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Tuesday, July 28, 2020

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What People Are Saying About the Iowa Democratic Party’s 2020 Hall of Fame Celebration

During the IDP’s Hall of Fame event, Vice President Biden emphasized Iowa as a critical battleground state in the 2020 election

DES MOINES  — On Sunday, the Iowa Democratic Party held its virtual Hall Of Fame event with keynote speaker Vice President Joe Biden to honor outstanding party activists and volunteer leaders. Participants came together virtually to celebrate the progress Democrats have made and look forward to accomplishing even more and flipping Iowa blue in November. In the spirit of giving back to the community, Iowa Democrats raised donations for over 3,400 meals through the Food Bank of Iowa.

Take a look at what people are reading and watching about the Hall of Fame event.

On TV:

KGAN: Biden Speaks at Democratic Hall of Fame Event

“Organizers say Democrats in all 99 counties want to send Joe Biden back to the White House.”

KCCI: Former Vice President Joe Biden Speaks at Iowa Democratic Party Dinner 

“The event also focused on finding progress for current issues like the pandemic and system injustices. Biden emphasized what he believes America needs right now to combat both issues.”

WQAD: Your Voice, Your Vote

“We are now less than 100 days until the November general election. Last night former Vice President and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden called Iowa a critical battleground state for his campaign.”

In the news: 

DMR: Joe Biden: Iowa is a ‘critical battleground’ in 2020 campaign against Donald Trump

“Former Vice President Joe Biden called Iowa a ‘critical battleground state’ during remarks played at a virtual fundraiser for the Iowa Democratic Party Sunday.

“‘Iowa is a critical battleground state for our campaign,’ he said in a pre-recorded speech. ‘We’re going to do everything we can to make sure Democrats win up and down the ballot all across Iowa this November.’

“According to a June Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, Republican President Donald Trump leads Biden by just 1 percentage point in a poll of likely voters. That’s within the poll’s margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. The razor-thin margin is significant in a state that Trump carried by 9 points in 2016 over Democrat Hillary Clinton.”

The Gazette: Biden calls Iowa a battleground in the ‘battle for the soul of this nation’

“With America dealing with multiple national crises, former Vice President Joe Biden told Iowa Democrats the country needs leadership that ‘strives to finally deliver on our founding principles.’

“‘I wish I were meeting with all of you under different circumstances, but instead, we’re separated by a deadly virus,’ the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said Sunday evening during a virtual appearance at the Iowa Democratic Party’s virtual Hall of Fame Celebration. […]

“The virtual Hall of Fame Celebration followed the party’s first virtual state convention. Although ‘physically and socially distanced,’ Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Mark Smith said Democrats are ready to ‘flip Iowa blue’ by electing Senate nominee Theresa Greenfield.”

Radio Iowa: Biden says Iowa is ‘critical battleground’ in fall election

“The Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee for president is describing Iowa as a swing state that may be vital to an Electoral College victory this fall. Joe Biden delivered a short message to Iowa Democrats during the party’s virtual fundraiser early this evening. […]

‘Iowa Democratic Party chairman Mark Smith, in his recorded remarks, said the nation is at a turning point. During these difficult times, Democratic leaders who listen and understand Americans have never been needed more badly than now, Smith said.”

Iowa Public Radio: Biden Calls Iowa “Critical Battleground” in Virtual Keynote Fundraiser Speech

“Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was the keynote speaker at an annual state party fundraiser in Iowa Sunday evening. The event streamed live online but all of the speeches were pre-recorded. The former vice president gave a short three and a half minute speech. He said the country is dealing with multiple national crises all at once and needs Democrats elected up and down the ballot in Iowa.”

The Daily Iowan: Joe Biden rallies Iowa Democrats 100 days out from general election

“Penny Rosfjord, the chair of the 4th District Democrats, said while this year’s Hall of Fame Celebration didn’t have the experience of connecting with people, there were still opportunities to engage with the event.

“She said the event likely reached more people than it would if it were in person, and she was texting with friends throughout the night and watching people react on Twitter, which made it feel more personal.

“‘It’s sort of the apples and oranges, I don’t know what would be better,’ she said about how it compares to the in-person event. ‘But I thought what they did for what we could do with COVID — I think this is perfect.’”

Iowa State Daily: Joe Biden speaks at Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame event

“Biden started his address by thanking the IDP and congratulating the award winners. He went on to talk about the COVID-19 pandemic, the record unemployment numbers and the civil unrest the country is feeling at the hands of systemic racism.

“‘Today we are dealing with multiple national crises and all at once,’ Biden said.

“Carrying on the evening’s theme of persuading viewers to vote this fall, Biden presses the importance of electing Theresa Greenfield and of also reelecting the other Iowa Democrats in office.”