2018


  • News

    Donald Trump’s Two Biggest Failures

    I’m certain we could all make a list about the policies, programs and most of all, tweets, that we think are the most damaging thing the President has done since the election. As I think about the havoc created to our relations with our long-term allies, as I look at our mean spirited immigration policy,…


  • Politics

    Why The 99 County Tour Still Matters

    The steady march of White House hopefuls visiting Iowa for the State Fair this past week and a half has finally ended. They got their corn dogs, made their speeches, did a few press hits and chatted with activists. But how many made a lasting impact on their chances for Democrats’ presidential nomination in 2020?…


  • Politics

    Eric Swalwell Stands Out In Iowa With Role In Russian Investigation

    Iowa Democrats should follow California Congressman Eric Swalwell for the special role he plays as a member of the House Intelligence Committee investigating the Trump/Russian connection. In the interview below he presents a compelling case for the relationship between Trump and Trump’s family with the Russians. As a former prosecutor, Swalwell provides an inside look…


  • News

    Remembering A Good Man, Leonard Boswell

    Several minutes into Leonard Boswell’s speech this May at the Polk County Democrats Spring fundraiser, I got a bad feeling in my gut. It was wonderful to see the former congressman up on stage, clearly enjoying himself as he went on a bit past his allotted time, but it very much felt like a final…


  • Politics

    I Actually Worked For Fred Hubbell. He’s The Governor We Need

    Guest post from Mark Holub, who worked at Younkers 1986 to 1996. In 1986, I was hired as the Director of Visual Merchandising for Younkers and I worked with Fred Hubbell regularly. I remember a conversation I had with Fred early on in my tenure when we were touring one of the branch stores. His…


  • News

    Kim Reynolds Has Nothing But Attacks To Hide Her Record Of Failure

    When incumbent candidates have a strong successful record, they run on their accomplishments. When candidates must run on a failed record, lack any positive visions and refuse to discuss their positions, they turn to negative ads. With a failed record of achievements, Governor Reynolds has chosen the latter by going negative in a desperate attack…


  • News

    Ep51: State Fair Controversy & Karin Derry Interview

     Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with Chance Dorland about controversies at the Iowa State Fair and what it’s like to cover politics at the Fairgrounds. And we interview Karin Derry about her run for the Iowa House against Jake Highfill.


  • News

    Van De Krol Drops Out Of Senate Race

    Democrats are back to the drawing board in Senate District 15. Taylor Van De Krol, nominated at a special convention two weeks ago to replace Senator Chaz Allen, withdrew his candidacy with the Secretary of State’s office earlier today, that office confirmed. UPDATE: A special nominating convention will be held next Wednesday at 7:00. UPDATE:…


  • News

    Trump’s Immigration Policies Target Military Spouses, Preschoolers

    Once again, our government has demonstrated that common sense really isn’t so common. I understand that Americans are not of one mind on the issue of immigration. I understand that people who break the law ought to face punishment. What I don’t understand are two cases involving foreign-born women — one a 39-year-old mother of…


  • News

    EP50: Wing Ding Analysis & Andrew Yang Interview

     Iowa Starting Line Podcast host Pat Rynard talks with Lee Newspapers’ Erin Murphy about Michael Avenatti’s intriguing trip to Iowa, as well as an overall analysis of the Wing Ding Dinner. Plus we interview 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang, a New York entrepreneur, about his unique plans for the country.