Obama gets at least one sweet Iowa endorsement

Now, some people may think that Barack Obama's big celebrity endorsement came from that billionairess talk-show diva, who traveled with him to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina last weekend. You may have heard a mention or two about the two.

Obama did not receive the endorsement of the Des Moines Register today. That went to Hillary Clinton, but may actually be an unwelcome blessing: No Democrat endorsed for the caucus by the Register has gone on to win the party's nomination in more than 20 years.

But all of that was a ruse and head fake when Obama and what's-her-name drew thousands of cheering fans in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Saturday. It turns out that Obama has another endorser, a secret weapon to be used only within Iowa. And it's a secret hitherto unrevealed to the world beyond Dubuque and environs. Only a reporter as resolute as The Times' Dan Morain could uncover the true story of ...

The Buttercow Lady.

That's right. You read that correctly. The Buttercow Lady, a.k.a. Norma "Duffy" Lyon. She is very famous in Iowa for a rather unusual work of art. She's sculpted a cow at the Iowa State Fair out of, you may have guessed it by now, butter. The cow was on special display, which in Iowa's summers requires full-time refrigeration.

Obama is a Harvard graduate who has taught law in a university and has written two bestselling books, neither one a pick of a certain talk-show hostess. But what could be bigger for a presidential candidate in Iowa than pulling off the coup of lining up the political blessing of the Buttercow Lady?

Not only that. But the Buttercow Lady agreed to tape robo-calls to potential caucus-goers across the Hawkeye State. "She's not only a great artist but an important activist," said Obama spokesman Bill Burton. So imagine people's surprise when the phone rings and the caller identifies herself as the Buttercow Lady and explains how she is udderly enamored of this Illinois fellow named Barack Obama. It could make the difference come Jan. 3.

As Buttercow goes, so goes Davenport?

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Andrew Lietzow]

Yes, here in Iowa we love Duffy Lyon. And, we Obama supporters are real thankful for her endorsment. She's way ahead of the Des Moines Register for understanding what Iowans need.

For many of us, we like Hillary well enough, and John Edwards is always welcome to come to our fair. Yet, the one who seems to "get it" about what we need at the national level, to really move our state forward, is Senator Barack Obama.

He's not a fighter, he's a uniter. Now for those who love a good political brawl, which leads to a stalemate; they'll be standing up for Hillary or John. But for those who really want to see something get done in Washington, D.C. for a change, they'll be standing up for Senator Obama - no ifs, ands, or buts.

Let's face it -- there is no one running on either side that has the background of Senator Obama. His is a background which enables him to understand the plight of the middle class and those living in poverty because he's "been there, done that". And think of the way we'll be viewed once again with Barack as President. Foreign countries will know immediately that we're going to take a new approach, beyond just military dominance.

Yes, we real fond of the Buttercow Lady, and we're glad she'll be standing up for Barack on Jan 3rd. It's going to be an exciting night here in Iowa. We'll be so "fired up" and "ready to go" we might just melt that old Buttercow!

[Mr. Unite Us]

Grossly underreported was Obama's endorsement by the
popular mayor of Des Moines, Iowa.

[Biff Biffwell]

Barack Obama's candidacy is not just a campaign, it is a "moo-vment" of "Promise." He is clearly the "butter" choice. I have no doubt that, just like the cream rising to the top, Barack's poll numbers will continue to go up but, for now, the polls should not be considered accurate due to the "margerine" of error. I have no doubt that Barack’s support will "spread" far enough for him to win.

[Paul .]

Hurray Iowans !!!!
Thanks for moving in the right directions and my gratitude to dearest Buttercow lady for inspiring positive thoughts ....I'm sick and tired of Politics as usual....Senator Obama is in the best interest of this great nation.
Long live America !!!

[Raquel Leon]

To go to the white house, to rule this great country, you don't need celebrities or ladies cows to be endorse, what Senator Obama needs is experience, and knolege. He is too 'green' jet to take over. He is very smart, but he should way for the next elections, because right now , it is like when you need an operatrion, will yuo go to a doctor that just graduated, or to a doctor that has years of experience? H Clinton has the experience and she will be the on ly one to save this country that Mr. Bush olmost destroy with his bad judgements, bad rules, and a bad decisions. I think it makes sence.