Although hopefully a coincidence, it seems that ever since Stephen Colbert announced his candidacy for President that things at the Richardson campaign in Iowa have been extra busy. However, with the Governor in Des Moines on Thursday and Friday, we had no excuse to be relaxed. Being an intern for the campaign who usually sticks to behind-the-scenes tasks, it was great to hear Governor Richardson speak these past two days.

At about noon on Thursday, the Governor spoke on Global Threats at the Temple for Performing Arts, and that night he had a town hall meeting at the Society of Italian-Americans to discuss the war in Iraq. At the second event, I got to do much more than the general office assignments of phone-calling and licking envelopes.

The night began with utilizing my photography skills (or fo-skills), taking pictures of set-up before the crowds arrived. Once the time got closer, I had the pleasure of checking in supporters as well as undecided voters. It was great discussing important issues with fellow Democrats who all had a thirst for change.

As the Governor arrived, the excitement really began. Despite the nuisance of rain and crummy weather, the venue was packed, and the press went on overdrive. Feeling like an unprofessional with my pocket-sized digital camera, I joined in along media photographers, taking countless snapshots of Governor Richardson and the enthused crowd. Our candidate spoke of what needed to be done in Iraq: a complete withdrawal of troops within a year of his taking office. His solution offered an end to the war, a promise many of the other candidates have been too uncertain to make.



After taking questions from the audience, the Governor went on his way to meetings and other campaign business. The following night, he spoke at a Polk County Democrats fundraiser at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This was a fantastic opportunity to meet more supporters and undecided voters to discuss issues important to them. Setting up for the event took a few hours, as our whole table and adjacent wall needed to be plastered with as much Richardson material as we could garner.



Soon after the event was underway, the Governor arrived and, feeling more confident with my photography, I went right after him with my camera to snap away.

When it came time for the Governor to speak, the atmosphere was electric. Richardson supporters all around the venue started waving signs and American flags. The Governor spoke more on Iraq and his plan for immediate withdrawal, as well as health care and his promise of a universalized system being put in place during his time in office. Governor Richardson's common-sense approach to the issues clearly appealed to the crowd.

By the time his ten minutes were up, he had to take off to New Hampshire, and his Iowa staff began to breathe a little. Now although I'm still relatively new to the campaign, I feel as though I've been a part of this grassroots movement to elect Richardson for quite some time. It's because the Governor stands for values Democrats have felt like they needed to suppress during these long Bush years. He stands for an expeditious, but safe, end to the war. He stands for healthcare for all, not just the well off. He believes in the public school system, and that students can receive the best education there and that teachers are paid accordingly. Governor Richardson is more in touch with what Democrats stand for than any other candidate, and for that, I'm proud to be an intern for his campaign.