Iowa Caucus Day: Certain select forces are quite excited and concerned about Iowa, but seriously, most aren't really too excited the whole thing. I suggest those too into it read Dave Barry's accounts to keep things in a bit of perspective. One reason the media is so excited is that this year it looks to be quite close, perhaps so close that we may not even know who really won. Howard Dean got in trouble for past statements that the caucus system was flawed because it is controlled by special interests. He also is worried about the closeness of the race. At any rate, like other controversial statements, there is a lot of truth to that criticism. For a look at the positives and negatives of the system [one thing that stands out is that it violates the "secret ballot" idea that many think of as basic to our voting system] and an interesting comparison to proposed elections in Iraq see here.

It is interesting that Sen. Edwards and Rep. Kucinich have joined forces in Iowa because of a rule that there is a 15% floor on the percentage of votes required to be counted. These two on some level don't quite seem compatible (think their votes on the Iraq war), but both have populist messages and are less likely to attack fellow candidates to get "off message." Also, their rural/urban bases match together nicely. It should be noted, for those criticizing (in my view, almost whining) about the Democrats being "too negative," that it's not like they (surely not Sen Edwards, who I have watched more) are not critical of the President. A strong candidate willing to combat the opposition, who will surely do a good job attacking the Democrats even as their candidate puts forths a cheery face, is necessary. I discuss this more here.

I also wonder about the idea that it's hopeless to try to bring a significant amount of new voters to make a difference in November. [Dean's argument to this end is disputed here (1/16)] For instance, the new influx of black voters in Florida might actually have led to Gore winning there in 2000. In a close race in key states, who knows? I think it can go either way. The new direction this country has gone in might bring forth enough of a backlash to be meaningful, or re-election campaigns in what seems as pretty decent times (depending on the state of things in ten months) will bring the usual small turnouts.


"I haven't been here with Howard as much as I would like, because we have a son in high school, a daughter in college, and I have a medical practice in Vermont, with patients that depend on me daily," she said. "But I wanted to come today. I wanted to say thank you to Iowa, and to support my husband for president — Howard Dean."

-- Dr. Judith Steinberg Dean; I caught one of her quick introductions to her husband, and well, she's cute. Sorry, that's my judgment and I'm sticking to it! I fully respect her decision to live her own life, though admit some (especially those in the South) want her around more. Howard Dean said she will be around more in the future, but I'd say don't overdo it. It is who the couple is, snarky comments by some columnists and others aside, and it's important to stay true to yourself. So was the mantra of Dean in the past, and so it should remain.

[One little thing that troubles me is the use of titles. For instance, should Howard Dean be known as "Gov. Dean," like Wesley Clark is often known as Gen. Clark? After all, both titles don't currently describe their current roles. Some use "Dr. Dean," which seems to me to send a negative message as if he is just some doctor running for office. Also, it's not like he is currently practicing medicine. If we take this even further, is the use of titles anti-democratic? The federal government cannot offer "titles of nobility," though an amendment to apply the limit to the states was rejected.

Is any title of honor in effect a violation of the spirit of this idea? Probably not, though some have creatively tried to argue otherwise. My ultimate philosophy is that we should be careful and not overuse the practice. For instance, Carol Moseley-Braun's ambassadorship to New Zealand didn't really merit calling her "Ambassador Braun" during her presidential run. And, if we have Gen. Clark, let's use Gov. Dean. We met Dr. Dean (though, of course, she usually goes by Dr. Steinberg); two would just be confusing.]