When Iowa residents headed to candidate rallies on a New Year’s Day in single digit weather, I first thought they must have lost a bet of some kind, but in fact I was witnessing some of the most engaged citizenry in the nation.
These excited, rosy-cheeked citizens filled a high school gymnasium to the rafters for a rally for Sen. Obama. At one point, the senator asked members of the crowd to raise their hands if they planned to caucus, and of course, most of the members there raised their hands. He then asked all those who hadn’t yet made a decision to raise their hands; there were about twenty or so people who earnestly raised theirs, deeply wanting to hear Obama’s message.
I am certain that there are thousands of individuals across the state of Iowa, from both sides of the aisle, who have actually take the time to study the candidates, whether they have made their decision or not. For Louisiana and other states with a late primary date, it is pretty much solidly pre-determined who the candidates are going to be for each party, and soon everyone aligns with the party’s nominee, no matter who the candidate is. But what sets Iowa and other early primary states apart is their deep and thorough connection to the presidential campaign. The responsibility these residents must feel in the election process astounds me. But when asked about the gravity of their role in deciding the next leader of the free world, several caucus participants looked at me as though I was crazy. Their role is second nature to them, yet it blew me away. Louisianans would be so lucky to have half the chance of Iowans to earnestly study the candidates before deciding who best fits the mold of their president.
Additionally, I owe theses Iowans a huge compliment. Never in my life have I seen such active political engagement, where it’s not just peripheral-route campaigning, but dedicated, sincere discussions in order to reach a conclusion. And I can’t wait until Thursday evening to observe a caucus in action and witness a throwback to the old fashioned town hall meetings, reflective of our earliest democratic processes. The residents of Iowa and other early primary states should be proud of the energy they put into their votes.
Truthfully, the kind of dedication to the democratic process that I have seen in Iowa is exactly the type of dedication all citizens should practice before casting a vote. Researching candidates, discussing a decision with others, and thinking outside of an echo chamber are the practices to follow in this democracy of ours. We should all study our history and renew our appreciation of our ability to vote. Citizens who don’t own land, African-Americans, women, and everyone between the ages of 18 and 21 should have an increased appreciation for a vote, if only to honor those who came before them to fight for it. A vote is so precious and hallowed that it is deserving of the energy needed to make a well-researched decision.
And being that it is beginning of a brand new year, I feel that it would be in our best interest as American citizens to resolve to use prudent judgment when making a decision, and casting a vote only after the right preparations have gone into it. Iowa, thank you for opening my eyes to a truly engaged citizenry.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Engaged Citizenry in Iowa
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.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
President Should Be Communicator in Chief
I was a little skeptical about attending a Mike Huckabee event. I hadn't even given him much thought as a viable candidate, but with the latest poll numbers and his rapid rise in popularity, it was important to sit up and take notice.
I didn't have any expectations going into the event, so I was open-minded about what Huckabee and the other speakers in support of his campaign had to say.
And he did in fact say one thing that really stuck with me. "One of the most important jobs other than being the Commander in Chief is to be the Communicator in Chief." I realized after having heard 4 of the frontrunners speak in person (and all of the others either on the Senate floor or on television), that regardless of who wins, it seems we will have a president who will be able to effectively communicate with the American people for the first time in 8 years.
Huckabee went on to discuss the need for unity and less Republican versus Democrat in what was the highlight of the "Chuck and Huck" event in Des Moines tonight.
Huckabee: Baptist Minister vs. Governor
Mike Huckabee and Chuck Norris joined forces to bolster Huckabee's campaign in the final stretch in Iowa tonight. "Chuck and Huck" was unlike any campaign event I have ever been to. I felt more like I was at a concert or even at church service. I will admit that it was a lot of fun, but was it a successful campaign event?
Avid Huckabee supporters were thrilled, and the crowd was lively and engaged with several chants, including "we want Huck!"
However, several undecided voters were disappointed and said that the event was interesting to say the least but did pull them toward him for Thursday's caucuses.
Huckabee made references to the Bible including a quote from 1 Corinthians, and much of his speech had the tone of a sermon.
Over the course of Huckabee's speech, there were many "amens" and "hallelujahs." Then Chuck Norris expressed his disappointment in the media and critics in calling Huckabee "a baptist minister" instead of "Governor Huckabee." "We wouldn't call Romney businessman Romney, so let's be fair here!"
Not to say that Huckabee does not deserve accolades for his political groundwork in Arkansas, but the title of "Baptist Minister Huckabee" is not unfounded.
Obama and expectations
Barack Obama gave an impassioned speech at a rally in Des Moines, IA Tuesday. It can be characterized as a “last chance” type speech telling the Iowans present that they cannot afford to wait for change and a different kind of politics is necessary.
Obama tallied up the problems he thought were affecting the people of Iowa and implied that he would solve, or at least attempt to solve, these problems using the government. Obama said the American government isn’t listening or doing anything. Obama received a huge applause regarding these points despite that our American government is bigger and more expansive than it ever has been in our history. I hope that Americans don’t fall into the trap of only wondering “what’s in it for me” when considering what the role of their government and politics in our country. That type of mentality can lead to higher expectations than our government has shown it can deliver on.
Do Iowans Fully Realize Their Political Priveleges?
Every time we have attended a campaign event this week, we have been approached by caucus precinct captains who want to make sure we know where we're supposed to vote. Each time we simply answer "we're from Louisiana" and suddenly curious heads start turning.
"Why would you come here all the way from Louisiana?" several confuses Iowans have asked.
Well, in just over 24 hours, I have been able to do the following:
1. Hear speeches from Bill and Hillary Clinton.
2. Shake the hand of Barack Obama.
3. Get my picture taken with Mike Huckabee (and Chuck Norris for that matter).
These are opportunities available to all Iowans, whose votes presidential candidates are so ardently fighting for. Yet every time we mention how far we have come, we get looks of confusion.
I cannot imagine ever meeting so many people of importance with such ease in Louisiana. Do Iowans realize that these opportunities are not available to the rest of the country?
. . . And Mike Huckabee, Too!
At Mike Huckabee's "Huck and Chuck" rally today in Des Moines, Iowa, the former Arkansas governor spoke as the friendly neighborhood preacher. Start with a joke, put in some business, throw in another joke, more business, and close with a joke. He followed a painfully self-loving three piece classic rock cover band and briefly outlined his platform. Fair tax, the sanctity of marriage, and beefing up defense spending so that we'll be so strong no one will want to mess with us (seriously).
Huck's speech was the low point of the night. He joked about his supporters disabling Romney supporters' cars on Thursday (caucus day), then introduced the main event. "A great American hero," Chuck Norris!
Chuck took the stage to wild applause. With his wife by his side, he mentioned that supporting Mike Huckabee was so important to them that they left their six year old twins in California to be with the Huck. He then explained every detail of the commercial that he shot with the governor, just in case we missed it.
Chuck Norris has a gripe with the media. Evidently, it is unfair that Huckabee is referred to as a Baptist minister. It should be Governor Huckabee. We don't call Mitt Romney Businessman Romney. I was not aware that "Baptist minister" was a derogatory term.
Someone asked Chuck Norris if he was tougher than Mike Huckabee. He answered, "I work out on the Total Gym, but I'm not as tough." The crowd went wild.
After Chuck, Janet Huckabee took the stage and announced, "I can't wait to be your first lady, because it is going to be too cool." To show how cool a Huckabee White House would be, Mike retook the stage with the bass guitar that was conspicuously missing from the opening band. He announced a special guest on the rhythm guitar--MSNBC pundit Joe Scarborough(I'm not making this up)--and they launched into an excited version of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama." And no, Watergate does not bother them.
After a couple of songs, Chuck Norris related the evidently hilarious story about how he choked out a Marine while taking a picture with him during a USO trip. All the other Marines in Iraq heard about it and also thought it was hilarious. Then Chuck shared his favorite Chuck Norris Fact. "They were going to put Chuck Norris's face on Mount Rushmore, but the granite was not tough enough for his beard," said Mr. Norris through an ecstatic grin. Where is Bruce Lee when you need him?
Mike Huckabee's new spokesman is wildly popular and seemingly loyal, but his speech is disorganized, his vibe narcissistic, and his presence distracting. Then again, when a campaign event is more about the candidate's bass solo during "Roll Over Beethoven" than the candidate's message, he fits right in.
Huckabee: Live in Concert
Although I cannot claim attendance at a large number of campaign events, I can say that Mike Huckabee's "Huck and Chuck" event tonight did not feel like an ordinary rally. Upon first walking in, the first surprise was the number of young people present. Apparently Republican events (or maybe just those of Huckabee) are a family affair.
Obama Nation
Ten months of hard work seems to be paying off for Barack Obama as he is beginning to see the fruits of his labor in Iowa. From the beginning of his campaign, Obama has preached "change" and it seems like the people of Iowa have finally bought his message. Just two days away from the caucuses, and the Obama campaign does not seem to have tired.
This morning, 400-500 Iowans gathered in the small gymnasium of Roosevelt High in the capital of the state. The excitement was high and the people were wide awake as they chanted "Fired Up, Ready for Change!" in anticipation of Obama's arrival. Iowans of all ages and races gathered to show their support for the senator that has seemed to start a movement with his ideals of hope, change and a better America.
Carol Hofmann, an Obama supporter, traveled from Massachusetts to witness the unprecedented enthusiasm that is taking over the Iowa caucuses. Hofmann is ready to see a president that she can believe in, one that she believes is telling her the truth, and for her, Obama is the man. Let’s see if Obama can springboard himself into the next caucuses with a win in Iowa.
Electability vs. Most Qualified/Candidate I Like Best
I have had some informal discussions with Iowa caucus-goers, and I have yet to find one who is deciding their candidate based on electability. Iowans are passionate about their responsibility in our democratic process, and the ones who have already decided their candidate believe their candidate is in fact the most electable in the general election. However, this is not why they chose that candidate.
Several Hillary supporters expressed that they believe Obama to be an electable candidate, but they believe Hillary is as well plus they feel she is more qualified. The same went for Obama supporters.
It's interesting that caucus-goers don't seem to be considering this factor particularly when Democrats are so desperate to take back the White House.
Most polls indicate the Barack Obama is in the best position to beat whichever Republican candidate takes the nomination.
Photos from Obama rally at Jefferson High
Here are a few photos from the Obama rally. Video footage of his speech will soon follow.
Obama's "Hope with Political Will"
The talk of Barack Obama's campaign has been "hope." Voters' belief in hope has been the driving force behind his grassroots efforts, and his opponents have criticized him for the hopeful optimism.
Today, Obama addressed a packed auditorium at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. He addressed the issue and touts "hope with political will." The crowd cheered.
Is this campaign theme going to work? The Des Moines Register's latest poll numbers suggest that it will. If it does and Obama wins Thursday in Iowa, he will be on a springboard to the Democratic nomination. And he will already have made history with the success of his grassroots movement - in terms of fundraising and caucus turnout.
It is an interesting aspect of his campaign especially in comparision to Hillary's. I was amazed at the difference in atmospheres between Hillary's New Year's Eve event and Obama's New Year's Day event.
The crowds were immensely different. Hillary was an older, seemingly more sophisticated crowd. Obama's crowd was younger and more energetic. Based on atmosphere, one would think the candidates were aligned with different parties. Upon arrival at Roosevelt High School, everyone was handed a yellow card with information about how to locate your precinct if you were a first time caucus-goer. Campaign volunteers also requested contact information from every supporter so that they can better facilitate Thursday night's caucuses.
If Obama wins in Iowa, it will surely be an indication that Americans really are seeking drastic change and that Obama's "hope with political will" is believable.
"The Fierce Urgency of Now"
Finding Time to "Stand Up"
“It’s time for us to stand up” and that’s just what a local Iowan is doing. After hearing Senator Edwards’ speech a single mother with no health insurance who was once undecided is now caucusing for Edwards.The rally started out with Elizabeth Edwards accompanied by Jack and Emma Claire. Elizabeth spoke of the long haul in the near future and joked, “I’m an insomniac which will be helpful on this 36 hour marathon.”
Quickly following Elizabeth was Mari Culver, Iowa’s first lady. Earlier in the campaign season Culver endorsed Senator Edwards. Culver said Edwards has been battle-tested in his previous run for the presidency and after reading his book, she too “chose to be inspired”. With the 200,000 men and women who will sleep under a bridge tonight Culver believes Edwards is the “only candidate with a plan to end poverty in our lifetime”.
With the anxious arrival of the senator, the crowd was ecstatic as he entered the room. He was casually dressed wearing jeans, a white button-down and a blazer. He shook hands of supporters and undecided caucus goers. Edwards promptly began speaking of not letting corporate greed eradicate what his parents and grandparents have worked for. He then asked a rhetorical question, “when will it stop?” with an older man in the crowd yelling, “when you’re president”. Edwards continued with, “we have a responsibility to our children and grandchildren…this is very personal…corporate greed rules with an iron fist and it’s not just happening to Independents and Democrats, it’s to all of us.”
Questions were then taken from the audience, one of them being what is Edwards’ stance on immigration. He quickly responded with advice given to him by his wife. “When you walk into Blockbuster a voice says ‘Welcome to Blockbuster’. If Blockbuster can figure out when someone comes in, then we should be able to figure out when someone crosses our boarder. And if we can’t figure it out then we need to ask Blockbuster.”
After answering the question, Edwards was told last question by one of his aids and left the rally goers with some food for thought, “a tide-a-wave of change is sweeping through the country that people can’t even imagine and you will be able to say, ‘we stood up’.”
John Edwards Rally
Obama Canvass Kickoff
(Des Moines, IA) Barack Obama held a rally in the gymnasium of
Roosevelt High School this morning. Special guests included local a
musician, alumni and teachers of Roosevelt High. The lively crowd was
remarkably diverse. One especially noticeable group consisted of 17
high school students who registered 250 of their peers to vote. It was
an appreciation party for those who've been working and a pep rally
for what's to come.
Staying Hot in 10 Degrees
Des Moines, IA – When trying to understand the Iowa caucus, the average voter will invariably be confused. Ask around to caucus-goers and campaign managers alike; the nature of the caucus is as hard to understand as any political process. “The Caucus is a curious political beast,” said Doug Gross, Senior Advisor in Iowa for the Mitt Romney presidential campaign. Curious, doesn’t even begin to describe the difference between Democratic and Republican caucuses, the viability dynamic, and second-choice factor afforded to voters in Iowa. Candidates and their camps must take these factors into account to determine their campaign strategies in the state. Gross said the key to winning the Caucus is to “organize, organize, organize and get hot at the end.”
Jerry Crawford, Senior Advisor in Iowa for the Hillary Clinton camp agreed with Gross, saying that it’s not enough to get hot; to have enough momentum to pull out a victory, a candidate needs to get hot as close to the date of the Caucus as possible. “It’s hard to stay hot, if you get hot too early,” said Crawford, citing the fall of Democratic contender Howard Dean in the Iowa Caucus in 2004. Dean was a dominating force in Iowa early in the race, but a late surge by Senator John Kerry ultimately handed Dean a loss in Iowa. “Just the late Iowa polling gave [Kerry] an increase in New Hampshire,” Crawford said. “Romney has the same potential,” he added, reminiscing about the early months of the campaign when Romney was largely disregarded as a frontrunner.
Both advisors also agreed that Iowa, as in past years, will provide a slingshot to propel the candidates who finish first to a victory in the New Hampshire primary. “The maximum impact of Iowa is about five to six days,” said Gross. Because the primary falls on January 5, a mere two days after the Caucus, the winners in Iowa – and even candidates who simply do “better than expected” – will have a huge advantage in New Hampshire, if not an insurmountable one. For frontrunners Obama and Clinton on the Democratic side, and Romney on the Republican side, a loss in Iowa would decrease their chances in future primaries. For now, all candidates are focusing on getting hot in ten degree weather.
