It's the caucus system that's not viable

[PatSeg]

My husband and I went to an Iowa Democratic caucus for the first time this year. We were caucusing for Joe Biden, and we thought it was the worst thing we have ever been involved in. After volunteering for three months for Biden's campaign, we were not even allowed to cast a vote for him in the end because we were not a viable group. So it is all or nothing, and as we now know, Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, two of the most qualified people in this campaign for president, had to drop out.


How is this fair? Isn't the American system based on one person, one vote? Then where did this stupid and unfair "Democratic"-caucus system come from, and why are we still using it? The Republicans don't use such a stupid system.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/OPINION04/801170376/1038/Opinion

[gateley]

1. What is the reasoning behind caucus vs. primary?

I'm curious as to why some states prefer it, and others prefer a primary. :shrug:

Edit: screwed up my smilie!

[PatSeg]

2. I think it is considered a party builder

in states where Democrats are viewed as weak. The democratic process is a big price to pay for building the party.

[lyonn]

3. Hey, we are learning....

Nevada should be interesting. Eventually people may realize how insignificant a caucus can be.

The comments to that article were interesting. obviously the top tier people were real pleased.

Imagine a voting place where people go around to people in line to vote and try to talk you into voting for their favorite, similar, right? Against voting rules, right?

[Steely_Dan]

4. Perhaps...

the system is outdated for our times. The media plays a bigger role and impacts the caucus system.

I am so disappointed about Biden dropping out. It just seems so unfair that someone with that much experience is not considered "viable."

-P

[gateley]

5. I still feel the media has a big responsibility in all of this. But we have to

realize, they're in it for the money, not to bring us unbiased coverage, so...

maybe the ULTIMATE blame lies with campaign financing as it is now.

Regardless of who's to blame, I feel Joe was unjustly treated and covered, and I'm pretty bitter about it.

[PatSeg]

6. Campaign finance reform and equal air time for candidates

is what is needed, but as in years past, it will get swept under the rug. I don't know if I'll ever see fair elections in my lifetime.

[jillan]

7. Maybe Biden will really do something about it now that he's lived through it.

I'm sure Chris Dodd would be happy to help.

[gateley]

9. Hasn't Biden been proposing it for like 20 years or something??? But now,

all the candidates are saying they support it, so maybe something WILL happen.

[PatSeg]

10. I doubt much will come of it

During an election year, all the candidates pay lip-service to campaign finance reform, but after that not much happens. Most members in congress don't really want it as they would lose too many of their donors.

[jillan]

8. I cannot believe that Nevada is doing this too.

Musical chairs is the best description I have heard of the caucuses.

[PatSeg]

11. And there will be a lot of bitching afterwards

just like Iowa. Then everyone will forget about it for another four years.

[jillan]

12. Just like the voting machines.

It's hard for me to believe that nothing was done after the 2004 election.

[PatSeg]

13. People tend to have very short attention spans

Outraged today, forgotten tomorrow!

[PatSeg]

15. Oh, you mean there was a problem with the machines?

Oh my, I seem to have forgotten that. :sarcasm:

[1corona4u]

14. I had a couple of things to say there...

;-)

[CrispyQ]

16. Colorado went to caucus to save money.

I haven't investigated, but it makes me wonder if caucus is paid for by the party, not the state. ??

I won't be participating in caucus. Without Joe, I've lost all interest in politics. I hardly visit DU anymore & the top three crap in GD/GDP isn't worth my time.

[WheelWalker]

17. Crispy,

I notice that you are a "Member of DU Activist Corps". If you don't mind my asking, what does that mean? I'll take the answer in a PM if that's more appropriate.