Vilsack: A True Underdog Story?

Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2006 1:59 PM by Huma Zaidi

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
"Go, Tom, go!" Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack was greeted by supporters chanting his name in unison at Iowa Wesleyan College as he took the stage to officially announce his candidacy for president this morning. Vilsack, kicking off a five-state tour in his hometown of Mt. Pleasant today, was joined by his wife and children.

With President Bush in the Middle East today, Vilsack called for immediate action to push Iraqis to provide their own security. "We must act and we must act now. We must take our troops out of harm's way and say to the Iraqis, it is your responsibility to protect your families and your communities," Vilsack said.

But Vilsack also focused heavily on domestic issues. He promised to continue the wave of change since the midterm elections and emphasized the importance of focusing on tomorrow and a stronger future. He drew upon his experience as mayor and two-term governor and highlighted his state's status as the national leader in renewable fuel and energy production. Vilsack's platform also includes a stronger heathcare system, more competitive education system, and energy security.

Vilsack, who lacks name recognition, acknowledged his underdog status. Speaking about his rough childhood, Vilsack said his experiences help him understand the problems people suffer today. "[My family] grew accustomed to a declining standard of living. I know what it is like, I knew then and I know today, what it's like to be alone and to feel as if you do not belong."

An orphan, Vilsack was adopted by parents who split up for a period of time while his mother battled alcohol and prescription drug addictions. He says these experiences taught him valuable lessons: "The courage to create change can overcome the largest of obstacles, and that community can give you the confidence and the support to try and to succeed."

Tonight, Vilsack will be in Concord, New Hampshire at the Merrimack County Democrats Dinner as part of his five state "Courage to Create Change" tour.

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Comments

Well, this is who I am. A white woman, from Belleville,Michigan. I was born during the Korean War, under the Cold War. Saw a President killed when I was 11 yers old. Saw his brother killed too. I went grocery shopping today. Took the necessary precautions to get to the store. Once inside, I found nyself wondering about the Iraqis and the Afghans. Could they walk in a store like mine? I think not I had the same feeling after Katrina.No "graceful exit here.

Cynthia (Sent Thursday, November 30, 2006 7:19 PM)

Vilsack has had to watch Iowa Reservists get jerked around by this war, knowing it was all a sham. Most people don't remember, but the last day a GI died in Veitnam, two GI's died in Vietnam. One was from Indiana, and the other was from Iowa. In 1971, seeing Nixon wasn't in any hurry to get out of the place, I made the statement that the last guy to die there would probably be from Iowa. I don't know which kid died first, who cares enough to check the clock, Indiana and Iowa gave one final son, each. We also gave two Reserve Units to that War. Vilsack appears to me to be a decent man. I'm not a Democrat or a Republican, I'm an Independent. But I would feel comfortable with him as President. He's no Bush and he's no Clinton. He has what the two of them lack. Listen to him and find out what that is.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, November 30, 2006 10:36 PM)

Tom WHO? Oh, yes...that was Maude Ferkel's great nephew who grew up poking out the eyes of baby kittens. He would make a fine POTUS. And his v-p choice would obviously be Dwark Varquahr, famous for carnal knowledge with a chicken under Iowa's only streetlamp. Top that, Hillary-Billary and Brrrraaaak. On second thought, you probably could.

Lefty Zurschmiede, Waterloo, IA (Sent Friday, December 01, 2006 12:58 AM)

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