ARE THE IOWA CAUCUSES UNREPRESENTATIVE?

ARE THE IOWA CAUCUSES UNREPRESENTATIVE? Since the Iowa caucuses assumed enormous importance in 1972, they have been presented as examples of grassroots democracy and therefore worthy of their enormous importance. This interview with a “shrewdly cynical professional” presents a view of the caucuses that I have not seen before. Says the cynical professional: “You gotta have money to get the people out….It’s a muscle caucus, not a message place….You need money to hire the guys who are well connected to make sure the right people get to the caucus night. It’s not a vote; it’s a paid event.” John Batchelor, who posted about the interview, summarizes what he learned from the interview: “Iowa is not about polling, ads, or popularity; it’s about hiring agents for the long haul in order to corral caucus attenders for a bitter winter night.” In my post yesterday, I focused on some indications that a candidate could stay viable for a long time without a lot of money. The Iowa caucuses may be a reason that early money is needed to win a nomination.