Author Archives: iowathetrailstartshere

By: Morgan Behrens As a native New Yorker, when election time comes around, I fill out my absentee ballot while attending school in North Carolina. In all but six states, it is as simple as filling out a form and mailing in my ballot. However, in the remaining six states that continue to hold caucuses,Continue reading “FITN no matter where”

By: Erin Smith      I became aware of the opportunity to go on this trip over a year ago in myGlobal Experience class from the one and only Dr. Mark Dalhouse. He did nothave to do anything other than give a brief synopsis of the 2016 trip to haveme convinced that I NEEDED toContinue reading “In my element, but out of my comfort zone”

By: Emma Greenberg Picture a room filled with nothing but white boxes. Now, multiply that by ten. It’s been my office for the last two days. When I began working for the Iowa Democratic Party, I was told that I was not going to be doing the “sexy work.” I took this to mean thatContinue reading “It’s not a sexy party”

By: Victoria Egan Two days ago when we first landed in Des Moines, everything felt so surreal. I could not believe that I was in Iowa and about to embark on a once in a lifetime adventure that I know will be one I remember for the rest of my life. The Iowa Caucus isContinue reading “Something Greater in Iowa”

By Kenna Cramer I’m no longer angry, just sad. The night prior I attended my first presidential event in Iowa. Despite my first-day exhaustion, I was excited and grateful; I have been gifted the rare opportunity to witness and hear candidates speak. Quickly into a particular candidate’s response, I had become lost and confused. NotContinue reading “No Longer Angry, Just Sad.”

By: Lindsay Carter Alas, the sun has set on the Hawkeye state and our first full day in Iowa has come to an end. Today offered a fantastic glimpse into the world of the Iowa Caucus and included everything from petting voters’ dogs to attending my first ever presidential candidate rally. Most of my dayContinue reading “All in a Day’s Work”

By Aileen Bell I walked away from the house, back onto the sidewalk ready to cross the street to knock on the door of another Des Moines, Iowa Democrat. That’s when the pain started. I had rolled my left ankle. I screamed an expletive and hopped on one foot until the pain subsided enough toContinue reading “Strong Ankles, Weak Connections”

By Mackenzie Ferguson Starting my first day in Iowa excited to volunteer for Elizabeth Warren’s campaign, I could only imagine the difference that I would make through participating in a historic political event that I have studied intensely in my political science classes. Knowing the past couple of months that I had the opportunity toContinue reading “Iowa Caucus: Tourist Trap?”

By: Katie Zimmermann Love – the common theme of my first full day in Iowa. When you walk into Cory Booker’s campaign field office, the first thing you see is a handmade poster that reads “Lead with Love.” This phrase and the word “love” is plastered around the office. This corresponds with Booker’s main messageContinue reading “Love Is All You Need?”