General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsReccomend this thread if you love Senator Harkin
If we could only turn back time and elect Tom as our President.
I remember catching grief for my "Harkin for President" bumper sticker but I displayed it proudly and history has proven me correct in my choice.
Goodbye Senator...you will be missed!
Tom Harkin for President 1992 Campaign Brochures:
1. End George Bush's supply-side, trickle-down, tax-breaks-for-the-rich economics.
2. Use Tom Harkin's INVESTMENT BASED ECONOMICS to invest in America -- our workers, our schools, health care and our infrastructure.
3. Stop subsidizing the defense of our allies. And use that money here at home. Invest in America.
4. Get tough on trade and stop exporting American jobs to foreign countries.
5. Help America's working families with national health care, parental leave, child care and pay equity.
http://www.4president.org/brochures/tomharkin1992brochure.htm
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UTUSN
(70,740 posts)judesedit
(4,443 posts)moondust
(20,006 posts)Really hate to see Tom go.
senseandsensibility
(17,130 posts)The first time I saw or knew of Tom Harkin was when he spoke at Paul Wellstone's funeral. He gave a populist, barnburner speech. You know, the kind that isn't allowed on corporate media. I didn't realize how hungry I was for such a speech, such a vision of the world. I loved it. Then the camera turned to Bill and Hillary in the audience and they were laughing with delight at his words as well. Tom Harkin was a breath of fresh air and a window into what our party could be, with a little more courage.
antigop
(12,778 posts)Proletariatprincess
(718 posts)I supported Harkin in 1992 and was deeply disappointed with Bubba Clinton.
Harkin is one of the few strong Labor Union supporters left....in fact, he may be the last in congress. Sad to see him go, and with him the hope that congress will ever respect the rights of working people in the USA in y lifetime.
colsohlibgal
(5,275 posts)This isn't rocket science. Our nation is crumbling in all directions so rich people can keep a few more billions/millions while we go about wars and empire building - all the while creating future terrorists. It makes me a bit nuts that more people can't grasp this.
nick of time
(651 posts)understand why, but still disappointed.
Hope another Dem. of his caliber steps up to run for his seat, we need more like thinking Dems in the Senate and less RW repukes.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002493939
Could have used more advocacy.
progressoid
(49,999 posts)rurallib
(62,448 posts)his staff has always been incredibly helpful.
He really pushed health care.
northoftheborder
(7,574 posts)Sophie22
(23 posts)I sure hope we get one who works just as hard for us. I will miss him. He is a stand-up guy.
historylovr
(1,557 posts)dmosh42
(2,217 posts)decayincl
(27 posts)All of Iowa, and the country will miss him. We need more like him. Good Job Senator.
supercats
(429 posts)I only wish Obama would adopt Tom Harkin's Five-Point Plan For Economic Growth and muscle it through congress somehow. If he did our country would mend in a hurry.
Joey Liberal
(5,526 posts)He'll probably be replaced by a republican.
iandhr
(6,852 posts)WillyT
(72,631 posts)barbiegeek
(1,140 posts)limpyhobbler
(8,244 posts)To think I volunteered a lot for Bill Clinton in the 1992 NH primary. Looking back that was a big error. Clinton was the one that really cemented the corporate sell-off of the Democratic Party. We've seen the results of the corporate policies on trade and de-regulation over these past 20 years. And the result has been nothing less than a decimation of the American middle class.
antigop
(12,778 posts)jcboon
(296 posts)KT2000
(20,587 posts)Thank you Senator.
This man will truly be missed by all, Good Luck Senator Harkin
Laelth
(32,017 posts)-Laelth
dsc
(52,166 posts)but in 1992 he downright horrid on gay rights.
watch the sky
(129 posts)and he will be missed by many of us, I think. Hope he enjoys his retirement and lives for many more years.
Cha
(297,655 posts)to our country.
Here's to Iowa electing some of that "new generation of Democrats" that Harkin refered to in his reason for leaving.
The 73-year-old Harkin tells The Associated Press in an interview, "It's just time to step aside," because by the time he would finish a sixth term, he would be 81.
Harkin said it would also allow a new generation of Democrats to seek higher office.
The announcement comes as a surprise, considering he had $2.7 million in his campaign war chest and was planning a fundraiser next month.
Harkin played a lead role in urging the Senate's more liberal members to back the 2010 health care bill.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/26/tom-harkin-retiring_n_2557708.html
nradisic
(1,362 posts)He will be sorely missed in the Senate...we need more like him.
NeeDeep
(120 posts)I feel like running up some freeway and shouting about pods and emotionless beings taking over. Protecting us from beings who are killing our humanity just got to be too much for Harkin. Good-bye true believer.
eridani
(51,907 posts)Can you elect someone else as good?
Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)A great Hawkeye and American. One of the most outstanding senators ever - populist! Any cool family members who could step in for you, Senator? You will be sorely missed.
Peregrine Took
(7,417 posts)BlueMTexpat
(15,373 posts)admirable and a great advocate, not only for Iowa but for all who are vulnerable.
Hopefully, there will be a good Dem - and there ARE a lot of good Dems in Iowa - to take up his mantle.
But he will be sorely missed by all liberals.
JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)the speech he gave at his friend Paul Wellstone's memorial.
Thank you Senator, for everything!
Julie
Little Star
(17,055 posts)CTyankee
(63,912 posts)That was his best line evah!
Inspired
(3,957 posts)He will be surely missed.
Bruce Braley needs to run for his seat. Go Bruce!
bemildred
(90,061 posts)-- A past & present supporter
emulatorloo
(44,182 posts)Harry Reid. Even though Tom did finally vote for Reid's "compromise" I think the fact that Reid let McConnell and the Repubs have a way to continue to obstruct legislation was the final straw for Tom. Wishing him happiness in his retirement. Maybe he will run for governor?????? One can wish.
FailureToCommunicate
(14,020 posts)Alas, the rest is history.
FailureToCommunicate
(14,020 posts)Thank you Senator!
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)There is no better advocate on the Hill for people with disabilities. His brother Frank was Deaf; he knows Americxan Sign Language.
Richlu
(21 posts)Thank you for your true progressive work in congress! So inspiring and hope-giving.
juajen
(8,515 posts)Obama and our country need them. Of course, without filibuster reform, how much good could he do?
longship
(40,416 posts)I can't choose between them. Which one?