All eyes on Clear Lake as presidential hopefuls gather

(Above) Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren excited the crowd outside the Surf Ballroom before the doors opened to the annual Democratic Wing Ding at the Surf Ballroom Friday.-Reporter photos by Chris Barragy.

by Cynthia Findley  &

Marianne Gasaway

The nation’s eyes were focused on Clear Lake, Iowa for a few brief hours on Friday, Aug. 9, as the Iowa Democratic Party conducted its famous Wing Ding.  Nearly all of the national candidates for President were in attendance, and each was provided with seven-minutes during which they shared their vision, dreams, plans, reactions, and hopes with the crowd of 2,100 people packed in the Surf Ballroom.

Each candidate was looking for that electric spark which would catapult them further along in their campaign marathon.

Several candidates walked through the friendly crowd, taking selfies, addressing questions asked by crowd members, and appeared to genuinely enjoy the casual, “Iowa Nice” picnic and opportunity to meet face to face with party enthusiasts.

Campaign staff members and volunteers began assembling outside of the Surf early on Friday and by 3 p.m. the cheer challenges between rival camps were in full swing.  While some of the candidate’s congregations were quite large, numbering in the hundreds, signs and banners for nearly every candidate were seen in the mix.  A raucous collective cheer from all the Democratic faithful went up as J.D Scholten arrived. Scholten is a candidate in Iowa’s 4th Congressional district.

Warren campaign organizer Juliana Amin is from Rhode Island, and reported that this is her third visit to Iowa.  Along with many other campaign organizers, she “is very proud of the staff and the local volunteers.” She gave a glimpse into the everyday lives of campaign workers and reported how members of her team are good friends with staff and workers from other candidate teams, and they often will travel together, share meals, hugs, and games in between campaign stops for their respective candidates.

Winona, Minn. resident Maynard Johnson and a group of his friends had purchased tickets to the Wing Ding in support of their State Senator,

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Amy Kloubachar.  Although he was sporting stickers on his shirt from nearly all the candidates, he was hoping that the dinner would highlight his Senator’s chances in the presidential race.

Jack Ralls, of Buffalo Center, has grown up in Iowa politics.  “My father helped to establish this event and I’ve been coming for years.”  Standing among the cheering crowds outside the Surf, Ralls, who serves as a candidate host for the Booker campaign, reported that it is great to see such energy and enthusiasm.  “It just makes sense to be excited!” he said.

And as Joe Malone, from Mason City, walked up and down the street with his two small daughters in tow, he said he wanted them to see “democracy in action” even at a young age.

Vocalist Anthony Currin, from Iowa City, was preparing to sing the National Anthem at the event and reported he was deeply impressed with Clear Lake. “I am so impressed with the beautiful citizens, the diversity, the black community, latinos, LGBTQ citizens, all inter-acting and all being welcomed to this amazing venue. Its inspiring!” After a thoughtful moment he added, “if something like this happened in Washington D. C., perhaps some meaningful legislation could get done.”

On stage, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, drew the loudest response from the crowd.  The charismatic Buttigieg said, “We are able, and indeed sometimes required, to be critical of our leadership.  And when we do, nobody will question our loyalty to the Republic for which it stands, let alone tell us to go back to where we came from.”

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders also centered his remarks around President Donald Trump, calling him “most dangerous president in the history of this country.”  Sanders accused the President of promoting white nationalism while fanning the flames of fear.

Senator Cory Booker also stressed the importance of defeating President Trump in 2020, while also expressing his support for legislation which would promote gun control.  He received a standing ovation after vowing to not let recent shootings “just disappear within the next media cycle.  Now, more than ever we need Americans that will stand up with faith in our country and faith in ideals, faith in each other and come together again and stand together and work together and love together and overcome his darkness with our light.”

Former Vice President Joe Biden also took direct aim at President Trump with his remarks.  Prior to the Wing Ding Biden grabbed a megaphone and shared his message with a group gathered at nearby Mollie McGowan Park.

“You all know in your gut that this election is more consequential than about any you have been involved in, not because I am running, but because of the nature of what is at stake.  We are in a battle for the soul of this country.  Four years of Donald Trump would go down in history as an aberration in American history; eight years of Donald Trump would fundamentally change who we are.”

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren used her time to recognize the importance of Iowa’s rural economy, saying “big ag” must be turned back. “We’ve had enough of an America where government works better and better for a thinner and thinner slice at the top — 2020 is our chance,” Warren told the crowd.

Massachusetts resident Julie Levin attended the Wing Ding with former Clear Lake resident Leah Norris Chukumba.  “I am highly envious that Iowa residents get to be involved with this process. This is where we begin to select down and narrow the field of candidates, and I wanted to be here to witness this amazing process.  I’m also coming back to sail on the beautiful lake sometime” she laughed.

Another interested attendee was first-time visitor, Carolyn Booker, mother of candidate Cory Booker. “Well, this is my first time in Iowa and it is really quite exciting. I love the Surf! I’m really pleased and appreciate that Cory has the opportunity to speak here, and share his message.”

As the ticket holders lined up to enter the Surf, the excitement grew, and the environment inside became increasingly electric.

Wing Ding Organizer Randy Black blared over the speaker, “Are you having a good time?” And with a resounding cheer, the center of the political universe for three-hours was the iconic stage at the historic Surf Ballrooom.

Planning by police prevents disruptions

Wing Ding organizers weren’t the only ones who needed to do a lot of planning in advance of 20 Democratic Presidential hopefuls and their supporters descending on Clear Lake.  Police Chief Pete Roth said planning, work, and assistance from other organizations, including the Algona Police Department who supplied the explosive K9 team to sweep the venue prior to opening the doors, helped the event go on without disruption.

The department’s planning for the 2019 Iowa Wing Ding began when the list of speakers was released.

“I was impressed that people from all aspects of the event worked together. Staff at the Surf, event organizers, candidates’ campaigns’, city departments, and our local public safety partners came together to pull off a safe event that garnered the national spotlight.”

Roth had just begun as police chief when the 2015 Iowa Wing Ding occurred.  That event brought several high-profile Democratic Presidential candidates to Clear Lake, many attendees, local and national media, as well as US Secret Service support.  The 2019 event brought an increased number of candidates, along with more supporters and no federal assistance.

“Dispatchers, police officers, deputies, CLFD ambulance crews, and Surf Security put in long hours on Aug. 9.  I appreciate their effort, professionalism, and service to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Roth.

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