T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris of California makes a point during a “house party”- themed campaign stop Monday at the Kathy and Kevin Duncan residence in Marshalltown.

If the stress of 10 months of campaigning and knowing the 2020 Iowa Caucus is but 104 days away is mounting, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris is not showing it.

The California lawmaker on Monday deliberately and passionately explained why she is running for president and why she believes she is the best candidate to defeat President Donald Trump.

Harris was also quick to work in humor while stumping in the living room of Kathy and Kevin Duncan’s Marshalltown home.

Early in her speech Harris reminded the crowd anything worth attaining – such as civil rights – or electing a woman of color to the White House – is only achieved with “a fight or struggle.”

“One of the most substantial of our pillars of democracy is the people and our willingness and ability to always fight for the best of who we are,” she said. “Think about it, there has never been much progress in our country that was not achieved without a good fight. Look at the civil rights movement, any social justice movement about equality. These things came about because we the people were prepared to fight.”

Her plan to deal with the contentious assault style weapons ban as a way of protecting children was another example.

Harris has not deviated from a plan dealing with assault weapons despite criticism from other Democratic candidates.

“When we get elected, we are going to give Congress 100 days,” she said. “To put a bill on my desk for signature and if they do not, I am prepared to take executive action to say we will ban the importation of assault-style weapons. It is time to take action and get something done … this is in the name of the people.”

She candidly addressed a question she claimed had been dogging her campaign had been one of electability.

Harris said some pundits and voters had been questioning the plausibility of a woman being elected, especially one of color, like her.

“It is not your time,” has been said.

“It is not your turn,” was another.

Harris reminded the house full of guests she had faced such opposition in every political race she aspired, yet won.

“And I share this story with you not to say anything about myself, but everything about you,” she said. “Because you have the ability to see what is possible.”

Democrat Karen Lischer of Marshalltown who attended the event, said a number of presidential candidates have used the “house party” concept.

“They like the intimacy with attendees,” she said.

Harris was surrounded by the crowd in the Duncan’s living room — with some sitting on a couch — while many watched from the kitchen.

Another guest, Paul Alman of Marshalltown, said he respects Harris and wanted to hear her message.

“I do like Mayor Pete Buttigieg” he said. “I like what he stands for.”

After questions, Harris posed for pictures took questions from the press and then departed for Waterloo where she was scheduled to host an evening town hall at United Auto Workers Local #838 and then join a family for dinner at their home.

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Contact Mike Donahey at

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mdonahey@timesrepublican.com