| June 23, 2006-In his speech to the NDN 2006 Annual Meeting Gov. Tom
Vilsack (D-IA) said Democrats should listen to ordinary people to shape
their message. He cited as examples a Maytag worker who despite the
loss of his job is looking forward to being able to start his own business
and a single mom who is thankful for a children's health insurance program.
He also repeated his oft-told account of his call to Mrs. Smith, the wife
of Chief Warrant Officer Bruce Smith, a member of the Iowa National Guard
from West Liberty, Iowa, who was killed while piloting a helicopter in
Iraq on Nov. 2, 2003. Eighteen on board survived. Vilsack made
the difficult call and was inspired by her strength. "By listening
to folks like Mrs. Smith, we can craft a message, a compelling message,"
Vilsack said. (more) |
