2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumMore glimmers from Iowa
I dropped off two Bernie volunteers at the Des Moines office, and it was packed with people. I could see from the road (because the front office is all windows) that the place was jam packed. There were people streaming out of the office onto the sidewalk. Bernie's Des Moines office is in a strip mall. It was nuts. The traffic was nuts.
There are four Bernie volunteers staying in our home for 5 days. They arrived a few days ago and will fly out on Monday/Tuesday. Two flew in from San Jose; the other two from Seattle. We're all working very hard for Bernie. We're canvassing Sanders supporters, Indies and undecideds. Knocking on doors and leaving door knockers that tell them where their caucus location is. If they're home we chat with them and answer any questions that they have. The campaign has done a great job of finding supporters in Iowa--now we're making sure that they get to the caucuses. These same volunteers will be calling on these people the day of the caucus and getting people to their caucus locations.
The volunteers staying with us leave in the morning and return to my house after 9:00 p.m.. They're working tirelessly for Bernie. They pretty much collapse when they get home!
The Sanders campaign in Des Moines has requested that no more volunteers come to Des Moines. There are too many volunteers. We are at capacity. There are so many people helping that it's getting nuts. So, they're asking that all new volunteers who arrive in Des Moines, to consider fanning out to other areas where more help is needed. And people are doing that.
There is a heavy volunteer base in Iowa. Without the "national" effort that has descended on our state, we would have done a pretty good job. But now...we're going gangbusters. When I say it's nuts, I mean--it's crazy. There are busses of volunteers that have arrived from Florida, California, Washington, Kansas City and many other areas. They are volunteering (not caucusing!!) and they are working hard for Bernie.
There are so many volunteers that the campaign coordinated travel/housing for these people. That's why I'm hosting four people. I saw the need for housing so we offered our home (plus hot meals and a comfortable place to sleep and crash). When I emailed our local office and said I had space for four people--the spaces were filled within 2 minutes.
I'm canvassing in my town today. We're a suburb of 50,000. We're knocking on doors, leaving the door knockers and talking to people about where they'll caucus. It's great to interface and have conversations so close to the caucus. People are receptive and willing to discuss with you. I keep it friendly, fun--and I'm letting them know that we value their support and can't wait to see them at the caucus. I'm also calling on undecideds in my area and touching base. My local Bernie office organizer told me that we have so many volunteers in my suburb of 50,000, that we will knock on every door on our lists (identified Bernie supporter and those leaning Bernie) TWO TIMES. Are you kidding me? That's the project I'm working on. And we're making terrific progress.
The Bernie office here in my Des Moines suburb is jam packed with people. More crazy. Everyone is working very hard. And my suburb is very conservative. I was canvassing in McMansion territory yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised at how many Sanders supporters had been identified--and also by the number of women who had been identified. It was a pleasure to speak with many of them yesterday. They are all very excited to caucus for Bernie.
Just wanted to let you know that we're working hard. Des Moines looks really, really good for Bernie. 18 percent of all Iowa delegates are in Polk County. Des Moines is in Polk County and so is my suburb of 50,000 (Hillary has no office in my suburb, by the way). If Bernie does well in Des Moines and Polk County that is a major bonus. Because he's got Iowa City, Cedar Falls and Ames locked down, if he does well in Des Moines, with it's huge number of delegates, to add to the locked-down areas.
Just thought I'd check in. Gotta run. Gotta canvas! I'm excited!! Can't wait to talk with more Bernie supporter today and help them get to their caucuses!!
Punkingal
(9,522 posts)Samantha
(9,314 posts)You are so wonderful and those who have stepped out to help are making a real difference. Kudos to all of you.
Sam
angrychair
(8,594 posts)Thank you for all the hard work and support!
ViseGrip
(3,133 posts)EdwardBernays
(3,343 posts)Please post photos!
Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)Great to read!
Depaysement
(1,835 posts)Good luck.
ProudToBeLiberal
(3,964 posts)redwitch
(14,933 posts)Thank you so much for all you are doing!
JudyM
(29,122 posts)After his little dip in the polls and the lack of media splash surrounding Hillary's email revelation yesterday, I was a bit discouraged. Then I was reading yesterday that the rural Iowa areas are going to have fewer volunteers so hopefully the overflowers are making their way out there.
Thanks so much for all you and your guest volunteers are doing. We are all rooting for your success!
sarge43
(28,939 posts)Ground pounders win the battles.
Juicy_Bellows
(2,427 posts)If you get the chance snap some photos please!
democrank
(11,052 posts)~PEACE~
~LOVE~
~BERNIE~
restorefreedom
(12,655 posts)panader0
(25,816 posts)Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)Your efforts and hard work on the campaign are SO appreciated. You are part of history!
Kip Humphrey
(4,753 posts)and never forget,
enjoy the experience!
libdem4life
(13,877 posts)ananda
(28,783 posts)That is so great!
99Forever
(14,524 posts)Rock those caucuses.
PatrickforO
(14,516 posts)CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)We definitely stepped out of our comfort zone, but we are so glad that we did.
I highly recommend hosting volunteers. You're really able to help the campaign so much. When I look at the total number of doors that we've knocked on--between everyone living in our house right now--it's amazing.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)Thank you!
leftcoastmountains
(2,968 posts)It lifted my spirits!
JimDandy
(7,318 posts)KoKo
(84,711 posts)LWolf
(46,179 posts)thereismore
(13,326 posts)Jarqui
(10,110 posts)Sounds awesome
DisgustipatedinCA
(12,530 posts)tl;dr: is everyone in Iowa more politically engaged, due to its unique nature and pole position?
Hi, CoffeeCat, and thanks for the great reporting you've been doing from Iowa.
I have a question about the mood on the ground in Iowa. I live in California, and I've lived in several other states through the years. On Presidential election days, you'll see people with their "I voted" stickers and so on. But aside from that, it looks and feels sort of like any other day. I get the sense that there are lots of Californians who, on election day, don't know it's election day. And none of this is very surprising when you look at the voting percentages and see that huge amounts of people don't participate.
So my question about Iowa is this: in the lead-up to caucus day, and on caucus day itself, is the entire state grooving on the caucasus whether Democrat or Republican, or does even Iowa have a large percentage of people who aren't engaged or aware of the process? Thank you.
daleanime
(17,796 posts)now I'm curious too.
Duckfan
(1,268 posts)..hook up with those people who may not participate and get them out Monday. But you have to remember, there was a post here several days ago which said people who did not vote/Caucasus recently are going to now because they are excited.
That gives me encouragement.
I'm confident CoffeeCat is really giving 110% to make our dream a reality.
RichVRichV
(885 posts)In 2008 primaries, Iowa was the highest turnout of caucus states at 16.1%. Caucus states had turnout rates between an abysmal 2.6% (Wyoming) to 16.1% (Iowa). Primary states had turnout rates between 17.7% (Louisiana) and 53.6% (New Hampshire).
So it looks like you get way better turnout in primary states than caucus states. That's not really surprising. People are generally lazy and it takes way less work in primaries than it does in caucuses.
Don't even look at 2012 primaries. Those turnout rates are downright sickening across the board.
2008 Presidential Nomination Contest Turnout Rates
orpupilofnature57
(15,472 posts)Z_California
(650 posts)Thank you CoffeeCat!!
antigop
(12,778 posts)Blus4u
(608 posts)Please keep up the good work. It is exciting hearing about all the effort going on in Iowa!
Peace to you and be careful burning up the roads!
KingCharlemagne
(7,908 posts)the people and their hearts.
AzDar
(14,023 posts)Go, Bernie, GO!
daleanime
(17,796 posts)again for all that you're doing.
zentrum
(9,865 posts)Thank you so much for letting us all know. We're out here holding our collective breath!
Mudcat
(179 posts)Thank you for all you've done and all you're doing now, from a born-and-raised Iowan who lives in California
PatrynXX
(5,668 posts)got hard core republicans , they'll be registering as Dems and Cacusuing for Bernie. just in case it comes down to Trump getting the Nominee. They won't vote for either Trump or Hillary. Zero sum game Bernie wins hands down up against trump. Nevermind everyone except some crazy folk who actually think he's a conservative... (even smoking weed they would know he isn't) , most know full well he's no conservative. At best he's a Moderate at their worst he's a Conservadem. Which anyone who's a Democrat knows for a dirty word anyway. the unknown here is Independents (me 2004) and Republicans who can switch sides to Dem then switch back. Although I think Trump is gonna get it. Ted Cruz might come close, although I appreciate how much he's been hammering away at Trumps left wing issues. that'll make sure Trump doesn't get elected by anyone I know on the Right.
Republicans caucusing for sanders doesn't show "how bad" Hillary is... it shows how scared of her they are.
JonLeibowitz
(6,282 posts)The term is crossover appeal.
jcgoldie
(11,584 posts)Look I like Bernie Sanders. But I believe its ridiculous to claim he has crossover appeal to republicans. Republicans don't want to face Clinton because they think they have a better chance against anyone else. I don't know if they do or not actually, but I believe thats a lot more likely motivation for them voting in the Dem caucus than because they have crossed over to vote for a far left self proclaimed socialist.
Robbins
(5,066 posts)he has proven for years in vermont his abilty to get crossover support
You clinton supporters are ignoring reality.
Samantha
(9,314 posts)I have heard Republicans say that while they do not agree with him on everything, he is honest and tells people the truth. Partisanship is an easy thing to come by in our process; honesty seems a little rare.
There also Republicans who have also said there is no one in the field of Republican contenders they want to vote for and they will probably crossover and vote for Bernie. Many Republicans will never vote for Hillary because they do not like her.
So I disagree that "it's ridiculous to claim he has crossover appeal." I have also heard there is a "Republicans for Bernie" group, but I have not checked it. Maybe you would like to take a look at it. It could be on Facebook or an independent website.
Sam
bobbobbins01
(1,681 posts)She voted for Bush twice, and for McCain and Romney. Not only is she voting for Bernie this time, she's volunteering for him. She can't stand Hillary and Trump, and admires Bernie's honesty even if she doesn't agree with everything he says.
jomin41
(559 posts)Just absolutely LOVE the Clintons!
CorporatistNation
(2,546 posts)People will go out of their way to vote AGAINST HILLARY because people hate the Clintons! Bernie will attract Indys and Mod repubs to vote for him... because people feel that they are getting ... fucked by the system. Hillary preserving the status quo or any repub doing the same is patently unacceptable now to a majority of voters of all representation.
SoapBox
(18,791 posts)You are so good for offering up bed space to being out hitting the pavement.
There was a post a couple days ago about folks making phone calls...they had run out of phone numbers!
Sounds similar to going to houses twice.
Go Bernie!
Go Berners!
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)Anyone I know?
in_cog_ni_to
(41,600 posts)I'm hoping Iowa repeats history and sends HRH packing in THIRD PLACE. Second place works for me too!
Happy canvasing!
Go Bernie!
PEACE
LOVE
BERNIE
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)canvassing.
cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)eom
retrowire
(10,345 posts)mike dub
(541 posts)Thanks for all the hard work you all are putting in. Will be watching excitedly Monday night and Tuesday!
saltpoint
(50,986 posts)new people. Tell them all thanks for us Bernie supporters all over the place.
Jenny_92808
(1,342 posts)for your excellent work!
Docreed2003
(16,817 posts)Thanks so much for the hard work!!
Paka
(2,760 posts)Thank you also for the report. It's great to get this news of pure inspiration.
Nanjeanne
(4,878 posts)Thank you for everything you - and all the volunteers are doing.
Luciferous
(6,067 posts)to make sure I knew where to caucus. I think our area is looking pretty good- I see lots of Bernie signs in yards. I've only seen two for Clinton.
Bjornsdotter
(6,123 posts)Duval
(4,280 posts)I'm in awe. Keep up the good work.
Gmak
(88 posts)I am sitting in Illinois feeling useless, when I know how much hard work volunteers are doing in Iowa. How very wonderful of you to host 4 complete (I assume) strangers as well as working so hard canvassing yourself. People like you will be the backbone of the revolution and are the salt of the earth.
Welcome Gmak to DU. Glad you're here
Karma13612
(4,527 posts)This is so inspiring!
And this right here is very comforting:
I'm worried about the snow due Monday and having people committed to getting people to their caucus locations (as long as it's safe) is very good to hear.
Now, get some rest when you can!!!
emmadoggy
(2,142 posts)the snow won't be moving in until after the caucus. I know for the northeast corner where I am, they are saying it won't arrive until after midnight. The southwest corner would be of most concern.
Karma13612
(4,527 posts)Hopefully Ms. Nature gives we mortals a bit of a break.
After all, this is history in the making.
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)Monday, the day of the caucus will be clear. No snow.
Big snowstorm moving in the area on Tuesday.
Karma13612
(4,527 posts)CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)A bit of rain starting Monday night, then turning over to snow late Monday around 11:00 p.m., then a massive blizzard moves in during the early morning hours of Tuesday. Possibly a foot of snow.
Can you believe we're missing that catastrophe?!
The stars are aligned!
Plucketeer
(12,882 posts)An honest and heartfelt THANK YOU to all the Bernie people working everywhere!
bullwinkle428
(20,627 posts)if they have work for me! Given your report, I wonder if they already have enough to handle all of the required duties at this point.
K&R.
roody
(10,849 posts)CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)There is a glut of volunteers in Des Moines, because so many have gone there.
But help is needed and wanted all over the state! For sure!
Davenport needs your help!!
bullwinkle428
(20,627 posts)CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)The sun was shining. That was a bonus.
Hope you had a good day. Canvassing is very rewarding, but tough work.
5 hours. That's awesome!
Duckfan
(1,268 posts)OMG!! It's a freakin Bernie party!!!
This is F'ing amazing so many people from elsewhere are there for Bernie. My gawd. I'm getting excited now.
CoffeeCat gets an award for this. Really. COME ON IOWA!!!!!!
You Rock girl!!!
Iggy Knorr
(247 posts)Rosa Luxemburg
(28,627 posts)we are doing phone banking for Iowa over here
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Indepatriot
(1,253 posts)Uncle Joe
(58,112 posts)and thanks for sharing.
bkkyosemite
(5,792 posts)from the West Coast...we are a determined lot I wish I was there too. Thank you!!!
CharlotteVale
(2,717 posts)senz
(11,945 posts)amborin
(16,631 posts)beltanefauve
(1,784 posts)For all you do! I can't rec this enough.
7wo7rees
(5,128 posts)MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)Being that I'm in PA, I've been phone banking over the weeks. It's good to see that the undecideds (many that I've gotten on the phone) have a true connection with you and yours.
You're amazing, CoffeeCat. We're all amazing in this fight for our lives.
Thank you ..
ChiciB1
(15,435 posts)creatives4innovation
(98 posts)But I cried reading this. All the best to you and the team!
CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)all of your kind messages and support. I'm very humbled, because I am just one tiny cog. I like to share with you what I see and hear so you can share in the enthusiasm and excitement that is on the ground in Iowa, for Bernie.
There are many reasons to be proud of this campaign and to have hope that we are going to put Bernie in the White House!
artislife
(9,497 posts)If anyone belongs to his campaign actually reads this, you should have a meet and greet with the guy. You are one of the posters who has kept the Bernie group and others very excited about Iowa from the get go.
May this year bring you and your family a lot of happiness, joy, laughter and a Bernie win in November!!
Peace Patriot
(24,010 posts)Since I can't be, I made another $ contribution.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your hard work and for housing volunteers!
sellitman
(11,596 posts)Bless you.
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)That Guy 888
(1,214 posts)passiveporcupine
(8,175 posts)This is absolutely awesome!
Thank you for all your hard work and generosity in opening up your home for this campaign event.
hopemountain
(3,919 posts)are doing - and still finding time to post.
Betty Karlson
(7,231 posts)cascadiance
(19,537 posts)... where they teach levitation, etc. there on the campus of what used to be Parson's College where my just recently late mom went to college when she grew up in that town.
It may be in a conservative area, but there's likely some very liberal folk going to school there, and I would expect the caucuses in this town to be very "interesting" this year with Bernie on the ballot. It's just a little drive south from Iowa City.
avaistheone1
(14,626 posts)This is so exciting!
californiabernin
(421 posts)Matariki
(18,775 posts)ViseGrip
(3,133 posts)CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)and voters who will be registering at the caucus.