Caucuses: Is Iowa The Best?

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• published: 19 Jan 2016
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More information on the CBS 2/Fox 28 Town Hall can be found at the end of this story. CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (CBS2/FOX28) Right along with the states role feeding the nation and world with its corn and soybeans, Iowans are equally proud of the fact that they get the first shot at the crowd of candidates trying to be President. The question is: are they the best to do it? If you see any candidate speak in the Hawkeye State, rarely will they escape from even their own events without Iowa questions as tough as a cold wind across empty corn fields in the Hawkeye State. The number one selling point is our citizens take this seriously, said Iowa Republican Party Spokesperson Jeff Kaufmann. They show up to events, they vote. Iowa does a really good job of this, said Iowa Democrat Party Chair Dr. Andy McGuire. This is not passive. People take their time and go to events and look them in the eye and ask them questions. Coe College Political Science Professor Bruce Nesmith isnt quite as sold. I dont know that Iowa is particularly good at this expect that weve done it for so long, said Nesmith. We have to see how the caucus votes actually come out. The polls look like the national polls so Im not sure theres anything special about Iowa. Nesmith says there are definite advantages to the Hawkeye State getting the first crack at Presidential Candidates. He says the size of the state makes it relatively easy to get to a lot of places quickly and many adults born and raised in the state have been doing this since they were kids. The advantage is that we know how to do it, said Nesmith. In another state it might take a little while for theme to catch on but my guess is theyd catch on. If nothing else, Iowa Democrats and Republicans both say, No, they wont. Thats what Iowa does well, said Dr. McGuire. And I think we do it better than anywhere I would challenge that anyone would do it better. I can do so much, but the people in this state, Republicans and Democrats, are the people who are going to keep this for us, said Kaufmann. On Thursday, January 21, CBS 2 and FOX 28 will host a live nationwide broadcast exploring the importance of the Iowa caucuses. Topics include how the caucus works, how the candidates have been targeting Iowa voters and why Iowas choice is so important. Seating is first-come, first-served. Doors open at 5 p.m., panel and audience in place by 5:30 with the live broadcast beginning at 6 p.m. Your Voice, Your Future: The Iowa Impact will air at 6 p.m. on CBS 2 and FOX 28. The entire 90 minute Town Hall will be streamed live on cbs2iowa.com. This locally produced Town Hall will be hosted by anchors Scott Sanborn and Karen Fuller, and moderated by national host, Mark Hyman. There will be a live audience and diverse panel including: - Jeff Kaufmann, Iowa Republican Party Chair - Dr. Andy McGuire, Iowa Democratic Party Chair - Cary Covington, University of Iowa Professor; American Politics - Tim Hagle, University of Iowa Professor; American Politics The Town Hall will be held in Iowa City at Public Space One, 120 N. Dubuque St. and is open to the public. We will be taking viewer questions and comments on social media during the live broadcast. Viewers are encouraged to voice their opinions on the Iowa caucus by using the hashtag #YourVoiceYourFuture. More information can be found here.