By Kara Chalifoux
Only five days into our trip, we have personally met and interviewed presidential candidates, legislators, and even top journalists. As we are frequently found starstruck during these opportunities, a common saying among our group has become, “only in Iowa.”
When analyzing the relationship between constituents, politicians, and policy, it is typically explained that lobbying and affluence pay for access to politicians not influence over politicians. Here in Iowa; however, access is never paid for, and it’s not just expected, it’s demanded.
While the rest of America is lucky to hear that a candidate is campaigning in their state, Iowans uniquely get to call such figures close friends. Not only is policy an important way to determine how people choose to caucus, but seemingly more important is how authentic the candidate is. These Presidential candidates, in addition to former Cabinet members, and current legislators flood into the living rooms, churches, and restaurants of Iowa, seeking to befriend constituents and convey that they are the best candidate for the most important job in the country.
While the events we have attended range from 30 to 900 people, one thing is constant, everyone knows everyone, candidates included. On my first day in the field office for Biden, I finished training and walked out to be greeted by State Representative Bruce Hunter and his wife, Betty. Within our fifteen-minute conversation, I learned how Joe personally invited them to the White House in 2010 and every candidate had been over to their house for dinner during this election cycle. In fact, while sitting there, Cory Booker personally texted Hunter asking to have dinner that evening, to which he explained, “I am fully Biden, but I go to these dinners as a courtesy.”
This example is not unique to an Iowan legislator. While canvassing a woman yesterday, I prompted the conversation by asking if she knew who she was planning to support in the caucus. She confidently replied, “Oh sweetie, I am fully in support of Joe. My husband is a pastor, Joe was at our church last week.”
These meaningful relationships are formed during the election trail, and as politicians return year after year, the bonds strengthen. Today at an event with Secretary John Kerry, who was advocating on behalf of Biden, a woman walked up and tapped the former Secretary of State on the shoulder saying, “Hey you, Remember me? Mindy!” A full conversation emerged from this where families, recent life highlights, and even policy were discussed between these two old friends.
If only all Americans were given this opportunity to call such an influencial figure a friend, to have unlimited access to the campaigns, and to personally interview each candidate and their inner circle to earn their vote.The rest of America’s primary election system rely on limited access to the candidate through media sources, possible events, and a more general perception of the candidate. Whereas Iowa gets the opportunity to genuinely contemplate each candidate for who they are and what they represent.
It’s best put this way, Iowa is trying to bring forward the best candidate for the country, almost like a parent trying to set up their child. The only question left is will the country embrace a new change or will it cling to Trump, the boyfriend everyone knows brings you down.
Kara Chalifoux
Elon University - Iowa: The Trail Starts Here 