Go Obama
Even though I didn't caucus for him, it's awesome Barack Obama won the Iowa caucus!
Going to the Iowa caucuses is like a lesson in grassroots democracy. The Democratic caucuses, especially, seemed like a pretty complicated and primitive process, yet true to the spirit of democracy.
First, everyone signs in and declares the candidate they are caucusing for and situates themselves in the corner of the room designated for their candidate. Then, a count is taken. Our precinct had a 43% increase in turnout from the last time - about 550 people. The candidates with less than 15% of the tally are automatically eliminated. The supporters of the eliminated candidates then have a chance to "realign" themselves with a viable candidate. At this time, people have a chance "woo" their neighbors to join their camp. This is where precinct captains with loud voices come in handy. After the realignment, a head count is taken - which apparently involves a guy standing on a table and numbering off all the supporters who walk past him. I also liked how the votes are tallied with sharpies on a gigantic poster board.
Yes, very technologically sophisticated and accurate indeed. But then, the aim of a successful democracy is not to elect the perfect candidate by the perfect means. The aim to uphold a peaceful process guided by election institutions so that a transfer of power comes without riots and violence.
Also, did I mention that Iowa is incredibly white?? I was like one of five people there (out of 500) who was not.
Going to the Iowa caucuses is like a lesson in grassroots democracy. The Democratic caucuses, especially, seemed like a pretty complicated and primitive process, yet true to the spirit of democracy.
First, everyone signs in and declares the candidate they are caucusing for and situates themselves in the corner of the room designated for their candidate. Then, a count is taken. Our precinct had a 43% increase in turnout from the last time - about 550 people. The candidates with less than 15% of the tally are automatically eliminated. The supporters of the eliminated candidates then have a chance to "realign" themselves with a viable candidate. At this time, people have a chance "woo" their neighbors to join their camp. This is where precinct captains with loud voices come in handy. After the realignment, a head count is taken - which apparently involves a guy standing on a table and numbering off all the supporters who walk past him. I also liked how the votes are tallied with sharpies on a gigantic poster board.
Yes, very technologically sophisticated and accurate indeed. But then, the aim of a successful democracy is not to elect the perfect candidate by the perfect means. The aim to uphold a peaceful process guided by election institutions so that a transfer of power comes without riots and violence.
Also, did I mention that Iowa is incredibly white?? I was like one of five people there (out of 500) who was not.