Former presidential candidate Tom Vilsack '72 and his wife Christie Vilsack K'72, the 2007 reunion keynote speakers, addressed a large and receptive audience in the college's Chapel on Friday, June 1. The couple described their journey in politics as a family and the processes and decisions involved in being considered for a spot as a vice presidential candidate and then in running as a presidential candidate. They are also the parents of two sons, Jess, a 2000 Hamilton graduate, and Douglas.
Tom Vilsack talked about many campaign related issues: how he had shuttled "bone tired" between coasts raising money for his presidential race, the challenges of entering a race without "war chest" funding from earlier senatorial campaigns, the emergence of bundlers who raise money from dozens of donors, the changes to presidential campaigning due to primary schedule changes, the skewing of outcomes triggered by polling and the limits of media coverage due to cash-strapped outlets.
In seeking to establish more name recognition, he sought publicity via Jon Stewart's Daily Show and Jay Leno's The Tonight Show. He related the humorous machinations involved in his staff's planning process for his appearance on the two national entertainment shows. Both shows proved very fruitful for the campaign.
Turning to serious issues, Vilsack addressed the challenges of the Iraq War. He was the first candidate to express his opposition to the war and the culture of dependence he believes it has created in Iraq. He also was the first candidate to define a clear energy policy. During the evening's presentation Vilsack also addressed his proposed education and health policies and his ideas for making the financing of elections more equitable.
Christie Vilsack spoke throughout the evening, weaving her remarks with her husband's. She referenced her Midwest pioneering spirit that was necessary to enroll in a similarly pioneering college like Kirkland. The same spirit has served her well in the political process. She emphasized that the public expects a politician's spouse to be able to respond in a public forum as the candidate would and that the whole process is truly a partnership.
Even though Tom Vilsack was raising approximately $100,000 a week in donations, it was not enough to remain competitive in this race. Having withdrawn from the race, Vilsack is now actively working to support U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton in her bid for the presidency.
In closing, Vilsack related a humorous incident that occurred to him recently in the Denver airport. An individual approached him and said, "Aren't you somebody? Yes, you are a TV broadcaster!" The person walked away but returned shortly and said, "I apologize. I realize that you were on 'Dancing with the Stars'!"
On a final serious note, Vilsack reflected back to the '60s when America set its sights on putting a man on the moon within the decade regardless of the difficulties involved. He said that we must again challenge ourselves by setting similarly high goals. "We have one more shot to make a difference," he said.
Tom Vilsack talked about many campaign related issues: how he had shuttled "bone tired" between coasts raising money for his presidential race, the challenges of entering a race without "war chest" funding from earlier senatorial campaigns, the emergence of bundlers who raise money from dozens of donors, the changes to presidential campaigning due to primary schedule changes, the skewing of outcomes triggered by polling and the limits of media coverage due to cash-strapped outlets.
In seeking to establish more name recognition, he sought publicity via Jon Stewart's Daily Show and Jay Leno's The Tonight Show. He related the humorous machinations involved in his staff's planning process for his appearance on the two national entertainment shows. Both shows proved very fruitful for the campaign.
Turning to serious issues, Vilsack addressed the challenges of the Iraq War. He was the first candidate to express his opposition to the war and the culture of dependence he believes it has created in Iraq. He also was the first candidate to define a clear energy policy. During the evening's presentation Vilsack also addressed his proposed education and health policies and his ideas for making the financing of elections more equitable.
Christie Vilsack spoke throughout the evening, weaving her remarks with her husband's. She referenced her Midwest pioneering spirit that was necessary to enroll in a similarly pioneering college like Kirkland. The same spirit has served her well in the political process. She emphasized that the public expects a politician's spouse to be able to respond in a public forum as the candidate would and that the whole process is truly a partnership.
Even though Tom Vilsack was raising approximately $100,000 a week in donations, it was not enough to remain competitive in this race. Having withdrawn from the race, Vilsack is now actively working to support U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton in her bid for the presidency.
In closing, Vilsack related a humorous incident that occurred to him recently in the Denver airport. An individual approached him and said, "Aren't you somebody? Yes, you are a TV broadcaster!" The person walked away but returned shortly and said, "I apologize. I realize that you were on 'Dancing with the Stars'!"
On a final serious note, Vilsack reflected back to the '60s when America set its sights on putting a man on the moon within the decade regardless of the difficulties involved. He said that we must again challenge ourselves by setting similarly high goals. "We have one more shot to make a difference," he said.
