I'm betting this is a takes money to make money situation. At least one Iowa ex-pat has mentioned it to me. Good for Zach for fund raising and possibly meeting ex-Iowans who still have a connection with the state and opinions on where it went wrong. How hypocritical of the Washington Examiner. We can only hope that republicans continue to accuse others of having a spending problem. For the record, I like both candidates.
Thanks, Laura. I looked and missed it somehow. It’s a powerful statement, giving his take on losing his leadership position. I think it’s a gutsy political move, turning a rebuke into a victory. That’s fine, but he still doesn’t address the main issue of the Examiner column—that the alleged extravagant expenses don’t align with his populist message. As I said, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Others won’t be. Defend the expenses by annotating them showing they were worth the investment. He doesn’t here, and questions linger. He could put it all behind him, but hasn’t. Yet. Maybe he will. Thanks again.
extraordinary analysis of this potentially primary affecting topic, Bob Leonard. Thank you. My most fervent hope remains for the democratic party to elect the candidate with the absolutely best chance to defeat Hinson. She is a terrifyingly Maga girl.
Good column. But they usually are. I don't read the Examiner, butI do subscribe to the National Review. It broadens my horizon and perspective. You gave Wahls good advice.
At first brush, many would react with something very short and likely more to the point "Progressive?" sure doesn't sound like it! I have to admit, I was taken in by that as well. Your deeper look certainly makes reasonable sense, but I'm still seeing playing into the hands of the wealthy for their money certainly can put Democrats into the same pew with the Republican's. What you beg for requires you to bend a knee for as well. In the end, as you pointed out, the elections, both primary and those for the real prize, are in the hands of the voters. De-fusing the bomb that can kill your chances seems very appropriate. Chasing money for the Party that has done little to find ways to win elections when the going gets tougher, still seems like a poor investment when the wealthy hold all the cards when you take that money.
Good advice for Zach Wahls, Bob. By the way, I chuckled at the idea the Hotel Fort Des Moines is a high-end destination, self proclaimed or otherwise. I love the place and stay there when I’m in Des Moines, but give me a break.😂.
I had the same experience back in the day. But since the remodel, the rooms I’ve stayed in were nicer. I wouldn’t call them posh, though. I like they still have the old phone booths in the lower level.
I really appreciate your tone (and your reporting). I think your point about perhaps needing to meet rich people where they are, and when they are available is a good point.
I personally am not expecting much from Wahls, because I think that he will most likely fall in line with what the Democratic party wants. That said, I don't trust Turek; it seems like he has positioned himself to be a Manchin. "You just don't understand; I come from a red state; I have to vote against x, y, or z progressive bill because this is what it takes to keep Iowa "blue." "Would you rather have a Republican in this seat?"
Sage was my man. I find myself not really caring whether Wahls has expensive tastes or whether he is a savvy fundraiser. Will he vote for a tax on wealth? Medicare for All? Will he vote for a moratorium on new data centers? Those are the things I care about. I don't think Wahls' agenda includes those things, but I think Turek would be worse, and definitely a Republican would be worse.
Over $700k revenue generated with under $30k in travel expenses? That's a DEAL! Those costs, some of which are most likely cherry picked, are NOT a story. Sadly, in my 40 years of travel for my business, I never had revenue to travel cost ratio even close to Zack Wahls's ratio. Suggestion - do research on travel expenses paid for by taxpayers on Ashley, Joni, Chuck and Kido Nunn.
I agree that it was a great investment. However, scrutinizing expenses made by politicians is a legit story. I wonder why she focused on Wahls. She should look elsewhere too. I thought I caught a glimpse of you Van, at the DSM no kings event, but then couldn’t find you! Next time!
Zach contributed $770,000 in 2022 to the IDP. Holy Smokes. Looks like he was busting his tush to elect Iowa Democrats. And it also looks like he was really good at it.
Are there a lot of other Democrats in “safe” Democratic seats that raised and contributed that much $$$?
Always wondered why he got zapped from his leadership position. Looks like he was too good at raising $ outside the state.
I'm betting this is a takes money to make money situation. At least one Iowa ex-pat has mentioned it to me. Good for Zach for fund raising and possibly meeting ex-Iowans who still have a connection with the state and opinions on where it went wrong. How hypocritical of the Washington Examiner. We can only hope that republicans continue to accuse others of having a spending problem. For the record, I like both candidates.
Zach Wahls released a video response to the Examiner piece yesterday.
https://bsky.app/profile/zachwahls.bsky.social/post/3mihkzztvis2w
X/Twitter version:
https://x.com/ZachWahls/status/2039444189528637562
It's also on Instagram.
Thanks, Laura. I looked and missed it somehow. It’s a powerful statement, giving his take on losing his leadership position. I think it’s a gutsy political move, turning a rebuke into a victory. That’s fine, but he still doesn’t address the main issue of the Examiner column—that the alleged extravagant expenses don’t align with his populist message. As I said, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Others won’t be. Defend the expenses by annotating them showing they were worth the investment. He doesn’t here, and questions linger. He could put it all behind him, but hasn’t. Yet. Maybe he will. Thanks again.
extraordinary analysis of this potentially primary affecting topic, Bob Leonard. Thank you. My most fervent hope remains for the democratic party to elect the candidate with the absolutely best chance to defeat Hinson. She is a terrifyingly Maga girl.
Thank you, and I agree Dems need to win.
Good column. But they usually are. I don't read the Examiner, butI do subscribe to the National Review. It broadens my horizon and perspective. You gave Wahls good advice.
Thanks. I read the National Review too. I always learn something, even if I disagree with it.
At first brush, many would react with something very short and likely more to the point "Progressive?" sure doesn't sound like it! I have to admit, I was taken in by that as well. Your deeper look certainly makes reasonable sense, but I'm still seeing playing into the hands of the wealthy for their money certainly can put Democrats into the same pew with the Republican's. What you beg for requires you to bend a knee for as well. In the end, as you pointed out, the elections, both primary and those for the real prize, are in the hands of the voters. De-fusing the bomb that can kill your chances seems very appropriate. Chasing money for the Party that has done little to find ways to win elections when the going gets tougher, still seems like a poor investment when the wealthy hold all the cards when you take that money.
Well put, as always.
Good advice for Zach Wahls, Bob. By the way, I chuckled at the idea the Hotel Fort Des Moines is a high-end destination, self proclaimed or otherwise. I love the place and stay there when I’m in Des Moines, but give me a break.😂.
Thanks, Ed. I’ve only stayed there once, and my room was teeny-tiny!
I had the same experience back in the day. But since the remodel, the rooms I’ve stayed in were nicer. I wouldn’t call them posh, though. I like they still have the old phone booths in the lower level.
Hinson will say what she will. Her statements about it will be buried in a torrent of lies.”-Amen
I really appreciate your tone (and your reporting). I think your point about perhaps needing to meet rich people where they are, and when they are available is a good point.
I personally am not expecting much from Wahls, because I think that he will most likely fall in line with what the Democratic party wants. That said, I don't trust Turek; it seems like he has positioned himself to be a Manchin. "You just don't understand; I come from a red state; I have to vote against x, y, or z progressive bill because this is what it takes to keep Iowa "blue." "Would you rather have a Republican in this seat?"
Sage was my man. I find myself not really caring whether Wahls has expensive tastes or whether he is a savvy fundraiser. Will he vote for a tax on wealth? Medicare for All? Will he vote for a moratorium on new data centers? Those are the things I care about. I don't think Wahls' agenda includes those things, but I think Turek would be worse, and definitely a Republican would be worse.
Thanks, Suzanne. Great points. I hope someone on Turek’s team reaches out to you. Nathan is my buddy, and I was all in for him too.
Over $700k revenue generated with under $30k in travel expenses? That's a DEAL! Those costs, some of which are most likely cherry picked, are NOT a story. Sadly, in my 40 years of travel for my business, I never had revenue to travel cost ratio even close to Zack Wahls's ratio. Suggestion - do research on travel expenses paid for by taxpayers on Ashley, Joni, Chuck and Kido Nunn.
I agree that it was a great investment. However, scrutinizing expenses made by politicians is a legit story. I wonder why she focused on Wahls. She should look elsewhere too. I thought I caught a glimpse of you Van, at the DSM no kings event, but then couldn’t find you! Next time!
Classic RLA (Robert Leonard Assessment)! I was in Cambria CA at No Kings #3. Video is in edit.
I look forward to seeing it…
I will not respond
I will not respond
I will not respond
I will not respond
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Zach contributed $770,000 in 2022 to the IDP. Holy Smokes. Looks like he was busting his tush to elect Iowa Democrats. And it also looks like he was really good at it.
Are there a lot of other Democrats in “safe” Democratic seats that raised and contributed that much $$$?
Always wondered why he got zapped from his leadership position. Looks like he was too good at raising $ outside the state.
He is a very good fundraiser.