Last night I was thinking about what the big deal was about this Iowa Caucus. What does it mean in terms of the actual election, if anything? I found a good explanation in a recent LA Times
article.
Why Iowa?
Wikipedia - Since 1972, the Iowa caucus has been the first major electoral event of the nominating process for President of the United States. Although only about one percent of the nation's delegates are chosen by the Iowa state convention, the initial caucus has served as an early indication of which candidates for President might win the nomination of their political party at that party's national convention.
Very few Iowa Caucus winners have ever went on to be President, however apparently Jimmy Carter did back in the 70's and it's been a hot-spot for Presidential hopefuls ever since.
What's a Caucus
Wikipedia - A caucus is most generally defined as a meeting of supporters or members of a political party or movement.
Quick Take
In general, I'm not sure that such a small sample of Iowans deserves all of the media hype. But I guess if Mike Huckabee goes on to be the President I might be eating my words. On to New Hampshire!
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