I guess that most people who speak at the Steak Fry eventually run for president. I guess that’s been the history but I’m not interested in running for president. I’m coming because I like Tom Harkin and I like steak. [Radio Iowa, via Political Wire]
As Megan wrote yesterday, Al Franken will be the keynote speaker at the Harkin Steak Fry. Franken was quick, though, to disabuse notions that he was considering a run for higher office:
Jeff - How come the Target center isn’t full today? Last year you guys had to turn people away.
It’s a pretty slow day here on the old blog. Wonder where all our favorite contributors are today?
From MPR - http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/09/11/obama-target-center-minneapolis/
As of noon, organizers said there was still room for spectators inside the Target Center, which holds 18,000 people in the configuration used for the speech.
Yeah, if they really had a coalition, that support would be 18,000 strong. But since they have only 17,950, that proves conclusively that the public doesn’t support the healthcare plan.
Less support than a year ago. I just can’t believe the organizers weren’t bright enough to organize things so there were thousands of empty seats in the upper deck. Just strange. I suppose the Gopher’s game and Twins game might have scared people away though.
I guess the libs aren’t happy about Obama’s Potomac Two Step on the public option. how else do you explain the target center having some empty seats?
The Target Center, which holds 18,000 people in the configuration used for the speech, was filled to near capacity.
From the MPR article above. Well, I’m one of those who didn’t go. Just not interested in fighting the traffic. I watched it on CSPAN instead. I’m sure I’m not alone.
Watched it from home… I suppose the equal number at the national Teabaggers deal in Washington DC means they have no support either?
Stay in denial “progressive” friend. Tell yourself this photos if of 18,000 people.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YGLQQZTHoU0/SqwCC2p7eBI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/CpQqASGqop4/s1600-h/dc14.jpg
Fox news called it “tens of thousands.”
Yep, they had more people in DC. Obama’s appearance had a few days notice for a regional rally while the national rally in DC had non stop promotion from Fox news for weeks yet its attendance was FAR below what the righties were projecting, but hey….
Are yall seriously arguing over whether the tens of thousands at this was 20,000 or 40,000? Either way, there were dozens of football games yesterday that each drew a bigger crowd. Plenty that probably had a bigger TV audience, too.
Frankly, probably much less than 18k.
Final numbers seem to be around 70,000 to 80,000 with a lie from stage that ABC News projected 1 to 1.5 million. Just remember that 25% of the population is convinced that there is no scientific basis for evolution and that aliens have already landed.
around 70,000 to 80,000
And nearly all of them white. But it’s not a race issue, right, neocons?
Hey troll schmucks…you republicans too stupid to stay on topic?
Also… Fried Steak? I thought that was a southern thing, not a Minnesota thing. I’d figured Minnesota for a grilled steak state.
The steak fry is in Iowa!
Oh. Ok. Well, do they really fry steaks there, or is that just its name? I agree with Senator Franken as far as steak goes - I like it too. Don’t know who Tom Harkin is, though.
I’m sure they’re grilled
Agree with Lojasmo, I bet the word “steak fry” is a figure of speech, just like we have social bar-b-ques where nothing is actually bbq’d, based on the proper definition.
Whatever the case, I’d love to attend this Harkin gig sometime. Even if you aren’t a Democrat, I’m sure it would be a fun day.
Of course they Grill steaks. It’s Iowa for crying out loud. A corn fed USDA prime beef state!
Don’t know who Tom Harkin is, though..
Senior Senator from Iowa. Solid friend of the working man and woman.
You know, the guy who helped get everyone stirred up at the Wellstone Memorial political rally.
Steve, I bet you’re thinking of chicken-fried steak, which is definitely a southern thang. And damn good, served with gravy. Myself, I generally prefer my steak grilled, charred on the outside, cold red on the inside, cool pink between. Mancini’s medium rare does it every time.