Obama’s Down on the Farm

By Jeff Zeleny
Barack Obama

ADEL, Iowa – In the wide field of Democratic presidential candidates, Senator Barack Obama is the only one who represents the nation’s heartland. Illinois ranks fifth in overall agricultural output, producing more corn, soybeans and hogs than most states in America.

That, of course, does not make Mr. Obama a farming expert. He said so himself, moments after arriving here this afternoon on the Van Fossen Farm, where he stood between a tasseling corn field and a soybean field with leaves slowly rippling in the breeze.

“Although there are an awful lot of farms in Illinois, in the neighborhood where I live, the main livestock is squirrels,” said Mr. Obama, who lives on Chicago’s South Side. “So I don’t pretend to know everything there is to know about agricultural issues.”

So the Obama campaign convened a Rural Issues Forum outside this central Iowa town, about 30 minutes from Des Moines. For more than an hour, he took questions about a smattering of issues. When the conversation veered away from farming – as it often did – Mr. Obama sought to steer it back to agriculture policy.

In case you’re wondering, yes, Mr. Obama did reprise the ongoing exchange he has been having with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton over whether they would agree to meet with foreign leaders.

Weaving it in a larger message of change, he said: “Some of you noticed that this week I got into a debate with one of my colleagues who is also running for the presidency. The debate was about whether or not we talk to world leaders even when you don’t like them. My theory is you do and you do it without preconditions.”

Hearing that, the crowd applauded. And the conversation returned to food and farms, including a question from one man at the back of the crowd who extended an offer to Mr. Obama.

“You can come and help me load hogs in the morning,” he said.

“You can tell that I’m dressed for it,” replied Mr. Obama, casually dressed in slacks and a pressed shirt.

Again, the crowd applauded and laughed. One line that landed a little flat, though, was when Mr. Obama sympathetically noted that farmers have not seen an increase in prices for their crops, despite a rise in prices at the supermarket.

“Anybody gone into Whole Foods lately and see what they charge for arugula?” the senator said. “I mean, they’re charging a lot of money for this stuff.”

The state of Iowa, for all of its vast food production, does not have a Whole Foods, a leading natural and organic foods market. The closest? Omaha, Minneapolis or Kansas City.

Mr. Obama, perhaps sensing a lack of reaction from the crowd, moved along to the next topic. After all, he never claimed to be a farming expert.

Comments are no longer being accepted.

Carrington Ward July 27, 2007 · 7:49 pm

It’s an interesting point about the price of arugula. One of the problems Iowa farmers face is a dependence on monocrop agriculture — corn, corn, corn.

It is a flipside of the problem that many urban neighborhoods face: bodies sculpted by corn syrup, corn syrup, corn syrup.

We’d be better off as a nation if Iowa farmers were paying attention to the price of Arugula (or apples) in Chicago.

bob July 27, 2007 · 8:14 pm

I find Obama much more humble than Clinton and Edwards. I think he’ll do well in Iowa when they get to meet him and his wife. He’ll be fine and he’s starting to fight to stop the Oil War, a very good thing for Iraqis and his election.

Jeremy McNamara July 27, 2007 · 8:52 pm

Hillary excudes the confidence that a president should. Hillary has been doing well in Iowa. When people get to know her, they like her. She repesents my state in the Senate, and the “experts” said she could not win. She campaigned and has won twice, doing a fine job.
I would never chararterize Obama as humble Arrogant, yes. Humble, never.

VCubed July 27, 2007 · 8:55 pm

“Perhaps” Obama sensed a reaction from the crowd, or perhaps there was another topic he wanted to discuss. Please don’t assume that a farmer in Iowa doesn’t know about the existence of Whole Foods. Farmers sell their produce arund the country and around the world. Obama pointed out a great irony, that in chic high-end supermarkets, prices for produce are hugely inflated but the farmers who provide the produce are getting no more than they always have. He could’ve used a more commonly known supermarket name, but “perhaps” his point was it’s an irony that people who can still afford such expensive produce don’t have a clue that farmers are not profiting from the price increases. “Perhaps”.

On the negotiations with other countries, Obama put the argument to rest quite handily. Putting preconditions on meeting is a way of making sure there is no meeting. With Obama, we only have to wait until 2009 for negotiations to finally begin; with Hillary, we have to wait until at least 2010. We’re at war in two countries, threatening two others. I prefer we start negotiations in 2009, before we have another N. Korea-type grandstand (remember the missile tests? I do, we’re on the Pacific Coast!) to get U.S. diplomatic attention.

leo l. castillo July 27, 2007 · 9:34 pm

When people get to know and work with Hillary, they do not find her commendable. Check the new Bernstein biography and you will find this to be so with ample corroboration. She failed with her health plan precisely because she was unable to work with others because of her tin ear. OBAMA is a breathe of fresh air, a new broom to sweep Clinton and all the other professional politicians and moneyed lobbyists out of Washington. OBAMA is not divisive and Hillary is and
she will not be able to accomplish anything for the good of the poor and working classes. She is too beholden to the money changers in Manhattan and the health industry. OBAMA is the only hope for our nation.

Catherine July 27, 2007 · 9:48 pm

Obama is showing his true colors. He is trying to spin his way out of ignornance of foreign policy. He really keeps a chip on his shoulder for being so stupid. He can blame himself for his ignorance. He is the one who says he represents change. He is lying. He is lying about what Hillary said. Hillary is right to set precondititons when dealing with enemy nations. Obama is saying world leaders to make it seem that Hillary was talking about every nation. This guy is incapable of telling the truth. Hillary was referring to enemy nations. Obama cannot handle terrorism. They would run rings around him. He won’t be elected. It is virtually impossible for him to get the nomination, and he could never win the general election. When America goes to the polls, the liberals will be coming to terms with reality. Obama would be the best thing for the Republicans.

Paul July 27, 2007 · 10:01 pm

Leo, you beat me to that point. I don’t think Hillary Clinton will wear well with voters.

I’ve already reached the “ugh” level with her. I think that happened somewhere around when she was whining about how the Pentagon launched a political attack against her… in a private letter from one undersecretary to her.

Laura Jackson July 27, 2007 · 10:33 pm

Obama’s has now resorted to spewing venom from a cornfield. Can he not let the crops alone? He is holding such a grudge, and the grudge should be against himself. He is exhibiting many of the very distateful traits of Bush. It is early in the campaign, and he is already sounding like a sore loser. When things really get going, it will be interesting to see how he reacts.

Post#5—The breath of fresh air has worn so stale that it is now stale hot air. A breath of fresh air means that he has no solid agenda. It is an empty to slogan to attempt to fill a non-existant agenda. All Obama has shown me is that he is a vengeful person even when he is at fault. He should study foreign policy, and he should not lie about somone else’s record or words.

The Obama cheerleaders can cheer all they like, but he cannot win. That stark fact is something the liberals do not like to read or hear. America is not always celebrating diversity.

Matt July 27, 2007 · 10:45 pm

It’s very interesting to see how different people view our Democratic candidates. I watched the debate on Monday night, and was struck by the fact that the question was no one where there should have been an obvious difference between the big 3. All three have said that Bush’s diplomatic strategy with hostile nations is too closed-minded, and frankly detrimental, to our nations security, because it will never instigate conversation. The big three all think we need to enter into a conversation with these leaders, and none of them would have foreign policy advisors in their administrations advocate discussions set on their terms. I think it’s clear that Hillary, speaking second, took the opportunity to make a nuanced counter-argument that was implied by the question, which ended “to bridge the divde that has formed between the U.S. and these nations.” Preconditions can be taken a number of ways, depending upon the type of conditions and who’s setting them. I personally found Hillary’s response to be calculating, with the intention of trying to make Barack looked inexperienced when Barack’s answer, in a debate with a timed response, was merely trying to make the point that entering into a discussion with these people is worth the “risk” because what we’re doing right now isn’t working. Now, the squabble that’s resulted seems utterly silly; at the same time, neither campaign wants to look weak on Foreign Policy, so one attack has only spurred another counter-attack. From all I’ve read, Hillary’s camp struck first, and has since been trying to call Barack out for “leaving the politics of hope.” Again, I find this somewhat calculating, but then again so is Barack’s statement, “what’s naive and inexperienced is authorizing the Iraq War without a plan to get out,” or whatever it was.

William July 27, 2007 · 11:14 pm

The whole exchange by Obama shows what’s wrong with most politicians today-i.e., he is completely out of touch with his electorate. Not that I expect him to-I mean, an urban African American from Chicago talking to farmers in Iowa?? He has no idea what they do, and they have no idea what he’s about. Maybe we’ve gotten so diverse that we can’t understand each other.

ronald July 27, 2007 · 11:20 pm

why doesn’t the nytimes investigate to see if any of the campaigns are paying people to blog here. I just can’t believe people are still thinking of voting clinton

Ned July 27, 2007 · 11:33 pm

To #3

Arrogance is when you buy a house so you can meet the criteria of representing a region as a senator, then never living in that house and knowing you can get away with it.

Arrogance is when you send more than 300,000 troops to a foreign land because it is politically acceptable.

Arrogance is pretending that you can share and take credit for somebody else’s accomplishments because you happen to be their spouse.

That doesn’t sound like Obama to me.

And

Ignorance is claiming that because the man is black, he doesn’t have a chance to be elected President.

John July 28, 2007 · 12:06 am

I hope and pray that Iowa and New Hamshired realize that Obama not only represents change, he represents unity. I am tired of the divisive politics that both Clinton and Bush families have given our country.

Were are in the middle of a war that I fear my daughter, 10, will have to live under in her adult life. I blame Bush for that. But I also know that Clinton will bring the same divisiveness that will prohibit any real chance to end the war on terror. Not to mention that she was naive enough to vote for the Iraq War in the first place.

Clinton’s comment about not meeting with certain leaders is indicative her Bush like leanings when it comes to foreign policy. What America needs is a leader who is not fearful to negotiate and someone who will never negotiate out of fear. Obama’s statement clearly distinguishes himself as someone who will have the unity of the American People and who can demand change in these foreign countries as it relates to the war on terror.

How many of you know a 10 year old that is about to be an adult? Is that worth Voting for Clinton who going in will have 42% of the American People against her – always.

Maya Teague July 28, 2007 · 12:09 am

Ronald, outside of this little box we inhabit, Hillary is polling a solid 37%. Her few supporters here will not add anything, but her detractors might soon affect those numbers. I hope not.

Getting paid to blog here? How ludicrous. Now, if I wandered over to Fox or Coulter’s sites, yes, they would have to pay me. But they can’t pay me enough.

It is called opinion-sharing, repartee, riposte and the overarching freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Inquirer July 28, 2007 · 12:11 am

Obama the amateur; Obama the inexperienced; Obama the naive; Obama the uninformed; Obama the immature; Obama the shallow; Obama the inept; Obama the rookie; Obama the sophomoric; Obama the unconversant; Obama the ingenuous.

John July 28, 2007 · 12:11 am

Obama is toast. What a fool.

cece July 28, 2007 · 12:42 am

Some folks will jump up and down deny and curse him on on his character and not on the issues.But that won’t stop him speaking his mind and standing up for what he believes this country can do and what it stands for.

He will not back down from politics of fear.There is definately going to be more debate rebuttals off the podiums. And he will not stand down on an issue that touches the lifes of folks in this nation.

Stay tuned…

TS July 28, 2007 · 12:44 am

Fascinating as a non-American to watch my fifth Presidential election … a country and people I admire to no end (having lived/worked there) for the triumph of the individual … it’s so sad to see the majority fall for marketing rhetoric / tricks … Bush won because he had the best marketing engine behind him … Hillary will win probably because she has the most organized campaign of all …

Wake up … use your brains and hearts … see thru the positioning and messaging … it’s Hillary Clinton for GOD’s sake … she just another smart politician … you deserve better …

Dien Judge July 28, 2007 · 12:47 am

I was at the event today. This is a fair article, however I did not see any blank stares following the arugula comment. A few chuckles, but no blank stares. I’m afraid Mr. Zeleny is grasping for a stereotype of Iowans, which is unfortunate. Oh, and the man at the back of the crowd extending an offer to let Obama help him load hogs? That wasn’t just any old farmer. That was the president of the Iowa Farmers Union.

Dianna July 28, 2007 · 12:59 am

So apparently three years in Senate=inexperienced. Seven years in Senate=experienced as hell.

Does anyone else think the “experience” argument is ridiculous?

hacp July 28, 2007 · 1:17 am

Its amazing how many obama supporters spin his comments, and spin Hillary’s comments as well as her Iraq War resolution to make her look bad. Obama is no different form Karl Rove, a spin machine.

Harry Pierson July 28, 2007 · 1:18 am

Eisenhower met with Khrushchev at Camp David in September 1959. That was at the height of the cold war.

He did not have preconditions, nor did he have focus groups and polls.

Hilary is the phoniest, most scripted politician I have ever seen. I have been a Democrat for over 40 years, but if she is the nominee, I will troll for an independent.

If anyone thinks Hilary is going to get crossover votes, they are looney. There’s a reason she loses head to head with the top Republicans, who should all be a pushover.

Hilary waited for that “gotcha” minute, the candidates knew the questions in advance, and she was waiting to pounce. Her statements seemed manufactured and insincere, but why should she have been any different that night? Ever listen to the phoney southern accent she shifts into when she speaks in the South?

I’m glad Obama isn’t backing down. Hilary hit below the belt, making something out of nothing, and she deserves what she gets.

My favorite Democratic candidate is Joe Biden. Talk about experience…

And nerve. The only one who had the nerve to say at the debate that 2500 US troops could stop the genocide in Darfur. All the other candidates peed in their pants at the suggestion, they know how Americans are in no mood for even the most necessary, modest use of American strength and leadership.

Biden realizes no one is listening, unfortunately. He has the only rational plan for an exit from Iraq, and he is not being heard.

hacp July 28, 2007 · 1:21 am

John, Post number 13,
Nice try with the spin.
1) Hillary said no promises, not no meeting.
2) She said we need more vigours diplomatic efforts

Come back when you come off of Obama’s payroll.

Stan July 28, 2007 · 1:22 am

I used to support Clinton but now I am pro Obama; Their attack on Obama explain while her negative is up their in the poll. Overall, I am going with Obama because he is the tomorrow in this run for white house….also on experience…Let’s say you needed open heart surgery and your options were a young cardiologist or the homemaker wife of a former top surgeon; who would you choose? I don’t know about you but as for me and my family our choice will be the young cardiologist…Also, Phil Jackson a great basketball coach won a lot of NBA Championships. Maybe his wife should be in line to be the first female NBA head coach.

On experience President, Kennedy noted in one speech that “experience is like tail-lights on a boat which illuminate where we have been when we should be focusing on where we should be going”

Emmy July 28, 2007 · 1:26 am

Hillary’s enthusiasm for the war was as strong as Bush/Cheney’s going in and for a long time afterward she was as strong a supporter of Bush policy in Iraq as Lieberman. The idea that she really only meant for Bush to use the war powers she voted him as a diplomatic tool is patently absurd. When she had the chance to vote for more diplomacy and coalition and consensus building via the Levin amendment she voted against. Bush could not have been clearer that he meant to go to war no matter what so no one with more brains than a piece of toast is buying Hillary’s new position that she was shocked….shocked that more diplomacy wasn’t pursued. She was one of the Iraq war’s earliest and loudest cheerleaders, no doubt with her newly traumatized New York constituents and need to look extra tough in preparation for a future run for Commander in Chief in mind. She even threw in a ridiculous anti-flag burning amendment in her frenzy of pandering. Can’t believe she still doesn’t have enough sense to quit patronizing her audience with that phony accent she pulls out only for talking down to African Americans. How rude!