2019 Liberty and Justice Celebration

Eleven years ago I was part of the campaign that flipped Iowa events on their heads. As far as I know, no one did a pre-rally and march into (what was at the time called) the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. But now it seems everyone has a pre-rally, gets a drill team and drum corps, and makes their way through the streets of Des Moines.

Photo of a crowd of Obama supporters marching through the streets of Des Moines. — Obama supporters marching through the streets of Des Moines.

I’m not complaining. I’m a sucker for this stuff. Just, you know, credit where credit’s due.

Last Friday was the big day for 2019. The dinner has been rebranded as the Liberty & Justice Celebration and thirteen candidates were on the bill. Since I’m currently unable to clone myself, I had to pick which pre-rallies I was going to attend in order to fulfill my need to document this circus of a primary.

I wanted to get to the Harris block party but didn’t get out of the Buttigieg rally in time. Ben Harper played (ask me my Ben Harper story some time) and Mayor Pete had one of the largest crowds to lead up 2nd St. from Cowles Commons into Wells Fargo Arena.

I ditched the Pete parade and hit up the John Delaney and Amy Klobuchar parties at venues along 2nd. John had already spoken but I got to pop in and say hello and see some former co-workers. The Klobuchar party was about to hit the streets so I tagged along for that.

This was the biggest, the most technically advanced event the Iowa Democratic Party has put on and it went off (almost) without a hitch. It’s been said by many many others but I’ll add mine. Fantastic work by Chairman Troy Price, ED Kevin Geiken, and the entire staff at the IDP.

More smoke machines at events. They make every photo better.

Here’s my gallery. Enjoy: