by John McCormick, updated
URBANDALE, Iowa – Despite the cold and snow, Sen. Barack Obama drew what organizers here described as a crowd of about 600, including some sitting in an overflow area outside a hotel ballroom.
Earlier this evening, he attracted about 200 to Waukee, Iowa, despite a near blizzard outside.
Road conditions in the Des Moines area are not nearly as bad as those outside the metro area, where Obama was earlier today. There, conditions are dangerous, at best.
The Illinois Democrat arrived about 90 minutes behind schedule in Waukee, after his caravan crawled along snow-packed and slippery roads from an earlier stop about 30 miles away.
"Thanks so much for braving this weather," he told the crowd of about 200 at a school there. "You must all work at the post office."
Even Obama acknowledged that the roads were "pretty tough."
As he asked for those in the audience to sign supporter cards, he commented again on the heartiness of the crowd. "If you are here tonight, you're pretty committed," he said.
Veterans of the Iowa caucus process frequently comment on the need to turn voters out on a night when it is almost always cold and often snowy. It is hard to imagine a winter evening with worse conditions than tonight.
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Comments
I guess this answers the question about weather during the caucus on Jan. 3rd. Those that live in the midwest are tough and will get out and participate even if the weather is bad. Go Obama!!
Posted by: Carolyn Grace | December 22, 2007 9:09 PM
Neither snow nor rain, nor heat nor gloom of night stays this NEW LEADER OF AMERICA from the swift completion of his appointed rounds. OBAMA '08! The New Tough Leader we need!
Posted by: dr Bob 1001 | December 22, 2007 10:48 PM
'Obama presses on'
I give him credit for that, most Muslims don't like cold weather.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | December 22, 2007 11:14 PM
Paulo - Why would you persist with that pap? You know there is no basis in fact, or even fantasy, for that allegation. Cease and desist!
Yes, tonight was a great night in Urbandale. Before I went, I plowed the drive of 4-5 inches of snow. I thought, "certainly, we would have a less than stellar turn out -- maybe I'll be able to ask a question tonight! That would be cool!"
No way! SRO and flowing out the door to chairs where people could just hear sound, not actually seeing him. The organizers had to be surprised.
And Barack seemed to still have pep even though he'd been on the road for four other venues prior. It's hard for me to imagine that there are still undecided voters at this late date, but that is the case. He is SO good with the basics -- asking people to sign supporter cards AND to caucus for him. Smart guy, this Obama. He knows that for places like Iowa, the race is won one voter at a time. It's looking good going into the homeward caucus stretch but we can't let up just yet!
Posted by: Obiwan1250 | December 23, 2007 12:15 AM
Paulo,
I give you credit for your posting. Most illiterates can't type.
Posted by: brad | December 23, 2007 12:21 AM
3 days before Christmas, cold, snow, hazardous driving conditions and a presidential candidate drawing audiences in the hundreds.
!GOBAMA!
Posted by: Doug Zook | December 23, 2007 12:23 AM
Hi five to Obama and the Iowans.
Do you think its necessary of Obama to hold a press conference to let everyone know he is a Christina not a Muslim.
Posted by: Mr. Unite Us | December 23, 2007 12:28 AM
'Obama presses on'
I give him credit for that, most Muslims don't like cold weather.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | December 22, 2007 11:14 PM
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DEAR SWAMP EDITORS!!!
Why are you printing this idiots (Paulo) racist, bigoted posts?
I'm asking you to please remove the above post from Paulo, THANKYOU!!!!
Posted by: A Republican who doesn't agree with Paulo | December 23, 2007 1:45 AM
1) Obama isn't Muslim.
2) Even if he is.... so what?
3) Muslims have nothing against the cold :)
Posted by: Mahmoud Al-Qudsi | December 23, 2007 1:56 PM
That Paulo should change his name to Poorer,cos he is blind mentally and an idiot to the core. Refusing to believe what is factual makes him worse than a sick dog
Posted by: SIAM ERZUAH | December 23, 2007 3:29 PM
8% of Americans polled indicate that Obama is a muslim. There are some that insist that he still is a drug addict but few of these folks will ever become among his supporters. I hope more of the remaining 92% think of caucusing for Barack Obama, the next presisdent.
Posted by: Glen Parker | December 23, 2007 6:33 PM
I am a Clinton supporter and this is our new low
Posted by: Paulo | December 24, 2007 7:17 AM
I am a Clinton supporter and this is our new low
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | December 24, 2007 7:19 AM
Paulo is an attention-starved troll. Ignore him, he may go away. If not, he still provides free amusement for Swamp rats.
Posted by: dt | December 24, 2007 6:53 PM