by John McCormick
Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign announced a notable Iowa endorsement this morning by winning the backing of one of the state's premiere Democratic power couples.
In a conference call with reporters, Gordon Fischer, who served for two years during the last presidential contest as state Democratic Party chairman, announced his support and pledged to campaign for Obama across the state.
Fischer's wife, Monica, another major Iowa political operative who once worked for former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, is also backing the Illinois Democrat.
Fischer, who works as a lawyer, said he decided over the weekend to back Obama, after being aggressively courted for months by all of the major Democratic candidates operating in the state.
"Like all Democrats, I am desperate to win the White House, and I am absolutely convinced that Sen. Obama is the candidate who has the best chance against any of the Republicans in the field," Fischer said.
Fischer went on to suggest front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York would be a less effective general election candidate, who would not do as much to help other Democrats down the ballot.
"It's not enough to just get Democrats out. You can't just sort of gin up your base," he said. "Senator Obama is clearly the best positioned candidate to bring along some independents and even some Republicans."
But he later added that he believes any of the Democrats "would have an excellent chance at winning the White House."
This summer, Fischer criticized Obama for skipping one of the state party's premiere events, calling his decision to bypass the June event to raise money on the West Coast a "terrible mistake."
On Monday, he had nothing but praise for the way the campaign is working in Iowa. Obama has made 25 trips to the first-in-the-nation caucus state since he announced his candidacy in February.
Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said Fischer would be a "huge asset." He also cited the 31 field offices the campaign now has in Iowa, saying the number was "double our nearest competitor."
Fischer is well known by Iowa and national reporters, so his endorsement likely carries more clout from a media standpoint than for actual strength on the ground. Rob Tully, another well-known former state party chairman, is backing former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.
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Comments
These endorsements underline the fact that Obama is the consumate insider.
These -- together with his public record, of course -- belie his whole cleaning up politics shtick.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2007 11:29 AM
Would that the Swamp could do some reporting on how the New York Times violated its own advertising policy by giving a discounted rate to a personal attack on the leader of our troops in Iraq instead of just another support piece for Obama, who trails Hillary Clinton by more than 25 points.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/23/AR2007092300752.html
Posted by: Anonymous2 | September 24, 2007 11:30 AM
This is what has not been put in the light by the MSM. Hillary is not electable in the general elections. She will bring out a vote"against her". The republicans will be comforatblw with Obama and this is evident on the ground. Brace yourselves for a surprise in IA. If you nhave not been on the ground, then i believe you will be in for a shock. The coronation of HRC should stop coz not even a single vote has been cast.
Posted by: Antony | September 24, 2007 11:39 AM
Gordon Fischer! THE Gordon Fischer? A supposed famous Democrat. So famous the Swamp has failed to mention his name in over 3967 posts is supporting St. Barack. Boy wonder might be interested in the latest Rasmussen poll. The all- Obama arm of the Libune doesn't want Swampters to know the real truth.
Posted by: BOBruce | September 24, 2007 12:17 PM
We've got a strong ground game and we'll have a strong air game. Our GOTV will be simply stunning! Iowa will make a statement to the world that it's time to get back to serious diplomacy and to the country that our middle class is done carrying the burden of a corrupt corporate agenda. No more free passes for those worthless representatives in Washington who are morally and ethically corrupt. Shame on you, you have ruined our country! We are not the problem, but we are the answer! Speak Iowa, the country and the world will join you.
Obama 08!
Posted by: JimmieFromDayton | September 24, 2007 12:31 PM
I've been involed in politics for over 45 years and I'd suggest that Democrats need to be careful and not let the Republican Party define Hillary and Obama.
Republicans are good at creating talking points (lies) and slogans (swiftboat, Patraeus ad etc.) and then repeating them until they are blue in the face, they're hoping that naive people will continue to believe them, (thanks Fox "News") and be distracted from the horrible job that they're (Republicans) doing.
Don't be followers people, do YOUR homework and make YOUR own decision on who YOU think will make for the best President.
Posted by: Dr F Coles | September 24, 2007 12:50 PM
I encourage everyone to listen and watch each candidate. Be open to what each one has to say, and pick the one that you think will bring the greatest benefit to all of us. Most importantly, PARTICIPATE! Tell your friends and neighbors, regardless of your affiliation, get out there and get involved, think for yourself, and lets all make this country an expression of our hearts.
Posted by: Mike G | September 24, 2007 6:00 PM
The Obama Iowa strategy has come down to "kids and dough, and pray for snow".
Posted by: Bruce | September 25, 2007 10:49 AM