SPECIAL EDITION TODAY summarizing recent statements by all nine Dem wannabes.

See “ Candidate Comments” section below…

GENERAL NEWS:                                                                                                Friday, April 11, 2003

Iraq still unsettled – and some areas even appear uncivilized – but Saddam statues keep coming down and that’s enough progress for a few hours in Baghdad, despite Harkin comments below. 

Iowa political scientists – including some who can’t even figure out the IA caucuses – now hitting state’s newscasts with observations about establishing new government in Iraq…

Overnight: House – at 2:39 EDT this morning – passes $2.27 trillion budget bill, including $550 billion tax cut, on near party line 216-211 vote. IA GOP Congressmen support it, Boswell and Kucinich vote no, and Gephardt gone to campaign in Iowa.

Also overnight, Harkin insults GWB, U. S. military and Iraq war casualties and families by saying Iraq was a “paper tiger.” Headline in today’s Register: “Harkin: Iraq war ousted ‘paper tiger’…The quick fall of Saddam’s regime shows he was never a serious threat, the Iowa senator says.” (For more Harkin craziness – in typical broad-brush fashion spreading rumors U. S. to invade Syria – see below.) …

It’s not unexpected, but Gephardt has picked up the first union endorsement of the 2004 campaign. The 135,000-member International Assn. of Iron Workers endorsed Gephardt with union president Joseph Hunt – a Gephardt buddy since elementary school – saying, “For Dick Gephardt, the fight for working families is in his bones.”…

Question of the morning: How’s it feel to be an anti-war Dem wannabe with Iraq successes and dancing in Baghdad streets? Iowa caucus-watchers will get an indication as Dean returns to IA today for first time since Saddam statues toppled. It should be an interesting weekend with two strong pro-war candidates – Gephardt and Lieberman – along with two most outspoken antiwar critics – Dean and Kucinich – roaming the state. In fact, Gephardt and Lieberman arrived yesterday and already looked like they were standing a couple inches taller. 

Another question: And what will Dean and Kucinich talk about if they can’t criticize war’s failures – and what other issues do they even know? (Iowa Pres Watch Note: This isn’t just about the war, but the real issue here is judgment – as in the poor judgment demonstrated by Dean, Kucinich & Co. for overly enthusiastic and misguided criticism of GWB and the Iraq initiative.)…

War operations going well, but anti-war, anti-GWB Dem aspirants still attract most attention, coverage at Wednesday DC candidates forum. See special section on coverage and comments below…

Despite three Democratic presidential aspirants in IA today, more Iowans are interested in the Events of the Day – the home opener for the Iowa Cubs at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines and on-going VEISHEA activities on ISU campus in Ames.

CANDIDATES & CAUCUSES: 

Gephardt, Lieberman land in Iowa again. Des Moines Register headline today” “Pro-war pair feel they were correct…

Last fall candidates Joe Lieberman and Dick Gephardt were in favor of war with Iraq.” WHO Radio reporting this morning Lieberman says he feels vindicated by war’s successes. 

Quad-City Times and Sioux City Journal report that Gephardt says “helping America’s employers pay for health care for their workers will be the ‘centerpiece of my campaign for president’” during DSM campaign appearance yesterday…

Dean, Gephardt and Lieberman continue with more IA campaign adventures today -- Dean on eastern IA excursion to Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Edgewood and Oelwein. Gephardt rolls on – second day of three-day trip – to Mason City and Charles City. Lieberman, wrapping up two-day swing, visits Fort Dodge, Ames and Des Moines.

Kucinich due in tomorrow and Sunday…

From Ronald Brownstein’s coverage in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times of Dem candidate forum in Washington: “Dean, Kucinich, Sharpton, Braun and Graham said they continued to view the war with Iraq as unnecessary or counterproductive.”…

In the wake of the decision by the Iron Workers to endorse Gephardt, the Washington Post’s Dan Balz reported: “The AFL-CIO will not attempt to endorse a candidate until later this year, but may not be able to muster the necessary two-thirds support among its membership to back anyone.”…

From Donald Lambro report in yesterday’s Washington Times: “Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, who has been on the defensive lately for saying that both Iraq and the United States ‘need a regime change,’ continued to defend his remarks yesterday. But in a sign that Mr. Kerry may have suffered some political damage for his controversial comment, his campaign released a brief statement that said, “American troops have done an extraordinary job in Iraq, and all of America should be proud of their selfless service to the country. ‘Saddam Hussein made a grave error when he chose to make war with the ultimate weapons-inspections enforcement mechanism,” Mr. Kerry said…

Lambro also reported that Dean outlined “a seven-point plan that called for major roles for a NATO coalition and the United Nations to help rebuild Iraq. Among his proposals, he called for a peacekeeping, NATO-led coalition to maintain order in the country. ‘A prolonged U. S. military occupation of Iraq would surely prompt misunderstanding, stir resentment, stimulate opposition and pose grave risks to our troops. We must not be seen as a new colonial power,’ he said.”…

Amber Alert legislation approved yesterday – 400-25 in House and 98-0 in the Senate. In the House, Kucinich – apparently opposed to protecting children – voted against the proposal while Gephardt was in IA and recorded as “not voting.” All IA congressmen voted for the bill. In the Senate, the two missing senators were both presidential wannabes – Kerry and Lieberman, who also were campaigning in Iowa.

CANDIDATE COMMENTS: 

Coverage from two forums -- sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund and AFL-CIO’s Building and Construction trades department -- in Washington on Wednesday, 4/9/2003. Selected headlines, coverage and candidate comments: 

 The Headlines and Coverage: 

Los Angeles Times headline: “For Some Democrats, War Just Taking Shape …Nine seeking the White House appear together before a liberal group. Few take strong stands on Iraq, and they focus criticism on Bush.”...

Excerpt from Ronald Brownstein coverage: “Several promised a harder line on trade, with Kucinich pledging to rescind the North American Free Trade Agreement if elected, Dean insisting that future free-trade agreements include requirements to toughen labor and environmental standards (as unions prefer), and Gephardt receiving loud applause for urging the establishment of an international minimum wage.” 

Washington Times: “Democrats Remain Divided on Iraq War”…Opening sentence of Donald Lambro report: “Democratic presidential candidates hammered President Bush on the economy and mounting job losses yesterday in an attempt to pull the country’s focus back to domestic issues and away from the war in Iraq.”

Chicago Tribune headline: “Democrats take potshots at Bush…9 hopefuls target domestic policies”…Opening sentence of Jeff Zeleny story: “The field of nine Democratic presidential candidates shared the stage for the first time Wednesday night as the party moved to shelve its internal discord on the war in Iraq and began challenging President Bush on his domestic agenda.”…Other excerpts: “Nine months before the first ballots are cast in the 2004 presidential contest, the race to select a Democratic nominee has been largely consumed by the war in Iraq. Even in a debate-style meeting that was to be devoted to children’s issues, the candidates’ divergent positions on the war loomed large…The pointed comments by Dean, who has largely built his candidacy on an anti-war platform, underscored that he and other candidates are unlikely to surrender the war as an issue as they pursue the Democratic nomination and court the party’s liberal activists.”

Washington Post: “Democratic Hopefuls Split on War in Iraq…Presidential Candidates Attack Bush Tax Cuts and Vow Remedies, if Needed, in Mich. Case”…Excerpt from Dan Balz coverage: “The candidates…showed broad agreement over domestic priorities, promising the audience of children’s advocates and a morning meeting of organized labor that they would repeal some or all of Bush’s tax cuts and redirect the money to spend it on education and health care. The Democrats also agreed that, if the Supreme Court rules that affirmative action is unconstitutional, they would seek legislative and judicial remedies to reverse that decision.”

  The Candidates: 

Dean: “Dean, whose candidacy has gained support for his strong opposition to the war, was grudging about the success of U. S. and British forces in Iraq. ‘We’ve gotten rid of him. I suppose that’s a good thing,’ he said, referring to Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. But he said the money spent on reconstruction in Iraq would be better spent at home.” – Washington Post… ”He said the money could be better spent on ‘schools and kids.’” – Associated Press…”Even former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean abandoned his antiwar message and talked instead about building a ‘stable, self-sufficient and free’ Iraq in the postwar period.” – Washington Times…”Dean said he believes the war ‘opens a new, dangerous preemptive doctrine’ in foreign policy.” – Los Angeles Times. 

Edwards: “…Edwards was met with silence when he declared: ‘I want you to know I not only support the troops…I support the cause. I believe that our cause is just in Iraq.’” – Los Angeles Times…”Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina told the labor leaders that ‘this presidency is a failure for the middle class of America.’”—Washington Times…”The four candidates who voted to give Bush the authority to pursue his policy of Iraq applauded the military campaign’s success and said it was time to challenge the president on his domestic agenda, even while the administration focuses on postwar Iraq. ‘It is the responsibility of the president of the United States to be able to do two things at one time,’ said Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.’” – Chicago Tribune.  

Gephardt: “ ‘This president has squandered the budget surplus and lost two million jobs. It’s time to get rid of a leader who is not leading,’ said Rep. Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri.” – Washington Times. “Gephardt said he supported the war to prevent a recurrence of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. ‘We have to do what we have to do to defend the security of our people.” – Washington Post…”Gephardt said the war would create larger deficits, but as president he would roll back almost all of Bush’s tax cuts and fund health care for every American. ‘It’s the moral thing to do; it’s the right thing to do and as president I will get it done,’ he said.” – Associated Press.   

Graham: “Graham was the most emphatic, arguing that the conflict had opened breaches with nations the United States needs to work with against terrorism. ‘I believe the war in Iraq has absolutely reduced our ability to effectively carry out the war against terrorism.” – Los Angeles Times. 

Kerry: “Kerry sided with opponents and supporters, saying, ‘I support the use of force, I support disarming Saddam Hussein, but I’ve been very critical of the way this administration went at it.” – Washington Post…”Kerry, while not expressing an opinion on the postwar Iraqi government, previewed what is likely to be a common Democratic argument in 2004 – insisting that the administration match its commitment to reconstructing Iraq with resources for social needs in America as well. ‘As this administration makes plans to build schools in Iraq, roads…hospitals, we say as correct as it is to finish the job in Iraq, it is time for this administration to begin the job at home,’ he said.” – Los Angeles Times.  

Kucinich: “…with Kucinich saying rather than ‘blowing up bridges’ over the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, the federal government should be building bridges in American cities.” – Washington Post. 

Lieberman: “Lieberman, the party’s vice presidential nominee in 2000, tried to assure the audience that even though Bush is popular, he could be defeated. ‘I want to tell you why I know we can beat George W. Bush,’ he told the audience. ‘Because Al Gore and I did it in 2000.’” – Chicago Tribune. …“The crowd of local and regional union officials sat silently …when Lieberman insisted: ‘We and people throughout the world are going to be safer as a result of the downfall of this evil dictator.’” – Los Angeles Times…”’History teaches us that if you leave a brutal, immoral dictator in place with weapons of mass destruction, eventually he will use them.’ Lieberman said. ‘And all of our liberty…will be compromised.” – Washington Post.  

Moseley Braun: “They did, however, try to distinguish themselves from their fellow opponents. ‘I am the only candidate in this race who has not only borne a child, but has raised one,” Braun, the only female candidate, told an audience made up largely of women. – Chicago Tribune…”’When Democrats get in, they give us peace and prosperity. When Republicans get in, they give us depression and war,’ said former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois.” – Washington Times….”Braun said, ‘If we spend $80 billion to kill Saddam Hussein, that’s $79 billion too much.’” – Washington Post.  

Sharpton: “Asked what, as president, they would do if the Supreme Court rules against the University of Michigan in the pending affirmative action case, the Democrats said they would either seek to pass legislation making affirmative action the law of the land and to take actions through executive orders or other means to force a new court case. ‘If I’m president, the justices can prepare for a rematch,” Sharpton said. – Washington Post…”Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich, former Illinois Sen. Carol Moseley Braun and civil rights activist Al Sharpton of New York also maintained their opposition to the war. ‘We have not seen the nuclear weapons that we were told were there,’ Sharpton said.” – Associated Press.   

IOWA POLITICS: 

Harkin fantasies – This report has to go under the “politics” section because Harkin is spreading unfounded, misguided, ridiculous rumors again – and he’s not even up for re-election for another 67 or so months. He’s now telling Iowans he’s HEARD RUMORS the U. S. will invade Syria next. Radio Iowa reports that Harkin “says he’s heard SOME SPECULATION that the focus would turn to Syria…Harkin says he’s heard RUMORS that run around Washington that ‘they’ want to put action into Syria. But, he’s not sure how serious the rumors are.” (Iowa Pres Watch Note: Ignoring Harkin’s irresponsibility in spreading unfounded, unreliable rumors, Iowa Pres Watch has HEARD RUMORS TOO – that American forces are as likely to attack Harkin’s alleged hometown of Cumming as ‘they’ are Syria.). 

Meanwhile back in the real world, Harkin also told Iowa reporters yesterday that the economy – not the war – will be the central issue for voters in next year’s election. He said a quick end to Iraq situation would mean that voter attention will quickly shift from Iraq to domestic issues …

The Boswell-Cuba Watch continues: Iowa’s only Dem Rep. Boswell is scheduled to leave for Cuba on a trade mission in less than a month – despite continuing complaints about human rights violations under the Castro regime. The latest from BBC News: “The Cuban Government has for the first time confirmed that it has sentenced 75 political dissidents to long prison terms. Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said that Cuba was acting to protect its independence from a US-funded conspiracy to undermine the government of Fidel Castro.” (Iowa Pres Watch Note: Yes, this is the same Leonard Boswell who has voted against trade agreements that farmers in his district support because of his alleged concern about child labor and human rights violations. Welcome to Havana, Leonard.)

MORNING SUMMARY:  

Morning headlines: 

Des Moines Register front page top head: “Allies take more cities”…

Chicago Tribune top online headline: “Saddam’s Hometown is Last Iraqi Holdout”…

QCTimes.com (Quad-City Times) main online headline: “Kirkuk first northern Iraq city to fall”…

Another front page headline from today’s Register: “Backlash scares peace activists across the state” Coverage from Mount Pleasant to DSM to Iowa City about incidents that threaten, harass antiwar activists…A United State flag which was flown over enemy territory in Iraq recently is now encased in a display at Interstate 35 Community Schools in Truro. Rob and Mark Glass – brothers who are both Air Force staff sergeants serving in the war zone – sent the flag to their alma mater. KIOA (Des Moines) Radio’s Polly Carver-Kimm reported that the flag was flown in a jet over southern Iraq. Rob Glass is a munitions specialist on an F-15 fighter jet and brother Mark is a radar specialist on an AWAC jet…

Iowa City antiwar activists say they have no immediate plans to abandon the “peace camp” on the University of Iowa campus – despite the progress on the Iraqi war front. The “camp” is located in the Pentacrest area near downtown Iowa City  – which also was the center of Vietnam antiwar activities and disturbances. The “camp” was organized after the Iraq engagement started three weeks ago and several hundred peaceniks have been staying there, according to several news reports.

WAR & TERRORISM: 

The Linn County (Cedar Rapids) Republican Party is airing a radio commercial – featuring President Bush audio – supporting American troops and the Iraq war effort…

The Polk County (Des Moines) County Board of Supervisors has voted to extend pay for county employees now serving in the military. KCCI-TV (Des Moines) said county workers called to military service normally get a month’s pay – and that military pay is usually “significantly less” than county salaries. On a unanimous vote, the supervisors decided to continue normal pay for about a dozen county employees who have been called up so far…

Pessimistic Iowans continue to express reservations about Iraq situation in online polls. On the latest poll – by KMNS Radio (Sioux City) – the question was, “Is the war over?” The responses: “No, there will be more fighting” – 57.14%, “Not until Hussein is found” – 42.86%, “For all practical purposes, yes” – 0.00%. Meanwhile, a more scientific poll – CNN/USA Today/Gallup – indicated that only 15% of those surveyed believe the war is over.

FEDERAL ISSUES: 

Political battle between Hillary and pro-ethanol advocates flared again yesterday after she sought amendments in Senate committee to dilute ethanol provisions in energy bill. WHO Radio (Des Moines) carries audio comments of National Corn-growers leaders expressing concern about Clinton opposition. WHO farm broadcaster Gary Wergin describes Hillary as “the Democratic version of Senator McCain,” referring to AZ GOP Sen. McCain’s anti-ethanol stand during the 2000 GOP caucuses. Wergin asks, “What’s gotten into Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton?” while broadcast partner Mark Pearson said he’s baffled by her opposition because husband Bill was “a huge supporter of ethanol.” Wergin recalls in another update this morning that President Clinton said in Indianola he would be the “best friend ethanol ever had.” (Iowa Press Watch Note: The difference is that Bill Clinton was running for president when he visited IA and Hillary hasn’t yet considered the impact of ethanol politics on her presidential aspirations – or she hopes Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses are history before 2008.)

IOWA ISSUES: 

Radio Iowa reports Iowa Senate Democratic (Minority) Leader Mike Gronstal says an economic initiative outlined by a dozen Republicans yesterday is “too timid.” The Council Bluffs Dem said the $160 million proposal is “half-hearted” and fails to match the vision of those – including Vilsack – who have advocated creating a billion-dollar development fund. Gronstal accused the GOPs who offered the $160 million plan of squandering “an opportunity for the next generation of Iowans.”

OPINIONS:  

Des Moines Register editorial: “State spending: Big cuts, little thought” …

Register columnist Rekha Basu, headline: “Visiting authors stir hopes, soothe souls” Writes about weeklong AVID – Authors Visiting In Des Moines – project.

IOWA SPORTS: 

Register reports Drake basketball coach Kurt Kanaskie – after going 10-20 last season – will resign today…

The Iowa Cubs open home season at 7 p.m. tonight vs. Nashville at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines. Cubs are 1-6 on year so far…

Stock car racing season starts tonight – with 6 p.m. hot laps – at State Fairgrounds track in DSM…

Cornell College (Cedar Rapids) catcher Ian Harden has been named the national Division III baseball player of the week. In six games last week, he was 15 for 28 at the plate, including two homers, five doubles and 13 RBIs.

IOWA WEATHER: 

DSM 5 a.m. 43, fair, wind chill 40. Morning temp ranges – 31 in Iowa City and Quad Cities to 46 in Chariton …

High today 72, sunny. Low tonight 42, mostly clear. High Saturday 68, partly sunny. WHO-TV’s Ed Wilson reports, “There will be a bit of a cool-down on Saturday and then much warmer for Sunday and the rest of next week. The best chance for showers and thunderstorms moves in Tuesday night and Wednesday.”

IOWAISMS: 

The Vision Iowa board has approved $740,000 in project grants to three communities -- $400,000 to Monticello to build a library, community media center and veteran’s memorial hall, $300,000 to Oskaloosa for five miles of recreational trails, and $40,000 to Sumner to remodel the Sunset Theater, which will show movies and plays… 

WHO Radio reports on efforts to expand dairy production in southern Iowa, citing low land prices and special programs that could put start-up costs in high five figures.

                                                                                                              click here  to read past Iowa Morning Reports