ANDREW NELLES writes:
Last week, I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this experience, but I knew I was going to get something great from it. I was expecting to experience an important piece of history, a major step toward an important election; this turned out to be spot on.
My experience during my stay in Iowa peaked in the Bettendorf Middle School gym on January 3 during the Democratic caucuses. Having the privilege to witness an actual caucus firsthand was a treat. I was excited to witness this event because from what I heard about the Democratic caucuses, it sounded like a complex and archaic event; this also turned out to meet my expectation.
For someone like me who is only used to filling out a simple ballot in the private booth, the process was complex and strange, but surprisingly smooth in operation. I left the middle school that night secretly wishing Illinois would hold caucuses; the event appeared to be a rather fun experience for its participants.
Four years from now if I decide to cover the Iowa caucuses again, I probably would do things a little differently. I felt I got a lot out of the Davenport area, but if I were to revisit this assignment, I would certainly travel to the Des Moines area. I had a few close friends working in Des Moines during the same time frame and due to the location, they had at least double the access to candidates that I did, as well as their caucus-night rallies.
As far as the actual caucus, the access appeared to be the same, but the time leading up to the caucus proved to be much more productive for them. However, I want to make it clear I have no regrets about this year; it still proved to be very productive in terms of photography and was a great experience all around.
Andrew Nelles is an undergraduate photography student from Elgin, Illinois.
Posted by awiens at January 8, 2008 6:46 PM
I happened upon this site while looking at Columbia as a possible college for my daughter to attend. When I found the caucus info, I couldn't resist. I picked your article to respond to, but enjoyed all of them.
I live in the Des Moines area and did caucus. I went to the Democratic caucus for my precinct. The Republicans just go in and vote. They miss a lot of fun. The campaigning got a little old after a while (especially the phone calls) but this was democracy in action. I was actually able to meet the candidates. I was standing right next to John Edwards at one campaign event. My high school daughter did not attend, but her government class was following the process closely.
This was an awesome idea for a J-term class! I can tell that all of you benefited from the experience. I'll probably see some of you on CNN one of these days!
Posted by: Louise Hay at January 17, 2008 8:31 PM
