Posted on 01/26/2016 12:37:17 AM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
DES MOINES, Iowa -- More than 40 years ago, a scheduling quirk vaulted Iowa to the front of the presidential nominating process, and ever since most White House hopefuls have devoted enormous time and money to a state that otherwise would get little attention.
Here's how the caucuses work and a little history about the event:
HOW IT STARTED
For most of Iowa's history, activists have gathered in the winter to deal with politics, but no one outside the state paid attention until 1972, when Democrats established their caucuses in January. That made the party's presidential preference vote the first in the nation, and candidate George McGovern, encouraged by his campaign manager Gary Hart, took advantage by campaigning in Iowa and finishing a stronger-than-expected second place. McGovern's showing helped propel him to the Democratic nomination, and four years later it did the same for a little-known governor from Georgia, Jimmy Carter....
(Excerpt) Read more at pbs.org ...
Ten voters organized by the Cruz campaign arrive early in a group and are joined by the trickle of Trump supporters who are easily impressed with a display of popularity.
Not that I trust 10 day forecasts, or even 6 day forecasts, but what’s the weather supposed to be like?
A high of 35 degrees with a low of 21 and partly cloudy skies.
I’m surprised the dems haven’t changed to a straight vote like the GOP has, surely there are complaints that it’s too complicated for certain low IQ or non English-speaking dems to understand.
Correct in past years, but not this year. The Iowa delegation to the National Convention will be bound to vote according to the Caucus vote on the first ballot.
Trump can afford to lose caucus states, and still win the nomination.
Cruz, on the other hand — if he loses Iowa, with all his “ground game”, then he doesn’t have a viable path to victory.
bttt
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