December 24, 2007
Posted: 10:45 AM ET

A flood of campaign-related materials is hitting Iowa households around the Christmas holiday.

(CNN) — On the eve of Christmas, most Americans are spending time with their friends and families. But, residents of Iowa have been inundated with phone calls, direct mail, and television ads relating to the tight presidential race.

Dana Bash reports from Newton, Iowa about how one family is coping with the flood of materials intended to influence them before Iowa's January 3 caucuses.

Filed under: Iowa • Primary Calendar


Greg Jones Cleveland, Ohio   December 31st, 2007 11:38 am ET

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CLINTONS…..Just Google…'Clinton Body Count'….then….'Ron Brown's Death'. Also, always keep in mind….the Neo-Cons literally wrote out the plan to invade Iraq, Iran and Syria back in 1992.(Google:PNAC…..Then watch a few of the videos). Each participant signed the plan….and coincidentally ended up on the Bush Administration. Like Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Bolton, Card, and many others. HILLARY IS PART OF THE PLAN…..which is why she is receiving more campaign contributions from defense contractors (bomb, guns, tank manufacturers, etc.) than any other candidate….even republicans….(remember Hillary was the head of her college Republican Chapter) which is why she voted to invade Iraq…..then voted to invade Iran. BUSH WANTS BILLARY TO WIN SO SHE WILL CARRY OUT THE PLAN. She is the worse choice for America !!!!…..and Edwards is a rich slick (pays $400 per haircut) trying to act like he caters to the poor….but has NEVER done ANYTHING for the poor. Barack Obama is the answer…..for the RE-BIRTH OF AMERICA !!!!

Jane Smith, Olympia, WA   December 26th, 2007 3:28 pm ET

Also to Randy:

First, please show some respect for the opinions of others. Whether you agree with Kim or not (I don't, by the way) it would be nice if you could at least try to understand her point of view and not write in such a condescending way.

Second, there is a difference between politicians not celebrating Christmas themselves (as you said, a constitutionally protected right) and interfering with others' celebration of Christmas through overly invasive campaigning. Campaigning on holidays should certainly be legal but it is probably not the best decision by the politicians running for office. I'm guessing that a majority of the people contacted on Christmas were more annoyed that interested by the politicians they were contacted by.

Finally, the point of Christmas (for most Christians) is not to be historically accurate. I personally believe you are correct in saying that Jesus was born some time in the summer, but midwinter is a symbolically appropriate time to celebrate Jesus coming to Earth: this is the darkest time of the year, but from here onward days will be lengthening with more and more light each day. To say that Christmas is a pagan holiday is also not correct. The original winter feast day may well have been pagan, but those who celebrate it now are certainly focused on the Christian faith. Whatever the origins of Christmas, it is certainly Christian now.

To Kim, who may or may not still be reading this thread:

Please note that it is not only liberal politicians who campaign on Christmas and that there are many Democrats who consider themselves very deeply religious.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Kip, Louisville, CO   December 26th, 2007 1:20 pm ET

Liberals don't hate god, they hate people who presumptuously believe they speak for god. Who would have thought the religions would all become the lap dogs of a single political party that has a history of governance for the top tax brackets, and the greedy corporations. Explain to me how the GOP can claim to support the troops when they have failed to protect them as operatives, or as veterans. The truth you can count on is if the greatest percent of Americans voted for their own interests in their own tax brackets, the GOP would loose. They have done nothing successful in domestic policy while Haliburton laughs it way to the bank.

Brad - Sacramento, CA   December 26th, 2007 12:57 pm ET

To Randy who directed his comments at kim.

"How dare you?" as you said many a times, does nothing to support your argument, remember that we do have free speech in this country, so Kim has every right to say how she feels about "liberal" policitians practices. Also, I am assuming that you didn't pay attention in history class and only watched some special last night on the birth of christ that had no evidence of where and when he was born, not that it matters. So next time you feel like slamming some poor religous conservative, do some decent research and don't put your foot in your mouth.

Dennis, Onawa, Iowa   December 26th, 2007 12:34 pm ET

Just a Thank You from Iowa. Not one phone call on Monday or Tuesday from a campaign or reporter and then they waited until 9:30 AM on Wednesday before going back to work. I was going through withdrawals.
Seasons Greetings from Iowa…

W. Armstrong, Annapolis, MD   December 26th, 2007 12:17 pm ET

1) Sounds like the conservative politicians are doing the same thing as the "God hating liberals"

2) Iowa asked for this! They insisted on moving their caucus ahead of every other state (Jan 3) and this is the result. If Iowans want peace and quiet over Christmas then they should move their caucus to February like the primary in my home state of Maryland.

Mark Dover, Delaware   December 26th, 2007 11:46 am ET

That's what you get for having early primaries!

Greg Jones Cleveland, Ohio   December 26th, 2007 10:48 am ET

SAY IT LOUD…..BARACK AND I'M PROUD !!!

Visit:www.Blacks4Barack.homestead.com

Randy, Kansas City, MO   December 26th, 2007 10:14 am ET

This comment is directed to the first women’s comment. Her name was Kim.

Dear Kim, as unintelligent as you made yourself sound when you posted that foolish comment, I would hope and pray that you far more wise then that. You said and I quote, “They show absolutely no respect for the birth of Jesus by taking time to spend it with their family. Under their leadership, how in the world do you suppose that they will protect the free religious beliefs within this nation – when they show no respect themselves?” Now Kim, let me explain something to you. It is written in the Constitution that we do have freedom of Religion. This means that there are and can be people that do not celebrate, or acknowledge “Christmas”. That is their right. How dare you call them God Hating, and how dare you say they have no respect. It’s your right to celebrate what ever you want and the fact that others do not, has no effect on you. One more thing miss Kim, If you had ever listened in history class you would know that Christmas has nothing to do with the “birth of Christ”. The holiday you celebrate was a Pagan holiday stolen by the early church. Also, if you read or paid any attention in your little church you attend, you would know, Jesus was not born in December. It’s that whole Sheppard’s thing. Animals were and are put up during the winter months. I guess you must have been absent that day in history, or shoving Bible’s down people’s throats I don’t know.

Phil, Detroit MI.   December 26th, 2007 9:55 am ET

Out of curiosity, has anyone ever actually been persuaded to change their vote by being inundated with political propoganda. I know that when I see a news ad for a candidate, I base my judgement of that ad off of what I've already determined from the candidates policies. For instance, when I see Guiliani or Clinton, I cringe a little; I don't happen to agree with them. The converse is also true, that if I like the candidate I agree with the ad. However, my reaction has always been a semblance of my opinion; never has my opinion actually changed to a reaction of these mindless ads.

It just seems that a candidate would be better suited to go around actually talking to people in person; answering direct questions as best they can. On the way, they should donate money to various causes they encounter, as opposed to paying companies to invade our privacy.

Jim , Bethlehem, pa   December 26th, 2007 9:03 am ET

Can't blame the politicos for working through the holidays. They aren't the idiots who scheduled these early primaries. Don't worry, once they get elected they won't work anytime near a holiday..

Ian, Paris   December 26th, 2007 8:35 am ET

Can someone please remind us all about one of the principle tenants of our founding fathers, that of the separation of church and state? I want good governance, and I could care less about whose god he/she follows. Same goes for the private lives of our candidates - who cares what happened in their bedrooms, their adolescence, etc. Does that have any indication of someone's competency as a leader? Sure doesn't if you look at our supreme leader now… And let's just stop with the Obama being a muslim bit. Are people really that idiotic to believe that inane conspiracy theory? Give the American people more credit, we are not stupid. Although Bush was elected twice…hmmm, maybe we should work on that.

chris sc   December 26th, 2007 7:19 am ET

Was he a liberal? how would he feel about abortion? how would he feel about gay rights?

Bill, Irvine, CA   December 25th, 2007 11:09 pm ET

Jesus was a liberal Jew, not a conservative Christian. I am sure he woudl have been a political activist even on his own Birthday. He was the new peace and compassion and not for war and capitalism.

Jango Davis   December 25th, 2007 10:52 pm ET

So, let me get this straight, Iowa moves its caucus to Jan 3 and all of a sudden you cry-baby knee-jerk conservatives are claiming all the politcal advertisements are a left-wing liberal plot…no wonder we're losing in Iraq and Osama bin Laden is still alive, with leadership like that, who needs enemies, we have the RNC…and Iowa.

Ted Pocev   December 25th, 2007 10:05 pm ET

The only one candidate that would save America is Ron Paul - and that's NO DOUBT. Just learn to listen for God's sake! PLEASE at least try to!

I wish you to get a gift of LISTENING this year folks!

Merry Christmas!

scott baker   December 25th, 2007 9:30 pm ET

About Rommney being a stupid fool: Hillarys an even bigger stupid fool. Romney is only a stupid fool in the eyes of the facist anti-male feminist far left is all. It doesnt matter how much more financial or moraly criminaly slanderous activity you engage in or get cought up in as long as you're good o'l Hillary Cinton. With her they bury the news six feet deep. Liberal controlled news media circling their wagons around Hillary to repell accurate news media attention being made of whatever illegal activity she was engaged in in times past. Her and her husband. Oh well, things do have a way about comming out in the wash and between now and election date you will see the anti-hillary-ites dig real deep into a new vein of scandoulous imformation concerining Hillary and her husband Bill. Vote your conscience everyone……..

strong arm,la.   December 25th, 2007 8:16 pm ET

shut up henderson and merry christmas!

jah, atlanta ga   December 25th, 2007 8:12 pm ET

Dr. Paul cured my apathy!

rdierker   December 25th, 2007 4:09 pm ET

The GOP is the party that hates God. To quote MC Rove himself…
"Just get me some (explicit) faith based initiative on the ballot"

Anyone who still thinks the Republicans are the "God party" are really naive.

Just like Republicans are the party that is "protecting the sanctity of marriage"… right.
Hows Larry Craig's marriage holding up this Christmas? Mark Foleys'? Guilianni? Vitter's? Haster's? Haggart's? Oh yeah, the republicans are so moral (GAGGG!).

rdierker   December 25th, 2007 4:02 pm ET

I wouldn't mind if people from Obama's camp called or visited for Christmas, they are such kind and awesome people it would be a joy to my world. On the other hand any other candidate's people would probably irritate me, especially a republican. All I want for Christmas is an Obama victory in 08.

Mike, L.A., CA   December 25th, 2007 3:41 pm ET

Politics and entertainment continually come together during political campaigns as candidates try to use star power to bring in crowds. Most recently, Obama toured the first primary states with talk-show queen, Oprah Winfrey. Obama has talked a lot about his foreign policy and recently sat down in a lunch meeting with singer Al Walser, who is also the goodwill ambassador from Liechtenstein. Al Walser is the first bi-racial citizen from his country. As politics and entertainment merge, people like Obama are taking time out to meet with Al Walser and talk about how our countries can help each other. To check out the video and other interesting facts about Al Walser and the people of Liechtenstein, visit: http://www.myspace.com/alwalsermusic

Sam, Los Angeles   December 25th, 2007 1:43 pm ET

Michael Dunst is obviously the "hired help" here! The question is, hot much is he getting paid?

Thomas J. Indianapolis, IN   December 25th, 2007 1:37 pm ET

Michael Dunst is an idiot. First of all, Barack Obama is not a muslim and he should not be made to answer for his father's religion or belief. This suppose to be the land where people are judged base their own deeds, for God sake. Those who are playing to the prejudices of others by branding Senator Obama a muslim are the worst kind of Americans and the worse kinds among human beings. Good News, however, as always, prejudice and racism never succeed.

Allan Jones, Boston MA   December 25th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

Democrats and Huckleberry fans have so much fun Romney bashing. I love it. Just shows how scared they are that he'll get the GOP nomination. And they should be scared. Go Romney, the best candidate in the election!

tj henderson texas   December 25th, 2007 1:43 am ET

what happen to keeping the division of church n state.,.,church is getting into politic n become very greedy ,.,.captolist ,.im wonder if ever bible thumper aint a mason ,.,.tax the churches n stop them from stealing other people land n home .,the chuch has become very sinful ,.keep church out of goverment ,.period.,.,including churches that incorparate,.,.,there god n jesus aint my god n jesus at all
txtj

Skib, Philadelphia, PA   December 25th, 2007 12:40 am ET

Ron Paul 08!

abdul chaara   December 24th, 2007 10:05 pm ET

dont matter who win , they all work for the same big companies,even countries like somalia have more than 10 parties to choose from , why we in the USA have only parties to choose from a bad one , and a very bad .its about time that people should found happy meduim.

Patricia, Lexington, MA   December 24th, 2007 9:22 pm ET

What kind of simpleton would compare Mitt Romney to Santa Claus??? Romney is a slimey, pandering, insincere fraud and God help us if this phoney, big-business bobble-head gets the GOP nomination! He's run the most negative campaign of any of the current GOP candidates, using his vast millions to run ads against Giuliani, Huckabee and now John McCain in New Hampshire. Don't be fooled by this creep, for God's sake! This guy was governor of my state and was a terrible leader would NOT have been re-elected had he run again!

Michael Dunst, TX   December 24th, 2007 9:21 pm ET

On one hand there is Too much information ("phone calls, direct mail, and television ads relating to the tight presidential race") and on the other hand there is hiding of information.

Another article on CNN in this regard makes interesting reading: "Voter asks Obama about 'Muslim background'"

It shows Barack Hussein Obama accepting that his father was a Muslim from Africa, but he seems to be trying to hide/underplay this truth.

A reaction by a reader to that article: "Irrespective of what our heritage is, we should be proud of it. Yes, Mitt Romney has shown statesmanship and tremedous sincerity in coming out openly about his Mormon heritage. In comparison, it is very dissappointing to see how Barack Hussein Obama tries hard to suppress and hide his Muslim heritage."

I have a holiday wish. I wish that our politicians were more honest and forthcoming about themselves.

Ken, Caldwell   December 24th, 2007 8:29 pm ET

Tyrone that is so ignorantly republican of you. It is no secret that are reputation IS damaged across the world. Clinton had the most popularity world wide than any pres. in the 20th nd 21st century. Bush worked hard to denounce all of the success of the Clinton administration. As for Romney, he's as disingenous as one can get. And they called Kerry a flip flopper. Geeezz! But you know what..I hope that fool wins the GOP nomination. It will be fun exposing him for the fake, stupid fool that he is!~

Tyrone Miami, Florida   December 24th, 2007 7:49 pm ET

Romney is like Santa Claus to America, that has been embarassed by the Clinton while in office and after while he files around the world bashing America saying George Bush has damaged our reputation. A message needs to be sent to the democrats running around and back stabbing Ameica when democrats are not in office then saying they love America is not genuine.
Mitt Romeny seems to have a real passion for Amercia and a genuine concern to make us better and he has the right balance, he will make America even greater.

Grinch in America Really Does Love Holidays   December 24th, 2007 7:29 pm ET

Sad to think that for some folks - this is all they get for Christmas?

Makes even Grinch sad to think of all the lonely and forgotten folks out there. America is the greatest country in the world, yet can't even take care of her own…

Give a man a fish, he eats for a day — but teach a man to fish, he eats forever — or until pollution lays waste to the waters and global warming wrecks havoc with the world :(

Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa from Grinch's Home to Yours. May the New Year Bring Better Tidings…

X-MAS,LA.   December 24th, 2007 6:23 pm ET

VERY SAD WHAT WE HAVE BECOME IN THIS COUNTRY!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOLKS!
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

Kim, Peabody MA   December 24th, 2007 5:48 pm ET

Sure, why not? For the God hating and obstinate liberal politicians, they are once again leading by example. They show absolutely no respect for the birth of Jesus by taking time to spend it with their family. Under their leadership, how in the world do you suppose that they will protect the free religious beliefs within this nation – when they show no respect themselves?

This nation is in great danger: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=44353&id=28434

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