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Slumber Party

The caucuses are key. That doesn't mean they aren't dull.

By Jonathan Alter | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jan 3, 2008 | Updated: 11:33  a.m. ET Jan 3, 2008

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  • Posted By: flype @ 01/04/2008 10:15:43 PM

    Comment: I would like to add this comment. Iowa may have gotten more than its predicted 10 percent participation. That said, I remember many years in WA. State that we were happy to get even five percent caucus participation.
    That says it all for me. To have even FIVE percent of a State elect their Democrat or Republican candidate simply sucks.

    We have an African American, a Woman, a Preacher, and a former War hero resulting in a some 10 percent caucus turnout... that suggests that some 5 percent elected Obama, Clinton or Edwards and the other 5 percent had a choice between Huckabee and Romney and others.

    This is hardly a mandate for Democracy or for Independent choice. This system gives no room for Independents or for real Mavericks. Continue your delusional caucus euphoria but recognize that some 90 percent of voters do not participate in them!

    I advocate a return to open primaries ... and those that allow multiple choices, not just for Democrat or Republican but for Independents. Socialists, Libertarians ???. Whatever.

    Secateur.


    We have an African American, a Woman, a Preacher , a former War hero .result in a some 10 percent turnout.... That suggests that some 5 percent elected Obama, Clinton or Edwards and the other 5 percent had a choice between Huckabee and Romney and others.

    Hardly a mamdate for Democracy or for Independant choice. This system gives no room for Independents or for real Mavericks. Continue your delusional caucus euphorea but recognize that some 90 percent of voters do not participate in them!

    Return to primaries ... and those that allow multiple choices, not just for Democrat or Republican.

    Secateur

  • Posted By: flype @ 01/04/2008 9:38:03 PM

    Comment: Caucuses and the use of persuasion _ _ _ in those some two hours, one half hour is usually used to EDUCATE the political neophytes as to what to do. Elect a precinct chair, who often has to be educated at the last moment.

    Campaigning also includes smart issue participants to push for their candidate. It creates a bias for the most radical of both parties to succeed in swaying the new caucus goers. Prepared and politicized caucus chairs can and will always move the agenda to their own prejudices

    After the mathematics and 15 percentile merry go-rounds one goes on to referendums and proposals to the party. Once again the party elite can influence the newcomer simply by having prepared statements and referendums already printed out. The newbie has no chance at all. That said even with the precinct chairs influence, most of the caucus suggestions never make it through the next steps of the urban political grinder.

    As for the ???two hours???, much occurs after the majority leave. Those delegates chosen have to work through the paperwork and the proposals discussed. It can be much longer than two hours ??? guess who stays to finalize and sanitize what has been accomplished.
    Read the precinct chairmen!!!!!


    This system is a major waste of man-hours and I totally support a primary vote that allows voters to vote at ANY TIME OF THE DAY OR WEEK before the primary. Be it in the afternoon or the evening ... two hours dis-infranchises too many of us. A primary ... it is in and out, be it a lunch break from a job or whatever. No problem. Anyone who believes that their "resolutions" will survive even on a State level exam is delusional.

    Secateur

  • Posted By: DesMoinesIAvoter @ 01/04/2008 2:31:42 PM

    Comment: Des Moines

  • Posted By: comeagain @ 01/04/2008 1:26:25 PM

    Comment: Your stupid explanation of an assessment goes well with your stupid look. My recommendation cut off your hair, so maybe a more intelligent thought can surface.

  • Posted By: comeagain @ 01/04/2008 1:24:34 PM

    Comment: Your stupid explanation goes well with your stupid look. Cut your hair off, it might improve your assessment so you can say something intelligent.

  • Posted By: PatrynXX @ 01/04/2008 7:21:39 AM

    Comment: Have no idea what this author is talking about. Maybe another state. The Iowa Caucuses have always been run. And ultimately a chance for the community to get to know each other. This was my second caucus and just as memorable as my first in 2004. I had lots of fun before during and after.

  • Posted By: phd2k1 @ 01/04/2008 3:18:21 AM

    Comment: You are absolutely wrong . I was at the caucus tonight, and the energy for Obama was through the roof. No one minded being there for a few hours to support such a wonderful candidate. The reason your experiences in the past have been boring are because the candidates have been boring. Al Gore? John Kerry? Not even Howard Dean had the electric appeal that Obama has. Caucusing is great because you have to look your friends and neighbors in the face and decideon a candidate. Obama is the real deal, and Iowa has gotten this race off to a great start!

  • Posted By: robertlim @ 01/04/2008 3:16:21 AM

    Comment: do you know what the heck you are talking about, if you think you are a genius, you won't be here writing about craps

  • Posted By: true_independence @ 01/04/2008 2:59:44 AM

    Comment: one state does not make a President especially a state that is not even representive of the American population. The result does not prove anything other than a small minority of the 0.06% of people that are in Iowa are out of touch with the rest of the country. If they were in touch with the rest of the country and a larger percent of their actual population voted in a primary the vote obviously would have been different. After the super primary on Feb 5 is the only time we can really say one way or the other who will be the two nominees. Stop anointing anyone until then. Iowa does not have a rational way to pick a candidate.

    • Posted By: DesMoinesIAvoter @ 01/04/2008 14:42:48

      Comment: There isn't a single state that is representative of the American population. What do you even know about our population? Do you know that only 10% of us actually live on a farm, 65% live in cities, and we are a the second largest city for insurance companies and have a lot of financial and banking institutions. That 10% of the country watches debates, while 70% of Iowans do? Our industries are very diverse, so much so that we have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. We are representative of many, many walks of life.

  • Posted By: kingDarron @ 01/04/2008 2:24:01 AM

    Comment: How wrong you are! www.barackobama.com, man

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 01/04/2008 1:10:45 AM

    Comment: KIETH OBEIRMAN TODAY"S WORST IN THE WORLD. WHAT AN IDIOT YOU TIME HAS GONE OBIERMAN.. GET HIM OFF SUNDAY NIGHT NBC FOOTBALL. THIS GUY IS ANNOYING

    • Posted By: PatrynXX @ 01/04/2008 07:24:05

      Comment: Not before Bill O. Bill's time came and went about 4 years ago and he's still on Fox. :P Keith is only fun to watch on Countdown. I didn't really pay much attention to him last night.

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 01/04/2008 1:09:01 AM

    Comment: "The likeability factor is beyond any analyst's is realm" eddiwhere.
    "You either have it or you don't, OBAMA HAS IT"eddiewhere
    "FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS"eddiewhere
    But many of the caucus chairs are well-meaning lawyers and civic activists who have spent a lifetime debating "process." These are the kinds of people who actually enjoy sitting around discussing arcane party rules, and seem oblivious to the pain they might inflict on others. For these Democrats, any level of stupefaction is OK if it's in the name of "fairness" and "community" and "participation." That's big-D Democratic participation. They figure it's their party and they'll bore if they want to.
    What does this guy know. More and more But many of the caucus chairs are well-meaning lawyers and civic activists who have spent a lifetime debating "process." These are the kinds of people who actually enjoy sitting around discussing arcane party rules, and seem oblivious to the pain they might inflict on others. For these Democrats, any level of stupefaction is OK if it's in the name of "fairness" and "community" and "participation." That's big-D Democratic participation. They figure it's their party and they'll bore if they want to.
    WHat doe this guy know. Read eddiwhere comments. This guy know what he's talking about. He knows his fellow Americans. He love AMERICA.

  • Posted By: vogelk2 @ 01/04/2008 12:47:36 AM

    Comment: I always said polls mean nothing, if the citizens who participated in them do not show up to the voting booths when it counts. Iowa set a great example tonight for the rest of the states in that Iowans showed up to vote in record numbers. As an Arizonian and American I am proud of Iowa and I hope on February 5 Arizona will show up to vote in record numbers. Tonight was a step toward change and progress in which Iowans demonstrated first the power of democracy. Thank you Iowa. Sincerely John Spillman

  • Posted By: thethinktank @ 01/04/2008 12:47:35 AM

    Comment: Wow, Jonathan Alter, can you find any more mud to fling? I recently moved to Iowa from downtown Chicago, and was excited to be a part of this caucus. Instead of mindlessly walking to a voting booth and dropping in my ballot, this was my chance to stand and be counted.

    In my opinion, this was the greatest democratic experience of my lifetime. I stood alongside my community and submitted my vote with my hand raised high. In my precinct, in nearly every precinct in Iowa, Obama won by a landslide. There was debate, there was conjecture, there were tears, there was laughter. This was truly democracy IN action, not the democracy of Diebold.

    The Caucus is difficult to cover in any press sense, and you failed to find a way around that. I can understand this- its not something you can "oversee", but only something that you can take part in. In my precinct, 303 citizens stood and were counted. We shared laughter, tears, and comraderie-- and at the end of the event, we helped change America.

    You may sling mud, as ignorantly as you have, but you have failed to understand the true power of democracy in action in the Iowa Caucus. Go back to 1968, when the Chicago party bosses handed the nomination to a candidate the people did not believe in, and understand why the Iowa Caucus, the only true voice of the people in our election system, has been given the power it has.

  • Posted By: sbaumann @ 01/03/2008 10:45:06 PM

    Comment: I felt this very informative and really wish that the average voter ( or non voter who is eligable) has to go and look for this information. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it were on the Morninng TV news, the evening TV news, and the late news and on the front page of all the local newspapers. One thing I did not see and was wondering about.....if I were a Republican, or and Independent, evidently I can go to the Democratic Cacuses, correct, and visa versa? If that is true, Cound I not go to the primaary Caucus of the party I was against, and then vote for the candidate I thought had the least chance of winning in Nov. against my party? In otherwords if I were a liberal and thought Huckabee would be easiest to beat in Nov. could I not go to the Rep. Caucus and vote for him? And if as a Rep. I thought Obama has the least experience, and is black, or Hillary is strident and a woman, I could then go to the Democratic Caucus and vote for the one I felt would be easiest to beat? Just a thought

  • Posted By: IaMommy3 @ 01/03/2008 10:20:37 PM

    Comment: How does it feel to be really wrong.............

  • Posted By: IaMommy3 @ 01/03/2008 10:20:12 PM

    Comment: How does i feel to be really wrong......

  • Posted By: klenz24 @ 01/03/2008 10:14:51 PM

    Comment: First of all when we all turned 18 we had the decision to be a demcrate or a republican so why sit and diss another party?? Whats that accomplish? How about we re-think something that would actually matter...get the people that don't vote, TO vote. Then they would actually have the right to complain about our president, if they felt like it...just a thought

    • Posted By: flype @ 01/04/2008 00:11:10

      Comment: Thank you klenz224.

      We have a long way to go and considering the 50%
      :-( turnout we had in the last presidential election this Iowa turnout is GREAT. Estimate was for some 150,000 to show up .... it was over 220,000.

      Both Obama and Huckabee did a great job in motivating their constituents.
      I suspect, I HOPE that this years election draws more than the 50 percent than of years before. Considering the 25% split of the last election it was no mandate/win for anyone .... including the lazy electorate.

      Perhaps we can do better this time around!

      Winner in this round ... perhaps the young 18 -25 voter who finally showed up! IMO, be you old or young, conservative or liberal it is your duty to vote .... something that 50 percent of Americans have forgotten to do!

      Secateur

  • Posted By: klenz24 @ 01/03/2008 10:08:24 PM

    Comment: There is no reason to dis the democratic party. Everyone of us had a decision at 18 if we wanted to be democratic or republican. So instead of sitting there dissing the democratic party why don't you re-think something that is a little more important...urging the people that don't vote, TO vote. So then at least they would actually have the right to sit and complain about our president, if they wanted to.

  • Posted By: MikeReynolds @ 01/03/2008 9:41:16 PM

    Comment: Doesn't appear it's hurting Obama. Here are the results from Iowa at the moment:
    http://schlerplotti.typepad.com/quantworks/2008/01/trended-democra.html

  • Posted By: MikeReynolds @ 01/03/2008 9:39:56 PM

    Comment: Doesn't appear it's hurting Obama. Here are the results from Iowa at the moment:
    http://schlerplotti.typepad.com/quantworks/2008/01/trended-democra.html

  • Posted By: Winter360 @ 01/03/2008 9:11:09 PM

    Comment: Funny I read this soon after expressing to a friend that man, I wish we caucused in my state. Primaries are so boring - walk in, walk out, no interaction, no second vote. Whatever. I sometimes turn out for them. But caucusing?? That sounds worth getting a sitter - the opportunity to interact with other democratic voters, the freedom to pick the candidate I really like who will likely lose while getting to dicuss the merits of alternate candidates with members of my community. So the process is slow, it sounds like a great political exercise with others to whom the issues and election actually matter. Thanks so much for making me feel like a nerd in thinking a caucus sounds like an excellent way to spend an evening, lol.

  • Posted By: flype @ 01/03/2008 8:51:39 PM

    Comment: Comment to Mark11000,

    I totally agree with the first half of your comment. "Comment: The Iowa caucuses are not the key to anything but the vote of a few (8%) Iowans. Everyone in the US deserves the right to an equal vote. Let's stop this crazy, unfair primary system and have a real primary where everyone votes on the same day."

    27.million was spent on advertising alone to influence 150,000 caucus goers in Iowa. Something is tremendously wrong here. I would love to hear one candidate foregoing this hemorrhage of money and simply say that he/she are investing it towards the topic they promote.

    By the time this obscenity is over billions may well be spent. GAG!

    Canada does have a primary on the same day and a severe limitation on electioneering. Perhaps their system might work. At the very least they are able to sweep out TOTALLY previous administrations.... much more the Jerffersonian model.

    In WA state the electorate wrote an intitiative to end this caucus system. Both parties fought this outcome and it went to our Supreme Court. They ruled against the people, the same with a property tax limiitation. So much for the 'democratic process.'

    Secateur

  • Posted By: JMurph @ 01/03/2008 8:31:29 PM

    Comment: Forget the sophmoric word; collegiate references aside, I had wished to hear - especially in Iowa, some soundbite as to how the vast acreage of farmland could equate into America being less dependent upon foreign energy sources vis-a-vis ethanol from corn. Or wind turbines directly feeding into nearby grids. Or a multitude of other viable, green resources. Not one word surfaced to highight just how much Iowa could conceivably play a tremendous role as a energy provider for our Nation, not just some expansive feedlot with miles of wheat in between. We have already missed the ship - JMurph

  • Posted By: Mark11000 @ 01/03/2008 8:12:44 PM

    Comment: The Iowa caucuses are not the key to anything but the vote of a few (8%) Iowans. Everyone in the US deserves the right to an equal vote. Let's stop this crazy, unfair primary system and have a real primary where everyone votes on the same day.

  • Posted By: pbriggsiam @ 01/03/2008 6:52:38 PM

    Comment: Jonathan,

    I wonder if you could factor in the sophmoric way that the press corp handles these Iowa caucuses. For an understanding of what I'm getting at try this link:

    http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/01/03/hillary_bus/index.html

    I think Glen Greenwald has it right when he points out that the press corp dynamic fails to serve the people of this country. You and the rest of the press corp create your own "village" bubble and let the personal damage what should be informative reporting on serious aspects of each of the candidate's campaigns.

    Interested in doing a posting on this? Or would that make you an outsider with your fellow reporters in Iowa and DC?

    Regards,

    Patrick in Pasadena

  • Posted By: pbriggsiam @ 01/03/2008 6:52:21 PM

    Comment: Jonathan,

    I wonder if you could factor in the sophmoric way that the press corp handles these Iowa caucuses. For an understanding of what I'm getting at try this link:

    http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2008/01/03/hillary_bus/index.html

    I think Glen Greenwald has it right when he points out that the press corp dynamic fails to serve the people of this country. You and the rest of the press corp create your own "village" bubble and let the personal damage what should be informative reporting on serious aspects of each of the candidate's campaigns.

    Interested in doing a posting on this? Or would that make you an outsider with your fellow reporters in Iowa and DC?

    Regards,

    Patrick in Pasadena

  • Posted By: marvis @ 01/03/2008 6:44:34 PM

    Comment: go hillary, obama is loser

  • Posted By: willbarks @ 01/03/2008 6:19:21 PM

    Comment: I have firsthand experience with the caucus process, like making sausage it???s not a pretty sight but somewhat interesting for those involved???it brings people together in a public place where you have to act somewhat like a community???it is an open (very open) process but requires patience among its participants???it Is the patient who persevere and ultimately have the best chance do their best for the candidate of their choice. It is really democracy at its best (and therefore messiest) and I would hate to see it totally go away in favor of electronic balloting in the comfort of our laptops (for those who have them???there is always some discriminatory aspect in democracy but an electorate that is responsible from top to bottom and side to side will overcome such things as, working the night shift or worse the Orange Bowl). Don???t blame Iowans???blame the media for the hype it was never meant to be.

  • Posted By: flype @ 01/03/2008 5:47:08 PM

    Comment: RE: "Comment: You leave those troops right were they are. They are doing a job, killing all the people that you are afraid of. I mean after all they are soldiers are they not? Did they not sign up for that job of their own free will?"

    Let us not forget that some of these kids that we feel are old enough to die for their country can't even buy tobacco or liquor. Too young for dat! Add to these warriors are the illegals that we allow entry to the armed forces that after their service can become citizens. Very Roman, I dare say ... as is our imperialism.

    Not to forget the massive amount of pure unadulterated mercenaries like Black Hawk are immune to near any review by either the military or by the Iraqi govt.

    When the Romans occupied countries they at least stole the gold and the wheat, we simply spend a trillion a year to make our arms merchants and Halliburton???s richer. Does anyone even remember the cold war bonus that we would have when it ended?

    Ten trillion in debt that our kids will inherit, while some of the richest of us get tax credits _ _ _ way to go America.

    Secateur

  • Posted By: westdesmoiner @ 01/03/2008 5:29:11 PM

    Comment: Comment: I work in Des Moines for a fortune 500 company, I attend a church that has over 5000 members, the majority of the folks I talk to don't want to take the time to caucus, they'll wait till the November elections.
    So there are your throw away votes, those that won't bother to show.

    • Posted By: ikes @ 01/03/2008 17:40:07

      Comment: How many choices will they have come November?

  • Posted By: flype @ 01/03/2008 4:56:22 PM

    Comment: The ghost print suggested that I wasn't logged in, so I didn't quite finish.
    This primary and ghastly electoral system need to be scrapped. The editor did not mention the super-delegates that finally participate in the picking of the state electors. These often equal and sometimes exceed those elected by the caucus debacle. In Montana it is even more anti-democratic.

    In the final election I also propose being able to vote 1,2,3,4 and to be able to pick a Democrat, Rebublican or Independent as I see fit to run the country. It might create a split executive, but this country seemed to bumble along quite nicely allowing such outcomes. This Democratic or Republican only choice is rather a recent invention and exists primarily to prevent third parties.

    IMO we strongly need a third party!

    Secateur

  • Posted By: flype @ 01/03/2008 4:47:29 PM

    Comment: As a former caucus chair and a state delegate I finally quit. In WA. state the procedure is much the same for the Republicans as well. This is an old boys network that prevent spoilers from taking over from the state run political machine. It is totally undemocratic and the last person left standing often does not reflect the original counts. Four years ago Kucinich and Wesley Clark were so eliminated. What the editor does not mention is that those delegates then go on to another regional caucus were the 15 percent rule continues. Small counties and or rural areas usually succumb to the powerful numbers of the urban centers. By the time you get to Seattle, most of eastern W A. or my Olympic Peninsula delegates have been eliminated.
    Same for the resolutions!

    I would much prefer an open vote with a first and second choice being allowed Points being given for first and less for second place. The winner is the one with the highest toal.

    Secateur

  • Posted By: mayercoup @ 01/03/2008 4:05:10 PM

    Comment: It's a great way to pick our presidents...I'm also thinking there are 150,000 troops in Iraq would would be glad to switch places with me....
    *****
    Yet we won't let a single one of our troops from Iowa vote in the caucus by absentee ballot. Why don't we let the troops speak for themselves? Why are we afraid of giving them that chance?

    • Posted By: ikes @ 01/03/2008 17:22:05

      Comment: You leave those troops right were they are. They are doing a job, killing all the people that you are afraid of. I mean after all they are soldiers are they not? Did they not sign up for that job of their own free will?

  • Posted By: mayercoup @ 01/03/2008 4:02:18 PM

    Comment: It's a great way to pick our presidents...I'm also thinking there are 150,000 troops in Iraq would would be glad to switch places with me....
    *****
    Yet we won't let _any_ of those Iowa troops vote by absentee ballot. Rather than just speaking for them, shouldn't we at least provide them an opportunity to speak for themselves? What is there to be afraid of?

  • Posted By: kmr214 @ 01/03/2008 3:59:19 PM

    Comment: But let's not forget that it's not picking the president; it's picking the nominee. Remember, at this point, we're picking candidates that combine executive ability, platform and viability to win the general election. In that sense, the proscess and the 'viability' part aren't so bad. I wish all states had a primary 'second choice' on the ballot. That way there could be auto-runoffs and 'viability' tests that let party members have a better voice on the candidates they like.

  • Posted By: DesMoinesIAvoter @ 01/03/2008 3:55:11 PM

    Comment: I have been through the caucus process before. It does have its merits. And I am thankful for our troops and what they do, and thankful for my opporutnity to vote. The problem is in our 24-hour society, many people have difficulty leaving work for that timeframe.

  • Posted By: cornfedflatlander @ 01/03/2008 3:49:31 PM

    Comment: The caucus process certainly is archaic. However, the one thing that happens as a result of the caucuses is that only those people that are truly involved and informed attend and cast votes. The first in the nation status needs to be in small states. It makes the candidates get personal. If first in the nation was NY or CA, the campaigning would be NOTHING but commercials.

  • Posted By: ball547 @ 01/03/2008 3:36:41 PM

    Comment: I beg your pardon. It's a great way to pick our presidents. I voted as a registered Republican for George Bush in each of the last 2 caucuses. They were no hassle show up, vote and leave affairs. This time I'm going to suffer through the drill to vote for Obama. If it means I get shuffled about a steamy room, get my toes stepped on, loose my right to a private vote or heaven forbid, speak in public for a candidate that seems an insignificant investment in change. I'm also thinking there are 150,000 troops in Iraq would would be glad to switch places with me....or have the opportunity to do it themselves.

  • Posted By: Sioux City Democrat @ 01/03/2008 3:35:51 PM

    Comment: Jonathon, Jonathan, I had been a fan until now. I am an Iowa Democrat attorney/activist, lawyer that will be running my caucus and have trained hundreds of people to do the same. The Iowa caucus is THE most grassroots example of democracy in the world. Sorry that in the age of instant gratification we can't accomodate your need to get it over with quickly. If you hate it so much, quit coming out here. Unless you are a masochist, you don't have to hang out with us.

  • Posted By: DesMoinesIAvoter @ 01/03/2008 3:21:59 PM

    Comment: I agree the Caucus process is archaic. Its also frustrating as my husband needs to work late this evening, so only I can caucus. If it were a primary he could have voted this morning. Unfortunately we are not the only state that caucuses, Washington State is another. And by the way, we are a very technologically advanced state. I don't know why that technology isn't used to streamline this process.

  • Posted By: auroramayor13 @ 01/03/2008 3:07:56 PM

    Comment: Jonathan Alter has become a victim of his own pontificating. His loathing over the Iowa process has caused him to berate a phenomenal time in American History. The day that he and reporters like him, are rid of the cynicism that impedes on our country's greatness, we will be better for it. Jon, go take some Theraflu and we'll call you in the morning. You need some rest.

    • Posted By: waterloo-voter @ 01/03/2008 15:24:36

      Comment: Agree! Average Americans, regardless of where they live, are very tired of the cynicism that gets way too much airtime these days. Unfortunately, it is a sad side effect of 24 hour news coverage, whether it comes from MSNBC, CNN or Fox.... the TV in my office is turned off these days and replaced with music -- much better!

  • Posted By: ian721 @ 01/03/2008 2:33:39 PM

    Comment: Corn is one of the least effective ways to make ethanol. It's unethical that your senators are greasing palms to make sure that it is used. Didn't the whole midwest vote for Bush and get us into Iraq anyway? Probably not the best place to have the first caucus. It's no wonder Huckabee's ahead...

    • Posted By: DesMoinesIAvoter @ 01/03/2008 14:46:10

      Comment: no they did not, I've never voted for a Republican in my life. Everyone I know is counting the day until Bush is out of office.

  • Posted By: DesMoinesIAvoter @ 01/03/2008 2:16:51 PM

    Comment: Exactly Jake. I am really tired of East Coasters having so much information about Iowa. I believe the latest state is less than 10% of us live on a farm and 65% live in the cities. You probably didn't know some of our largest businesses are insurance and finance. I chose to stay here and not use my MBA on the East Coast due to our friendly, tolerant people. I agree I would prefer a primary, but you don't have to insult the entire state of Iowa in the process. Not one single state can represent the whole country, but we are quite equally balanced between Republicans and Democrat and our people work in an incredibly diverse number of industries.

    PS: When our corn is used to make ethanol and reduces your cost to fill your car, you can thank us--especially with oil hitting $100 a barrel yesterday.

    • Posted By: Ozymandias206 @ 01/03/2008 14:25:01

      Comment: When the food prices get so high they lead to malnutrition both in the US and around the world beacuse of your federally subsisdized ethanol productions I'll have to remeber to send you a thank you note.

      • Posted By: DesMoinesIAvoter @ 01/03/2008 14:41:39

        Comment: I do not agree with the subsidy. I just believe we need to end our dependence on foreign oil and use alternate fuels. Its insane that Exxon Mobile execs earn millions from oil while we have homeless and people who are malnurished in this country.

  • Posted By: jake1110 @ 01/03/2008 2:13:32 PM

    Comment: Nanoreid, nice name calling, "cornfed flatlanders." You obviously don't realize most Iowans aren't farmers. We're a midwest swing state that can go either way. Sure, we don't truly capture the thoughts of the entire nation, but neither can Virginia. Everybody in every state wants to have their primary first.

  • Posted By: waterloo-voter @ 01/03/2008 2:11:24 PM

    Comment: I will be caucusing tonight in the library of my children's school -- right down the street from my house. Yet, the Republicans are holding their caucus in one cental place, not convenient for many on the outer edges of the county. I wonder how much difference that will make in terms of turn out? Most importantly, I am a middle class, college educated wife and mother with a demanding career and active family who will find TWO HOURS (or whatever it takes) this evening to partcipate in something that is so important. My husband and I and our college sophomore daughter will all attend -- and not all of us agree! In fact, at this point with just a few hours to go, I remain undecided. I think I am typical of my neighborhood caucus goer and remain very amused by the pundits, reporters and others who think they can predict the outcome tonight! Do be prepared for a message that our nation needs a significant change in direction however.

  • Posted By: DesMoinesIAvoter @ 01/03/2008 2:10:17 PM

    Comment: nanoreid, must you be so disrespectful? Cornfed flatlanders, what a nice way to refer to the great people of Iowa. We have the common decency to be respectful to other states. I happen to live on a hill, am quite educated on the issues, have a Masters degree, work in finance and eat things besides corn. You should care, we do our research and vote on the issues. We question the candidates and review their records. I agree the caucus system makes no sense, a primary would be a much better way to go. Many Iowans do not go because of the restrictive time committment.

  • Posted By: jake1110 @ 01/03/2008 2:09:44 PM

    Comment: Nanoreid, nice name calling. ":Cornfed flatlanders." You obviously know nothing about Iowa. Most of us aren't farmers. Here's a thought, lets keep the cacaus in Iowa. We're a midwest swing state that's well balanced and goes either way. Sure, it can't truly capture the thoughts of the entire country, but neither could VIrginia.

    • Posted By: ikes @ 01/03/2008 16:00:31

      Comment: I like to eat corn and swing from a chandelier naked, well balanced and not a virgin. Can I come to cicass in Iowaha?

  • Posted By: lmoulton1 @ 01/03/2008 2:03:25 PM

    Comment: In this day and age of technology and 24 hour news stations, people need less time to decide who to vote for. We should all be able to determine a candidate by now. I agree with those saying hold all primaries and caucuses on the same day. I've seen more debates this year than in my lifetime and it's only January. To think we have to watch as the primaries happen in so many states before Pennsylvania gets a turn in April seems ridiculous. We also need to shorten this process so that candidates don't have to raise so much money. It's a waste.

    • Posted By: ikes @ 01/03/2008 16:48:37

      Comment: You can not hold them all on the same day. How then would the candy-dates be able to change their message to please each State? Who then would feed the media all the potatoes that make them fat?

      • Posted By: mrparmele @ 01/03/2008 17:29:43

        Comment: If we held all the primaries on the same day, it would be an election and we could have more than just two candidates running for President...the way the Founders wrote it...great idea

  • Posted By: nanoreid @ 01/03/2008 1:50:58 PM

    Comment: Here's a great way to streamline a cacus...Don't have one! Why is this method still allowed by law? Why should I care what a bunch of cornfed flatlanders think. Here's a thought, have the first primary held in Virginia. After all, more presidents have come from this Commonwealth than any other state in the union. Considering that I have seen most if not all of the campaigning being done in Iowa, I think we could hold the primary tomorrow and most folks here would be able to cast a well informed vote.

    • Posted By: angelica915 @ 01/03/2008 15:04:48

      Comment: Nanoreid you are wrong...Ohio has had the most Presidents, but besides that, I agree with you 100%, the caucus' are archaic, it is time Iowa came into the 21st Century and held primaries like every state does..

      As to what the state of Iowa thinks is important,...I really don't pay any attention to it. What do I care who the people of Iowa are voting for, I have my own thoughts, plus just because you're first, does not mean you are right.

      • Posted By: brianinva @ 01/03/2008 15:24:56

        Comment: Ohio? Some fact-checking may be in order.

        • Posted By: angelica915 @ 01/03/2008 16:21:10

          Comment: Oops you're right...I didn't count Woodrow Wilson. Virginia 8 - Ohio 7

      • Posted By: Aaron61808 @ 01/03/2008 15:22:12

        Comment: angelica915, please know your history before you correct others. 8 presidents were born in Virginia and 7 in Ohio. Virginia has had the most presidents since our third president, Thomas Jefferson, became the 2nd from the Commonwealth.

        • Posted By: brianinva @ 01/03/2008 15:26:31

          Comment: Ohio. Some fact-checking may be in order. When you mis-state facts, it makes it hard to take your other comments seriously.

  • Posted By: pinkpanther87413 @ 01/03/2008 1:49:57 PM

    Comment: By his last article, and this one i have lost all faith in Alter to tell us any thing important but his own agenda, and that sounds to me, as if he just wants the GOP to keep control, and "stay the Course", as it even profits Alter, what a shame! Important info only needed right here
    1. The GOP wants to RULE THE WORLD on the backs of the POOR!
    2. The Dems want to RUN THE COUNTRY on the backs of EVERYONE, for Americans, by Americans, in America!
    Now the choice is. who has the heart to get it done, and beat any GOP member they got! as we all know by now if the GOP gets another term, the country will have to sell out to China who is buying up all there debt, called the deficit! To continue the body count, and close military hospitals, close bases, and strip the VA budget by trillions! AGAIN! Not the way one would run a war is it???

  • Posted By: JohnHerrera305 @ 01/03/2008 1:42:00 PM

    Comment: Why can't all states vote on the SAME day. Why should any one state have heavy influence on the Presidential nomination? Iowa is not representative of places like New York, Texas, Florida, California, etc. So why do the votes of a few thousand folks in corn country have soooooo much influence?
    I say hold all primaries and caucuses on the same day...Feb 5th!

    • Posted By: mrparmele @ 01/03/2008 17:34:03

      Comment: If all the states voted on the same day, that would be called an ELECTION and we might have more than two choices for who gets to be president...just the way the founders wanted it...I say that's a great idea!!!

  • Posted By: momof2inIA @ 01/03/2008 1:39:47 PM

    Comment: I am one of the temporary caucus chairs tonight, in a larger city in Iowa and I resent the implicaiton that er are... "fussbudget caucus chair, enjoying his or her moment in the sun". I am a mother of to little ones that works for a large company during the day. I understand that adults can only take so much. I am also only 32 and also think that if we don't create a caucus process that allow us to engage people, especially young people, they will stop coming! I have been planning ahead for tonight for the last couple of days, trying to come up with ways to streamline the process while still being wary of the tradition and history. You can bet that my caucus will be efficent, interesting and productive!

  • Posted By: rlbarton @ 01/03/2008 1:37:49 PM

    Comment: This election process started a year ago. The person with enough desire to show up should already know who they support. I find it hard to believe anyone could be persuaded to change their vote at the last minute. The whole system should be moved to something like July 2008 so we don't have to listen constantly to the same points be made. Also, all states should vote at the same time so they have a say. By time the bigger states (i.e. Texas and California) get their chance it's already decided.

    • Posted By: ikes @ 01/03/2008 17:02:11

      Comment: You do not have to listen to the same points being made. They change from State to State.

    • Posted By: JohnHerrera305 @ 01/03/2008 13:49:18

      Comment: Totally agree!

      • Posted By: szdreamer @ 01/03/2008 16:17:24

        Comment: Totally agree as well. I have been searching for arguments that adequately support the existence of caucuses and I've yet to find any. I can appreciate the idea of grass roots, hosting dialogues, debates, taking your time to educate yourself and cast your vote, etc. However, I cannot for the life of me understand why we wouldn't all do that, then place our vote in a primary on the same day across the nation so it truly is the vote of the people. So much simpler, fulfills the need for a democratic voice of all Americans, saves lots of money, and creates an equal playing field for everyone... doesn't it? Sigh...... many things in this country I "just don't get..."

  • Posted By: Capper @ 01/03/2008 1:33:27 PM

    Comment: What is it exactly that Newsweek owes to Clinton? I've read three articles at Newsweek online, and so far they seem curiously aimed at pumping up Hillary (even if defeated), drudging up doubt about Obama, and finally, discouraging his likely supporters from even going through the caucus process. You can't possibly believe you'll be seen as impartial to the outcome in Iowa. Your support of Clinton is just too transparent to be taken as serious news reportage.

  • Posted By: dsmactivist @ 01/03/2008 1:30:38 PM

    Comment: You can't just vote at the Republican caucus and leave. You actually have to stay in order for it to count. Learn the rules and stop whining about being here. If you don't like it then stop coming. In the meantime why don't YOU stop disenfranchising voters by telling them that it is a grueling process and takes so long. It doesn't typically take that long and you don't even realize that it is over because it goes so quickly.

  • Posted By: hawkindependent @ 01/03/2008 12:44:06 PM

    Comment: Is two hours too much to ask of such a momentous decision? This isn't fast food participation (though newsweak is looking increasingly like fast food news). Caucuses aren't primaries, they are party processes. The chance to persuade your neighbors why your candidate is best is as much classic democracy as the secret ballot. Besides, a prepared caucus goer can move that fine print be distributed in lieu of being read. Don't let this dissuade you from participating.

    • Posted By: flype @ 01/04/2008 20:55:36

      Comment: Caucuses and the use of persuasion _ _ _ in those some two hours, one half hour is usually used to EDUCATE the political neophytes as to what to do. Elect a precinct chair, who often has to be educated at the last moment.

      Campaigning also includes smart issue participants to push for their candidate. It creates a bias for the most radical of both parties to succeed in swaying the new caucus goers. Prepared and politicized caucus chairs can and will always move the agenda to their own prejudices

      After the mathematics and 15 percentile merry go-rounds one goes on to referendums and proposals to the party. Once again the party elite can influence the newcomer simply by having prepared statements and referendums already printed out. The newbie has no chance at all. That said even with the precinct chairs influence, most of the caucus suggestions never make it through the next steps of the urban political grinder.

      As for the ???two hours???, much occurs after the majority leave. Those delegates chosen have to work through the paperwork and the proposals discussed. It can be much longer than two hours ??? guess who stays to finalize and sanitize what has been accomplished.
      Read the precinct chairmen!!!!!


      This system is a major waste of man-hours and I totally support a primary vote that allows voters to vote at ANY TIME OF THE DAY OR WEEK before the primary. Be it in the afternoon or the evening ... two hours dis-infranchises too many of us. A primary ... it is in and out, be it a lunch break from a job or whatever. No problem. Anyone who believes that their "resolutions" will survive even on a State level exam is delusional.

      Secateur

    • Posted By: ikes @ 01/03/2008 16:35:34

      Comment: If we have only two hours I think we should skip the fast food and get on with partying with the primates??? neighbors welcome of course. Anyone have a paper? Wait man, I think you???re smokin the secret ballot. What does it say in the fine print about that?

  • Posted By: hawkindependent @ 01/03/2008 12:41:05 PM

    Comment: Is two hours too much to ask of someone on such a momentous decision? This isn't fast food democracy (although newsweak is looking more and more like fast food news coverage). Stumping for candidates and oratory are classic democracy, as much as secret ballots. Caucuses and primaries are apples and oranges. Besides, caucus goers can move to have fine print distributed in lieu of being read aloud.

  • Posted By: Saint Cloud @ 01/03/2008 12:36:45 PM

    Comment: Something of interest that the Republicans have it easy and the process for the Dems is cumbersome. How can we as Americans continue to support the difficult paths that lead to nowhere and avoid the effective paths to success. If everyone gets an equal slice of the pie it will be to tiny to define its flavor.

    • Posted By: ikes @ 01/03/2008 16:17:07

      Comment: Rock-N-Roll dude!

  • Posted By: PulSamsara @ 01/03/2008 12:08:01 PM

    Comment: America is a Democracy - Not a Monarchy.
    ------------------------------------
    Nepotism does not equal experience.

    The spin machine whipped together a machine candidate for a the past several years.
    But as the lights grow more intense it's the people who begin to decide. Not the Machine.
    - Barack Obama for President.
    It's Time for America to Rise and Shine again.

  • Posted By: tates5a @ 01/03/2008 11:52:24 AM

    Comment: The Obama campaign has done numerous caucus tutorials teaching their supporters how to caucus. The movement also has precinct captains are well trained at all. The people who caucus for Barack believe in him, in Iowa, and America. As they have in the thousands over past few weeks to hear him, the people will stay however long at takes to be counted and take our country back.

  • Posted By: tates5a @ 01/03/2008 11:52:01 AM

    Comment: The Obama campaign has done numerous caucus tutorials teaching their supporters how to caucus. The movement also has precinct captains are well trained at all. The people who caucus for Barack believe in him, in Iowa, and America. As they have in the thousands over past few weeks to hear him, the people will stay however long at takes to be counted and take our country back.

    • Posted By: ikes @ 01/03/2008 16:09:54

      Comment: Obamaha will not take out country back. He will take it Black. I could almost see him as Pres. but his O'l Lady as our first lady? Man, what a terrible thought that is.

      • Posted By: MSERLYNN @ 01/04/2008 17:22:03

        Comment: i guess becasue of your ignorant comment you exspect alot of people to respond, well they maybe feel such as me ,god bless the poor in heart

 
 
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