The Signs...

We've seen so many signs in our brief trip. But perhaps most striking has been the relationship between the signs and their locations-- sitting next to churches, decorating lawns, held in hands. The unexpected intersection of a particular face with a particular ideal. We all felt, at different times, humbled and excited by those discoveries. But of course there was also the giant black & white billboard we just passed on the way back to Des Moines:

FETUS
FROM THE LATIN "YOUNG ONE"

A sign that, while surprising after the optimistic day we had, was utterly and completely par for the course.

Bill Richardson at the Summerset Winery in Indianola

Final stop on the New Year's Eve day tour was at the Summerset Winery. Very special guest star Tim Russert of Meet the Press was there. His presence only affirmed the following belief: No matter who you are, don't wear your gadgetry (cell phone, Blackberry, pager) on your belt. Photos and commentary to come. Brekke bought a bottle of wine called plainly, "Summerset Red," and drank it as Bill spoke.

Biden in the Ames Public Library

Biden arrives and shakes Ali's expectant hand. If only we could have caught the Barack handshakes!







Biden introduces his 91-year-old mother, and subsequently, his wife, daughter and granddaughter. He proclaims his love and adoration for "four generation of Biden women." His affirmation of womankind is overwhelming. We all tear up a bit.

Barack in Perry, IA

In Perry, IA, we listened to Barack intently, seated behind the senator's podium in the bleachers. We are observed on a live television feed. Woo hoo. Barack was inspirational, mentioning that it was hope that made people drive down to Alabama to fight for civil rights. We teared up. Afterwards, Barack shook all of our hands. He said he remembered Claudia. But, he really meant that he remembered meeting Brekke. We're very confusing.

INSIDE THE OBAMA EVENT...

It's really him! Blurry, but Obama...

after the speech, in the twilight...

OUTSIDE THE OBAMA EVENT...

DAY ONE: OBAMA...AND IT'S SORTA COLD

We arrived this arrived this afternoon. Everything is white white white with snow, but the roads are clear. Des Moines is hopping-- all the hotels are packed and the restaurants are full till late hours. We went to our first event, an Obama stump speech in Indianola, IA-- about 20 minutes from Des Moines.

The United Methodist Church was the venue, and it was packed with people. Stay tuned for pictures....

Huckabee doesn't need to know anything

Why, in a time of war, poverty, fear, and infinitely complex domestic and international issues, is someone's "heart" enough to make him worthy of the office of the president? Shouldn't we aim a little higher?

updated weather forecast....

here goes...looks okay until the 1st when 'cold' does not begin to describe it....

More on Romney

For pretty ballsy perspective on Romney, take a look at this. Perhaps the most direct public assault by a newspaper that I've seen on him...

From Team Obama

From a fellow Northwestern alum who's on the Obama campaign, after hearing of our plan to go to Des Moines from New Year's pre-Caucus nuttiness:

John Del Cecato

Today at 5:30pm

Wow -- impressive. Are you writing about it? Any way I can convince you to help with Team Obama?? We've got the O-Momentum!

Weather anxiety escalates

I'm just hoping that I have better luck than Barack when it comes to making it to Iowa. Check this out out from the Times blog.

How does this make you feel?

From the latest edition of everyone's favorite bi-weekly, National Review.

The Goal

Seeing Democracy in action.
Meeeting and shaking hands with as many of the candidates as possible.
Eating a variety of fried things.
And...
Rousing some rabble, perchance.

Whatever this political adventure may bring, I know one thing: It's going to be seriously chilly. I suggest long underwear.

The Trip

On December 30, 2007, three New York City women will descend on Des Moines, Iowa for 48 hours of Democratic and Republican townhalls, speeches, and parties. The Goal: an upclose and personal look at the political process days before the caucus. And, of course, a perfect excuse to miss that inevitable New Year's Eve party in the East Village.