A Question For Caucus Goers

[Exilednight]

I have never lived in a state that used caucuses for the primary. I just finished watching on CNN where they reported a caucus sight where during the last election only 3 people showed up. This time it was over 100 and very disorganized.

My question is, and please use an objective eye; could the caucus system turn people off to attending another?

[Fresh_Start]

1. hell yes

for both practical (time and inconvenience) and personal reasons (for example, discomfort with crowds, dislike of social pressure...)

[texastoast]

12. Waaaah

Poor, poor Americans. Inconvenienced once every four years.

Oh, the pain!

[texastoast]

2. I don't think so

The two sides came together, had conversations, got to know neighbors, and realized they are really on the same side.

What's not to like when it is all said and done?

[rainman99]

8. True, it was nice to see that I actually had Dem. neighbors.

I had to hide in '04.

[IDemo]

3. We had a total of 8,290 voters in the biggest single US caucus yet

(unless one of the Texas locations topped this last night, which I doubt). While the ballots did take a while to count, the organization was great and the enthusiasm by supporters from all camps was outstanding. If I had my way, this would be the wave of the future here, but party leaders have already announced this will be the last super-caucus for the state.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5fwJEWLUv8&feature=related

[Exilednight]

4. I find it interesting that reaction is kind of mixed thus far. I wish I could at least attend ....

one to see what it is like.

[Abacus]

5. Ours in Nebraska was the first for the state

It went very smoothly, there was a lot of people, and it was quite enjoyable. For me, attending the caucus was like watching the gears of Democracy turn, but I've always had a fascination with machinery.

[zulchzulu]

6. I've been an observer in a few caucus events in Iowa

People take it very seriously and show up and do the dealio. It's all about organization and getting people to know where it is and when to get there.

[rainman99]

7. Yes, it was confusing and exhausting.

Why can't we just VOTE.

[marlakay]

9. I live in WA and went to Caucus

I loved it...found out a bunch of my neighbors who I don't talk politics with not only were dems but were for Obama too...was so thrilled. It was fun and we were all excited.

It was like a big dem party...and don't tell me people can't ask for an hour or two off since you know 9 months in advance when it is. It was a work day for me and I took it off and have a job where I don't get paid vacation, any time off is without pay.

When I read where people say its so much easier to hide behind a curtain and vote I am thinking if you are afraid to say who you are voting for why vote? If you are so afraid of what your neighbor thinks of you, you need self esteem help.

But most of our elections are by mail in my county which is pretty easy, its just the primary for pres that we caucus for.

[Exilednight]

10. I think voting by mail should be outlawed. It just seems to easy to rig.

[DuaneBidoux]

11. I caucused last night in Houston. I thought it was really cool.

It was my first time ever (the first time a primary in Texas has mattered).

I think there were two groups of people: the experienced and then people like me. I realized on arrival that there were folks with chairs, coolers, extra jackets (in case the room was cold).

And then here I am: thirsty, cold, and no place to sit down.

There had to have been hundreds at our location. We had about six precincts represented. It is an extremely organic democratic process--and somewhat chaotic. I like it, and think it should have a place in our party.

edited to ad:

Another thing that was really neat was the atmosphere. I am going to guess that it was about half and half Obama Clinton but the atmosphere was friendly and energized and we all knew why we were there: to get a democrat in the White House in November. I can see this as really being an energizing catalyst for local people who want to get out and get involved.

[midora]

13. I Wish We Had a Caucus in My State

I think it sounds fun.