“You’re freezing, my friend!” were the words that Senator John McCain said to me as I met him for the first time outside his Iowa HQ in Urbandale, Iowa at a rally the night before the caucuses.
Why was I freezing? I was forced (along with at least a hundred others) to stand outside the rally as overflowing crowds — hundreds of supporters and scores of big-name national media — packed the HQ — taking up every single square foot of the spacious office.
The McCain campaign sure was feeling confident in a huge crowd, as they had outside heaters setup, much to the relief of my freezing hands.
The rally was incredible — full with big political names, both from the United States Senate and from the national media. Senators Sam Brownback, Lindsey Graham, and John Thune joined Senator McCain as well as some big national media names — such as Chuck Todd, Tim Russert, George Stephanopoulos, Brian Williams, Tucker Carlson, Judy Woodruff, Betsy Fischer, Tammy Haddad, John Harwood, Dan Balz, Roger Simon and Ben Smith, as noted by Jonathan Martin, who was also on site.
All three Senators gave great brief speeches — following an awesome speech from the man of the night himself, Senator John McCain. McCain’s speech was passionate, on-message, and certainly warmed up his freezing supporters. He spent a great deal of time after the speech mingling with supporters. What struck me is how he would immediately hug veterans — it was very touching. He signed books, took photos, and made sure to shake every hand of every supporter. This was my first time seeing McCain in action, and I came away very impressed and very enthused by his candidacy, and I’m glad to be a part of his team.
I chatted with Sen. Brownback for some time. It was great to see him in Iowa; the last time I was with him in the Hawkeye state was when we were closing up our HQ (about 10 min from McCain’s). I wondered that night if the next time I would be in Iowa with Brownback would be for another Brownback run within the next decade. Luckily, the moment came sooner then that, and certainly for a good purpose. I think he did the right thing by endorsing McCain, an endorsement I believe really helped move numbers to where they are now for him (we had arguably the second-best organization next to Romney in the state).
A third-place finish tomorrow by McCain will certainly be at least a sub-headline around the nation under whoever takes first — Romney or Huckabee. McCain was virtually dead in the Iowa over the summer (trust me, I saw it), has spent no advertising money, and doesn’t nearly have the amount of staff compared with his rivals. What McCain does have is a message and momentum.. both in early states and nationally. A third-place finish will give McCain additional momentum in New Hampshire, and would also most likely force the exit of Fred Thompson from the race, who will most likely endorse McCain (he supported him in 2000).
I believe a 3rd place finish is in reach. Its going to be an exciting day tomorrow!
Enjoy the pictures — below the fold!
My best friend Terry and I with Senator Lindsey Graham
Senator Jim Thune
Terry with Tucker Carlson
Chuck Todd
My man Brownback
Brian Williams
A packed crowd in one of the side rooms
Terry with Sen. McCain
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:10 am
Really awesome pictures Billy. It looks incredible. I wish I was there.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 am
Sounds like you are having fun freezing your butt off. Enjoy. Looks like you are having fun!
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 am
Seriously — If any of you guys can book some last minute flights to NH — go. I think the pictures I sent to my mom tonight were enough to convince her.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:23 am
BREAKING NEWS!!: Detroit News has just endorse John McCain for President!!! This year is going great so far! Now a solid 3rd here in Iowa and that will take us to the top!
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:25 am
Great pictures! Its obvious that McCain is a very drawing candidate.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:27 am
As a Rudy supporter, may I wish McCain supporters the very best. You have a good man on your side, and hopefully New Hampshire will give you the result you seek.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:28 am
hahaha Who knew Tucker Carlson had groupies! Great pics Billy. Thanks for sharing!
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:31 am
Bryan, We all know Romney supporters like to attack McCain’s media endorsements for being liberal. This they cannot spin:
Wiki:
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:31 am
I guess McCain is staying in Iowa for the Results tomorrow because Tucker Carlson was suppose to fly to NH tonight to be with the McCain Campign there tomorrow night.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 am
Yes from what i hear this Detroit News is fairly Conservative, just like the Union Leader. And its like i said, McCain is getting Endorsed by all Newspapers, whether it be Liberal or Conservative, which means he is well liked by all, which is a good thing in my opinion!
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 am
Paul,
Yea thats right, McCain will be going back to New Hampshire on Friday. And he will actually be campaigning tommorow in Iowa as well, he has 3 events set up, and then will have a Caucus party later in the evening.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:38 am
Yikes. That’s a scary picture of Sen. McCain.
Not that I don’t love the guy.
No advertising and little campaigning. Yet he may earn 3rd? That would be news. That would be momentum. And note how McCains’ numbers in NH, nationally and elsewhere are trending up too.
http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2008/01/poll_hillary_barely_ahead_in_nh_mccain_shoot_ahead_of_romney.php
How is the food in Iowa? Can you get a decent piece of fish?
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 am
Civic — The food in Iowa is wonderful. I personally love the West End Diner (or the Drake Diner near Drake University) in West Des Moines. Today I got chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, corn, and bread and butter for — brace yourself — $7 (I am from DC, so am used to shelling out at least $10 for a decent meal). For desert, they have whats called a “cake shake.” Its chocolate cake blended in a vanilla milkshake. Highly recommended.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:57 am
Billy,
Its chocolate cake blended in a vanilla milkshake.
That. Sounds. Amazing.
I need to go to Iowa one of these years. Who knows maybe I’ll have an excuse once this election’s over and Kavon turns this site into http://www.Race42012.com.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:58 am
Wow – the cake shake sounds really good. that ought to have more bipartisan support then the Patriot Act.
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:13 am
MCain is now the front-runner.
Unbelievable!
And unlike the Thompson & Huckabee booms his will be harder to deflate.
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 am
[...] Democrat, but still) is an effective surrogate in a GOP primary. But while John McCain was campaigning in Iowa, his wife Cindy and Joe Lieberman were barn-storming New Hampshire. Incidentally, [...]
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:48 am
I am a McCain supporter.
I hope Huckabee wins tommorrow and brings Romney down a notch so that McCain doesn’t need Independent votes in NH because those vote will probably got to Obama.
If I was a McCain supporter in Iowa, I would consider voting for Huckabee against McCain just to make sure to take down Romney so that Romney is cripple by NH.
Machiavelian Politics.
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:24 am
It’s not particularly surprising that McCain draws well in the Des Moines area. As my wife pointed out to me last night, the Des Moines area is fairly rabidly Democratic, and most certainly liberal. Just the kind of area that McCain appeals to.
January 3rd, 2008 at 9:41 am
I was at this event, but McCain was going to be an hour late, so I left.
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:04 am
[...] joined by hundreds of volunteers. Billy Valentine is one of those volunteers (and bloggers). He has a post up about yesterday night’s / today’s rally (with [...]
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Billy,
I SOOOO wanted to be there yesterday. I just could not get there with my real world commitments. Thank you for posting this.
It’s funny how critics always like to bring up McCain’s age. I can tell you that having seen them all multiple times in person, McCain events are right at the top. He is a captivating and downright humorous public speaker. Age is not an issue the moment he begins speaking.
Not everyone has the ability yo connect with the crowd that they are addressing. McCain has that. He just owns everyone in the room when he speaks.
URGH…. SO WANTED TO BE THERE LAST NIGHT
… MUST CONTAIN JEALOUSY 
…
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Wish I was there Billy!!!! Looking forward to your arrival here in NH.