Senator Barack Obama Confirms Participation at Heartland Presidential Candidate Forum on Dec 1 |
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Thousands Across Heartland Expected at Unique Forum, Candidates Questioned by Everyday People
For Immediate Release: Friday, October 26, 2007 (Washington, DC) Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) is the latest presidential candidate whose agreed to join everyday Iowans and residents from the heartland in a unique one-on-one dialogue. The Heartland Presidential Forum: Community Values in Action in Des Moines, Iowa at HyVee Hall on December 1, 2007 at 1:30 is likely the largest pre-caucus gathering in the weeks leading up to Jan 3. Senator Obama joins Senators John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and Chris Dodd at the forum in which candidates from both major parties are expected. The Heartland Presidential Forum will allow everyday people the opportunity to challenge the candidates on the community values that are important to them and the kind of America they envision for the common man. "With only a month to go before the big event, we've confirmed the frontrunners on the Democratic side and expect the Republicans to join in the excitement," said Deepak Bhargava, executive director, Center for Community Change. "Everyday people rarely have the opportunity to engage in a conversation with our next president and here at the Heartland Forum, they will surely be doing just that." Forum participants will lead a march to the venue that will host the five thousand people expected for the forum. Radio One Founder and Chairwoman, Cathy Hughes will field the questions directed at the candidates from everyday people. Unlike most debates and forums, no candidate will interact with another candidate on stage; instead, they will respond directly to individual people who share their stories and question the candidates about how they will stand up for the common good. "As Iowans, we have a great responsibility and exceptional opportunity to lift up issues concerning all Americans," said Hugh Espey, executive director of the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. "We are not afraid to get right to point and we will prove that on December 1st when we ask our presidential candidates how they will lead a national conversation about community values." The Heartland Presidential Forum is the second presidential candidate event co-sponsored by Center for Community Change. The Center along with grassroots partner groups held a similar dialogue in South Carolina in 2004. See video of that event at: http://www.communitychange.org/iowa-heartland-forum/about/sc2004.html ### |
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