The resistance caucus: A Democrat goes through the looking glass in Iowa

[marmar]

The resistance caucus: A Democrat goes through the looking glass in Iowa
A party that fetishizes stricter voting laws has done nothing to prevent Democrats from influencing their caucus

By J.M. NORRIS
PUBLISHED JANUARY 17, 2024 5:31AM (EST)


(Salon) It is a strange time to be a Democrat in Iowa. Sometimes it’s downright surreal. While our Republican neighbors have been basking in the glow of the national political spotlight, we simply haven’t had much to do. With an incumbent shuffling around the White House, there has been no real campaign beyond RFK Jr.’s fitness videos. To add insult to injury, earlier this year the Democratic National Committee officially stripped Iowa of its first in the nation caucus - as a consequence of the epic dumpster fire that was the 2020 caucus.

While rank-and-file Democrats in the Hawkeye State were understandably disappointed, this did present a unique opportunity. Namely, the chance to resistance caucus. Because while the Democrats dumped a bucket of hog manure on their own heads in 2020, the state GOP made no such error. They still have the leadoff spot. As an American, I want to do everything possible to prevent Trump from returning to the White House. So on Monday, this Democrat decided to step through the looking glass and attend my first Republican caucus.

....(snip)....

We were able to participate in the Republican caucus due to the beauty of same day registration, an old-fashioned, “small d” democratic idea that allows you to register for the party of your preference on the day of the caucus. Despite seemingly being against everything Republicans stand for, they still allow it in Iowa. So, Monday night at the caucus location, we simply changed our party affiliation from D to R, then walked right in and caucused with our now-fellow Republicans.

....(snip)....

In normal times, I wouldn’t be here. We left normal times the day Trump descended the golden staircase. After Binkley, the Trump supporters started speaking. This was the moment when the train left for crazy town. True to form, there was not just one Trump supporter that spoke, but four. The first speaker started with a list of Trump's main talking points that are now very familiar to the American public. Lines like “He's a fighter,” “he was not a politician,” and “he doesn't need to go (to Washington DC) but he's doing it for us.” The second speaker followed suit, saying “Trump's been through the learning curve. He knows the swamp now. Give him a chance and he'll get it drained.” ...............(more)

https://www.salon.com/2024/01/17/the-resistance-caucus-a-democrat-goes-through-the-looking-glass-in-iowa/

[Walleye]

1. How do they think a person who ran for president three times is not a politician? He's a very definition of politician