Caucus Communication
I have been counted.. finally!
I’ve lived in Iowa all of my life but I’ve never had the chance to participate in the Iowa Caucuses. Every four years when the big event comes around, I have to watch from the sidelines. Journalists report what happens. Ethically, they can’t participate.
Not this year! Now that I no longer work for a media company, I joined in the political frenzy. I got to see the caucus process first hand. What an exercise in communication!
I attended a Democratic Caucus at a local church last night. Imagine 220 people milling around a small church hall trying to build support for seven different candidates. I was amazed at the diversity in the room — college students, young professionals, teenagers, entire families, retired folks with oxygen tanks and single moms with their kids in tow. There were people discussing the issues, toddlers crying and supporters applauding new recruits. That’s democracy in action!
Throughout the night, I witnessed the power of face-to-face communication. I watched as friends and neighbors convinced each other to support Obama, Clinton or Edwards. The arguments may not have been sound in every case, but the passion was infectious. At the end of the night, we tallied three delegates for Obama and two each for Clinton and Edwards.
Today, I am proud of the big green “X” on my hand. It means I am now a part of history. I am a registered voter with the power to choose our next president.
Tags: Iowa Caucuses
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