Here are some reports from soundpolitics.com:
http://soundpolitics.com/archives/010112.html
Caucus Report
If my caucus location with 36 precincts in the 1st Legislative District is indicator, Washington will go the way of Kansas today by favoring Mike Huckabee by a solid margin...though that’s hardly scientific so don’t read too much into it.
Turnout seemed modest at best, though since this is the earliest in the Presidential primary calendar that Washington Republicans have caucused in recent memory it’s tough to compare - not to mention the fact the field winnowed substantially this week with Mitt Romney and Ron Paul exiting the race in their respective ways.
With Romney “suspending” his campaign and with McCain not exactly the favorite of grassroots activists it was certainly a gathering dominated by the Huckabee and Paul backers - almost a subset of activists dominating the turnout. Thankfully, there were no chants of “Ron Paul! Ron Paul! Ron Paul!” Everything was pretty low key, especially compared to the real race still unfolding on the Democratic side.
We’ll see how the statewide results unfold. I suspect, however, when all is said and done, we’ll be able to look back at caucus/convention results across the country this year as clear evidence that McCain has a sustained problem among the activist base of the GOP, even as he runs strong now in states with standard primaries.
Posted by Eric Earling at February 09, 2008 02:12 PM | Email This
Comments
1. As promised, I caucused for Hillary today. Here is my report:
Well I attended the local Democrat caucus and a few things made an impression on me. First of all, there were a record number of people there. They were lined up out the door. My only other experience at a Democrat caucus was years ago and it involved about 12 people meeting at a neighbor’s house and discussing the candidates. This was quite a different experience for me as it was all the precints in the area at once in the cafeteria of a local middle school.
The event was supposed to start at 1:00 PM but, as is usual with Democrat events, it was late. Most likely the record turnout played a role in this, but I think the lack of organization also contributed to the fact that things didn’t start until well after 2 pm. Once inside the scene was total chaos much akin to herding cats. In other words, your typical Democrat run event.
Finally at 2:01 pm one of the local Democrat politicos took to a stage an began reading a list of what was to happen. He then ended by asking everyone to stand for the pledge of allegiance, to which a young enthusiastic Obama supporter remarked “I thought only Republicans did this”. He mumbled his way through the pledge, refusing to say “one nation under god” and then everyone clapped and started their caucusing.
One person after another got up to speak and from the speakers and those present for Hillary it was quite apparent that the majority of those for Hillary were women. It was quite telling that in such a supposedly enlightened party as the Democrats portray themselves, that men at a guestimated ratios of 20 to 1 went for Obama. Read into that what you will.
The main points of the speakers for Obama were that he was honest (and Hillary wasn’t was the implication) and that he would unite America. The main points for Hillary were her experience and the fact that “the patriarchy had ruled long enough”.
I had a chance to advocate in a small group for Hillary. I pointed out that the job of president is not a learn on the job program but rather whomever is elected must be ready from day one to take the reigns of government. I conversed with a young black Obama supporter and asked hi to name one bill or one legislative accomplishment of Obama. He gave me a blank look.
Democrats seemed keenly aware that Hillary was a divisive figure. The delegates for Obama outnumbered those for Clinton at about 3 to one. There were many young people, too young to remember Jimmy Carter who were supporting Obama. Whether that enthusiasm will translate into votes in November is anyone’s guess. Historically the young people do not show up to the polls on voting day as former Kerry advisor Bob Schrum will quickly attest.
All and all it was an interesting peek into the psyche of the Democrats of Kitsap County. I didn’t realize my district was so heavily Democrat. In the end it appeared the majority was more enamoured with flash over substance if you will and it showed in the impressive Obama tally.
Posted by: pbj on February 9, 2008 04:23 PM
2. North Kitsap R caucuses were standing room only. A respectful crowd at that. Very few supporters of McCain—in fact the moderator had to ask several times if anyone wanted to speak on his behalf. Some passionate Paul supporters and a good showing for Huckabee. Surprisingly, Romney appeared to out poll McCain. Romney delegates were elected from several precincts.
Posted by: samuel.huntington on February 9, 2008 04:24 PM
3. Everett goes for Ron Paul cause nobody bothered showed up. Nice job suckas!!
Posted by: Si Se Puede on February 9, 2008 04:24 PM
He then ended by asking everyone to stand for the pledge of allegiance, to which a young enthusiastic Obama supporter remarked
“I thought only Republicans did this”
ROTFLOL
As sad as that comment was, I couldn't help but laugh and say...so very true!
the majority was more enamored with flash over substance if you will and it showed in the impressive Obama tally.
He is a rock star, a saviour ...they have NO IDEA what he stands for or what he will do, but he sounds good and like blind sheep they will come out in droves to vote for him.
Every one needs to do their research on Obama. He is a very dangerous candidate.