the people. I’m so grateful to the supporters who invested time, money, and resources into building this organization. I’m forever indebted to you and your activism.

I will be doing everything in my power to elect the eventual Democratic nominee for president, whomever that may be, and to elect great Democrats to the Senate and up and down the ballot. 2020 is the most important election of our lifetimes -- we have to beat Donald Trump... but beating Trump is the floor, not the ceiling.

We must remember that throughout the campaign to come, and as we work to build a more just America in Trump’s wake. It’s activists like you who are going to be so important in this election and I feel so lucky to have you on my team.

We may have not reached our ultimate goal, but over the last year I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible, inspiring, engaged people all over this country, and I am more confident now than ever that together we will rise.

Cory

Amy Klobuchar Receives 52 New Endorsements from Iowa Community Activists and Leaders

Amy Klobuchar Receives 52 New Endorsements from Iowa Community Activists and Leaders

DES MOINES, IA — Ahead of Tuesday’s debate in Des Moines, Amy for America today announced new endorsements from 52 community and party activists in 46 counties across Iowa. Klobuchar, who will be the only candidate on the debate stage to have visited all 99 Iowa counties, has also been endorsed by 11 current Iowa legislators, the most of any candidate in the race.

“Iowans -- and Americans -- are looking for someone who will unify our country. From the beginning, Amy’s candidacy has been about bringing people with us, including Democrats, Independents and moderate Republicans,” said Amy for America Iowa State Director Lauren Dillon. “Our new endorsers come from many different Iowa communities, and their support demonstrates Amy’s broad appeal to caucus goers across the state. We are excited to have them on our team, and look forward to engaging them in our organizing efforts in the final push to caucus day.”

Klobuchar’s newest endorsers include:
• Aaron Kitzman - Keokuk County
• Anne Slattery - Clay County
• Barb Hood - Jefferson County
• Barb Nelson - Montgomery County
• Betsy Pilkington - Iowa County
• Betty Brummett - Taylor County
• Bill Brenny - Sac County City Councilmember
• Bill Morain - Decatur County
• Carol Peterson - Buena Vista County
• Charles Lynn Steckelberg - Bremer County
• Cindy Pittz - Harrison County
• Coleen Meissner - Delaware County
• Daniel Frazier - Wright County
• David Collins - Washington County
• Diane Eiesland - Lyon County
• Diane Marie Pickle - Henry County
• Ed Gorden - Plymouth County
• Greta Grond - Sioux County
• Hannah Davis - Poweshiek County
• James William Shook - Clinton County
• Jana Erickson - Warren County
• Jane Nagy - Hancock County
• Jean Conover - Monona County
• John Amos - Lucas County
• John Schad III & Lori Hebel - Palo Alto County
• Josiah Wearin - Mills County
• Judith Gergen - Mitchell County
• Julie Johnson - Buchanan County
• Keith & Dianne Dwire - Kossuth County
• Keith Jones - Marion County
• Leslie Cameron - Winneshiek County
• Linda Huffman - Union County
• Linda Kuehner - Franklin County
• Marcia Fulton - Former Union County Democratic Party Chair
• Margaret Kester - Wayne County
• Mark & Kay Olson - Humboldt County
• Michelle Meyers - Woodbury County
• Mike and Nancy Roddy - Cerro Gordo County
• Mike Winjum - Madison County
• Paula Saupe - O’Brien County
• Rebecca A. Einck - Grundy County
• Robert Eugene King - Dallas County
• Sarah Madsen - Former North Liberty City Councilor, Johnson County
• Stephanie Zarr - Cherokee County Democratic Party Chair
• Thomas Hustvet - Allamakee County
• Tim Knutson - Worth County
• Todd Eugene Hansen - Audubon County
• Vicky Rossander - Montgomery County

Republican Party of Minnesota Announces Dan Crenshaw as 2020 Lincoln Reagan Keynote Speaker

MNGOP Announces Crenshaw as 2020 Lincoln Reagan Keynote Speaker

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan announces that Congressman Dan Crenshaw will be the Keynote Speaker for the upcoming 2020 Lincoln Reagan Dinner:

"The Republican Party of Minnesota welcomes Congressman Dan Crenshaw to Minnesota as the Keynote Speaker for our annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner on March 27, 2020. Congressman Crenshaw served our country as a Lieutenant Commander (retired) and Navy Seal. Since his election to represent Texas' Second Congressional District, Crenshaw has quickly become an important national figure, standing behind our President and fighting back against his liberal colleagues by serving on the Budget and Homeland Security committees.

"In 2020, Minnesota will field several competitive campaigns, with the future of the American Dream at stake, and our priority is building up our resources to fight back against the socialist extremism being brought forward by the left. We intend to make history in the land of 10,000 lakes on November 3, 2020."

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller Endorses Joe Biden for President

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller Endorses Joe Biden for President
Cites Biden’s experience, ability to beat Trump

Des Moines, Iowa — Today, ten-term Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller – the longest-serving state attorney general in American history – released the following statement endorsing Joe Biden for President of the United States:

“I’m supporting Joe Biden for many reasons – but most importantly, I know to my core that Joe is a man of integrity and character. Through both personal tragedy and a lifetime service to our country, Joe has always been guided by his profound empathy, a basic sense of decency, and the willingness to do the right thing – even if it might not be popular.

“Joe has been on the right side of so many good fights – writing and passing the Violence Against Women Act, banning assault weapons, and increasing funding for cancer research. As Barack Obama’s vice president, Joe was a loyal partner and was integral to passing the Affordable Care Act, saving lives here in Iowa and across the country. Joe has a plan to build on that monumental law with a Medicare-like public option, bringing down costs and making sure everybody has access to quality, affordable health care.

“Joe is the only candidate in this race who has been in the Situation Room and made the tough choices a president must make. Joe helped unite the world around the Paris Climate Agreement, and has always demonstrated respected, dignified leadership on the world stage. President Obama trusted Joe’s judgment – and I do, too.

“But we all know that the most important thing in this election is beating Donald Trump. Joe has demonstrated an ability to build a broad, diverse, and winning coalition. I’ve known Joe for more than 3o years – he has the strength and character to win this race. Beating Donald Trump starts right here in Iowa, and I hope you’ll join me in Joe’s corner on caucus night.”

Miller is serving his tenth term and, last week, became the longest serving state attorney general in American history. A native of Dubuque, Miller was first elected in 1978 and is known for his work to protect consumers and farmers.

Biden for President has announced nearly 200 Iowa endorsements — including Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, former Secretary of Agriculture and Senator Tom Vilsack, and former First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack. Other Iowans recently announcing their support for Vice President Biden include Cedar Rapids State Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt, Rev. Rob Johnson of Corinthian Baptist Church, and Davenport Mayor Mike Matson.