The 30^th Annual Senator Tom Harkin Steak Fry was Sizzling Hot!

Over 12,000 Iowa Democrats from across the state gathered to meet the Democratic Presidential candidates. The Harkin Steak Fry is a historic event that both people on the ground and netrooters participate in.  John Deeth of the Iowa Independent offers an interesting look at previous Steak Frys noting some of the most memborable moments.

Bloggers on DailyKos “virtually” participated in the Steak Fry on a LiveBlog diary:

John Edwards Fires Up the Crowd!

The event kicked off with Senator Tom Harkin delivering the introductory remarks, stating that we need “bold plans” to end the war in Iraq, end global warming, create universal healthcare and stated that, “we will have a Democratic President in the White House!”

John Edwards, the Presidential candidate who is leading in the polls in Iowa, was welcomed by a huge crowd of supporters. Thousands of Iowa voters filled out the “Change Coin” form and entered a contest being held by the Edwards for President campaign whereby the winner will have the opportunity to meet one on one with Elizabeth Edwards .  The first edition of the “Edwards Extra” which was distributed to Iowans,  provided some  real meat and substance on the issues. 

Edwards spoke passionately about how our country needs “big change.”   Edwards addressed a number of issues, including his plan to end the war in Iraq, end global warming, create truly Universal Health Care for All Americans and ending ecomomic disparity in the U.S.

On the Iraq war, Edwards stated that “a mandate has been issued by the American people, to force this president to change course in Iraq, hold his feet to the fire.”  He went on to demand that  “Every single funding bill should have a timetable for withdrawl. If he [Bush] vetoes then send him another…”

Edwards talked about his plan to end global warming which includes capping greenhouse gas pollution starting in 2010 with a cap-and-trade system, and reducing it by 15 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.

On Univeral Health Care, Edwards laid out how an Edwards Administration would fund health care for all, explaining that he'd roll back Bush's tax cuts for those who earn over $200,000. A supporter in the crowd shouted, “Power to the People!” as Edwards talked about how we cannot negotiate with the corporate lobbyists, those who are preventing us from having Universal HealthCare  stating, “I don’t want to replace corporate Republicans with corporate Democrats.”

Edwards, who currently holds the largest bloc of union members endorsements of any candidate, stated that we must strengthen the right of unions to organize and referred to the labor movement as the “greatest anti poverty movement.” 

Edwards closed his speech with a moving account of how he and Elizabeth came to the decision to commit to what he called, “the cause of our lives” asking the voters in Iowa,  “When you make that decision, trust your heart.”

Watch Senator Edwards’ Speech Here:

Part 1

Part 2