What happened when I cannonballed into my first Iowa Caucus?

Written by ls2group

This year, I participated in my first ever caucus. I’m 24, so I’ve only been old enough to caucus one other cycle, and being in college, I wasn’t able to make the time to get to my precinct (an excuse I now know is nothing but that, an excuse.)

In my first caucus cycle, I didn’t just dip my toes into the water, I cannonballed right in. I have now met almost all of the candidates of both parties, asked them a variety of questions on issues that matter to me, and even snapped a few pictures.

There have been countless opportunities to meet candidates of both parties in Des Moines this past year. I have attended a number of events with candidates right here in the city in which I live. I have met individuals traveling across states just to get to meet a candidate once. It is an opportunity I have taken for granted in the past, and an opportunity I know many of my peers take for granted still today.

Do you care about agriculture? National defense? Minimum wage? Women’s rights? Veterans? Taxes? Why not go ask a candidate about that? Why not find a candidate that will implement the policies that will make our nation prosper?

As a 20-something in Iowa, every day I see more and more opportunities than I imagined in a state more often mixed up with Ohio and Idaho than recognized as a hub for music, art, and nightlife. Des Moines has been ranked a top city for young professionals, millennials, and new families on a number of occasions. Add on top of that, we get the opportunity to meet the future president of the United States without traveling more than a few miles (if even that) and make the first votes in choosing who that will be. I am proud to live in the heart of our nation.

I made my first foray into meeting a presidential candidate in January 2015 at a cattle call (what we Iowans call those events that bring in a handful, sometimes more, presidential hopefuls) in Des Moines. No one had announced their candidacy yet, but we had some ideas on who might throw their hats into the race.

The first hopeful I ever met was Carly Fiorina, followed by Rick Santorum. From then on, I was hooked.

Once I realized that I might be snapping a selfie or asking a question to someone who might – in just two years – be the president of the greatest nation in the world, I couldn’t wait to meet them all. I couldn’t wait to have conversations with these people, who all had a variety of experience and great ideas on where to take our nation. I couldn’t wait to learn more about these people, about their personalities, and about the policies they would implement should they take office.

A couple of years ago, I would have never imagined I would become what many refer to as a “politico.” I cannot imagine a life without politics. The people we elect to serve our city, state, and nation all have the power to impact our lives. This is why I have encouraged many of my peers to dive in, vote, and pay attention. It is a right many have fought for in years past, and something we should not take for granted.

I like to say that I cannonballed right into my first caucus. I was able to meet almost every presidential candidate. I was able to talk with and get to know some of them. I also took an active role in my precinct, serving as a caucus “reporter” for my state party – meaning I reported the results from my precinct to the state party. I also served as a precinct leader for my favorite candidate, urging others at my precinct to take one final look.

Now that the caucus cycle has ended and the candidates have moved onto New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and the rest of our nation, things might go back to normal in Iowa. Political reporters, analysts, and activists that have dedicated almost a year delving into the political process may experience a bit of empty nester syndrome.

Well, at least for four years.