I agree that 51% of the most rabid faithful who bothered to attend is a fairly tepid endorsement in the scheme of how Iowa caucuses work. It would behoove political observers to understand just how these caucuses work and that historically the nature of attendees on both sides is very party faithful, usually heavy on the fringe sides. (However, some caucuses in recent memory saw thousands of new attendees beyond the fringe and most faithful. ) I also agree that, as you say, “ Trump can be had.” My concerns are that the other attendees, by and large, will fall in line like good little soldiers and that the larger portion of those who stayed home will quietly cast their votes in November anyway and just as they’ve intended all along for a man who is intent only on staying out of jail, no matter what cost. Fear of MAGA retribution (in all forms, including violence) and/ or loathing of Biden ( for whatever reason) will bring more support and votes to Trump than what the fairly tepid caucus results indicate. LBJ was not above strong- arm tactics, but he never called up his supporters to enact a violent insurrection. Biden for sure (and the media and all common persons who love democracy) must get a whole lot more full- throated about what we stand to lose and how the gains that have been made actually do positively impact everyone, including the most rabid Trump supporters.
Yes. I’m not sure that those who voted for others at the caucus will fall in line in the general election if Trump is the nominee.
The weather was just as cold and dangerous for them as it was for the 51% ?Trumpers) - and they persevered and plowed through the ice, cold and snow to get to the caucuses to vote against him. These were not casual votes against Trump but determined ones that I don’t think will fade easily
Their determination to vote against Trump was clear, but I’m quite dubious that those who may not fall in line to vote for a dictator would cast a vote for Biden instead. Razor- thin margins in some areas can easily be tipped by votes for third party candidates or simply by not voting. Clearly, I fret. 🥺
Thank you, Barry. If the media keeps saying that it was a great victory in Iowa, then people are going to start to believe it. Unfortunately, this is a fact we have learned from Trump himself. I wish that your column would be read by political reporters across the board. I would love to hear voices on cable news at least, repeating your words, spreading the idea, and repeating, repeating, repeating.
You can help spread the word by sharing my column on your social media platforms and alerting your friends that I’m out here and recommending the column to them.
I’m trying to provide an informed perspective that too often doesn’t exist within the confines of the conventional wisdom’s pack journalism .
Thank you, Barry. I hope this man can be stopped from ever entering the White House again. I remember what happened in 1968. The big difference from that time of unrest and the times we find ourselves in these days - fox “news”. We all need to get busy and do everything we can to stop this insanity. God help us.
You are right, Barry!
Thank you!
Thank you!
I agree that 51% of the most rabid faithful who bothered to attend is a fairly tepid endorsement in the scheme of how Iowa caucuses work. It would behoove political observers to understand just how these caucuses work and that historically the nature of attendees on both sides is very party faithful, usually heavy on the fringe sides. (However, some caucuses in recent memory saw thousands of new attendees beyond the fringe and most faithful. ) I also agree that, as you say, “ Trump can be had.” My concerns are that the other attendees, by and large, will fall in line like good little soldiers and that the larger portion of those who stayed home will quietly cast their votes in November anyway and just as they’ve intended all along for a man who is intent only on staying out of jail, no matter what cost. Fear of MAGA retribution (in all forms, including violence) and/ or loathing of Biden ( for whatever reason) will bring more support and votes to Trump than what the fairly tepid caucus results indicate. LBJ was not above strong- arm tactics, but he never called up his supporters to enact a violent insurrection. Biden for sure (and the media and all common persons who love democracy) must get a whole lot more full- throated about what we stand to lose and how the gains that have been made actually do positively impact everyone, including the most rabid Trump supporters.
Yes. I’m not sure that those who voted for others at the caucus will fall in line in the general election if Trump is the nominee.
The weather was just as cold and dangerous for them as it was for the 51% ?Trumpers) - and they persevered and plowed through the ice, cold and snow to get to the caucuses to vote against him. These were not casual votes against Trump but determined ones that I don’t think will fade easily
Their determination to vote against Trump was clear, but I’m quite dubious that those who may not fall in line to vote for a dictator would cast a vote for Biden instead. Razor- thin margins in some areas can easily be tipped by votes for third party candidates or simply by not voting. Clearly, I fret. 🥺
Thank you for your reply and insight, though.
Thank you, Barry. If the media keeps saying that it was a great victory in Iowa, then people are going to start to believe it. Unfortunately, this is a fact we have learned from Trump himself. I wish that your column would be read by political reporters across the board. I would love to hear voices on cable news at least, repeating your words, spreading the idea, and repeating, repeating, repeating.
Thank you!
You can help spread the word by sharing my column on your social media platforms and alerting your friends that I’m out here and recommending the column to them.
I’m trying to provide an informed perspective that too often doesn’t exist within the confines of the conventional wisdom’s pack journalism .
Thanks again for your support!
Thank you, Barry. I hope this man can be stopped from ever entering the White House again. I remember what happened in 1968. The big difference from that time of unrest and the times we find ourselves in these days - fox “news”. We all need to get busy and do everything we can to stop this insanity. God help us.
Exactly! Thanks you.