The most important lesson from Iowa

By Kara Chalifoux

Who would have ever thought a J-term trip to Iowa would be a lifechanging experience. Beyond the access to some of our most admired figures in the political science and journalism industries, we have swiftly dove into a real look about what a career in one of these fields truly entails. Over the past 8 days, we have all received messages from our family, friends, and mentors asking about the trip and expressing what a unique situation we are in. Yes, that is certainly true, this is a special opportunity. Not many people, less than 300 to be precise, are lucky enough to say they attended the Democratic Presidential Debate at Drake University. When discussing details about it with field organizers in the office, nobody could even begin to fathom what that experience was like, unless you were there. Similarly, the chance is not abundant to personally interview candidates among top reporters, unless you are in Iowa. It has spread near and far throughout Iowa that Elon University is in Des Moines to study the caucus. Elon and our parents have given us an experience I know we will certainly not forget. This is a trip that adds some impressive experience to the resume, notable stories to share, and certainly, expand our interest in politics whether it be reporting or campaigning. 

It was never politicians who looked at a map and decided, “Ah yes let’s give Iowa the first chance to influence the party’s path in nominating a candidate.” The Caucus was a product of a desire for a more democratic system as political participation increased. Iowa not only encourages but cultivates an environment for harder conversations about politics to be had with less pressure. Before I knocked on my first door in Iowa, I attempted to calm myself by saying, “Okay Kara you might know nothing about Iowa but you can always wing it… you got this,” and I proceeded up the stairs. Imagine my surprise when I discovered how open Iowans were speaking about their beliefs compared to Virginians. People actually wanted to speak with a campaign canvasser. The famous Field of Dreams quote,”‘ Is this Heaven?’ ‘No it’s Iowa,'” was not about a baseball field, it’s about a canvasser getting to speak to constituents!

 The people here understand there is value in political socialization, the idea that views on power are derived from someone’s experiences. With the stark polarization our country is plagued by, the sentiment that everyone believes something for a reason is often forgotten. It was not until I saw the authentically candidates in the flesh that something clicked, it suddenly made sense why each candidate advocated for the policies they were. When you understand their background, hear how they reason, and even simply seeing their demeanor that everything makes sense. Iowa is certainly a tough critic of the candidates, but Iowa also welcomes ideas both radical and simple with the same open mind. Here, being politically active is not irregular, it’s expected and celebrated. 

 I have met people throughout the Biden campaign who have traveled from throughout the country to participate in the 2020 Presidential Campaign trail. In fact, a member from each of the 50 states is being represented as a precinct captain. However, it does not take living in the middle of the country or working for a recognizable politician to become politically active. It starts on an individual level, taking a pledge to, at the very least, be open to hearing new ideas and also have flexibility with one’s own beliefs. While it is frustrating working on a campaign or polling to hear how many Iowans have STILL not made up their minds about who to support after personally interacting with the candidates for months, there is something admirable about the fact that there is such an open-minded mentality for things to change and individuals to be proven wrong. So while not everyone may be willing to move across the country to be politically active, follow activity on Capitol Hill, or even learn what the impeachment trial is about, being more understanding and patient to understand how others think is the first step to becoming more politically active and is how to create a strong foundation to get the ball rolling. 

I have learned a lot firsthand here in Iowa about political participation and what a well run campaign looks like. However, the most important thing I have learned here is that political participation starts with the willingness to listen.