Why I like Iowa and New Hampshire

[ThomWV]

It is C-Span's coverage of the candidates in everyday situations we get to see in the leadup to the first Primary and Caucus, that's why I like Iowa and New Hampshire so much.

I do not watch political debates as they exist these days. They are a waste of time and watching them encourages their continuation. I won't do it. With the slant found in most of today's news I don't much trust the more traditional sources of radio and newspapers for candidate information either. Nope, when I want to find out about a candidate for the nomination of our Party I look somewhere else. I look to C-Span.

C-Span airs the worthless 'debates' of course. That is not what I watch. The Road to the White House is a segment that C-Span plays from time time in which they follow each of the candidates as they vie for votes. With each of them making many stops a day (except for F. Thompson who only does one appearance a day) you get to see the candidates in people's homes, when the visit small businesses, out in parking lots and in city parks. They get asked real questions by real people and when answers aren't forthcoming someone usually says so. It is a refreshing change from everyday TV.

After the early Primaries this all ends. A couple of the wanna-be's will drop out on each side and the big money will come out. Candidates who until now have been able to take the time to talk to sometimes very small crowds and have to face the questions won't have that luxury anymore.

So I would suggest that if you are still looking at the candidates it might serve you well to spend a few hours watching them in the real world, devoid of the shield of time constraints imposed by network coverage. See if the candidates give you firm policy analysis and plans for our future or just vague generalities and see if they answer or avoid heart-felt questions from the audiences. Try it, you'll like it.

[monmouth]

1. Great post Thom, I always forget about C-SPAN, will get right on it...n/t

[sandnsea]

2. I agree completely

It's also interesting to watch the type of person each candidate attracts. Some just want pictures and autographs, others want to speak their mind, others want help. I like the candidates who real people feel comfortable to go to with real problems. I'd give the edge to Biden on that one this time around. But it really is the best way to choose a candidate. I wish more people would watch it. It's on every week.