DaGimpster
DaGimpster's JournalA concern I've had in the past couple days.
Hey everyone!
First of all, I'm turning 38 this year so keep that in mind I ponder these issues.
While I went Bernie here in Iowa, and I'm strongly behind him, the signs that the global economy might be in trouble have concerned me. This would be on *anyone* who is elected, but I'm worried that Sanders would get socked with a confluence of economic issues like Carter did. Thus he would be unable to help usher in many of his bold reforms.
Now keep in mind, I'm not brining this up to say don't vote for Bernie. I'm just curious if any of the older members of the forum have pondered this as well?
Another caucus account, my experience at Des Moines-42
Also posted on reddit, but figured I could also post here.
I thought I would post this before it all leaves my memory, but here is my account of how the Democratic caucus came to pass @ Des Moines-42.
I just read on the Iowa Democratic Party website that, as of six hours ago, my precinct results were STILL not in! My wife and I are trying to get to the bottom of this. If any Bernie staff sees this, lets keep on top of the party!
Here is the post: http://iowademocrats.org/statement-from-idp-chair-on-tonights-historically-close-caucus-results/
UPDATE: I just got word DSM-42 is now in, and for Sanders.
For reference, Des Moines-42 encompasses most of zip code 50311. This is a mostly modest/working class neighborhood on the western reaches of Des Moines. This is where things start to transition to the "western suburbs" of Windsor Heights, West Des Moines, Urbandale .. etc. It is tied as the 4th largest precinct with Des Moines-39 and holds 12 delegates. In 2008, ~400 people attended the caucus in this precinct.
The venue selected for 2016 was the Waveland Golf Course Clubhouse, which is a pretty small building. It's a typical layout of a house except its broken up with a bar and a pro shop.
Here is a picture of the place to give you an idea: EDIT .. for whatever reason I cant paste a link to the pic here. If you google image "waveland golf course clubhouse" you will find it. Its a cottage/tudor style house.
It was immediately clear this was a terrible choice. The clubhouse is basically in a big L shape, so people were getting stuffed back into spaces and couldn't see the process. We had to shout back and forth to get news of the goings on.
Here is a pano I tweeted of the crowed in one half of the building: https://twitter.com/dagimpster/status/694329182562578432
It was chaos inside.
One the caucus began, a woman stood up and announced she was only a temporary chair of the caucus and we needed to nominate a chair and secretary. Thankfully a couple people volunteered quickly and we moved on.
We took an initial headcount, because they believed the registration numbers weren't right since some people had left due to the crowding. The initial count was 327 in attendance. I should note there was a sign hanging on the wall that said maximum occupancy of 92!
At 327 people, it meant O'Malley needed 49 to be viable.
At this point, we broke up into Bernie/Hillary/O'Malley/Undecided camps and the next count was taken. The Bernie folks got stuffed into the pro shop and part of the bar area. The count was 174 Bernie and I can't tell you what the Hillary or O'Malley was due to the venue and news not getting into the back of the room they stuffed us in!
The one bit of news that did get back was that O'Malley was not viable and so for about 10 minutes people talked to his supporters and undecideds. We won some supporters, and Hillary won some. We also had a couple people come over from the Hillary camp... including a woman who's husband was not happy she went to Bernie.
The final count was taken and it was:
Sanders 181 (7 delegates)
Hilary 135 (5 delegates)
At this point people started to leave, which I don't blame them, and then the Hillary people started to want a RECOUNT!!! All Bernie supporters who were left went into revolt and the idea was dropped.
My wife and I stayed behind and volunteered to be 2 of the 7 delegates, and the night was over.
I had to type this out fast so I'm sure I missed something.
I'm at Des Moines 42. Heavy turn out and lots of sanders.
See my Twitter pic at @dagimpster it's even more packed now.
Will update with counts later.
I can't visually see any MOM supporters.
Hello from Des Moines, Iowa
Hello everyone,
I have read DU on/off for quite some time as a guest, but never posted until recently. I am supporting Bernie Sanders this caucus cycle, but some of the rhetoric I've heard from my fellow supporters pushed me to register. In general, I would like to elevate the discussion of progressive issues.
Full disclosure: I am voting Democrat, no matter who the nominee eventually is.
As an Iowan, I AM READY for this to be over here!
Thank you for providing such a vibrant community!
Profile Information
Name: Andrew S.Gender: Male
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
Home country: USA
Current location: Des Moines, IA
Member since: Sun Jan 24, 2016, 11:38 PM
Number of posts: 130
