It was a mad dash across the Hawkeye state during Mayor Bill de Blasio's third visit to Iowa as a presidential candidate.

"You are in the frontline of American democracy and not just because of the caucuses but because every single action you take, every state rep right up to congress, everything you do has a potential to change this nation," de Blasio told a group of voters gathered to meet him at a local coffee shop.

De Blasio made three stops Saturday, taking questions from voters in Hiawatha, delivering his stump speech at a local Democratic county club fundraiser in Ames, and ending his day with a visit to Cresco where he spoke to a crowd of voters.

Some were curious, including Jacob Poorman, who said he was intrigued by de Blasio's message.

"We like to get out and listen to the candidates and their positions and try to measure how we feel," Poorman said. "It's hard to say whether he connected here or not on one visit."

But the mayor couldn't leave New York behind him: a group of youth activists who followed the mayor to Iowa confronted him at his events. They said they wanted him to change the policy of making arrests and issuing summonses in public schools.

Andrea Colon, a community engagement organizer with the Rockaway Youth Taskforce, said she followed the mayor to Iowa to talk about issues she said were still unsolved back home.

 

 

 

"We thought it was necessary for us to come out here; to show Iowans what's happening on the ground," Colon said.

They also wanted to know why the officers involved in the death of Eric Garner are still on the force. Officer Daniel Pantaleo's departmental trial just wrapped up this week.

 

 

 

"It's been five years since the death of Eric Garner and nothing has been done," Cheyanne Smith said.

But, back on the trail, de Blasio, was once again aiming his fire at former Vice President Joe Biden, attacking him for his previous support of a measure to restrict federal funding for organizations that conduct abortions.

"I'm happy he changed his position, but I think American women, Democrats, and progressives need something more," de Blasio said.

 

 

 

Despite the recent criticism, a Des Moines Register poll released Saturday showed Biden still leading the crowded the field. The mayor was not listed by a single poll responder as either their first or second choice for president.

------

Looking for an easy way to learn about the issues affecting New York City?

Listen to our "Off Topic/On Politics" podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | RSS

------

 

FURTHER DE BLASIO 2020 COVERAGE

Orangeburg, South Carolina Mayor Endorses de Blasio for President

A Rally for de Blasio's Day Job Sounded Like a Campaign Demonstration

The Complex Reality of Bill de Blasio's Record as Mayor

What Could Help and Hurt De Blasio on the Presidential Campaign Trail

With de Blasio on the Road, Opportunities Open for Cuomo