Understanding Iowans
RACHAEL STRECHER writes:
Caucusing was one of those things I felt confident I knew about, yet when someone asked me to explain it, I'd have to reply with an overly vague description and mumble something about being similar to primaries. I can proudly say that this is no longer the case.
After following candidates and citizens and actually witnessing the thing, I can honestly say that modern politics has not lost its quirk, and in many ways, this is manifested in the Iowa caucuses. After being offered a combination razor and shaving soap by a certain campaign manager ("They're gifts for our lady volunteers, but we don't have many of those"), and listening to a voter's stories about her childhood during the Depression, I have a certain adoration for Iowans, who are always ready to talk or offer some sort of food or gift (particularly if it can persuade you to vote for their candidate).
I now understand not only the bare-bones logistics of the caucuses, but I understand what is behind it and what the folks of Iowa put into it.
Rachael Strecher is an undergraduate photography student from Ann Arbor, Michigan.