This falls under the heading of one of the things I think everyone else thinks, but are afraid to say. Perhaps they worry it may make them appear elitist. I admit I have thought this – Why Iowa?
The question is why Iowa and New Hampshire become the early focus of Presidential politics. Since someone from CNN has raised the question, I now feel I am allowed to weigh in. Just for the record, I was born and educated in Iowa. I like Iowa. I know people who live in Iowa. I was just in Iowa. etc. What about Iowa and New Hampshire (I have visited, but can claim no connection with New Hampshire) should put these people in such a unique position. These people are probably not typical and I would think no better informed than others. The process of the primaries and caucuses (whatever they are) rolling out over time makes some sense to me. This sequential process allows issues to be raised, responses to be offered, and public sentiment to be sampled. However, don’t we want issues of national import to be the focus and how can this happen when the process begins with Iowa and New Hampshire? (Note to relatives – I understand you are well informed and educated. I am talking about those other people who may not understand problems like the endemic poverty in large urban areas or unions and labor/management issues! I too am concerned about the price of corn, but frankly I think wheat is healthier and the use of corn syrup in so many food products is the source of many of our health problems.)
We need a better political process and a system of government not so biased by wealth. Perhaps we could start with some of the smaller and simpler issues like the primaries. How about a few more states claiming the same early date for their primaries? How about a rotation of some sort?
Why Iowa?