Running Half and Full Marathons, Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates, Cooking, Reading History – Political and Presidential, BBQ ‘s with my family, Hunting, Movies
Movies
Silverado, Magnificent Seven, Godfather Parts I & II, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest, The Titans
Television
ESPN Sports Center, Boston Legal, Family Guy, CSI Miami
Books
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose, All the King’s Men by Penn Warren, John Adams by David McCullough,An Easy Burden by Andrew Young, No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Walking with the Wind by Rep. John Lewis
For the past 8 years, I've served as the Governor of Iowa -- the first Democrat to hold that office in 30 years. In my time in office, I've strived to make Iowa a stronger community and an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
We've made healthcare available and more affordable for Iowa's children. We've become a leader in early childhood education and brought unprecedented economic growth to our state. Iowa’s become a leader in alternative energies with bio-fuel and ethanol production. And through innovation and creativity, we've created a pathway to a brighter future for our state.
In 2008, we have a great opportunity to bring together our nation behind this sense of community -- and I hope to have the opportunity to lead it.
Way to give it a go Tom. Just a wrong year and a broken system. I hope someone is wise enough to give you the VP nod. I am a former Iowa, now Colorado resident and I would tell everyone what a great governor you are.
I think its really sad that in a race with so many great candidates money might end up being the deciding factor. I live in orion il, right across the river from davenport, and i admit that i am a avid obama supporter. That said i liked many of your ideas and wished that more people like you had a chance at president. No consolation, but you deserved a shot at letting your voice be heard.
"The “War on Toms” Was About Friends and Only Friends"
A week has passed since Tom Vilsack dropped his presidential bid. This coupled with an ice storm and subsequent loss of power has helped me come to realize that I need to end the My Space “War on Toms.”
My whole family was really cheering for you...isn't it sad that MONEY has to be a factor in who gets elected to the presidency and not who is the best man for the job? You would have made a GREAT president Mr. Vilsack!
Democrats seem to be getting dumber and dumber now-a-days...our three front runners (Clinton, Edwards, and Obama) are pathetic and none of them will be elected in a general election.
It's sad but true that this thing boils down to money...something has to change.
I am in agreement with Leavin Las Vegas' comment: too bad the election is all about money and who has the most of it.
On a different subject: I didn't realize until recently you were a runner. We have something in common! I've run the Des Moines Marathon a few times myself (slowly!)
I do think it's a terrible thing that our country is basically run by money . . . I think what we need most is a president who has LESS money . . . I think that has been a major problem . . . that all of our leaders have been well-to-do white men, who have no idea what it is like to be poor, or struggling, or black, or hispanic . . .
I was really pulling for you . . . but maybe if you start now, and with your name already kinda out there . . . you could get yourself into Washington at a later time.
I think you would do this country a lot of good, and bring us down, back to our roots.
While I find the present turn of events unfortunate, I fear that they are unsurprising. I hope, perhaps, that you might take a turn as VP and cement your credentials (and fund raising ability) for a future run.
I have just been so disheartened by the news of your withdrawl of candidancy, you were the ONE and only that has anything of value to give to this next election. You are a great Governor, friend, husband, father, and leader for this nation and the world. I only wish I could have helped in some small way in helping to raise some funds for this campaign. It truly was a concern of mine, I just didn't know it was going to be so soon.
Will you consider running as Vice President now, if asked to? Say yes, say yes!! We need you in the White House!!
My best to you and Christie, and your two boys, and to all that has been working on this campaign with you. If there is some small way that I can help from Texas, please let me know.
I curse the limitations that our campaigning systems brings; money should not dictate how we are informed about our options for quality leaders, such as yourself. I enjoyed reading about your insights for our country. Thank for radiating such integrity! I have a feeling (and hope) that we will hear from you again. I wish happiness, prosperity & good health to you and your family.
Sorry to hear your bowing out! You're a genuine human being and I would have liked to see you make it through the first few rounds at least. You're someone I point to when my kids are cynical about politicians. "That sweaty average Joe standing next to you at a politcal rally might just be your governor if you live in Iowa", I say, and that's awesome.
I know you'll continue having a positive impact.
not the best thing for executive excellency that finance be the litmus test for presidential campaign viability. yet the issues you addrss are of the utmost importance and your character the best of the 2008 hopefulls. issues of environmental health, enhancing rural prosperity and energy independence - which are all closely intertwined - as well as personal competance, will become increasingly important through the course of this campaign and future campaigns as well. as such you will be sought after for endorsement and office. this may include VP, which we have seen, can be a very influential office! leverage your influence wisely and completely. thanks again and stick around ;)
Tough break, Governor. Too bad the politics of money got in the way of a good campaign. I'm pulling for your landing a solid Veep spot. We'll get you to Washington one way or another!
You still would make an excellent President or Vice President. Keep speaking out on the war and on the need to do something about global warming. It will take all of our voices to turn our wonderful country around. And all of us will be needed to help our party's eventual candidate to design and enact universal health coverage. Thank you for a very positive campaign that we can all be proud of as Americans.
