Because of my job, I am not able to participate directly in the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses. I can, however, see candidates, and I saw nearly a dozen of them in this election cycle — so many that some have dropped out already. (Walker, Perry, Kasich, Graham in passing, Huckabee, Rubio, Clinton, O’Malley, Cruz, Sanders, Fiorina. Ironically, not Santorum this campaign cycle, despite his virtually camping out in the state. Paul had to cancel an appearance at Cornell College and Jindal ended his campaign the day before he was supposed to be in Tama.)
Some quick thoughts:
- Newest “must have” for candidates: A “body person” whose job is to hold the phone/camera and take pictures of people with the candidate in the post-speech part of the event. Works wonders for speed and cuts down on the need for posing for selfies.
- Remember, Democrats must publicly state their preference by gathering in groups; Republicans have some speechifying and then a secret ballot. What effect will the two different styles have on the results?
- Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords probably deserves another look as a system of government.
- @smod2016 is the candidate we both need and deserve.
In closing, with an eye on what happened in 2008, the traditional election official’s prayer: “Dear Lord, please, let the winner win big.”
UPDATE: One more candidate. One more yuuuuugge candidate.
UPDATE 2: eep (and one of them appears to be in Tama County)