Yesterday's Democratic Party gala in Iowa

Before flying to New Hampshire for tonight's debate, five of the eight Democratic candidates were in Iowa at Saturday's annual party banquet in Cedar Rapids.  Here are some excerpts from the speeches last night:

John Edwards:

"It is the time for backbone. It is the time for courage. It is thetime for bold visionary leadership in this country. And the place thatthat begins is on the war in Iraq," said Edwards, the early leader inIowa polls. "I believe we have a responsibility and I believe Congresshas the responsibility to force this president to end this war in Iraq."

Hillary Clinton:

"And are you ready to end the war in Iraq, bring our troops home andrestore America's reputation around the world?" the former first ladysaid, mentioning the thorny issue only once and at the end of a list ofothers.

Chris Dodd:

"We need to stop it (the war). We need to stand up as Democrats," Dodd said. "Weought to have the conviction to stand up to this president now."

Bill Richardson:

"Here today, I call on the Congress of the United States tode-authorize the war. De-authorize the war," Richardson told theaudience, echoing a position Clinton holds.

Joe Biden:

"I love the platitudes I hear about just have the Congress end the wartomorrow," Biden said. "There's a way to end this war. And it takesresponsible leadership to do it."

Neither Barack Obama, Dennis Kucinich nor Mike Gravel were in attendance last night.