Reid, a Democrat from Nevada, is facing criticism for comments he made about then-candidate Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign. According to a book chronicling the campaign, Reid said he country “was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate, especially one such as Obama — a ‘light-skinned’ African American ‘with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.’”

Aides to Harkin told The Des Moines Register that “President Obama’s comments over the weekend put this issue to rest and that it is time to get back to addressing the issues facing our country’s economy and health system.”

At an appearance in Cedar Rapids, Grassley said that he is glad Reid apologized for his statements and that he “wouldn’t go any further than that at this point.”

Earlier Monday, U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, said he believes everything Reid said about Obama was true. King also compared Reid’s statements to those that ended the reign of Trent Lott as Senate Republican leader back in 2002.

In Iowa, the 2008 flood damage has been is just as hard on each individual victim, but the sheer numbers aren’t as demographically significant to the state’s politics. Still, the high waters will ripple through the issues and agendas of the state’s politics this fall.Louisiana’s Democratic Governor Kathleen Blanco stepped down in 2007, in large part due to perceptions that she had mismanaged the response to Katrina.  The man she defeated in 2003, Republican Bobby Jindal, swept to an easy 2007 victory. Senator Mary Landrieu is the only Democratic senator in the nation considered to be in any sort of trouble for re-election this year, in part because so many Democratic voters have moved out of the state.  In fact, so many people have moved away that Louisiana may lose a seat in Congress in the 2010 census.

Iowa is likely to lose a seat in Congress after the census anyway, but our evacuations have been in the thousands, not in the tens or hundreds of thousands seen in Louisiana.  Still, many voters are dislocated within the state.

Flood damage was predominantly in the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts, both represented by first-term Democrats who took over from Republicans in 2006. But neither Bruce Braley nor Dave Loebsack are on national Republican target lists, and both represent districts that returned to their on-paper Democratic leanings after many years in Republican hands. Ironically, the congressional candidate whose name was most associated with disaster relief, Cedar Rapids Republican Peter Teahen, narrowly lost his 2nd District primary to Mariannette Miller-Meeks just before the flood waters rose.

Braley and Loebsack both skipped the state Democratic convention Saturday to work on flood issues in their districts, and Loebsack has already cancelled a planned July visit to Iraq and Afghanistan to spend more time back home.  More time in the district means more hands-on, nonpartisan case work for Braley and Loebsack. If they do it right, that means more voters with a personal connection of gratitude to the two newcomers.

Senator Tom Harkin did attend the state convention, but moved on to flood work later in the day. His opponent, Republican Christopher Reed, is little-known and coming off a narrow primary win. In fact, the first political casualty of the flood may have a recount in the Senate primary. Second-place finisher George Eichhorn had seemed litigious before the flood, challenging Iowa Public Television for airing a Reed interview before vote totals were finalized. But Eichhorn issued a brief concession statement late in the afternoon of June 13, the deadline to request a recount. It concluded by mentioning the flood.

Harkin’s four terms of seniority and spot on the powerful Appropriations Committee make him a well-placed flood relief advocate.  Flood work will also soften Harkin’s partisan image, making Reed’s job that much harder.

Flood-related nonpartisanship can, at least briefly, extend even to issues as big as the Iraq War. “I am sure there are several instances where I have puffed out my chest and boasted about what I might say if I had the chance to speak to the President,” said Johnson County Democratic Supervisor Rod Sullivan, who got that chance when Bush toured flooded areas of Iowa City.  “I got the chance to say one sentence, and I said, ‘Thank you for coming, Mister President.’ I just decided that I was not there to make a political statement, but to do my best to ensure that our area gets the most possible Federal assistance. Discretion was the better part of valor.”

But a partisan tinge emerged at the presidential level even before the flood waters crested, as Republican nominee-to-be John McCain visited Columbus Junction to inspect the damage. Governor Chet Culver’s office let it be known that McCain had been asked not to come, since the security needs of a Secret Service protected presidential candidate would interfere with flood work. Democrat Barack Obama had already cancelled a previously scheduled Cedar Rapids visit, citing the flood. McCain also took a hit in the blogosphere for offering “prayers” to Midwest flood victims, while Obama personally filled sandbags in Quincy, Illinois. (McCain’s POW-related injuries have left him unable to lift his arms above his shoulders, and probably preclude sandbagging.)

The true test of bipartisanship could be seen in a special legislative session to deal with flood issues, which Culver says may happen in August. That will mean another set of bills, votes, and spending. The political impact could depend on whether bipartisan, unanimous solutions are found, or if minority Republicans draw a line in the sand(bags) on spending. In any case, it will tie up incumbents in Des Moines for some period of time, while their challengers campaign back home.

Culver may have caught a small break from the crisis. He faced a potentially hostile convention audience Saturday, as labor Democrats are angry over Culver’s veto of their top priority “open scope” bill.  But his speech, which focused mainly on flood recovery, was greeted politely by delegates.

Tomorrow: More localized political impacts of the flood.

Iowa Farmers Union President Chris Petersen has just welcomed everyone, giving brief opening remarks. Petersen gave a passionate speech about farm policy and the hardships that family farms are facing in a concentrated marketplace.

We are expecting all of the Democratic presidential candidates at the forum today, as well as an appearance by Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley.

Keep checking back today as we update this post regularly.

Sen. Barack Obama has just taken the stage. He is speaking about real leadership for rural America, which he says starts with one simple principle: Listening to rural Americans instead of Washington lobbyists.
He touts the fact that he has listened to farmers in shaping his rural agenda. Subsidy payments to wealthy land-owners need to end, he says.

He supports implementation of country-of-origin labeling and standing up against conglomeration in agriculture. He supports a ban on packer ownership of livestock.
"We're going to tell Con-Agra that it's the Department of Agriculture, not the Department of Agribusiness."
He says he will stand up and fight against concentrated animal feeding operations, and fight to end EQIP payments to these big operations.
"Every time we lose a family farm, we lose something that is distinctly American," said Obama.

He continues to discuss the items in his rural plan, and quotes a Bible verse in reference to stewardship of the land and water.

Obama finishes his speech and starts shaking some hands. The next speaker on the schedule is Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., who is apparently going to take the stage at any moment. 

Sen. Chris Dodd has taken the podium, and begins by congratulating Chris Petersen for this work as president of the Iowa Farmers Union. Dodd is talking about young people leaving rural America because of the lack of opportunities. He says the challenges facing family farms and rural America are staggering.
He speaks a little about Niman Ranch and how he's excited to meet Paul Willis, manager of Niman Ranch Pork.
"Rural America is important to every single citizen in our country."
Dodd just said he'd consider Chris Petersen, or someone like him, to be appointed as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Dodd supports country-of-origin labeling and stronger food safety standards, which brings loud applause. He continues by speaking on environmental policies, discussing his renewable energy plans. "I believe that the key to a vibrant rural economy lies in renewable energy."

Dodd begins closing his remarks by saying that the influence of money in politics is one of the most important issues that needs to be addressed. He finishes by touting his experience, his many years in the Congress and his proven ability to get major things accomplished. The Family and Medical Leave Act is one of his greatest achievements, he says.

Lunch has been served and the crowd is enjoying a meal of Niman Ranch pork loin, heirloom squash soup, and a nice vegetable medley.

The next candidate is just arriving, and it's Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C.

"Give the American people hope, and give the big special interests hell." That's a new theme that Sen. John Edwards has rolled out in his speech today. He's clearly the favorite candidate of the folks seated around the tables here at the forum. They cheered loudly when Edwards said he supports a nation-wide moratorium on CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations). He's the only candidate calling for such a moratorium.
Edwards' speech differs from the previous two as he uses the most direct language in attacking the powerful agribusiness corporations. He receives a long standing ovation and cheering. This crowd obviously likes Edwards a lot. 

Now there is some down-time as the group finishes lunch. The next candidate speech will not be until 1:30 p.m., when Sen. Joe Biden arrives.

Dennis Kucinich is not on the schedule, but he's here in spirit. Here's a photo of his table display:

 And now the speeches continue.

Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., has now taken the stage and has reminded the crowd that Delaware is not in New England. It's in the DelMarVa peninsula, and has a very large agricultural economy.
He has now begun emphasizing the importance of foreign relations to agricultural markets. He's talking about Iran, oil, and the saber-rattling of the Bush administration.
Biden certainly is giving a much different speech than the other candidates here today. He's talking about China, and global currencies, and Morocco and imported toys. Globalism and the impact on farms. He's talking about the falling value of the dollar, and the rising cost of farm inputs. And even though the crowd has thinned in the room, everyone is much quieter and closely listening to the speech.

And now Biden has begun speaking against federal farm subsidy payments to wealthy farms, which draws a round of applause. He suggests supports to farmers in the transition period as they move to organic and specialty crops.

Biden calls for a higher renewable fuels standard, and increased fuel economy standards. "Corn etha
nol is not a silver bullet, but it's a darn good first step," he said. He then takes quite a few questions from the crowd, and he clearly scores a lot of points by providing knowledgable responses to all of the questions.

Next up we have several presentations, including a talk with Aaron Woolf, director of the film "King Corn." There will also be a presentation by Mark Rukavina on affordable health care for farmers. That's followed by a speech by Dennis Olson,  senior policy advocate for the Institute of Agriculture and Trade, and then a presentation by organic dairy farmer Vickie Trytten.

The later afternoon includes a talk by John Campbell of the United Steel Workers, who will discuss building coalitions among farmers, unions and the environment.

We're still expecting an appearance by Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan speaks briefly about the slate of candidates this year, and also discusses tonight's Jefferson-Jackson dinner here in Des Moines.

IFU President Chris Petersen introduces Iowa's Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, saying that Grassley is a friend of agriculture and a friend of the Iowa Farmers Union. Grassley starts off his speech by announcing he's actually not running for president, which gets a good laugh. He discusses the 2007 Farm Bill at great length, talking about some of the issues most dear to the Farmers Union.
He gets a big laugh when he mistakenly slips and says "Farm Bureau," instead of Farmers Union for which he profusely apologizes. And then he genuflects in front of Chris Petersen.
Now taking questions, Grassley is explaining the Packers and Stockyards Act and how enforcement could be improved.

We've had an appearance and speech by Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, who serves on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Boswell discussed many of the hot topics in the 2007 Farm Bill, and explained some of the successes and disappointments in the House version of the bill.

Now we're on a final break in the action, and the crowd has dwindled significantly. Several of the tables are now totally empty, but more and more reporters and cameras are filling up the press area.

We've been told that Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., is running about 20 minutes late. It is now 4:10, and I think everybody is patiently awaiting her appearance.

It's now 4:25 and it seems that a few more people are coming back in the room.

Sen. Hillary Clinton has now taken the stage and is thanking friends and naming some important people she has brought along with her. Names like Ruth Harkin and Dusky Terry. She chides President Bush for threatening to veto the 2007 Farm Bill.

She touts her achievements and experience. "You want a candidate who has succeeded at it already."

As for Farm Bill topics, she says she favors "closing loopholes" and "putting an end to millionaires receiving payments." And she said she supports a $250,000 cap on farm program payments, something she says she has always supported.

She touts her renewable energy plan that she rolled out this week, and emphasizes the "dynamic, incredible growth" in renewable fuels. She also says she supports raising the renewable fuel standard, and would build a new renewable energy infrastructure. 

Sen. Clinton continues by discussing some of her other priorities, such as education.

"We have never needed the Farmers Union more," she says, as once again talks about her plan for rural America.

The crowd rises to their feet. And apparently she's not going to take questions.