A crowd of people packed Big Al’s BBQ in Adel to capacity Sunday afternoon for the opportunity to see a Democratic candidate for President of the United States. Andrew Yang, a businessman from California, made his second trip to Dallas County since declaring his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for President.
He spoke to the excited crowd about his background and platform, focusing primarily on what he calls the “Freedom Dividend,” which is based of a program in Alaska that gives residents $1,000 each month to help make ends meet. He also discussed his electability in a crowded Democratic candidate field, saying he appreciates the power wielded by Iowans as the first caucus in the nation. “I love being here in Iowa so much, because you all control the future of the country. That’s why so many Presidential candidates just keep on beating down your door. You’re a little bit spoiled, you’re a little bit like, ‘I don’t know about that guy, I only met him the one time.’ But you know what to do with your power, your responsibility, more than anyone else in the country.”
After his speech, Yang took questions from the attendees, which ranged from marijuana legalization to changing the debate structure. He then took some time to take pictures with any who wanted one. Yang is one of 19 candidates still vying for the Democratic nomination for President, and is one of 11 to visit Dallas County this year. He had previously visited the County in April at the Dallas County Democrats annual fundraiser, also in Adel. Other candidates who have visited Dallas County include: Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who visited Perry, as well as Adel during the annual fundraiser and Sweet Corn Festival; former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke, Southbend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttegieg, and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, who each visited Adel; former Maryland Congressman John Delaney, former San Antonio, Texas Mayor Julián Castro, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who stopped in Perry; and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, and California Senator Kamala Harris, who visited Waukee.
