Presidential Candidates Stress Experience During Emmetsburg, IA Rally

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It's being called the largest Democratic rally in northwest Iowa history. It's not because hundreds of people packed the Wild Rose Casino, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, Sunday night. Rather, for the number of presidential candidates on the same stage at the same time.

Bill Richardson has poked fun at himself with ads that portray his presidential campaign as a "job interview". Sunday night, the New Mexico governor read from his resume. The former congressman, ambassador, and energy secretary told folks he's the most experienced candidate. "To not just go for the candidate with the most money, the best political pedigree, or the most glamorous," Richardson said. "But, the candidate who can change this country and has the most experience."

Senator Joe Biden can claim 34-years of experience in the U-S Senate... including international experience. He maintains America's domestic issues won't matter unless we "settle Iraq" first. "We're spending $120-billion a year," Biden said. "Imagine what I could do as president to insure kids, provide college education, improve the environment... for $120-billion a year that we're now spending on Iraq."

Senator Chris Dodd boasts 26-years in Washington... and a record of bringing Democrats and Republicans together. "This is not the time for the untested," said Dodd. "The American people want a president with a tested, proven record of results."

The wife of Senator Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, said her husband may not have a lot of experience inside "the beltway", but he has "life experience" as a lawyer-turned community organizer-turned state lawmaker. She focused on the world her husband can deliver to their kids... and ours. "Right here, right now, we have a choice for true change, or a little change," Obama said. "We need true change. In order to get that change we need you."

With polls showing Senator John Edwards' number slipping, the former Vice Presidential candidate needs Iowans to caucus for him, in January. His national campaign chair says Edwards' rural roots give him insight into Iowans' lives. "To break this corrupt, corroded system in Washington that prevented good ag policy to help farmers, and universal health care," said David Bonior.

Health care for every American is an idea Hillary Clinton has been working on since she was first lady. If she's elected, she'll give folks the same plan she enjoys as a U-S Senator. "If it's good enough for Congress, it's good enough for America," Clinton said. "We'll let the people buy in and take advantage of it." The plan offers more than 250 options.

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