If I lived in Iowa, I think I'd understand Caucus Fever.
I think it is kind of ironic that my first Blog is going to be about something political. I am not a political fellow and in no way plan on having an overtly political blog. I guess I was so moved by the state of Iowa, that I felt the need to blog. Over the past year I have purposely chosen to avoid media coverage of the 2008 election. It was clear that unless Britney Spears engaged in some shenanigans, the news stations felt the need to blabber on about primaries. Don’t get me wrong, I consider myself a fairly active member of this democracy, but no need to listen to blabber for 2 years before I vote is just too much.
I was watching the news a few days ago before a little event called the Iowa Caucus. There was a focus group where they got the opinions of a “random selection” of voters. They were asking questions to get a pulse of these voters which may indicate what the entire state feels. Now I already hate focus groups. Every time I have been a part of these gatherings, I find myself frustrated. People think they are Roger Ebert when they blabber about what they felt about the movie in question. A real arrogance permeates every statement and it gets overwhelming. I always leave a focus group grumbling about the idiots that are convinced that their opinion is brilliant when they are really just someone who responded “Yes, I want free movie tickets.”
Okay, so I am already not happy to be watching election coverage and a focus group for that matter. Then someone was asked why they changed their vote from one candidate to another. They responded confidently that their initial choice didn’t spend enough time in Iowa making his presence known and therefore they weren’t voting for him. They felt he didn’t know the needs of the citizens of Iowa because of his little time spent campaigning there and therefore was not receiving their vote.
My issues are two-fold. First off, vote for the candidate that you agree with on the issues and call it a day. A president should be concerned about the war in Iraq, the economy, foreign relations, and things of this sort. The president should not care about whether he shook enough hands and kissed enough babies at the Moose Lodge in Okaloosa. This is the most powerful leader in the free world that you are choosing. You elect city council members who understand the needs of your city. You elect governors who care for the needs of Iowa. You elect a president to lead our nation.
My second issue with this person changing their choice in president because they didn’t spend enough time in the state is that we are talking about IOWA! Your most popular attraction is the Herbert Hoover presidential library. You really don’t matter! Now this is coming from a Los Angeles Native but I got news for you, I don’t care if a candidate spends time in my city. You are IOWA, just because you go first doesn’t elevate your importance in the grand scheme of things.
My hope is that all of us who can vote will do just that. My hope is that Americans would not pick a candidate because of their race, gender, or party. My hope is that we would look into the issues and make an informed decision. God bless America, even if we are overpopulated with ignorance.
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