Hello from a rainy and cold Des Moines, Iowa. One of the biggest events in Democrat 2020 calendar here tonight. The Jefferson-Jackson dinner (now renamed). Candidates get 10 mins to make their pitch, without notes. Iowa is first state to vote in just 3months. So v important. 
Happening in the Wells Fargo arena, the biggest indoor one in Iowa. 13,000+ expected to attend. It’s theoretically a fundraiser but more a massive chance for Dem presidential hopefuls to make their pitch directly to those who’ll decide their fate in state 1.
Beto signs are plastered outside the arena. He was due to speak alongside 13 other candidates before his sudden withdrawal from race 90 mins ago. Am told supporters are in the process of taking them down.
Boisterous @PeteButtigieg supporters are practicing a routine explaining how to pronounce his surname. Bravo.
The #YangGang in full force tonight. Florescent inflatables, ‘math’ caps and the odd beer. “Yang beats Trump! Yang beats Trump! Yang beats Trump!” @AndrewYang
The energy at US political rallies never ceases to amaze me. This is Democrats in Iowa. More like a concert than speech backdrop. Same with Trump rallies. Incomparable to anything back in Britain. Compare this to, say, the party conferences...
Pete Buttigieg enters. The energy. Quite something.
Some clever crowd gimmicks here to maximise their candidates’ exposure on TV
Harris - coordinated yellow and purple signs spelling her name
Booker - lit up letters which are picked out when lights go off
Buttigieg - three words spelling out how to pronounce his name
Harris - coordinated yellow and purple signs spelling her name
Booker - lit up letters which are picked out when lights go off
Buttigieg - three words spelling out how to pronounce his name
Andrew Yang surely the candidate having most fun on the 2020 trail. Leaves the stage dancing and high-fiveing to Return Of The Mack. #YangGang
Elizabeth Warren enters the #LJ19. She had to pause for more than a dozen seconds when getting the mic as her supporters whooped and hollered.
Warren ends with a swing at moderates.
"Anyone who comes on this stage + tells you they can make change without a fight is not going to win that fight.
"And anyone who comes on this stage and tells you to dream small and give up early is not going to lead our party to victory"
"Anyone who comes on this stage + tells you they can make change without a fight is not going to win that fight.
"And anyone who comes on this stage and tells you to dream small and give up early is not going to lead our party to victory"
Elizabeth Warren gives both barrels to moderate rivals.
"I'm not running some consultant-led campaign with some vague ideas that are designed not to insult anyone.
"I'm running a campaign based on a lifetime of fighting for working families."
#LJ19
"I'm not running some consultant-led campaign with some vague ideas that are designed not to insult anyone.
"I'm running a campaign based on a lifetime of fighting for working families."
#LJ19
Seconded to this analysis. Buttigieg soaring and punchy, Biden stuttered but better by end, Warren newsiest so far with moderate attacks, Harris powerful on why she wanted to be pres. (so far).
Bernie, unlike the others so far, is using a podium and appears to be reading his speech from notes. #LJ19
Almost 10pm and we’re only half way through the speakers. Feel sorry for those to come now - lots of empty seats and diminishing energy. #LJ19
It’s not all fun and games. Here’s the work behind those signs. Two Amy Klobacher supporters marshalling the team to raise their placards spelling ‘Amy’. (Can’t quite read upside down). #LJ19
‘Lovely Day’ blasts out as Cory Booker arrives. A point to his corner before heading to the centre. These things do have a WWE feel - entrance music, fan signs, smoke blasts, a central ring. #LJ19
Oh dear. After 4 hours of speeches and well past 11pm, it’s finally time for Steve Bullock. Announcer: “Please welcome to the stage Cory Booker!” He doesn’t walk out. Too cruel. #LJ19
Fair play to @GovernorBullock’s supporters who endured 12 other candidates and waited well past 11pm to shake their orange boot props whenever he said “boot Trump”. 👏👏
That’s a wrap. Subjective thoughts - Buttigieg flourished + got biggest reception (helped going 1st). Biden + Bernie basically did stump speech. Booker and Harris both connected with soaring rhetoric. Klobacher / Bullock stood out from that wing - but stadium emptying then. #LJ19
