The caucus process is an unprecedented event that I am thrilled to have witnessed. Throughout the last few days, I have been inspired by Iowa's large civic engagement in the democratic process and I hope, in turn, that those Iowans who have lost sight of their awesome privilege have been equally inspired by our passion that has brought us over a thousand miles to Iowa.
While watching the process unfold, I realized that the presidential candidates must invest a lot of confidence in their voters. Not only do they rely on their supporters to turn out and vote at the caucus, but they must also hope that they have voters who are willing to stand up in front of their peers and persuade them to follow their candidate.
However, it is frightening to realize that one determined demographic can define the nominee for the presidential race. I don't believe that Huckabee's victory in Iowa is likely to follow him through the other states. And if McCain wins New Hampshire this places Romney out of consideration for the GOP nomination. So, in reality, the strong rural evangelicals of Iowa have possibly ruined Romney's chance at a race for United States presidency.
Nonetheless, Iowa's voter turn out tonight, although predicted, was still extremely surprising and something to be proud of. Over 200,000 Democrats turned out to vote and about 110,000 Republicans caucused tonight. These jaw-dropping numbers are exactly why Obama and Huckabee are the caucus winners. It will be interesting to see how much effect this built up momentum will carry them through the remaining primaries.
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