The Point: This weekend, Iowa's the place to be

View this email in your browser August 9, 2019  | by Lauren Dezenski This weekend, Iowa's the place to be If you're running for president, chances are you're in Iowa this weekend. And that's not just because of the Iowa State Fair (though that is a major draw).  Tonight's Iowa Democratic Wing Ding dinner serves as a fundraiser for local arms of Iowa's Democratic Party, giving campaigns entree to the local activists who can be essential foot soldiers -- especially when organizing and turning out for the caucuses. Attendees will have their pick of Hy-Vee chicken wings and speeches from 21 candidates. There'll be a new face on the ground in Iowa today. Tom Steyer, who announced his presidential bid one month ago today, makes his Iowa debut as a candidate atop the Des Moines Register Soapbox at the fair. The last time Steyer was in Iowa was in February, when he called a news conference to announce he would not run for president. How things change! Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke will be absent from the campaign trail this weekend. He is remaining in El Paso as the city recovers from the shooting last weekend that killed at least 22 people. O'Rourke said on Wednesday that he is "not even thinking about politics." And a newly organized forum to address gun violence, put together by Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action in the wake of the mass shootings in El Paso and in Dayton, Ohio, will draw at least 17 candidates. It'll convene at 8 a.m. Saturday. Iowa's siren song proves irresistible even to those on the other side of the aisle. Bill Weld, who is running against President Donald Trump in the GOP primary, will have his turn atop the soapbox at the state fair on Sunday. The Point: This weekend, Iowa's the center of 2020 action. -- Lauren And now, the week in 27 headlines: Monday: Trump announces new sanctions on Venezuelan government Trump accuses China of 'currency manipulation' Trump cites video games as a driver behind mass shootings Trump suggests tying gun measures to immigration Tuesday:  Trump administration freezes foreign aid funds pending review Trump has run over 2,000 Facebook ads warning of 'invasion' Trump sues over CA law forcing candidates to turn over tax returns Wednesday: White House to hold online extremism summit Democrats file suit to force Don McGahn to testify Trump returns to political attacks throughout his trip Thursday: Trump announces new intel chief pick Trump again raises possibility of commuting Blagojevich's sentence FBI interviews of DOJ contact with author of Trump dossier released Trump mulls legislative and executive options after mass shootings Trump sours on SK as he downplays NK missile tests Trump brags about crowd size during hospital visit in El Paso McCabe blames Trump for firing, sues Justice Department and FBI Trump aides concede visits to mourning cities didn't go as planned Nadler presses ahead with impeachment probe NRA warned Trump about support for background checks Dayton mayor 'at a loss' for why Trump aired grievances Trump reflects on late brother's struggle with alcoholism  Friday: EPA 'exceeds' goals on cutting back environmental regulations, according to internal watchdog Joe Biden's campaign says he misspoke when he said 'poor kids' are just as bright as 'white kids' Trump laments coverage as aides concede visits to mourning cities didn't go as planned Photo shows Melania Trump holding infant orphaned by El Paso killer Nadler presses ahead with impeachment probe as Pelosi keeps door open QUOTE OF THE DAY "The controversy makes Steve Ross hotter. He'll figure that out in about a week, but he's very happy." -- President Trump on the owner of SoulCycle and Equinox, who is hosting a fundraiser for Trump, which sparked a backlash among some customers.  MEDICARE 4 ALL Why Medicare for All is dividing 2020 Democrats "Medicare for All" was brought into the spotlight by Sen. Bernie Sanders during the 2016 presidential race. Now each 2020 Democratic candidate is being forced to take a stance on the issue. So what is Medicare for All? And where do the 2020 Democrats stand? Stay united -- and informed -- with The Point on YouTube! LAUREN'S GOOD READS Smart Fredreka Schouten piece about companies' political disclosures Twitter has unlocked Mitch McConnell's account Taylor Swift explains why she didn't endorse Hillary Clinton It was a horrible week for America So check out these weird and wacky state fair foods MUSICAL INTERLUDE The official (eponymous) anthem of Hot Girl Summer !!  LAUREN'S CAMPAIGN TRAIL SCHEDULER Nearly the entire 2020 field is spending at least SOME of this weekend in Iowa before the candidates scatter across the country. Several of them are still looking for a boost in the polls in time to help qualify for the looming September debates. Friday, August 9 Wing Ding Dinner: Draws a whopping 21 candidates to a fundraiser for Iowa's local Democratic committees: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders, Kirsten Gillibrand, Julián Castro, Tulsi Gabbard, John Hickenlooper, Andrew Yang, Tim Ryan, Joe Sestak, Tom Steyer, Bill de Blasio, Cory Booker, John Delaney, Amy Klobuchar, Jay Inslee, Steve Bullock, Michael Bennet and Marianne Williamson Saturday, August 10 Presidential gun safety forum: Convenes in Iowa with 14 scheduled candidates: Michael Bennet, Joe Biden, Steve Bullock, Pete Buttigieg, Julián Castro, Bill de Blasio, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, John Hickenlooper, Jay Inslee, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Andrew Yang Des Moines Register Soapbox: Jay Inslee, Kamala Harris, Tim Ryan, Amy Klobuchar, Joe Sestak, Kirsten Gillibrand, John Hickenlooper, Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker are all scheduled to appear atop the soapbox throughout the day at the Iowa State Fair Sunday, August 11 Des Moines Register Soapbox: Bill Weld, Tom Steyer, Michael Bennet, Bernie Sanders and Bill de Blasio get their turns on the soapbox Cory Booker: Holds a fundraiser in Wisconsin Kirsten Gillibrand: Hosts a community conversation on disability rights with former Sen. Tom Harkin in West Des Moines Monday, August 12 Cory Booker: Hosts a happy hour fundraiser in New York City Tuesday, August 13 Pete Buttigieg: Gets his turn atop the state fair soapbox and begins a three-day tour of Iowa  Wednesday, August 14 Elizabeth Warren: Holds a town hall in Franconia, New Hampshire Thursday, August 15 Julián Castro: Campaigns in Houston and Dallas YOUR DAILY GIF From Brenna: "Since it's an August Friday and everyone has fled Washington, here's a throwback to one of the greatest GIF moments of the Trump era. Share The Point with someone who has a strong handshake!" We'd love to share our other newsletters with you. Follow this link for daily coverage of the world's top stories, savvy market insights, an insider's look into the media, and more. Send your tips and thoughts via email to Chris Cillizza and Lauren Dezenski. Follow Chris and Lauren on Twitter. 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