Sell the sizzle, not the steak. It’s an old advertising maxim that applies whether you’re selling T-bones or political candidates. In a field of nine Democrats, that most Americans still can’t name, people in Iowa have a definite advantage. With the Iowa caucuses, the first official contest for the Democratic presidential contenders, just six months away, voters get the chance to have coffee and more coffee with the candidates.
Right now, the word from the cornfields is that former Vermont Governor Howard Dean is the man to beat. He’s against the war with Iraq. For gay civil unions. He’s raising money and expectations and restarting an old debate over whether Democrats with progressive views can win elections.
Guests:
Ed Kilgore, policy director of the Democratic Leadership Council
Eric Hauser, Democratic political strategist
Brian Tibbets and Megan Scott, Dean volunteers in Iowa who are running “meetups” in Iowa City.