More than any other group of people across the United States, Iowans know how long the 2008 presidential contests actually took. Long before official announcements were made, we were shaking hands in 2006 with individuals considering a possible presidential run. Some like Vice President-elect Joe Biden came and stayed. Others like Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Evan Bayh and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner tested the water only to find it not to their liking.
As Iowans look back today, they can do so with pride. We fulfilled our duty. We, once again, did our job for the nation. We took the field of candidates and tested them. We asked the tough questions. We forced the “rock stars” to meet with us one-on-one, leading to their understanding that popularity alone isn’t enough for those who wish to head this great nation. Most importantly, we gave each candidate an opportunity to make his or her case — and we weighed the options not only against our own interests, but against the overall interests of the nation.
As the nation celebrates the peaceful transition of our Office of President, we take a moment to look back at the man who is making history in the place where this unprecedented run began: Iowa. (The state that picks corn and presidents.)
Remember the story behind the Fired up. Ready to go. chant? If not, here’s an audio clip of Obama telling it:
After Joe Biden was selected as Obama’s running mate, I put together a round-up of my coverage of Joe Biden during the Iowa Caucus.
Congratulations to President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Second Lady Jill Biden (although she’ll never be second best in our book) and their entire families.
