WATERLOO - Faithful Democrats, whether curious or already seriously committed, enjoyed a doubleheader Wednesday.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., brought her campaign for the party's presidential nomination to Waterloo. At her side was what political wonks believe is the candidate's most potent weapon - her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

"They know how to campaign," said Steve Rondorf of Waterloo. "They know how to do a good show."

The joint afternoon appearance at the National Cattle Congress fell on Day 2 of a three-day tour of Iowa for Hillary Clinton. Earlier on the Fourth of July, the Clintons marched in a parade in Clear Lake. They finished the holiday in Cedar Rapids.

Today, Hillary Clinton is scheduled to travel solo to Muscatine, Ottumwa and Fort Dodge.

She told those gathered in Waterloo she hopes the journey ultimately ends in Washington, D.C.

"I can't get there without your help. And it starts right here in Iowa," Clinton said.

Opening acts - state Sen. Bill Dotzler; Lynn Cutler, a former Black Hawk County supervisor; state Sen. Jeff Danielson; U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, and former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack - set the tone early. Each in their own way focused attention on Hillary Clinton's attributes.

Dotzler, D-Waterloo, noted her personality, which he regards as warm and engaging.

"And when you get to know Hillary Clinton as I've gotten to know her, I know you will come to the same decision as I and endorse Hillary Clinton for president," he said.

Vilsack touched on the Clintons' long political lives, listing campaigns for the governor's mansion in Arkansas, for the White House and for U.S. Senate. Hillary Clinton, whether starring or in a supporting role, endured what can be a brutal process, Vilsack said

"I know that she can withstand the slings and arrows of a tough campaign," Vilsack added.

Danielson, D-Waterloo, outlined what he views as the former president's many accomplishments, from peace treaties to economic prosperity. Then he drew a conclusion.

"The fact is, we've done pretty darn good when we've had a Clinton in the White House," Danielson said.

Bill Clinton, appearing in blue jeans and polo shirt, admired vintage equipment supplied by Bob Molinaro of Waterloo.

"I saw the sale barn and the John Deere tractors and I thought I was home for a minute," he said.

The former president said long before gaining public office, his wife was already engaged in public service. He focused his comments on forming "a more perfect union," a line from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

"It's not given to human beings on this earth to be perfect," Bill Clinton said. " … But we can always do better."

As he has in previous speeches, Bill Clinton noted while in office for eight years, Hillary Clinton represented the United States in dozens of foreign countries.

"She was the face of America," he said.

Her speech was peppered with liberal attacks on President Bush.

"Many people voted for the president because he said he was a compassionate conservative. Turns out he is neither," she said.

She also promised to clean up corruption and cronyism in Washington.

"Starting with bringing our troops home from Iraq," she said.

"I believe in diplomacy. That's been a bad word in the Bush administration."

Impressions

Margaret and Garold Zander of Denver live in a house somewhat divided: She is a fan of Hillary Clinton; he is less certain. In fact at the moment, Garold is leaning toward one of Hillary Clinton's opponents, John Edwards.

Polls focusing on the Hawkeye State indicate Iowa Democrats' will likely choose either Clinton; Edwards, a former senator from North Carolina; or Barack Obama, senator from Illinois. Multiple national polls, however, show Clinton with a comfortable lead over the closest challenger, Obama.

Margaret Zander viewed Wednesday's rally as an event and as an opportunity, jotting notes on a white legal pad.

"It's kind of a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I'm getting information," she said.

Garold Zander would, however, heartily endorse an Edwards-Clinton ticket - if in the right order.

"Edwards first," he said.

But Wednesday's Clinton-Clinton appearance was too much to pass over, however.

"He is a big draw. That's why I'm here," Garold Zander said.

Margaret Zander predicts success for Hillary Clinton in particular and for Democrats in general in 2008.

"People are ready for a change, big time," she said. "If they can find a way to work together, that will make the party pretty powerful."

Steve Rondorf and his wife, Donna, fell into the just-interested category, at least before the speeches began. Steve Rondorf supports Edwards.

" … We're not on the Hillary Express, not at this time," he said, "but it's good to hear what she has to say."

Dan Cutsforth of Fairbank attended with his wife, Lynda; sister, Lisa Crow; and nephew, Scott Ebert. He wanted to hear Hillary Clinton speak and is a fan.

"I think I've pretty much decided," he said.

But Cutsforth had a hard time concealing his enthusiasm at seeing Bill Clinton. He and his group showed up about two hours early and were among the first allowed into the viewing area. In the end, Cutsforth collected autographs from both Clintons.

Joan Lawson of Waterloo is also optimistic about Hillary Clinton.

"She has a pretty good chance because she has Bill to support her," Lawson said.

Past problems in the Clintons' marriage illustrate more than damage Hillary Clinton's image, Lawson said.

"Everybody has issues in their family life. She stood by him, which shows what kind of person she is morally," Lawson said.

Dissenting opinion

Bob Molinaro helped make the Bill and Hillary show a success but couldn't endorse much of what he heard from the parade of Democrats.

"I'm a Republican," Molinaro said.

But he is also chairman of a ad hoc committee that supports the National Cattle Congress, and the campaign appearance was a good opportunity to showcase the grounds and the city of Waterloo.

"He was president. I respect the office, and she's a U.S. senator. We have to respect that," he said.

"We can disagree. We don't have to be disagreeable."

Politics aside, Molinaro thought Bill and Hillary Clinton delivered.

"She's a talented speaker. And let's admit it, he's a charismatic guy. You can't help but like the rascal," Molinaro said.

A few in the crowd took the opportunity to express personal opinions on a variety of issues. The topics ranged from the very local - buttons that read "No Coal Plant" - to national - T-shirts that stated "Change Wal-Mart, Change America."

Other personal statements conveyed more universally accepted themes, at least on the Fourth of July in the United States. Many of the shirts and blouses were red, white and blue. One showed a stylized copy of the Declaration of Independence, another showed an American flag and the words "These colors don't run … "

Hillary Clinton noted what could be her place in history as the first woman to gain the Oval Office. She accepted the challenge and the honor, at the same time explaining there is more to her campaign.

" … I'm not running because I'm a woman. I'm running because I am the best qualified," she said.

Renee Wilkie of Cedar Falls wanted to make that assessment in person.

"I just came to check her out - them out," Wilkie said.

After the speeches, Wilkie was convinced her impression of Hillary Clinton was correct.

"I was a fan, but now I'm a bigger fan now," she said.

Contact Dennis Magee at (319) 291-1451 or dennis.magee@wcfcourier.com.