New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's presidential campaign is less than a week old, but during a two-day swing through Iowa, her approach was already coming into focus.

One frequent point of emphasis was motherhood.

"I am a mom with young kids. It's how I see the world," the Democrat told a group of people at a diner.

But that was just one way Gillibrand sought to connect with Iowans during a string of appearances that included talks to small groups, larger groups, and countless impromptu, one-on-one conversations, where Gillibrand demonstrated a deft personal touch.

She was comfortable taking a seat alongside customers at cafes and restaurants. She was clearly in her element at a baking demonstration. She patronized local stores and approached unsuspecting shoppers.

It's a state where few knew much about her, and many mispronounced her first name. To bridge the gap, she often referenced her Albany roots:

"I grew up in upstate New York, a community not unlike this one," she said to one group of people.

"I really appreciate being in a rural place," she said. "I'm from a rural place. I grew up in a rural place."

Gillibrand picked up her energy the larger the crowd, earning big cheers during a keynote speech at the Iowa Women's March, and generally seemed to leave a positive impression.

No matter the audience, however, Gillibrand never failed to mention her central promise, a line she likes to repeat again and again and again:

"I want to fight for other people and their children as hard as I would fight for my own."

Main story image above courtesy of Nati Harnik/AP.