COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA — This week in Iowa was a busy one for the Democratic Presidential Candidates. A series of forums took place in a number of cities including Des Moines, Sioux City and wrapped up Saturday in Council Bluffs.
Saturday's lineup included Senator Bernie Sanders, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Governor Steve Bullock.
"What our entire program is about is changing priorities in America," Senator Bernie Sanders said at the forum.
"The reason I'm running is that I think we're running out of time to do things differently," Mayor Pete Buttigieg said.
Newcomer to the main stage, Governor Steve Bullock, also made his presence known.
"I mean we're 198 or 199 days away from voters first expressing their preference. So there's still a long way to go through this thing," he said.
In such a politically important state, the forum stage in Council Bluffs was a time for candidates to make themselves stand out among the rest.
"I am trying to filter down a small list of candidates from the jillions that are running," attendee Boyd Littrell said.
"Look, I think I bring a different perspective to this race. I bring a perspective outside of Washington DC," Gov. Bullock said.
"Compared to my competitors I was completely unknown at the beginning of this year," Mayor Buttigieg said.
"Seniors need hearing aids, medicare does not provide it. Seniors need eyeglasses, medicare does not provide it. Under medicare for all we expand those benefits to seniors," Senator Sanders said.
"I'm not for medicare for all," Gov. Bullock added.
At the forum, hosted in part by AARP, Council Bluffs resident Boyd Littrell listened carefully to what the candidates had to say. And even though the candidates spoke on issues mainly affecting older generations, he didn't come to listen to issues only affecting him.
"I'm much more worried about the future and more about my grand kids and more about young people," he said.
"And for rural communities, whether you happen to work in agriculture or not, making sure that we support the kind of infrastructure and healthcare that makes our life ways, that helps make America what it is, strong and secure for a future generation," Mayor Buttigieg said.
