Why Vilsack Endorses Hillary

Today, Tom Vilsack endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. From a campaign e-mail:

I'm not someone to play coy about my intentions. When I make a decision, I go all in and follow through. Hillary Clinton has the same determination, and it is something I have always admired.

When I first ran for governor of Iowa in 1998, many people didn't give me much of a chance. But not Hillary. She told me she'd do everything she could do to help, and she followed through. She stood by my side, and Iowa is better for it. She helped ignite the spark that changed Iowa from a red state to a blue state.

By standing with Hillary now we'll help show that we are strong enough to win back the White House -- and America will be stronger and better for it.

...

Christie and I plan on spending the next 10 months helping Hillary win the Iowa caucuses and the other states necessary to win the Democratic nomination -- and after that, the White House in 2008.

I am proud to do it because of all the candidates running, she has the best ideas, the most energy, and the values and vision to lead our country in the right direction after eight long years of George W. Bush.

She's going to put an end to the war in Iraq. She's going to make sure every American has access to affordable health care. She's going to make us energy secure. And I know she'll put children and families first -- she has fought for them for decades.

Overall this email seems almost more like a pure fundraising letter than an endorsement. I figured there was no need to quote all the money request lines. Nevertheless, if you want to contribute to Hillary or any other campaign, you can do so via the Nevada Caucus 2008 ActBlue page.

Vilsack to Endorse Hillary

No big surprise here:

Democratic front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton, in a major political coup, captured the endorsement of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, who recently abandoned his own presidential bid, officials told The Associated Press on Friday.

Vilsack and his wife, Christie, planned to make the endorsement on Monday when the New York senator will be in the state, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the planned formal statement next week.

Clinton spokesman Mark Daley would not confirm Vilsack's endorsement, but did say the campaign had a major announcement planned for Monday in Des Moines.

And, no, this is not "a major political coup." It would have been one if he had chosen to endorse anyone but Hillary. When he decided to end his campaign, pretty much everyone expected him to endorse Hillary. They are both DLC'ers and he went with the safe establishment candidate (John Kerry) last time around. Remembering the poll numbers Vilsack had in his own state (somewhere in the teens) I don't think he wields enough influence to decide the winner. This race is far from over, in Iowa or anywhere else, as we were all reminded just yesterday: anything can happen.

Most Dem. Candidates to Attend Health Care Forum in Vegas 3/24

The Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAPAF) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) give Nevada its second presidential forum. And it's only March.

"New Leadership on Health Care: A Presidential Forum" will take place on Saturday, March 24th in Las Vegas. Since it will solely focus on one issue it will be more difficult for candidates to be vague on what they plan to achieve. Well, that's at least what one can hope.

Even though this forum is open to Democratic and Republican candidates, thus far only Democrats have confirmed:

• Senator Hillary Clinton (NY)
• Senator John Edwards (NC)
• Senator Mike Gravel (AK)
• Representative Dennis Kucinich (OH)
• Senator Barack Obama (IL)
• Governor Bill Richardson (NM)

Gov. Vilsack had also confirmed - before he dropped out of the race. The only declared Democratic candidates missing are Joe Biden and Chris Dodd. But with everyone else planning to attend I'd be surprised should they choose to skip this forum. After Obama didn't attend the AFSCME Forum in Carson City last month it will be interesting to see how the crowd at this forum will react to him vs. Hillary and Edwards.

The details:

New Leadership on Health Care: A Presidential Forum

March 24, 2007
From: 09:30 AM until 01:00 PM

Address:

UNLV's Cox Pavilion
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
(Cox Pavilion is located at Swenson and Tropicana)

UPDATE: Dodd will also attend, according to a SEIU press release. That only leaves Biden unconfirmed.

Vilsack Drops Out

I was gonna post on the redesign of Tom Vilsack's campaign website. But he beat me to it:

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said Friday he is dropping out of the 2008 Democratic race for president.

Vilsack's campaign lasted 15 weeks.

"The reality is that this process has become ... about money, a lot of money," the former two-term governor told reporters.

Now, everyone is talking about who will gain from Vilsack's decision. In my opinion Bill Richardson will be the big winner of this decision as he is now the only Governor in the race and the only one with real executive experience combined with foreign affairs experience.

BTW: His last big public appearance was the forum in Carson City. So, Nevada has already made a little presidential campaign history.

AFSCME Forum - Roundup

I had some problems with the livestream at C-Span from time to time but other than that I must say that I was positively surprised by today's forum.

First of all, I really liked the format. I've seen my share of debates and most of them sucked. Even though there were 600 people in the audience the setting came across as quite intimate. 10-15 minutes for each candidate by himself was quite a good idea to get acquainted with all the candidates.

Generally, I was surprised by the quality of the field. We have a wide variety of qualified candidates. And even the ones that are not taken seriously are still interesting and have something to say. Two of the frontrunners, Edwards and Hillary, pretty much performed as expected though Edwards was better than Hillary.

Because of livestream problems at the beginning I didn't catch too much of Dodd but it seemed like he did really well and got a great response from the audience. Other than that I was quite impressed by Bill Richardson and also Joe Biden who came across as the most qualified candidates. Finally Kucinich and Gravel rounded things up and didn't disappoint. I don't know if either should be president but I'd definitely like to see more of them in politics.

All in all, it's gonna be a fun year - and a much better and more interesting primary campaign than 2004.

PS: Oh, yeah, Obama wasn't there. He chose to spend the day in Iowa. After watching the forum I must say that that was probably not the smartest move. Though he did get the endorsement of former Senate leader Tom Daschle today.

The Little Fellow

Vilsack starts off with a "I'm not going to talk about" and then goes straight ahead mentioning everyone anyhow. But he wants to talk about "a little fellow" he met, a five year old who asked him about Iraq and if more troops would help. The boy told him he was scared. Vilsack thinks children in America shouldn't be scared.

Therefore, troops should be withdrawn. He wants Congress to act, stop funding the war in Iraq. He wants the money going to Iraq being invested in America instead.

"You know folks, this is America!" Vilsack is now talking about health care. "Make health care a priority, not Iraq!"

After the questions he got a rather long, respectful applause.

Another child story. He clearly loves this one. And he sure doesn't forget to mention his orphanage background.

He's clearly taking the populist route. Wonder how über populist Edwards is gonna beat that.

Yucca Mountain and the Nevada Caucus

Apparently, it is possible to write a story about Nevada for a national audience which actually involves an important issue and totally ignores the usual stereotypes. Of course, that is not the story Kathleen Hennessey wrote yesterday.

Fortunately, there are reporters like Jean Chemnick of The Politico. In a story headlined "Nevada's New Political Wattage Alters Balance in Yucca Nuclear Fight" she actually manages to take an in depth look at an issue of importance to voters in Nevada and makes the connection as to how the Nevada Caucus will have an impact on this issue.

An excerpt:

Changes in Nevada's political clout and its congressional delegation's commitment to the issue have helped block Yucca over the years, Bryan said. In 1987, when Yucca was singled out as the sole site to be studied for a high-level nuclear repository, the state had a congressional delegation of four. In contrast, Washington and Texas, which also had sites on the final list, had big delegations and even bigger players: Tom Foley, D-Wash., the House majority leader at the time, and Jim Wright, D-Texas, the House speaker.

Times have changed. Nevada has three House members and stands to gain one other seat after 2010. More important, it has Harry Reid, the new Senate majority leader. He has said he will block any pro-Yucca legislation.

The state's new early Democratic presidential caucus also doesn't hurt its cause. Candidates -- especially Democrats -- who have campaigned in Nevada have always had to pass the Yucca test. Now with the state's new role in choosing the Democratic nominee, no Democrat can afford to be pro-Yucca. Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack have stated their total or conditional opposition to the project. Their Democratic rivals, all of whom are slated to visit Carson City this month, for Wednesday's Democratic candidate forum or individually, will find it difficult to do well in the state without taking a similar position.

I recommend you read the whole story here.

My Question for Chris Dodd

Chris Dodd blogging today

Today, Sen. Chris Dodd posted his first diary at the Booman Tribune to talk to bloggers. I found this to be pretty interesting since so far everyone has pretty much stuck to Daily Kos.

As was the case with Gov. Vilsack's diary at Daily Kos last week, I managed to get a question in early and was lucky enough to get an answer, too. While this one does not deal directly with Nevada, I thought it was significant enough to ask, especially on a personal basis for me:

Restoring International Relations (4.00 / 9)

Senator,

ten years ago I lived in the United States as a high school exchange student from Germany at Lake Tahoe, NV. It's become a second home.

The last couple of years were really hard as sentiment not only towards the Bush administration but to the US as a whole started to sour after the start of the Iraq war. This sentiment seemed to turn from an anti Bush sentiment into an anti American sentiment after Bush was reelected by the American people.

As the actions of the Bush administration have alienated many nations around the world, I wonder what you would do in order to restore America's international relations.

Thanks for being here!

Nevada Caucus 2008

by jedinecny on Wed Feb 14th, 2007 at 03:48:09 PM EST

Re: Restoring International Relations (3.90 / 10) Thank you for honesty of the question. I am very concerned about this and I hear about it every single day from people who travel outside the US. I don't think the situation is irreversible, clearly there is a lot of disappointment and anger over present policies in international relations. But I believe a majority of people around the world would like to see the US doing the things we are best known for during a good part of the 20th century. Standing up for people, helping people get on their feet, willing to place their lives on the line so other people can be free from one form of dictatorship or another. I was a peace corps volunteer in Latin America in the 60s. I still hold a very close relationship with the people in the neighborhood where I worked. I usually meet with peace corps volunteers in countries where I am traveling. I find they give me a very unique and honest appraisal of how Americans are perceived and received. At a recent meeting with 20 retiring peace corps volunteers in Jordan (regrettably, one of only 2 Arab countries where we have a Peace Corps program), I was told by these fluent Arab speakers, many of whom were going on to graduate school in Arabic Studies, that while there were serious points of disagreement with US policies in the region, it had been their experience that the people in the villages and neighborhoods where they had worked for the previous 2 years, still wanted to see the US be a good leader in the world. And to identify with the hopes and aspirations with millions around the globe. I'm old enough to remember a scene in 1959 when Richard Nixon's car was being stoned in Caracas, Venezuela because of anti-American feelings. Roughly 24 months later a new American president was elected who took us in a different direction, more than 45 years later this President's picture can still be found in huts and houses in Venezuela. I know these times are different. I know the challenges are different. But as your question to me indicates, there are many around the world who would still like to see the US back on its feet doing the right thing for itself and for others around the globe. I'm optimistic that leadership will emerge in the elections of 2008. by Senator Chris Dodd on Wed Feb 14th, 2007 at 04:06:58 PM EST

"Dina-Might"

Wow! I must say, I'm really baffled that neither friend nor foe of last year's Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dina Titus came up with this one. Thanks for the folks at the Politico!

As most Democratic officials in Nevada have declared not to endorse anyone for the Nevada Caucus for the greater good of Nevada (?), the Politico's Michael Squires thinks Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus's endorsement will be one of the big prizes in Nevada:

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is Nevada's highest-ranking politician -- ever. But the veteran Democratic politician has vowed to remain neutral.

That has some believing the big endorsement "get" will be state Sen. Dina Titus, who narrowly lost a bid for governor last year. But her Team Titus grass-roots operation was impressive and continues to demonstrate its ability to put butts in the seats.

A recent appearance by former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack in southern Nevada drew 100 people, about half of whom were furnished by Titus operatives, the types of Democratic activists expected to turn out in droves and decide the outcome of the caucuses.

I wonder who's gonna get her endorsement. Is it gonna go to Vilsack or one of the other candidates who helped in her gubernatorial campaign. Two people who did not show up for Dina were Hillary Clinton (she had to cancel her rally due to some emergency business in New York) and Barack Obama who hasn't been to Nevada at all in the last election cycle. So, maybe Richardson and Edwards have a shot at getting it as well.

For more thoughts on the Nevada Caucus read Michael Squires's article.

Endorsements

So far, I haven't heard of any Nevada officials endorsing anyone. Most are in that weird Nevada Caucus push group started by Sen. Reid and have vowed not to endorse anyone.

Anyhow, that doesn't seem to be the case in Iowa as Barack Obama has received early endorsements by Attorney General Tom Miller and State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald.

As for congressional endorsements, Hotline has put together a great overview which they promise to keep updated. Leading among Democrats is Hillary Clinton with 13, Obama with 8, and Dodd with 6. Edwards (2), Richardson (2), Biden (1) and Vilsack (1) are trailing behind. The complete list (pdf!).

As of right now, it seems Obama's Iowa endorsements are worth more than Hillary's congressional endorsements, especially since most of them are from New York. The endorsements for Obama seem even more important since former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is also in the running.

... and they're coming to Nevada

The last post pointed out that the candidates better come to Nevada and they seem to be listening to the new Majority Leader. Anjeanette Damon reports via the Hotline blog that the current frontrunner, Senator Hillary Clinton, has announced her intention to take part in the first Nevada debate (the first nationwide?) on February 21 in Carson City.

Also taking part are Bill Richardson, Wes Clark, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Tom Vilsack and Mike Gravel. Still to announce their intentions are Barack Obama and John Edwards. Dennis Kucinich was ignored (forgotten?) by both.

Vilsack on Nevada

Gov. Tom Vilsack came over to Daily Kos this morning to write about his stance on the Iraq war and answer a few questions.

I had the chance to get my question in early and the governor actually answered it:

• Nevada (3+ / 0-)

  Governor,

  thank you for being here. I write a blog called Nevada Caucus 2008 and was wondering what your thoughts on Nevada are and what you believe are the most important issues to voters in Nevada and how you would tackle them.

  Thank you.

  Turn Tahoe Blue | Nevada Caucus 2008

  by jedinecny on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 02:35:42 PM MET

  Nevada by jedinecny, Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 02:35:42 PM MET (3+ / 0-)

  • * [new] RE: Nevada (3+ / 0-)

    Recommended by:
    
    
    
    
    

    pb, kraant, jedinecny
    
    
    
    
    

    The first 4 states: Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina are extremely important in light of the condensed calendar with large states moving their primaries even earlier. It will enhance the importance of doing well in the first four states.

    The issues I believe Nevadans care about are the same as most Americans: the Iraq War, our continued dependence on foreign oil, a health care system that fails to provide affordable and accessible coverage for all of our country, and an education system that is not doing enough to prepare our young people for the extraordinary challenges they will face in the competitive global economy.

    But specific to Nevada -- Yucca Mountain, real immigration reform, and sustainable growth are other issues that we need to talk about.

    But, I want to hear from you as a Nevadan. What do you think the issues are?

    by Tom Vilsack on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 03:01:54 PM MET

    • * [new] Thanks for your answer (1+ / 0-)

      Recommended by:
      
      
      
      
      
      

      kraant
      
      
      
      
      
      

      While I am not living in Nevada (I write my blog from Germany), I have just been to Nevada in January and it seems to me that two of the most pressing issue are universal health care (400,000 Nevadans are uninsured - one of the highest rates in the US) and, as you mentioned, sustainable growth. In this respect the water problem is especially critical.

      Again, thank you for your answer.

      Turn Tahoe Blue | Nevada Caucus 2008

      by jedinecny on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 03:06:35 PM MET

There was also a more specific question to Yucca Mountain by another commenter. Here's that exchange:

My Question (4+ / 0-)

is what do you think we should do with nuclear waste? what about Yucca mountain? where should it be housed Do you think more nuclear or more coal is better (if you can't choose alternatives...)

by inevitibility on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 02:36:55 PM MET

* [new] RE: My Question (8+ / 0-)

The science on Yucca Mountain is not sound and we should not move forward with any plans for the nuclear waste dump.

As President I will work with Senator Reid to make sure we have a safe, long term, and scientifically proven solution to deal with the nuclear waste in this country.

by Tom Vilsack on Tue Feb 06, 2007 at 03:05:31 PM MET

Welcome to Nevada Caucus 2008

The midterm elections seem to become a distant memory as one potential candidate after another declares his intentions on whether or not he/she will run for President of the United States in 2008.

This blog (which is NOT affiliated with the Democratic Party or any candidate) will focus on news surrounding the Nevada Caucus of the Democratic Party which will be of importance for the first time since it has been moved up in the calendar and will now take place on January 19, 2008 - five days after the Iowa Caucus and three days before the New Hampshire Primary.

Up until now two potential candidates have declared that they will not run for President. Former Governor Mark Warner of Virginia did so before the midterms, Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin announced today that he will concentrate on his work in the Senate, now that the Democratic Party is in the majority, and will not run for President in 2008.

In the summer former Senator Mike Gravel of Alaska announced his intention to run for President and has filed papers with the Federal Election Commission. On Thursday, Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowa has announced that he will form an exploratory committee and file papers with the FEC.

There are of course many more potential candidates out there. Up until they will announce either way they will be listed as potential candidates on the sidebar. Only those who have filed papers with the FEC will be listed as Democratic Candidates running for President.

As for the links:

All potential candidates are linked to their respective Political Action Committees (PAC). Should they not have a PAC or a PAC website, I have linked to their official office sites. In the case of Al Gore I have linked to the "Inconvenient Truth" website.

I have also linked to the most important liberal/progressive and independt blogs in Nevada and the main Nevada newspapers.

This blog is a spin-off of my local blog Turn Tahoe Blue. There you can find more on Nevada and California politics as it relates to the region surrounding Lake Tahoe.

I hope you'll enjoy Nevada Caucus 2008!