Iowan switches allegiance...again

Fred — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:44:20 GMT

What an idiot she is.........She should have never agreed to be in the video if she was not positive she would have voted for Obama or whoever she made video for.

This indecisiveness of Iowans up until the time they enter the caucus room is extraordinarily naive.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Mike — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:45:12 GMT

She sounds very flaky. Didn't she know about Obama's experience when she switched? I understand some people aren't paying attention, but then why make a public video of you making a fool of yourself? At this rate, she'll end up with Biden last. She probably doesn't know he's in the race yet.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Helen Rossy, Burlington IA — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:46:29 GMT

This Klopfer woman is insane. She should be committed before tomorrow night.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

jane smith, Concord NH — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:46:30 GMT

Next she will be switching to Mitt, she flip-flops as much as he does!!

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Thomas Bouvay, Powder Springs, GA — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:47:23 GMT

Iowan switches allegiance...again

annette — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:19:54 GMT

Sounds like someone who hadn't researched candidates before she made her 1st choice, or her 2nd, or 3rd, or......heck who knows or really cares? BUT, she's getting her 15 minutes of fame thanks to the media!

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Mil N — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:21:06 GMT

I like the comments above...maybe she wants to cut a deal...

She has the right to flip flop, but I am sure, whe will bounced back to Obama.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

nadeem, Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:30:14 GMT

EXCLUSIVE! Mayor Rickard to vote for Obama
BY GERSH KUNTZMAN
The Brooklyn Paper
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Brooklyn, Iowa, in the heartland between Dubuque and Des Moines, is known as "the community of flags." These photos were taken by The Brooklyn Paper staff during a visit in 2005.
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BROOKLYN, IOWA — The longtime Republican mayor of this tiny heartland town will stun his neighbors — and send shockwaves that will reach his countrymen in the real Brooklyn — when he breaks ranks with the GOP to vote for Sen. Barack Obama at the Iowa caucuses this Thursday night.
“After eight years of this administration, I’ve had it,” Mayor Loren Rickard told The Brooklyn Paper, which sent a reporter to Brooklyn, Iowa — population 1,200 — for the “first-in-the-nation” caucus.

“We’ve got a currency that’s practically worthless and a war without end,” he added. “I thought they were crazy to start the war with Iraq — and crazier that they didn’t even seem to have a plan to fight it.”

And Rickard said he’s not only dissatisfied with the president, but with his would-be successors.

“I’ve been a moderate Republican all my life and I simply don’t recognize these people [the GOP field],” he said. “Meanwhile, the Democrats have six solid candidates — though I think [Dennis] Kucinich is a bit out there.”

Rickard singled out Joe Biden and Obama for praise — but said he wouldn’t back Biden because “he can’t win.”

Few in the farming town in eastern Iowa know that their third-term Republican mayor will side with the Democrats on Thursday. And it might not have happened were it not for the efforts of Obama supporter, Bev Rens.

“I held a house party for Obama and [the mayor] came with his son, Joel,” said Rens, the Poweshiek County Democratic Party co-chair. “He listened to what I had to say and he pledged to vote for Obama that night. It sent a shiver through me!”

Rens said she also scored the mayor’s son, who was originally backing New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The Republican crossovers were no surprise to Brooklyn (Iowa) Chronicle Editor Sky Eilers.

“There are many Republicans in Iowa who feel that their party is in trouble in November, but they also don’t want to see Hillary be president, so they’re switching parties to back other Democrats,” said Eilers. “Hillary has had the biggest machine behind her here. Some people feel she’s buying her way through the process while Obama is appealing to the grassroots, which is what you have here in Brooklyn.”

Eilers didn’t think Rickard’s betrayal of party would send a shockwave through the town.

“Shockwave? In Brooklyn [Iowa]? I don’t think so,” Eilers said.

But he did think many eyes would be following Rickard as he entered the Democratic, rather than Republican, caucus.

“He is very well respected here, so people will certainly talk about it,” he said.

Under Iowa election law, registered voters can switch their party affiliation on caucus night, which Rickard said he would do by signing in as a Democrat at Thursday’s gathering at the Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcolm elementary school.

Despite the excitement over the presidential election, the caucus process in Brooklyn is subdued, Rens said. In some years, only a handful of Democrats and Republicans have gathered, she said.

“I started in 1988 and was caucusing for Jesse Jackson,” she said. “There was six or seven people there, total.”

But this year, turnout is expected to be high at both party caucuses. The Republicans will gather at 6:30 pm and begin with a straw poll of all voters in attendance, while Democrats start a half-hour later — and dig in for an arduous process.

First, supporters of each candidate get to make a presentation, hoping to sway the undecided. Then, a vote is taken. Candidates who receive 15 percent or more are considered “viable,” and move forward to a second round of voting. Supporters of “non-viable” candidates can shift their allegiance to one of the viable candidates or form alliances with supporters of other “non-viable” candidates before the second round.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

John Alexander, Concord, NH — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:30:20 GMT

Mitt Romney - like ALL of us - made a couple of changes in his career - including abortion where he has ALWAYS been against it personally. So whenver I read someone saying "flip-flopper" I understand it is just a hidden way of being a bigot. Are you proud of yourself "Jane Smith" - even though we know thats not your real name and that you are just planted by one of Romney's opponents.
Wouldn't it be nice if those CLAIMING to be staying away from negative campaigning would actually DO SO?

Iowan switches allegiance...again

jade7243 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:33:48 GMT

Silly, silly woman... by tomorrow she'll probably be for Kucinich before switching to Gravel. Let's just ask Susan to stay home.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Shotti Kawlra, Potomac, MD. — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:35:58 GMT

There can be many possibilities about Ms. Klopfer's behavior. I could come up with three:

She is shopping around to make her mind up.
She does not get along with her neighbors, the Vilsacks (Ms. Vilsack supports Hillary).
She is delusional.

Evidently Obama's camp jumped the gun by making the video of it. How embarrassing? She left one of the experienced candidates in Hillary, others being Biden, Dodd and Richardson. She then leaves Obama to go listen to Edwards and Richardson. She is impressed with Richardson and plann to caucus for him, but might switch to Edwards. Who knows in the end she might decided to go for Hunter. No wonder the polls are all over the place. Good luck!
Shotti.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Paul, NY,NY — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:42:25 GMT

Next, she'll have her own reality show. Who cares? Is the press this bored?

Iowan switches allegiance...again

twostepcub — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:47:03 GMT

proof that a lazy media network and a fame-hungry woman can divert attention from the issues and focus on this site's wonk dreams of a football game. Good job. go relax with your political "buddies" .

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Ike B. — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:49:39 GMT

What a moron! Now she can swirch to Mike Gravel if she wants.

Obama camp already got what they wanted from her.

He he he he he he he !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Lyn, MD — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:06:00 GMT

And I quote...

"Pick a lane or get off the highway already," LOL

hey, I couldn't resist...the day has become much to tense

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Janine, MA — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:15:46 GMT

Obviously this lady has no firm convictions, and therefore no one should really care what she thinks.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

POLpursun — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:45:40 GMT

Well, these are the sorts of things which occur when things are is such flux. But let's face it, if Barack Obama is to be potus, indeed, if he is to be the nominee of the Democratic party, things will, by necessity, be very different from they have been heretofore. One need only contemplate the "shifts" that must occur within the U.S.'s body politic and psyche for such a shock to materialize.

Thus, for example, the important question re the latest DMR poll is: Are their underlying premises correct? It's not dice rolling that will be taking place. It will be a critical mass of people moving beyond the bonds of fear and bogeymen and embracing a more expansive vision of possibility. They will not only be eschewing what is for what can be; they will be considering the gap between what can be and what ought to be and answering, "why not?" with "yeah, why not?" and finding no good answer, notwithstanding that the propensity of members of the species Homo sapiens to rationalize and project borders on the fantastic.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

S. B. Stein E.B. NJ — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:48:20 GMT

Many of the Democratic candidates have similar messages. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time to sort through all of the policy statements and reports from the media (hoping that they aren't baised for or against anyone) among other sources. It isn't surprising that this woman changed her mind. I am willing to believe that most Iowans have changed their minds about who to support. Besides there is always the second and third choices with their caucus system.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Mia — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:55:30 GMT

John Alexander, Concord, NH (Sent Wednesday, January 02, 2008 1:30 PM)

So full of hate, John. No one can disagree with you?

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Rufus Gibbons, DC — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:10:56 GMT

Perhaps she wanted another fifteen minutes of fame.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Rick,ky — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:20:08 GMT

Hang in there LYN, (MD). Our guy is going to Win!!! Take it to the Bank!!!!

Barack Obama our next President of the United States of America.

" DELUSIONAL THINKING BY COMMON SENSE AMERICAN'S IS OVER "

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Mitt Romney, MA — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:46:00 GMT

What's the problem?

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Susan Klopfer — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:46:47 GMT

Perhaps she wanted another fifteen minutes of fame.

Rufus Gibbons, DC (Sent Wednesday, January 02, 2008 3:10 PM)

Bingo.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Peter, Chicago — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:59:01 GMT

There has got to be a better way to do this than let a bunch of ignorant Iowans decide the next leader of the free world.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

whoframedrudy — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:12:35 GMT

I'm not surprised she dumped Obama. This is what Dick Morris predicted: once people think Obama might actually win, they take a good, hard look at him and then say "I'm not voting for a novice."

Iowan switches allegiance...again

CitizenJ — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:51:59 GMT

I'm not surprised she dumped Obama. This is what Dick Morris predicted: once people think Obama might actually win, they take a good, hard look at him and then say "I'm not voting for a novice."

whoframedrudy (Sent Wednesday, January 02, 2008 4:12 PM)

So what is your explanation for why this same person orignially dumped Clinton to join Obama?

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Amy B Portland, ME — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:04:19 GMT

Hey! I've changed my mind three times over the last few months. Give the lady a break, it's hard to choose which Democrat to support because they are all so good.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Sane in Ut — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:26:20 GMT

I think she sounds qualified run in the Democratic primary. Every canidate running has reinvented their image and positions at least as many times as she has changed her support. At least she does not have to understand a Florida ballot. They must have thousands like her in Dade county.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Dennis (Chicago, formerly Iowa) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:39:03 GMT

In response to the first post from Fred re: the "indecisiveness of Iowans" and their "extraordinary" naivete -- Iowans take their obligation as the first state in the nominating process quite seriously. As a result, they weigh the candidates carefully, and often do not make up their mind until late in the process because they want to hear from all sides before making such an important decision. This is the opposite of naive -- it is considered. As the article points out, this person is not a native Iowan and new to this process -- cut her some slack!

Iowan switches allegiance...again

boohall, texas — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:05:52 GMT

HO HO HO wouldn't you know. That's OK I will be leaving the Democrat party after tomorrow if Obama wins. I am so tired of you people voting for the "light" candidates. Ever see a company hire a CEO because he's likable but green?

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Rex Lipana — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:45:13 GMT

I am proud to say that I hounded her in her blog in Barack's website and showed her why her decision to change camp was dishonest and contrived. I showed her that Barack was the one who lied and Hillary merely responded with the truth and challenged her to change her mind.

I think I succeeded.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

everyone but Obama — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:43:20 GMT

If Iowan have a little more time, you will not be surprised to see more and more voters switch to Hillary. check it here
http://www.taylormarsh.com

THIS IS BIG NEWS. More and more Reps vote for Obama, now even the mayor ? Did someone warn us before the Reps want to have Obama as the nominee ? Don't say we didn't warn you, Republicans are running his campaign. So, get used to it.

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Scott, IA — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:48:20 GMT

I am not surprised that tomorrow 7pm she will show up caucusing for Hillary Clinton. You are so welcome back !

Hillary 08 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Iowan switches allegiance...again

Mom — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:52:08 GMT

Obama will make any real Democrat leave the party. If I wanted to vote for a Republican, I would register as a Republican. If Obama gets the nomination, then we will have two Republicans to choose from and we can just continue on the merry downhill course this country has been on for the past seven years.
And Obama's "bring us together" message sure hasn't worked during his senate career (when he bothers to show up) since he hasn't been able to "bring together" any Republicans to help override Bush's vetos of important Democratic legislation such as the SCHIP for children. But I guess it is going to be easier for him to get the mideast to get along than convince a couple of Republican senators to vote against their lame duck president.