May 2018


  • Politics

    New Endorsements, Ads And Trips As Primary Draws Closer

    With just three and a half weeks remaining in the Democratic primary, the candidates are criss-crossing the state and blanketing the airwaves and mailboxes with ads. They’re also rolling out endorsements from late-deciding leaders to project momentum. Here’s a look at some of the key developments from this week and what’s ahead. The First Gubernatorial…


  • News

    The Fundamental Balance Of Iowa Is Slipping Away

    I’m sure you have heard the old tale about Iowa’s bountiful cornfields — about closing your eyes in the summer, listening carefully at night and being able to hear the corn grow. Here’s different image to ponder: If you open your eyes and look around carefully, I think you can see our state changing right…


  • News

    Ep32: End Of Session & Tom Steyer Interview

     Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard speaks with District 77 Representative Amy Nielsen about the end of the legislative session, followed by an interview with billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer about his push to impeach President Trump.


  • News

    Trump Breaks Iran Promise; Will The World Trust Us Again?

    President Trump’s decision to break America’s word by pulling out of the Iran nuclear agreement has stunned the world. Trump intentionally defied three of our closest friends and allies – France, Germany and Britain. The Iran deal was negotiated by all five of the permanent members of the UN Security Council – the US, UK,…


  • News

    Republicans’ Abortion Ban Makes Iowa A National Embarrassment

    Iowans are asking why Republicans have ignored reality by pursuing a futile effort to overturn Roe v. Wade. Iowans wonder why Republicans are fanatically focused on the earliest points of life, but refusing to listen to the needs of Iowa women? The Republicans’ manic obsession on passing an unconstitutional fetal heartbeat bill exposes their irrational…


  • Politics

    How Music Fans Are Split In The Governor’s Race (And Other Fun Numbers)

    If you’ve been listening to Cardi B’s new album on repeat since it came out, there’s a decent chance you’re voting for Nate Boulton in the Democratic primary. But if you end your evening relaxing with a nice glass of wine and listening to some Chopin, it’s more likely you’re voting for Fred Hubbell. That,…


  • News

    Ep31: Early Voting & Cindy Axne Interview

     Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard speaks about new early voting rules with Polk County Auditor Jamie Fitzgerald, followed by an interview with 3rd district congressional candidate Cindy Axne & audio from Nancy Pelosi’s recent trip to Iowa.


  • Politics

    Fred Hubbell Pulling Away In Democratic Primary, Poll Finds

    Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell holds a substantial lead over the rest of the Democratic gubernatorial field, according to a new poll released this morning. A Remington Research Group poll commissioned by KBUR Radio of Burlington showed Hubbell at 46%, well above the needed 35% threshold to avoid a primary. Senator Nate Boulton comes in second…


  • News

    Whether Through Impeachment Or Vote, Trump Has To Go

    Given the personality, the chaos, the drama, the lack of any understanding of presidential norms and the lying, I believe one must go back to Andrew Johnson to find a person in the oval office as unqualified and bad for the country as President Trump. Each of us has some idea as to what we…


  • Politics

    Early Voting Begins Today For June Primary

    Iowans can start voting as of today for the June 5 primary. Many Democratic campaigns took the opportunity to bring out their supporters to a county auditor’s office early today and get their first votes in the bank. Secretary of State candidate Deidre DeJear is holding five early votes event this week and next, starting…