Clintons push for Iowa Democrats in 2014

INDIANOLA — Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, spent a pleasant Sunday afternoon rallying support for Iowa Democratic candidates, testing the 2016 presidential waters in the nation's kickoff nominating state, and renewing old friendships as longtime buddy Sen. Tom Harkin served up steaks to a party of about 10,000, according to organizers.

And the message from the Clintons on down at Harkin's 37th and final steak fry for Democrats facing a tough midterm election was the stakes couldn't be higher as they work to hold onto the retiring U.S. senator's seat, face challenges in three congressional races and worry Statehouse control could shift to Gov. Terry Branstad and his Republican allies.

'Iowa, leave here committed to working as hard as you can,' said Hillary Clinton in keeping the focus on the November election, though it was obvious many already were looking to 2016. 'Remember, when Democrats show up, we win.'

The Clintons stressed that their return trip to Iowa — the first for Hillary Clinton since she finished in the 2008 Iowa caucuses behind Barack Obama and John Edwards — was 'first and foremost' to pay tribute to Harkin and his wife, Ruth, for four decades of public service and as leaders of progressive, populist politics.

However, some of the loudest and longest applause lines for Hillary Clinton came when she touched on her expected decision early next year whether she will make another bid for her party's 2016 presidential nomination starting with the Iowa precinct caucuses.

'Hello Iowa. I'm back and so glad to be with all of you on this beautiful day,' said Hillary Clinton in addressing a crowd that stretched across the green pastures and rolling hills of a hot-air balloon field while dining on grilled steak and chicken, potato salad, baked beans, beer and lemonade.

'I'm here first and foremost for Tom, for Ruth and for the great candidates you have a chance to elect,' said Hillary Clinton, who told the Democratic throng that she and Bill are anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild among the 'few things on my mind these days,' a remark for supporters who wore blue 'Ready' T-shirts as part of a concerted 'Ready for Hillary' presence at the event.

'It's true I am thinking about it, but for today that's not why I'm here,' the former U.S. Secretary of State, senator and first lady told the gathering. 'I'm here for the steak.'

Bill Clinton recalled attending a rain-soaked 2003 Harkin steak fry that he likened to Woodstock and Hillary Clinton joked about meeting a senator from Illinois at Harkin's 2007 fundraising feast.

'I wonder whatever happened to him,' she said, noting that she and President Barack Obama 'went from rivals to partners to friends' and credited him with getting America on the road to recovery.

During his remarks, Bill Clinton expressed concern that Republicans are trying to divide Americans in the run-up to the Nov. 4 balloting.

'We have got to pull this country together to push this country forward,' Bill Clinton said.

'They're trying to get you to check your brain at the door, start foaming at the mouth, push some hot button — the last thing they want you to do is think,' he said.

Hillary Clinton told Iowa Democrats they face a 'choice and a chance' in 50 days — 'a choice between the guardians of gridlock and the champions of shared opportunity and shared prosperity. A chance to elect leaders who will carry on Tom Harkin's legacy of fighting for hardworking families.'

Republicans fired back, calling Hillary Clinton the 'most out of touch politician' whose return to Iowa was an effort to 'begin repairing the damage from her 2008 caucus disaster.'

'What the American people are 'ready' for is a new direction and fresh leadership, not a third term for the Obama-Clinton agenda that has left the country worse off and the middle class behind,' said Republican National Committee spokesman Michael Short. 'The fact Senator Harkin is casting doubts about Hillary shows that even Democrats aren't sold on another Clinton presidency.'

Hillary Clinton urged Iowans to bring the same enthusiasm into this year's election that they do in presidential cycles, and then closed by telling the throng: 'It's really good to be back, let's not let another seven years go by.'

Matt Marchese, a union electrician from Urbandale who moved to Iowa three years ago from New York, said he planned to support Hillary Clinton if she decides to make another presidential run.

'She has the experience, she has the knowledge. I can't think of a better candidate with the background and the knowledge that she has. I'll definitely back Hillary,' Marchese said. 'Everyone I speak to out here is backing her.'

Another steak fry attendee, Joe Stutler of Marion, said he doesn't have a favorite candidate yet for 2016.

'I'm not ready for Hillary, but I'm not not ready for Hillary,' Stutler said. 'Our bench is deeper than one person, but Clinton has been through a lot. They keep hitting her and they've knocked her down, but they haven't knocked her out.'