Reflections on the Iowa

Here’s is an email reflection on the Iowa Caucus sent to us from an Iowan in Cedar Rapids:

Hi: Well, things are quieter here. The “spin” by “winners and losers” of Thursday’s caucus is interesting, if not, somewhat meaningless chatter to me.

We watched “Primary Colors” the 1990s film based on the novel by “Anonymous” presumably about the Clinton’s early years. Stars John Travolta and Emma Thompson with two actors who later starred in “West Wing.” Alison Janney (sp) and a black actor. It was pretty entertaining and a bit sad, too, to sort of re-live the scandals of the Clinton years, see the slimy tactics used to “get the other guy” and witness how people change over time (from idealism to pragmatism) and justify our actions based on current events. While we all do this, there are some, as seen in the movie, who hold to ethics and tenets. So, to balance these while keeping current seems to be an issue. Well, lots of philosophy so early in the morning.

NH, you have a large percentage of “independents.” Good thing, too. I hope you work toward solid principles and avoid total immersion in the “excitement of the moment.” We are trying to elect a leader, not the high school homecoming king or queen. Maybe you can add some sense to this way too long election.

At caucus, when I asked people why they supported a certain candidate, here are a few interesting comments I heard:

* I met Dodd and he had a down to earth manner. He visited with us for over 30 minutes and didn’t seem rushed.

* I looked at every candidate’s website. Dodd’s site compared his platform with other candidates. His has substance.

* Richardson has experience. He knows what he is getting into. He has connections. He is thoughtful.

* We need change. Obama reminds me of the Kennedy era - a sense of hope.

* Hillary has connections and can step into the position of leader of the U.S. She has rapport with leaders of other countries. We need that.

* Edwards fights for the common person.

It is interesting to me hearing the nightly news the day after. The perceptions and perspectives that were presented over the TV in caucus goers own words, give insight into people’s thinking and thus, motivation. Granted many people came out to caucus. That means crowds, which means “wait time.” That is simply part of things. Think about attending a concert, shopping at rush hour…what do we do the most? Wait! That is the way it is.

The Republicans groused that things were “disorganized” (probably not as Republicans tend to be super organized when it comes to maintaining order and getting things done.) But, the crowds slowed things down. Some Republicans said they could not register because the Party started proceedings before they could register. So, they either left or didn’t get to cast their vote on their slip of paper. Some precincts reportedly (this is hearsay) announced a “winner” before some caucus goers had cast a vote. Some Republican caucus goers left because they could not find parking. (The public was advised to arrive early to find a place to park and to register.) Others said they could not find the correct site (can they not read the signs that were posted?) Others still invented the excuse of “safety” with the large numbers. (”I left because it was dangerous. What if there had been a fire?” Well, every public building has exits and procedures to escape. Just made up stuff) This tell me that the grousers really were less interested in the process and more interested in get-in and get-out. They were following the crowd mentality of doing what they are told to do. Very common with “followers.” Interestingly, the news reported that on average, Republican caucuses were done by 7:30 p.m. (With a registration start time of 6:30 p.m. and a caucus start time of 7:00 that seems awfully fast to me!)

Democrats also had crowds. Registration started at 6:00p.m. The proposed start time of the caucus was 6:30 p.m. We were advised to come early, bring something to read or plan to visit with folks as the registration would take time. Signs were up, seats available and extras in the wings, the precinct captains assured us all that no proceedings of importance would start until all caucus goers were registered. Across the state the Democrats acknowledged things went slowly because of the crowds, but that the organizers felt there were few snafus. We arrived early, parked a ways, walked a bit, were greeted warmly, shown where to register. The precinct captain held to his word. He only touched on mundane matters while the crowds were registering. For example, the site was divided into candidate sections, so the precinct captain suggested caucusers for a certain candidate sit in a certain area to minimize moving later. So, people did! We started proceedings only after every person who came was registered. Did this delay matters? Yes, and that is OK. Because we honored people and the function of crowds. So, we actually started with substantial matters more like 7 p.m. or so. The details were clearly explained and reiterated as needed. We moved about as needed. We joined other viable groups as needed and had adequate time to think, talk, decide. No one pressured us to move along faster. People’s voices were heard. The presidential part was done about 8:30 p.m. and then the work of the Party began with the platforms. It was much later in the night when all was said and done. Good ways to use the time is to bring along a good book or magazine or a batch of Christmas Thank you notes to write, or take time to get to know neighbors. Just relax and be with the moment and experience.

Caucusing is not a “do-over” as cynical and naive out-of-state sour grapes critics characterize. It is negotiating. One believes strongly in certain principles. If one’s candidate doesn’t get enough caucus goers to be viable (15% of the total in attendance) then we negotiate. We explain to other groups the importance of our position and they often agree to include these in the platform. And, the serious caucusers stay to make sure this happens! We find common ground, in other words. Many Democrats are there for the process and the outcome reflects that. We try to hold to our principles even while enjoying and appreciating the excitement of the moment. But, many of us try not to make decisions last minute based on “emotion.”

This seems to be what I am hearing (and heard in Iowa) of some Independents in NH. Either the people being interviewed are being coy by saying, “I don’t know…” or they haven’t examined the candidates or their own expectations and principles. I’d hope we would look with reason, and a bit of the “heart” as Bryce Courtenay writes (see below for the quote) at our commitment to caucus or vote. No one candidate will have everything we want. We cannot build a candidate like we can build a house or order a car with the features we want. But, we can get somewhat close if we are reasoned, seasoned, and thoughtful.



Marion Patterson



“First with the head and then with the heart. Without both…plans are useless!” The Power of One