What exactly is a "Caucus?"
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Government Teat-sucker
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From: Virginia Beach
What exactly is a "Caucus?"
Okay, I know that it is a meeting of the local folks to determine which political candidate they are going to support (I looked up the definition), but why is it that Iowa and New Hampshire are so doggone important? Aren't they pretty small in terms of population? I vaguely remember learning this stuff in high school- 9th grade civics class, about 23 years ago- but can't recall the relevence of these two states. Does the GOP do the same thing? or do we just go thru the motions, knowing that GWB is going to get the nomination?
I find the whole process very interesting, but want to understand it better. I'm not sure how important all this is in respect to the issues each candidate brings to the table.
I find the whole process very interesting, but want to understand it better. I'm not sure how important all this is in respect to the issues each candidate brings to the table.
Postmaster
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From: The County
I think it is because they are the first states to have their caucus.Its usually where they take offical stands on their policies.It's also a time to stop flip-floping on the issues,but that doesn't always work either!
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From: Where ever my boots come off.
Re: What exactly is a "Caucus?"
Originally posted by stu37d
Does the GOP do the same thing? or do we just go thru the motions, knowing that GWB is going to get the nomination?
Does the GOP do the same thing? or do we just go thru the motions, knowing that GWB is going to get the nomination?
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From: TX Panhandle
This news story gives a pretty good lesson on the caucus:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/co...plain1106.html
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/co...plain1106.html
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Government Teat-sucker
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From: Virginia Beach
Thanks for the lesson. I still don't quite understand why Iowa is such an important caucus, though. Is it because it is the first one of the season, and sets the precedent for the rest? Sort of like scoring the first touchdown?
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From: TX Panhandle
Originally posted by hreed
The President of the United States is elected by the caucus-not the popular vote.
The President of the United States is elected by the caucus-not the popular vote.
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From: Buffalo, Minnesota
Originally posted by stu37d
Thanks for the lesson. I still don't quite understand why Iowa is such an important caucus, though. Is it because it is the first one of the season, and sets the precedent for the rest? Sort of like scoring the first touchdown?
Thanks for the lesson. I still don't quite understand why Iowa is such an important caucus, though. Is it because it is the first one of the season, and sets the precedent for the rest? Sort of like scoring the first touchdown?
Yes to both questions. An early lead will often disappear as the process goes on, however.
I think it's important to know why we caucus. Presidential candidates in the past were selected by just a handful of inside power brokers. In our march toward enlightenment, we have concluded that process should belong to the people. It isn't perfect yet, but I guess it is an improvement.
regards
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