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Photos by Jerry Schmidt

Video by Jerry Schmidt

Video by Jerry Schmidt

The sequence of photos from the beginning of Hilary Clinton’s speech at the Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa of September 14, 2014 when she declares, “I’m Back!”:

The crowd roared with their approval.

Previously:

Oh yeah, Hillary’s gonna run (August 18, 2014)

Go North (September 3, 2014)

Road Trip! – the 2014 Harkin Steak Fry (September 5, 2014)

Bet the farm (September 14, 2014)

The Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 14, 2014 (September 15, 2014)

We drove the two hundred fifty miles to the balloon field in Indianola, Iowa for the 37th (and final) Harkin Steak Fry, one of the signature Midwest political events for Democrats, leaving at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning so that we could arrive for the media preset and claim main riser space. We did and we did.

The Ready for Hillary PAC (not affiliated with any candidate) had a formidable presence at the steak fry.

Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton were the featured speakers, so there was a significant amount of national and international media present. The steak fry folks ran out of printed press credentials.

While we waited for the press entry with about two hundred other media types we ran into the great Charles P. Pierce (Esquire – Politics Blog). He’s an approachable and friendly person. And he tells very funny stories. We introduced ourselves and explained our connections – especially the Vicky Hartzler “the Chinese are spying on us through our toasters” meme.

Charles P. Pierce of Esquire’s The Politics Blog.

The media scrum, waiting for entry into the steak grilling photo op – for about an hour and a half.

A crowd of steak fry civilians gathered from across the balloon field as the media waited for the press only steak grilling photo op. At the point that the gates were opened and almost everyone ran for position you could hear those observers laughing at the media.

Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Tom Harkin at the steak grilling photo op – Harkin Steak Fry, Indianola, Iowa – September 14, 2014.

AFSCME members at the steak fry.

Listening to Tom Harkin.

The crowd.

We’re not certain, but our Show Me Progress road trip group came up with a consensus estimate of seven thousand people in attendance.

Not everyone who attended was from Iowa. If you asked those in our party who were in and around the crowd about its reaction to Hillary Clinton’s speech they would tell you it was way more than enthusiastic. They’re ready and armed for bear. To quote a commenter at Charles P. Pierce’s place:

Do you talk to women who are not very political? They ones I have are really, really excited about Clinton running. There are a lot of people who don’t see her as a retread.

“I’m back.”

The Texts from Hillary photo as a public service announcement on the back of the Ready for Hillary PAC bus.

Oh, if you’re curious about what six or so inches of rain a few days before the event and seven thousand pairs of feet will do to a balloon field in Iowa on a sunny Sunday afternoon – there was mud.

Previously:

Oh yeah, Hillary’s gonna run (August 18, 2014)

Go North (September 3, 2014)

Road Trip! – the 2014 Harkin Steak Fry (September 5, 2014)

Bet the farm (September 14, 2014)

Today, at the Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa:

Tom Harkin, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Ruth Harkin – at the 37th Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 14, 2014.

Hillary Clinton at the 37th (and final) Harkin Steal Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 14, 2014

You don’t think Hillary’s gonna run in 2016? Really?

Previously:

Oh yeah, Hillary’s gonna run (August 18, 2014)

Go North (September 3, 2014)

Road Trip! – the 2014 Harkin Steak Fry (September 5, 2014)

We just received our confirmations for a press credentials for the 37th annual Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa on September 14th. I was issued my first press credential ever as a representative of Show Me Progress for the 2007 event.

The line of Hillary supporters watching their candidate at the steak grilling photo op

at the Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 16, 2007 [file photo].

That September afternoon 18,000 people gathered at the balloon field to listen to the large number of Democratic Party presidential candidates. The weather was fantastic.

And taking advantage of the access granted by the credential I took a grand total of ninety stills. Experience over the years has disabused me of that illusion of productivity (In September 2013 I took over two thousand stills of President Obama at a presidential event in Kansas City).

The photos in this post were taken in 2007 amidst the vast media scrums (or not) around the candidates. It’s a brutal environment for someone who is trying to get a clean line of sight and who also has the handicap of politeness.

In the years since we’ve returned annually (only skipping 2008). On off years the crowd is somewhat smaller and the off year venue at the fairgrounds is much more intimate. Some of the regular volunteers know us by sight and name.

The speakers for this (and the final) Harkin Steak Fry are Hillary and Bill Clinton.

This year will not be an off year. By virtue of the speakers this event will be a magnet for national and international media. We might have to elbow our way in for riser space and we’re definitely going to have to brave media scrums. That’ll be half the fun. As a result, the chances are good we’ll have a meta post or two up at Show Me Progress describing the zoo like atmosphere.

And that’s if it doesn’t rain. If it rains it’ll be even more fun. We highly recommend the experience.

Then Senator Hillary Clinton working the “rope line” at the Harkin Steak Fry

in Indianola, Iowa – September 16, 2007 [file photo].

Then Senator Joe Biden, with his son, Hunter, about to give an interview at the Harkin Steak Fry

in Indianola, Iowa – September 16, 2007. Dr. Jill Biden is in red (background, left). [file photo].

Former Senator John Edwards speaking with the media

at the Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 16, 2007 [file photo].

Then Senator Barack Obama speaking with a volunteer at the steak grilling photo op

at the Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 16, 2007 [file photo].

Previously:

Go North (September 3, 2014)

Oh yeah, Hillary’s gonna run (August 18, 2014)

The Harkin Steak Fry 2013 – photos (September 15, 2013)

Yep, that’s about it (September 16, 2013)

‘Twas an epic roadtrip, that’s for sure (September 16, 2013)

Joe Biden at Harkin Steak Fry video by Jerry Schmidt (September 17, 2013)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – photos (September 16, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – Road Trip (September 16, 2012)

The 35th Annual Harkin Steak Fry: Getting a Jump on 2016 (September 17, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – press availability with Sen. Tom Harkin (D) and Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) (September 17, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 Press Availability Video (September 20, 2012)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa (September 18, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Senator Bernie Sanders (I) (September 19, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 1 (September 20, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 2 (September 22, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 3 (September 23, 2011)

Iowa Road Trip! – the 2010 Harkin Steak Fry (September 11, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – Interstate highway rest stops (September 12, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – on the way back (September 12, 2010)

The bumper stickers of Madison County (September 13, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – photos and press availability (September 13, 2010)

Senator Al Franken (D) at the 2009 Harkin Steak Fry – part 1

Senator Al Franken (D) at the 2009 Harkin Steak Fry – part 2

Senators Harkin (D) and Franken (D) in Indianola, Iowa – there will be a strong public option

The 2009 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – photos

Before anyone gets a shovel and digs a grave for the Public Option, read this

Road Trip! – The Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – The speechifying (September 17, 2007)

Road Trip! – The Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – What? No mud? (September 17, 2007)

If you’re a Democrat and you’re from Missouri, go north on September 14th to Indianola, Iowa for the 37th annual (and last) Harkin Steak Fry. You’ll meet lots of like minded folks (we’ll be there), you’ll partake of an excellent feed, and you’ll have an opportunity to see and hear Hillary and Bill Clinton. There’s the added benefit of watching a vast herd of national media stampeding all over the place in their desperation to confirm and contribute to the conventional wisdom. If that ain’t an excuse for a one day road trip I don’t know what else is.

Then Senator Hillary Clinton at the Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 16, 2007 [file photo].

Ed Kilgore has a thing or two to say about the times:

The Irresistible Duopoly Of Iowa And New Hampshire

We are slipping up on another presidential election cycle, and once again, threats that Democrats and Republicans would come together to deny Iowa and New Hampshire their irrationally privileged position in the nominating process have come to naught. Aside from having long passed the window for national rules changes, with nothing happening that in any way endangered the duopoly, it’s now getting a bit late for potential candidates to make their initial pay-the-dues appearances in the town halls and potlucks of these two not-exactly-typical states….

….Meanwhile the Democratic contest moves into a full-fledged Invisible Caucus phase less than two weeks from now, when Hil and Bill Clinton headline the 37th (and final) Tom Harkin Steak Fry in – of course – Indianola, Iowa.

What’s most interesting this year, though, is the extent to which national political people have excuses for spending extra time and money in Iowa and New Hampshire….

Not to be denied. At the Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 16, 2007 [file photo].

Previously:

Oh yeah, Hillary’s gonna run (August 18, 2014)

The Harkin Steak Fry 2013 – photos (September 15, 2013)

Yep, that’s about it (September 16, 2013)

‘Twas an epic roadtrip, that’s for sure (September 16, 2013)

Joe Biden at Harkin Steak Fry video by Jerry Schmidt (September 17, 2013)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – photos (September 16, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – Road Trip (September 16, 2012)

The 35th Annual Harkin Steak Fry: Getting a Jump on 2016 (September 17, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – press availability with Sen. Tom Harkin (D) and Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) (September 17, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 Press Availability Video (September 20, 2012)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa (September 18, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Senator Bernie Sanders (I) (September 19, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 1 (September 20, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 2 (September 22, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 3 (September 23, 2011)

Iowa Road Trip! – the 2010 Harkin Steak Fry (September 11, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – Interstate highway rest stops (September 12, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – on the way back (September 12, 2010)

The bumper stickers of Madison County (September 13, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – photos and press availability (September 13, 2010)

Senator Al Franken (D) at the 2009 Harkin Steak Fry – part 1

Senator Al Franken (D) at the 2009 Harkin Steak Fry – part 2

Senators Harkin (D) and Franken (D) in Indianola, Iowa – there will be a strong public option

The 2009 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – photos

Before anyone gets a shovel and digs a grave for the Public Option, read this

Road Trip! – The Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – The speechifying (September 17, 2007)

Road Trip! – The Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – What? No mud? (September 17, 2007)

Hillary and Bill Clinton will be the keynote speakers at the annual Harkin Steak Fry at the balloon field in Indianola, Iowa on September 14, 2014.

Seven years ago:

Hillary Clinton at the Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – September 16, 2007 [file photo].

We received the following via e-mail:

Harkin Steak Fry 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 18, 2014

[….]

37th HARKIN STEAK FRY TO FEATURE FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON AND FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

Iowa political classic takes place Sunday, September 14th

(INDIANOLA, IOWA) – U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today announced that his last Steak Fry will feature both Bill and Hillary Clinton as speakers. The 42nd President of the United States will be attending his fourth Steak Fry, the Former Secretary of State her second.

Looking ahead to important, closely contested Iowa elections in November, including the one to determine his own Senate successor, Harkin promised to cap 37 years of high powered, high spirited political rhetoric at the Midwestern classic with a bang.

“Not only will this be my last Steak Fry, we’ll also need to rally our troops for outstanding, progressive Iowa champions on the ballot this Fall – all of whom have tough races, all of which we need to win!”

“That’s why I couldn’t be happier than to share this special day with two such close friends. They have contributed so much good, inspiring leadership to this country for many years, and I am sure they will continue to do so in the years ahead,” Harkin said.

First held on a farm in Madison County, the Harkin Steak Fry has become a signature political event in Iowa. Past special guests have included Bill and Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama, Vice Presidents Joe Biden and Al Gore, Senators Paul Wellstone, Al Franken and Bernie Sanders, Governor Martin O’Malley, now-HUD Secretary Julian Castro and all of the major Democratic presidential candidates in 2003 and 2007, among many other luminaries.

The event will be held Sunday, September 14th from 1:00 – 4:00pm at the Indianola Balloon Field.

“What started out nearly 40 years ago as a handful of interested Iowans sitting around on hay bales, discussing politics, has grown to be an iconic gathering,” said Senator Harkin.  “This year’s Steak Fry just might be the best ever.”

General admission tickets for the Steak Fry cost $30 and include refreshments and a steak dinner. To purchase tickets, get directions or learn more about the 37th Annual Harkin Steak Fry, visit http://www.TomHarkin.com or call 515-277-9966.

Register for press credentials at http://www.TomHarkin.com.

# # #

We’ll be there.

Previously:

The Harkin Steak Fry 2013 – photos (September 15, 2013)

Yep, that’s about it (September 16, 2013)

‘Twas an epic roadtrip, that’s for sure (September 16, 2013)

Joe Biden at Harkin Steak Fry video by Jerry Schmidt (September 17, 2013)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – photos (September 16, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – Road Trip (September 16, 2012)

The 35th Annual Harkin Steak Fry: Getting a Jump on 2016 (September 17, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 – press availability with Sen. Tom Harkin (D) and Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) (September 17, 2012)

Harkin Steak Fry 2012 Press Availability Video (September 20, 2012)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa (September 18, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Senator Bernie Sanders (I) (September 19, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 1 (September 20, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 2 (September 22, 2011)

The 2011 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa: Paul Begala – part 3 (September 23, 2011)

Iowa Road Trip! – the 2010 Harkin Steak Fry (September 11, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – Interstate highway rest stops (September 12, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – on the way back (September 12, 2010)

The bumper stickers of Madison County (September 13, 2010)

Iowa Road Trip! – photos and press availability (September 13, 2010)

Senator Al Franken (D) at the 2009 Harkin Steak Fry – part 1

Senator Al Franken (D) at the 2009 Harkin Steak Fry – part 2

Senators Harkin (D) and Franken (D) in Indianola, Iowa – there will be a strong public option

The 2009 Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – photos

Before anyone gets a shovel and digs a grave for the Public Option, read this

Road Trip! – The Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – The speechifying (September 17, 2007)

Road Trip! – The Harkin Steak Fry in Indianola, Iowa – What? No mud? (September 17, 2007)

We rest our case.

As you can probably tell, we’ve been regulars.