January 3, 2008, marks the first step in the United States Presidential nomination process for both the Democrats and Republicans: the Iowa Caucus.
Thousands of registered voters will attend party meetings — or caucuses — in precincts across the state. There, they’ll break into groups, according to whom they support for president. Based on those groupings, each precinct will send a number of delegates to the first in a series of conventions, culminating in the national conventions in late summer. Since 1972, the Iowa caucus has been the first major electoral event of the nominating process for President of the United States and 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.
You’re probably wondering, though, “What’s so important about Iowa?” Iowa doesn’t necessarily represent a diverse cross-section of America. And although Iowa is one of the few states to hold a caucus, the other 49 states hold similar ballots, generally primary elections to choose the state party’s nominee for president of the United States, which it will present at the national party convention.
Iowa is the first state in the nation to have a chance to show its support for candidates. The level of support a candidate receives in Iowa gives a reasonable indication of how they will perform with the rest of American voters. If middle-American Iowans support a candidate, then that candidate has a chance with the rest of the nation. The results from the Iowa caucus tell a candidate whether his or her platform is desirable. It is the first chance for a campaign to find out if its message is affecting voters — should the campaign stay the course or change tactics? And the Iowa caucus is so important that some candidates bow out of the race if they do poorly in Iowa.
A strong showing in Iowa also sends a message to the national party leaders. Each party seeks a strong contender for the White House, and a good response from Iowans helps cement a candidate’s chances to win the national nomination. Being first in the nation certainly is important.
Since Iowa represents less than 1% of the entire nation’s population, according to 2006 U.S. Census estimates, many of you may feel as though this doesn’t concern you. Don’t worry, though; your time is coming and rest assured that Concrete Loop will keep you informed of upcoming primaries and caucuses.
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J. Dakar is the new political contributor at Concrete Loop. He will be hooking you up with social and political commentary, mainly focusing on the 2008 presidential election. For more info on J. make sure to check out his introductory post.
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Thanks Concrete Loop for the New Political Commentator:
Read Your Posts: He’s A Great Connect!
Going to Watch the Caucus Now………….
Did everyone also get a chance to Check Out Roland Martin from CNN & Essence:
http://essence.typepad.co...sletter-RolandRepportLink
We Are Going to Vote! & Thanks Again CL….
YOU RON PAUL FOOLS GO HOME!
OBAMA HAS AN AURA THAT JUST GLOWS!!!! I THINK HE’S VERY GENUINE.
PLUS, ANY CANDIDATE WHO HAS STRUGGLED WITH THEIR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS KNOWS WHAT AMERICA IS GOING THROUGH..LOL
OBAMA 08!!
i hope the americans vote wisely for the best candidate, cus us non-americans do still feel the repurcutions of a bad one even though were on the other side of the world (i.e. george braindead bush).
its about voting for the best candidate irrespective of race, gender, class etc
a part of me would love for barack to win it, but if he does i know i’ll be nervous for him cus as a black man anything he does wrong will be amplified a million times more than any white or non-black candidate. the same sort of applies to hillary, being a woman shes in a vulnerable position as well.
Since I can’t register I’m going to comment via my girlfriend.
I think that folks are misinformed if they think Obama represents the most change. I like much of what Obama says, but I don’t think he represents change…in fact I think he’s more of the same ol’, same ol’. If you want true change you should be paying attention to Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich. True both are on different ends of the spectrum, but these guys represent real change…they would shake things up if elected.
Obama concerns me because regardless of how he say’s he feels he voted for the Patriot Act and the War on Iraq. Paul and Kucinich on the other hand both voted against those and have not wavered from that stance one bit. Obama says he is against those things now, but his voting track record says otherwise. Anyway just wanted to point that out since it’s been a heavy love fest for Obama. I’d love to see a black man become president and if I have to choose between him and a snake oil salesman like Romney then I’ll probably vote Obama, but he does not represent vast change IMO.
Mad props to CL for having someone come on and break down the political game. I admit I am not as informed as I should be and I’ve already learned a lot from reading the political pieces.
I really appreciate what this site is doing to help keep us in the know. I remember during the Bush/Gore election a lot of people were coming back feeling they voted incorrectly because they were not up on thier politics and sometimes the ballots can be confusing. Great job on putting this information out here for us. J Dakar has done a great job thus far.
i must say that h clinton comes across as being very manipulative there is something about her that makes me go eeeerrrgh. she just has a vibe that is not positive, i wouldnt trust her at all
Obama voted against the War on Iraq and was the only DEM running in this election to do so
I was thinking Run Paul, but I can’t do his politics. income tax pay for a lot of things like, the Military, Federal Police, funding for state government office like Attorney (child support, Consumer protection) General, schools overseas for American soldier kids, programs like Head start, health care for kids and elderly, welfare, WIC, Programs like Fannie Mae, The Department of Vet affairs, Job Co-op, HIV AIDS awareness programs, Court appointed Attorneys. Oh yea most inportant Financal Aid. I think we need all these things. And I dont think you can bring Every soldier home from Everywhere. IEven if he where for real and he’s not, Congress would laugh.
He is also against abortion good luck with that. READ UP ON ROE V WADE ( abortion case) from the 60′s Claton Trotter is tryig to get it back to the supreme court .
Actually Iowa has GOOD percentage of black folk, for those that don’t know?
They are projecting that Obama will will the Iowa caucus….hmmm
I just can’t get with people of color voting for republicans… Makes no sense to me… Especially when you think of the people who died so we can vote… voting for a republican just seems immoral.
Not to say democrats are saints… Actually, all people of color should be voting green… but since our democracy is flawed, we know that’s not a good realistic option.
I’m a teacher in an urban public school with 90% students of color and 20% of our students live in public housing… every time taxes are cut and I get an extra $20 in my paycheck because of the “tax break”, my job gets more difficult and more of my students end up dropping out because we don’t have the financial resources to give them the education they deserve. so i know tax cuts sound exciting, and as long as we are spending billions on the war, i would like some of my tax money back too… but in general, tax cuts hurt those of us at the bottom the most.
anyway, that’s just my opinion as a public school teacher. need to know which candidate you agree with the most??? take a quiz at this link to find out… http://www.speakout.com/V...Match/Senate2006.asp#sec0 (i posted the wrong one earlier…)
another quiz you can try….
http://www.gotoquiz.com/c...didates/2008-results.html
im glad yall got Dakar to give us the 411 on this presidential stuff…honestly i dont understand it and maybe this year i can vote because i understand whats goin on and why that candidate is important for me to cast a vote for him/her. Nice breakdown on Iowa too.
#128 – Ja
Income tax does pay for many things – a WAR we shouldn’t be in, space exploration most of us don’t give a damn about, FEMA that did a terrible job with Katrina, companies getting contracts because of closed door deals, etc.
The only way we can eliminate the income tax is to reform government spending. You probably wouldn’t keep giving money to someone who didn’t use it intelligently. The American people would naturally help each other and community programs would succeed if they didn’t feel like they already did their part when the taxes come out of their hard earned check. The harder we work, the harder we get pimped by the government. That fundamentally is wrong! And Ron Paul isn’t for laws against abortion! He wants that to be decided at the state level, like many other issues.
#131 – Katrina
Our people died for our right to VOTE. I looked the word up and it means…
a formal expression of opinion or choice, either positive or negative, made by an individual or body of individuals.
I point this out because when you VOTE, you must consider all options, don’t assume that a certain political party has your interests in mind and be a SLAVE to its agenda. I support Ron Paul, who is running for the Republican nomination, but I don’t consider myself a Republican at all. I really like Obama, but don’t think more government can give us the answer to our problems. The federal government doing too much is the problem! Please don’t feel obligated to vote for a particular party because of your skin color. That is the essence of racism.
We need to realize that as Americans, we should be in control, not servants to our government. These politicians are taking advantage of our fears and giving them more money and power is not freedom. It is startlingly reminiscent of slavery.
This is an historic day for America. It goes to show that indeed, America is ready for change. The US is ready for a new name in the White House, and a fresh type of politics. This is a political message based on inspiration. A candidate such as Obama has not inspired and promised such radical change since JFK; he was the first Catholic or ( other ) to become president. JFK had the unyielding support of the American-Irish. Yet Afro-Americans STILL need to weigh their options? Iowa has made it clear, Obama can, and may win this. How is that for an option ?
@ Erick
you almost right, but when you talk about the War and money being spent, it is inportant for you to understand Payroll trumps all. The majority of the “wasted money” goes to soldiers risking their lives. And lets not forget that North Korea, Iran, China, Japan, and Cuba tooling up. And the reason you feel so safe is all the money we are wasting on deveolping tech to perpare just in case. Yes money is being wasted on somethings like FEMA which is a bad idea I agree. I may be bias because I am a soldier and I believe in The American dream. And for working hard. A whole lot of us are not working hard at all, that’s why we have government programs. I think paying government worker to trackdown people who dont pay their child support is wrong, but what can you do. We dont even take care of our own kids, so I know any community program left to be funded by “the People” wont last ten min. Most people care about Space programs, I do for one. And the People of houston really care because they work there for a living. And so do all the people from Katrina who settled in Houston living off of the property taxes that are paid by those very some people, that has nothing to do with income tax. And remenber congress decides where money goes. So you’re congressman or woman is voting for these programs. Thats who you need to talk to.
AND YES RonPaul Is against Abortion. His cop out is to say let states handle it, but we tried that already in the 60 ‘s and it didnt work ( Roe v wade; Sandra Cano) Please read his page and find his quates on the issue.
“He also opposes the Patriot Act, the federal War on Drugs, and gun control. Paul is strongly pro-life, and advocates overturning Roe v. Wade to let states determine the legality of abortion.”
And if there is no income tax who is going to pay the president, congress, and all that boarder watching he wants to do. Who paying for the wall?
And this whole lt the state take care of themselves is extra funny. We saw that with New Orleans.
“Paul has long been known as “Dr. No” because he votes against most legislation that involves federal spending, expanding government or reducing privacy protections. He voted against giving medals to Rosa Parks and Pope Paul II because he objected to the use of taxpayer dollars to make them.”
“Paul sponsored 68 bills and eight amendments in 2003 and 2004 but none passed, according to the Almanac of American Politics.”
Examples:
Iran and Syria: H.Con.Res. 43, 2007-01-23. Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should implement Recommendation 9 of the Iraq Study Group Report. Urges the President to implement Recommendation 9 of the Iraq Study Group Report, recommending direct engagement with Iran and Syria toward constructive results.
Taxpayers’ Freedom of Conscience Act of 2007. H.R. 1095, 2007-02-15, originally H.R. 1548, 2003-04-01. To prohibit any Federal official from expending any Federal funds for any population control or population planning program or any family planning activity.
Market Process Restoration Act. H.R. 1789, 1999-05-13. To repeal the Federal body of statutory law commonly referred to as `antitrust law’, which limits cartels and monopolies. [10]
We the People Act. H.R. 300, 2007-01-05, originally H.R. 3893, 2004-03-04. Forbids all federal courts from hearing cases on abortion, “same-sex marriage”, sexual practices, and government display of religious symbols, texts, and images. Makes federal court decisions on those subjects nonbinding as precedent in state courts,[15] and forbids federal courts from spending money to enforce their judgments.
Sanctity of Life Act of 2007. H.R. 2597, 2007-06-06, originally H.R. 776, 2005-02-10. Defines human life as beginning from conception, removing abortion from federal jurisdiction and effectively negating Roe v. Wade.[16] Such laws permit states to declare abortion to be murder and to outlaw new fetal stem cell research and some contraception and fertility treatments.[17][18]
Opposes federal use of capital punishment.
Make College Affordable Act of 2007. H.R. 193, 2007-01-04, originally H.R. 401, 2005-01-26, cosponsored since H.R. 1631, 1999-04-29. Creates full tax deduction for higher education expenses and interest on student loans.
Parental Consent Act of 2007. H.R. 2387, 2007-05-17, originally H.R. 5236, 2004-10-06 (Let Parents Raise Their Kids Act). To prohibit the use of Federal funds for any universal or mandatory mental health screening program.
H.R. 7245, 1980-05-01. A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act that would abolish government intervention in regards to the dumping of dredged or fill material into navigable waters. [24]
H.R. 3735, 1998-04-28. To disapprove a rule requiring the use of devices designed to protect non-targeted species from being caught in the shrimp fishery of the Gulf of Mexico.[25]
“He also opposes the Patriot Act, the federal War on Drugs, and gun control. Paul is strongly pro-life, and advocates overturning Roe v. Wade to let states determine the legality of abortion.”
#67 and all others who actually believe that their vote doesn’t matter. So many people rejoice in the fact that you feel the way that you do. When you don’t vote, you give others permission to make decisions for you. Voting is one of the most important things that you do as a citizen. Even if the candidate that you support doesn’t win, it is your opportunity to voice your views. For example, a supporter of Edwards must have felt a small victory tonight, because the votes showed that people are demanding a change. Now, all candidates, democrat and republican, must be responsive to that.
People like you choose not to vote. How would you feel if you were told that you could not vote? It has the same effect; you’ve just been brainwashed instead of repressed. How could you give away your power? How could you sit back and allow others to make a choice, no all of your choices, for you? A president influences policies, laws and regulation that WILL affect you. So when you don’t participate you essentially say that you don’t care and you are willing to do whatever others decide.
It is exactly the happenings of the last 8 years that should make you run, not walk, to the polls. However, if you choose not to, then you have no right or reason to complain for the next 4. People like you run to vote on American Idol, or for 106 & Park’s top 10 and Who Rock’d It Better, but choose to be complacent in something that will actually affect your life.
On a final note, It is sooooo irresponsible for you to advocated political complacence on this forum, because you may be influencing someone else. On most subjects, I feel that everyone is entitled to voice their opinion, but this is so important. You may truly feel that voting is irrelevant, but tell me what important has been achieved by anyone by NOT voting?
@129 Iowa’s population is almost 95% white and 2.5% black.
More posts like these CL, thank you. I enjoyed reading everyones comments, even if I disagree with some.
@ 126: I agree. It’s just when I hear her speak, there is just something slick about her. She claims & claims… however… I just cant trust her yet…. Must be female intuition (sp?/ it’s like 2:30am…lol). I honestly dont know who I am going to vote for yet because some of these people thought that they were just going to skate their way into the white house. I do like Obama. His view kinda fit mine. I also like Edwards, but I wonder is he a case to bring drama with him (remember the whole Kerry saga & know the thing with his wife’s cancer). Also… sadly to say… there are a few rep. candidates that are quite persuadeable :-l . I guess only time will tell. Keep us updated, CL
!
She is so nice, at least in my mind. Her profile and photos were found on a interracial dating site interracialloves.com last week.
@131
While you and I may not agree with a person’s character or moral choice to vote Republican, you must agree that the only way for Black people to be fully represented in this government is to be present on both sides. Why should one party continue to get our support decade and decade out?
Big up to Obama i still think America is not ready for a Black President.
http://www.whatsthe411.net
Obama by 4%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this really says alot!
131….black people were originally republican
THANK YOU FOR THIS INFO.
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#142 – you’re right. the democratic party does take the black vote for granted. which is why we should vote green. i don’t see how it will ever be beneficial to black people to have representation with the republican party. let me take that back– i can see why it would be beneficial to rich black people… and again, i think that’s immoral. it used to be an essential part of black communities (in africa and all parts of the diaspora) that you have a responsibility to take care of your community. sadly, we have moved away from that notion. if harriet tubman would have had the same values of today’s black republicans, should wouldn’t have been so active with the underground railroad. she’da been like, “i got mines… the rest of them need to get it together.” and i disagree with that. the only reason i went to college was because some other black person was killed for trying to enroll in all white university’s 60 years ago. the only reason i have the right to vote is because someone else was killed trying to register. i have sooooooo much privilege, and with that, i have a right to use that for my community, not myself. hence the reason i’m underpaid and overworked at a public high school in the hood.
so, i still think that being a person of color (black, brown, yellow, red… cause as far as i’m concerend, we are all in this together) and voting republican is disrespectful to all the progressive people who lost their lives to give us all the privilege we have today.
#145
i know. that’s irrelevant. we were also slaves originally. times change. and again… i don’t think the democrats are great. i live in california where most city wide elections are almost always between the green party and the democratic party. the republican party doesn’t have much representation locally. and i always vote green. so i definitely prefer them to the democratic party… but nationally, i know my green party vote doesn’t hold much weight, so i still vote democratic. but republican…? never.
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