We have heard so much about the Iowa caucus. But I know that we all don't really know what goes on in this small state with lots of power. So here is a very brief summary of what has been going on today:
At 7:00 p.m. 1,781 caucuses started. Normally, the turnout at this contest is very low, so every vote counts. (One strategy that the Obama used to gain more votes was to organize babysitters for people attending the caucus.) The Republicans and Democrats have different ways of conducting their caucuses. The Republicans have each caucus-goer give support once to a candidate. However, the Democrats have a two part process. First, the caucus-goers say which candidate they support. Then, if their first choice does not get 15% of the support, they must say who their second choice is.
As of right now (not all of the votes have been counted), here is how the votes are turning out:
Democrats: (85% of the precincts have been reported)
Obama 37%
Clinton 30%
Edwards 30%
Republicans: (65% of the precincts have been reported)
Huckabee 34%
Romney 25%
Thomson 14%
McCain 13%
Giuliani 4% (He has been focusing his campaign more on Super Tuesday)
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From the statistics provided by Emma, it looks like the Democratic caucus is more competitive than the Republican one. Even if Giuliani was more active, I doubt that there would be much of a percentage change in the votes that would cause the percentages to be more closer together. However, 35% of the precincts have yet to be reported, so something might just happen.
On the Democratic section, there is more anxiety and tension. With only 15% of the votes unaccounted for and 2 candidates tied with the leader 7% ahead makes the Iowa Caucus much more interesting than the Republican side.
Watching Hillary Clinton's speech kind of made me sad for her. I know she has to keep up political appearances and seem cheery, but she was acting as if she won. She kept talking about, "when she's in the White House," as if she's guaranteed a win.
I thought Edwards' speech was really good. He focused a lot on the issues.
Obama's speech was also very good.
Chuck Norris was a distraction during Huckabee's speech, but the fact that he was able to capture votes w/o negative campaigning was nice.
I think Romney went on at the same time as Huckabee, so I didn't see his.
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