Iowa Day 1: Our Caucus-Opener

In an Ames Panera Bread deli, during our lunch hour break, I listened in on two Iowa women while they surveyed the presidential field. "We Iowans are tough and we take this seriously," admitted Trish Sheil, an Ames chiropractor. Further eavesdropping on their conversation revealed good news for Edwards. Cecelia Kemmerer, donning an "Edwards '08" button and fresh from the senator's Ames rally, asserted, "I think John Edwards can put the heart and soul back into this country." The pair's political zeal, refreshing and enlivening, reflects the passionate, participatory nature of the Iowa caucuses.

"It's the last time it's real," explained Jerry Crawford, senior campaign advisor for Clinton, during a discussion session earlier this morning. We began our first full day in the Hawkeye state with Crawford and Doug Gros, Romney's right hand fellow. In their remarks, both political gurus emphasized the authentic, on-the-ground quality of the caucuses. Iowa is unique in that caucus-goers engage in lengthy, contentious debate and deliberation with their friends and neighbors. With this in mind, Crawford and Gross agreed the caucuses, more in-depth and involved than a primary,transform presidential hopefuls into prepared, well-equipped candidates. After all, the scrutiny some hopefuls face, glimpsed in Sheil and Kemmere's conversation, is enough to separate the champs from the chumps.

Though not a caucus, democratic participation was alive and well during John Edwards' Ames rally, our second stop on day 1.The rally began with the senator's wife's opening remarks. In the company of their two children, Jack and Emma Claire, Elizabeth Edwards touted her husband's electability, reminding attendees that John served as a Democratic senator in a Republican state. Following Elizabeth, Mari Culver, Iowa's first lady, encouraged the undecided voters to consider Edwards, a "battle-tested" candidate worthy of their vote. Culver introduced the Senator who was met with resounding cheers and a standing ovation. Perfectly coiffed and charismatic, Edwards provided commentary on healthcare, immigration, and the impoverished's plight, repeatedly articulating the need for change. Rehashing his childhood story, Edwards reminisced of mill work and modest beginnings as rally attendees interrupted with widespread clapping and the occasional "Yeah!" shout. All eyes were glued on Edwards as I witnessed democracy at work. In a little over an hour's time, participants were afforded the opportunity to size up a first-tier candidate without media filter.

Our third major stop of the caucus opener was Governor Mike Huckabee's "Huck and Chuck" event. Hosted in Des Moines' Val Air ballroom, the venue appropriately mirrored the event's vibe- casual, hokie, and entertaining. While the Boogie Woogers provided the beat, Visitors of all ages proudly displayed Huckabee signs for all to see. In fact, a group of attendees chanted "Huck!" while another group responded "Chuck!" Spirits were energized as Iowa community members engaged in a night of democracy. Speaking on respect for human life, gay marriage, and foreign policy, Huckabee showcased an ease for public speaking and a charming wit. Upon completion, Huckabee introduced Chuck Norris and his striking wife Gena. As a result, the spotlight immediately turned to them, and to the Governor's detriment, stayed on the couple for the remainder of the night. Though the Governor showed off his guitar-playing abilities, he never regained the crowd's full attention. Eyes were locked on the ranger. While Huckabee's organization did not compete with that of the Edwards' camp, supporters of the Arkansas governor still received an image of their candidate free from media interference, an opportunity to cherish.