DemNotesBlog for Colorado Democrats by State Party First Vice Chair Dan Slater

This morning was the second day of our “cattle-call” of Democratic Presidential hopefuls. Today, we heard from four more who would be President, and all had important messages for our Party.

At the outset, let me clarify something. I’ve already gotten at least one e-mail from somebody who saw the speeches yesterday on C-SPAN and argued that I didn’t give this candidate or that candidate a good enough write-up in DemNotes. These are just my impressions of the speeches — I’m not endorsing any candidates at this time (indeed, my field of favorite candidates has grown this weekend, not shrunk). Two people can hear speeches and have two very different impressions. I was having a discussion with several Western state party executive directors who all had negative impressions of one of the speeches yesterday, even though I had found the speech moving and powerful. So we’ll disagree from time to time.

Our first speaker of the morning was Senator Joe Biden of Delaware. He’s been in the “hot seat” this week for some off-the-cuff remarks about Senator Obama. So it was fitting that he began his speech with this question: “So… how was your week?” Actually, I thought his choice of music to enter the hall was nice — a song I hadn’t heard, but seemed appropriate for a campaign: “Put Me In, Coach — I’m Ready to Play”. I’m going to have to find that for our State Convention and Assembly next year.

Like most of the candidates, Senator Biden spent a fair amount of his speech focusing on Iraq. “The price of the failure in Iraq can be measured in the blood that has been shed and the treasure that has been lost. … Folks, we MUST stop this war!” He continued, “The President’s surge [in tr00ps] is not a solution — it is a tragic mistake — and I will do everything in my power to stop it!”

He then continued by taking on the Bush Administration directly: “Mr. President, the men and women who question the intelligence of continuing in Iraq are not emboldening the enemy. But that’s one mission YOU HAVE accomplished!”

As one Western Executive Director shared with me, Senator Biden definitely had a Presidential air about him. Plus, he’s the only candidate on either day who roughly stayed within the seven-minute time limit set by the DNC (more on that later). When I met Senator Biden afterward in his suite, one thing I noticed was a great aura of energy around him — he is very engaging to be around.

Our next speaker was the only person from the interior West to be a candidate this year. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson seems to have a lot of Colorado support, and he was probably the surprise of the day in terms of his speech. Governor Richardson gave an energetic and exciting speech about what he’s been able to accomplish next door in New Mexico, and what he wants to do nationwide. He joked about how the DNC gave everybody seven minutes to describe how they’d solve issues like the War in Iraq, education, the environment, health care, foreign relations, and so many other issues. He then said the answer could be boiled down to four words: “Elect A Democratic President!”

He got a huge ovation when he said “We’d be better off with any of these people [Democratic presidential candidates] in the White House…” After the ovation, he concluded the sentence: “… as my Vice President!” Then, he made a challenge that seemed to resonate throughout the hall full of DNC Members: “I call on all candidates to pledge to run only positive campaigns!” He said that we don’t need to have folks tearing each other down to win the nomination.

He spent a considerable time talking about how New Mexico has been transformed under his leadership as Governor. He concluded by saying, “Some call New Mexico a ‘Land of Enchantment,’ but I like to think we live now in a ‘State of Enlightenment!’”

Governor Richardson (who is also a former Ambassador to the United Nations) concluded by talking about Iraq. “The War in Iraq is not a disease. Iraq is a symptom. The disease is arrogance.” He talked about the power that Congress has. “Congress passed a resolution giving this President the authority to go to war in Iraq. Congress needs to pass a resolution now overturning the previous one, and bring our troops home by the end of the year!”

I think the best example of the power of Richardson’s speech can best be seen by what we saw in the “meet and greet” rooms after the session this morning. Each candidate has a small conference room where DNC Members can come and meet the candidate personally and ask questions. Governor Richardson was the only candidate besides Hillary Clinton to need an “overflow room” for DNC Members to wait because of the crowd in the main conference room assigned to him. (In fairness, Senator Obama was unable to attend his “meet and greet,” instead holding an event the night before that was heavily attended, and Senator Edwards was not in his room for his meet and greet, sending Elizabeth Edwards instead.)

Following Governor Richardson was former U.S. Senator Mike Gravel from Alaska. Senator Gravel was a U.S. Senator in the Vietnam era, and most folks here (at least those around my age) really didn’t know much about him. Senator Gravel introduced “Granny D,” the tireless champion for campaign finance reform, as one of his supporters in the audience. He then discussed his concerns with some of the other candidates’ positions:

Anyone owho voted for the war on October 11, based on what President Bush told to them, is not qualified to be President! Politics as usual is not acceptable for the Presidency!

…

We made a grave mistake [by going to Iraq]. We must have the courage to admit it! We must bring our troops home now. Not in a year, not in six months, not next week, but NOW!

…

We have become a nation ruled by fear.

…

[Discussing funding cuts for veterans programs.] Shame on you, George Bush, for letting the profit motives of arms contractors trump the needs of our veterans!

The problem, though, for Sen. Gravel was that after these statements, he just went on and on and on. While most candidates have given speeches in the 10-20 minute range, Sen. Gravel spoke for easily 40 minutes, and I think he lost most of the DNC members by going so long.

The last candidate to speak was former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. He began by talking of the need for change. “Our country now more than ever needs the courage to create change. I am tired of a government that only thinks of preventing evil, and never of providing goodness! The American dream cannot be revived by fear!”

He talked about a couple of specific issues: First, he spoke of the “birth tax.” “The deficit is a tax on our children, and we need to eliminate THAT tax!” I think that’s a message that we all can take to the voters in Colorado.

Second, he spoke of the War in Iraq. “The war must end, and we must bring our troops home NOW!”

When I met Gov. Vilsack afterwards, I was struck by how genuine he is. He took the time to seriously answer every question somebody asked, no matter how long it took to answer. He really seemed to enjoy engaging with folks. What also was interesting was that while I was waiting in line, the Vilsack campaign had former Mississippi Governor Roy Mabus there to chat with people in line. It was a nice touch.

We really do have an embarrassment of riches in our candidate field. It will be tough to make a decision when we hold our caucuses on (hopefully) February 5, 2008. But at least we’ll have a choice on that date!

I should have photos up online in the next few minutes. See them at:
http://www.demnotes.com/photos

I’m heading this afternoon to the meeting of the Association of State Democratic Chairs. We’re going to focus on the development of the state delegate selection plans for 2008. I’ll write more later!

UPDATE: I’ve gotten several e-mails about the Biden song. Apparently, it was “Centerfield” by John Fogarty. Thanks to all for filling in the blanks in my cultural ineptitude…