How did I celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? Why, I was sick in bed, of course! But, my politically-charged (and former loyal Iowan) boyfriend just woke me from the holiest of naps to beg for information regarding...
duh
the Caucus.
Iowans celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by caucusing.
As a former pseudo-Iowan (Sure, I had an Illinois driver's license, but Iowa was a freaking two minute walk across a bridge), I'm deeply fascinated (and deeply confused) by Midwestern politics. And I supposed Iowa is the Confusing Jewel to End All Confusing Jewels. The state where Dems puff their chests and proudly say, "Politically liberal, socially conservative." [Disclaimer: I do not intend to offend Iowans. I'm quite fond of your state and its gently-rolling glacial deposits... Nor do I claim to know the ins-and-outs of your state. These are all "just some observations..." I love Iowa. Hell, I nearly took a job in Iowa City and settled there... before the Seattle job came through.]
So, Iowa... So, Iowans, enjoy your day in the limelight. Your fame. Your rule over country politics. The preliminary figures do not look good for Dr. Dean, but we'll see how badly you've been beaten, my boy. Things are looking up for Senators Kerry and Edwards. I've never voiced my opinion (at least, on this site) in favor of one candidate over the next. But, since today is caucus day, a Holy Day for all Midwesterners (even those who're converted Seattlites), I'll (figuratively-speaking) unzip my fly and let you know that, on principle, I would've caucused for:
Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, former Senator from Illinois (cha-CHING!)
Of course, that would've been if she had not dropped out. But these things happen. She didn't have much of a chance at all, but, on principle, she rocked. (There Sarah, I supported her!) Who would I have caucused for instead? Tsk tsk. I haven't even come CLOSE to a replacement yet. Washington State's Democratic Caucus, after all, isn't until the 7th of February.
In the meantime, I always enjoy the British Perspective on American politics:
To election 2004 and beyond..., by Ian Pannell
Now, in honor of oh-so-sticky American politics, I'm going to blow my nose.
Posted by James at January 19, 2004 06:56 PMA gently rolling glacial deposit ran over Dr. Dean's campaign. Even today, I am still trying to process everything that happened. To make matters worse, the President will give the State of the Union tonight at 6 PM Pacific Time. *sigh*. www.clark04.com. He could be our only hope.
Posted by: Zach at January 20, 2004 03:00 PM