The Iowa State Fair: A day in the deep-fried life – Roll Call

Podcasts

The Iowa State Fair: A day in the deep-fried life

Political Theater, Episode 86

People wait in the rain Sunday to hear Republican presidential candidate Bill Weld, a former Massachusetts governor, speak at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)

By Jason Dick and Micaela Rodríguez

Posted August 13, 2019 at 9:14am

Yes, there are a lot of politicians who attend the Iowa State Fair to court voters. But there is so much else to this unique event, from the almost 70 fried foods on a stick, to giant slides, sea lions, butter cows and butter Big Birds; even arm-wrestling. A day in the life of the Iowa State Fair with Political Theater.

Show Notes:

[jwp-video n=”1″]

Subscribe to this podcast below

Recent Stories

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., the ranking member on the House Appropriations Committee, raised the issue of cuts to medical research during the panel's June markup of the fiscal 2027 Defense spending bill. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Defense funding to research troops’ brain injuries shrank since 2025

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is seen on the House steps in June. This month he’ll be treading familiar ground as he tries again on some priorities.

This week: Graham’s death, McConnell’s recovery add to drama

The office of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Sunday afternoon sent this photo of he and his wife, Elaine Chao. Submitted by the office of Sen. Mitch McConnell (Submitted by the office of Sen. Mitch McConnell)

After weeks of questions, McConnell provides information on health

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., talks with reporters outside the Capitol on Sept. 11, 2025.

Graham’s death upends primary season further

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., conducts a Senate Budget Committee confirmation hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Lindsey Graham, defense hawk and four-term senator, dead at 71

Campaign workers erect signs before a Graham Platner event in Portland, Maine, on June 7. Now the state party is scrambling to find a replacement.

Race for Platner alternative takes shape