Clinton continues swing through central Iowa, promoting new policy ideas

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Ames. (photo by Sarah Beckman)
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Ames.
(photo by Sarah Beckman)

More than 300 people packed into the upper level ballroom of the Alumni Center at Iowa State University on Sunday afternoon to hear Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speak about her new climate change and energy policies.

Clinton has been touring central Iowa this weekend, attending several organizational meetings with supporters, as well as private events. Though fellow contender Bernie Sanders continues to gain on her in the national polls, Clinton’s supporters continue to turn out in droves at her events, and the “meeting” in Ames on Sunday was no different.

Clinton started off with remarks about the 25th anniversary of the Americans Disabilities Act.

“You know, I have been campaigning for this act before I became Secretary of State or was a senator,” said Clinton. “I was out knocking on doors in New England, educating people about the right for disabled citizens to go to school. And we got that passed.”

Clinton then moved on to take several jabs at her opponents from across the aisle, though not naming names this time.

“They like to talk about me a lot and call me names, but I’m used to it,” said Clinton. “They want to keep pushing trickle down economics, and I’m tired of those 80’s policies. The siren song of the Republicans depends on collective amnesia. Well, I am here to keep you all awake.”

In several promotions of Clinton’s weekends events, her team touted that the candidate would be outlining her new policies on climate change and the energy crisis, much like her fellow contender Martin O’Malley has done in the last week. However, Clinton did not go into too much detail about her ideas on either issue.

“Tonight at 7, I’m going to be revealing my thoughts on climate change,” said Clinton. “So go to my website, watch the video, and we’ll talk about what’s next for our country. You know, the Republicans’ response when asked about climate change is always, ‘Well I’m not a scientist.’ I’m not either. I’m just a grandmother who cares about the future of the world for her granddaughter.”

On Monday, Clinton will visit Des Moines’ public transit hub, DART, to further go over her energy policies, as well as receive a tour of the facility. She will then attend the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) Summer Leadership Conference in Altoona.