Hillary Clinton Snags Sen. Harkin Endorsement Ahead of Iowa State Fair

[DemocratSinceBirth]

On the eve of her most recent trip to Iowa, Hillary Clinton received perhaps the most coveted Democratic endorsement in the state: the backing of former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin.

Harkin, a favorite of progressive Democrats, threw his support behind the former Secretary of State in an op-ed in the Des Moines Register.

"As Democrats, we're fortunate to have a slate of candidates that are all fine individuals, but we need a fighter who has a record of getting things done and the vision for the future that will build on the progress we've made," he wrote.

"For my wife, Ruth and I, that candidate is Hillary Clinton."

The nod from the influential Democrat comes as Clinton contends with a surge of momentum by rival Democratic candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is generating excitement from the party's liberal wing. Clinton also faces a continuing firestorm over her use of a personal email server for official business during her tenure as Secretary of State.


http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/hillary-clinton-snags-sen-harkin-endorsement-ahead-iowa-state-fair-n409716

[SonderWoman]

1. Nice.

[WI_DEM]

2. In Iowa and with Dems that is as good of an endorsement as you can get

We will see if endorsements mean anything.

[Agschmid]

3. Kick.

Cali's right, it's a big endorsement.

The "game" isn't over yet though.

[Armstead]

4. Disappointing but understandable

Next to Sanders Harkin was one of the Senators I always most admired. Still do. he's a liberal Democrat in the clean, clear definition of the word.

He's a loyal party guy so it's not surprising he'd endorse Clinton.

I disagree with him on this one, but I hope no buses are running.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

6. +1 n/t

[TSIAS]

11. It's a little dispppointing

I'm not gassing up the bus yet. However, it pains me to see solid liberals like Harkin, Fraknen, and Dean come out for Clinton.

I understand they want to eliminate competition and "strengthen" Hillary for the GE, but even if Clinton survives the primary unscathed it won't be pretty next year (won't be so for Sanders either).

[left-of-center2012]

5. Proof

The party establishment is for Clinton.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

7. +1 n/t

[ISUGRADIA]

8. No big surprise

He endorsed her in 2008 when she came in 3rd and he endorsed Howard Dean who came in 3rd in 2004.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

9. Res ipsa loquitur

"No big surprise. He endorsed her in 2008 when she came in 3rd..."

Harkin declined to endorse a candidate in the 2008 primary, when Clinton came in third in the Iowa caucuses.


http://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-trailguide-08142015-htmlstory.html

[Cha]

12. No he didn't.

[Cali_Democrat]

14. Why are you lying?

[TSIAS]

10. I remember back in 2004

We Dean supporters were over the moon that Harkin endorsed the Governor just before the caucuses. However, Dean still got beaten like a borrowed mule on caucus night.

Same with Al Gore and Dean. Politicians endorsing candidates for president rarely makes a big difference. In the case of Gore/Dean, it may have been a negative since it appeared Gore was trying to be a kingmaker and make the primary a coronation for Dean.

[Cha]

13. Good.. thanks DSB