Thoughts on the Iowa caucus from a newly registered democrat

This is my first diary on Dkos, but I have been lurking in the shadows for well over a year. To be honest I wasn't sure how to jump in to the discussion. I read the diaries, but have refrained from commenting on them. But something changed this week, so I decided I better just rush in headlong!

What changed, I'm sure you're wondering? Three simple letters: DEM. I got my voter registration card in the mail today and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I am now officially a democrat.

I just turned 18 back in July and it may not seem like a big deal, an adult registering to vote. There's only one problem. I live in Iowa. This means I'll be participating in the first of many (I hope) caucuses in my lifetime.
Join me after the fold?

I've been getting more and more progressively interested in politics ever since I was a teenager. Back in the spring, I had the exquisite pleasure of seeing both John Edwards and Barack Obama in person on back to back nights in my hometown of Burlington one weekend. I got my picture taken with Obama. I even shook the man's hand. But I couldn't be dissuaded by what I saw the night before.

I made up my mind right then and there on that electric Saturday night that I was going to caucus for John Edwards.

Now I had a great time greeting Mr. Obama. My brother, who is 23 and will be caucusing with me, supports Obama. He has been volunteering and canvasing for Democrats since '04. He worked closely with Dave Loebsack. I respect him greatly, we just happen to disagree on who to support in the caucus.  

Obama gave a fantastic speech. But there was a boldness about John Edwards that I could not ignore. Progressivism, idealism, liberalism, passion, and conviction! With a dash of specificity!  

I take the caucuses very seriously, and January 3 will be a night to remember, I think. Thank you for bearing with me on what will be the first in a long line of diaries here at Daily Kos. I also look forward to participating in the comments section. :)

•  Have you attended any of Hillary's events?

  Or are you just writing her off?

  Welcome to the blog by the way.  

  by Rhoda Mae on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:45:27 PM PDT

  •  The

    "Progressivism, idealism, liberalism, passion, and conviction!"

    kinda gave that away.

    by Daaaaave on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:48:43 PM PDT

    •  uh, no...

      by Rhoda Mae on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:52:44 PM PDT

      •  Love your signature line Rhoda. LOL. EOM

        by Gabriele Droz on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:01:27 PM PDT

        •  Thanks!

          by Rhoda Mae on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:02:53 PM PDT

        •  Was that snark or sincerity?

          I vote for snark, which makes it an even better signature line for a Hillary voter.  

          by dkmich on Wed Dec 05, 2007 at 02:31:44 AM PDT

      •  Did as far

        as I was concerned.

        by Eddie in ME on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:10:05 PM PDT

    •  sizzle nt

      by atomicBirdsong on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 09:31:47 PM PDT

  •  Diarist's tip jar

    is here.

    by Eddie in ME on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:11:58 PM PDT

    •  thank you. n/t

      by casperr on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 03:22:57 PM PDT

      •  indeed!

        by kainah on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 05:29:43 PM PDT

  •  Hillary? Not Again!

    This isn't a diary entry about Hillary ... sigh.

    Count me in as another who is super impressed with John Edwards's ability to communicate his vision.  He is just doing a great job.

    by bink on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:27:40 PM PDT

    •  I have no problem,,,,

      with Rhoda asking that question.  I too am interested in knowing if this lovely young new Democrat checked out all of the candidates.

      That being said, I am so glad she chose John.  Wisdom already, and only 18.

      by Miss Blue on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:55:55 PM PDT

      •  Clarity is hard to resist

        John has it and uses it.  Did you listen to the NPR debate, Miss Blue.  All the candidates did well, but Edwards did shine.  Clarity and firm resolve.  Just what we need.

        by vigilant meerkat on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 02:01:02 PM PDT

        •  I did listen,,,

          and I agree 100%.

          by Miss Blue on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 02:06:07 PM PDT

      •  Interesting that you used "she".

        I assumed "he". Oh wait, I get it; it's the wisdom at 18 that gave "her" away. "Wisdom" isn't what I had at 18. My hormones made sure that nothing else got in the way.

        by CanYouBeAngryAndStillDream on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 02:11:20 PM PDT

        •  LOL!

          n/t

          by Miss Blue on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 02:13:27 PM PDT

        •  i hear ya

          18 wise male - just doesn't all go together - and i think your reasoning why is spot on

          by ResponsibleAccountable on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 08:16:19 PM PDT

      •  and diarist's brother----he's smart too! n/t

        by dotster on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 02:46:46 PM PDT

  •  HRC's "Iowa" events were DC fundraisers. n/t

    by bigchin on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 03:04:12 PM PDT

  •  You could have given the diarist

    at least one whole minute to post a tip jar...

    by sick of it all on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 03:27:05 PM PDT

  •  right...

    A: I loved visiting the cities of Illinois. Peoria's shorelines were beautiful. I visited the Abraham Lincoln center in Springfield. Naperville has a wonderful library. The people in Aurora were very knowledgeable. The cities of Illinois impressed me tremendously!

    B: Did you visit Chicago?

    C: This isn't a story about Chicago you fool

    by Wufacta on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 08:20:34 PM PDT

•  Nice, welcome.

  You should post a tip jar.

  by young montana voter on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:47:48 PM PDT

•  Congratulations for your first diary,

  and for jumping right in here and participating in the Iowa caucus as well.

  Nice job.  Although I have a different candidate than you, I appreciate what you're doing.  Good luck to you in your efforts.

  by Gabriele Droz on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:47:56 PM PDT

•  I envy you living in Iowa.

  I am an Obama supporter, but am glad to see young people enthusiastic about politics, whomever they support.  Have fun at the caucus.

  Where is your tip jar?

  by extradish on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:48:12 PM PDT

  •  There's more reasons to be envious...

    than just politics.

    Joe: Is this Heaven?
    Rapy: No It's Iowa.
    Joe: Funny, could have sworn it was Heaven.

    I moved back here from the supposed great Sun Belt. Ack! Ptouhey! Yukky wierd south.

    Even with this yukky ice mess we have this week...

    by UndercoverRxer on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:08:49 PM PDT

    •  The South IS weird!

      I know, I live here.  I miss the sensible Midwest! (Just not the ice & snow.)

      by Freakinout daily on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 08:10:52 PM PDT

  •  Well said

    I agree with extradish. Welcome to the political arena. I hope Obama is your second choice.

    by pwr2thepeople on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 05:16:32 PM PDT

•  Happy to hear

  It's always nice to hear about people who have chosen participation over apathy. Thank you for your diary.

  by cwaltz on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:48:40 PM PDT

•  Great! Thank You!

  I don't live in Iowa, but I support John Edwards 100%!  Thank you for promising to caucus for him!

  by jsamuel on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:49:23 PM PDT

•  HOW DARE YOU! FLAME! GRRRRRR!

  Just kidding.  Nice first diary.  

  by Sun dog on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:49:28 PM PDT

•  Thank you for this diary!

  Thank you for registering as a Democrat, and thank you in advance for caucusing for John Edwards!

  Welcome aboard the Edwards train!

  

  by be inspired on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:49:44 PM PDT

  •  Edwards on Vote on Peru Unfair Trade

    Agreement.  A key difference among the top three:

    "I’m disappointed by today’s Senate vote to approve the Peru trade deal and expand the failed NAFTA model that has cost us more than a million jobs.  The Peru trade agreement is an example of how corporate interests and their lobbyists and cronies have corrupted the Democratic Party. Like the failed free trade agreements before it, this agreement puts the interests of the big multinational corporations first, ahead of the interests of American workers and communities. By supporting this agreement, Senator Clinton and Senator Obama have sent a powerful message to workers across America that they’re willing to put the profits of Wall Street over the interests of Main Street.  

    "Voters have a choice in this election. Do they want someone who will defend the broken system, someone who will continue the trade policies that have devastated communities like the one I grew up in? Or do we want someone with the strength and courage to stand up to the corporate interests and their lobbyists?

    "As president, I will end the corruption in Washington and fight for trade agreements that strengthen and maintain, rather than undercut and erode, labor rights, environmental standards and wages. To restore the promise of America, I will support new, smarter trade policies that create jobs and help American workers get ahead."

    by TomP on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 02:30:57 PM PDT

    •  I was totally bummed by that vote. I was starting

      to warm to Obama, but that vote is critical to both Peruvian and American workers.

      I continue to wonder when Democrats are going to re-connect with their roots instead of tapping into the moneylenders and their interests. This was a very disappointing vote for any candidate to cast, let alone two of our Democratic frontrunners.

      Edwards is definitely on the side of the working people of America on this one. Of course he isn't in Congress and doesn't have the weight of corporate lobbyists to contend with. At least he is making the right noises.

      by 4Freedom on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 03:15:10 PM PDT

      •  When he was in congress he was quite

        different.  Funny how not being in congress allows one to go on...and on...

        by hairspray on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 07:30:36 PM PDT

  •  like your screen name

    "be inspired" is always a good message.

    by kainah on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 05:32:05 PM PDT

•  Great choice!!

  I am glad you and your brother are involved.

  Here si John Edwards' latest Iowa ad:

  "Twenty generations of Americans have left their children a better life. My dad worked in mills for 30 years to do it for us. Now corruption and corporate greed mean we could be the first generation to fail. I've spent my life fighting for families against big corporations that were crushing them. They trusted me with their lives, and I fought for them with everything I had..."

  by TomP on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:49:52 PM PDT

  •  Edwards today on Bush's press conference and Iran

    "Just a couple of months ago, George Bush was telling us Iran was about to start World War III.  Today – even after his own government just said that Iran stopped its program in 2003 and is no longer pursuing nuclear weapons – Bush still refuses to back down from his outrageous rhetoric.  

    "Enough is enough.  At long last, the spin and the saber-rattling must stop.  We must once and for all reject the failed, bellicose, neoconservative foreign policy of the Bush Administration, and get back to the foreign policy I have proposed based on diplomacy, reengagement, and restoring the moral authority of America."

    Edwards Statement On President Bush's Remarks On Iran

    by TomP on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:59:34 PM PDT

•  Yeah!

  Thanks for supporting John Edwards for President!  Have you seen the newly launched Caucus Command Center? I think you'll like it!

  by Tracy Joan on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:50:08 PM PDT

  •  I just LOVED it! n/t

    by Terre on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:10:10 PM PDT

  •  It is great Tracy and I love the video!!

    by pioneer111 on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:10:49 PM PDT

•  Congratulations on your first post

  and I envy you for being able to caucus in Iowa. Good luck and  diary every experience for our vicarious digestion.

  by niteskolar on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:52:30 PM PDT

  •  My last one was 00...miss the whole thing

    So, glad you and your brother [campaigning for Loebsack counts for redemption] are getting in the adult swim. Great diary.

    Are you college students?

    "Too old to shovel snow"

    by deMemedeMedia on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 04:55:22 PM PDT

•  Good for you! Appreciate you sharing and

  supporting John Edwards!

  by nannyboz on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:56:44 PM PDT

•  I'm so impressed

  not just by your choice in candidates :)  But that you are so involved and informed.  Thank you for speaking out, for being involved and for sharing it with us.

  by Ellinorianne on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:56:44 PM PDT

•  It is customary to post a Tip Jar

  to collect mojo.

  by Justus on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 12:59:01 PM PDT

•  Re: Clinton

  I would've included my thoughts on Senator Clinton, but the diary guidelines said I should be positive. /Snark

  by Superunknown on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:00:45 PM PDT

  •  Your first diary is now on

    the Recommended List!!!

    Great job!!!

    by TomP on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:01:53 PM PDT

  •  Nice Job!

    Hope you can get more to caucus with you on January 3rd for JRE.  

    by benny05 on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:02:18 PM PDT

  •  Looks like you'll fit in very well at Dkos.

    by Rhoda Mae on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:03:25 PM PDT

    •  Yes his restraint

      In not commenting on a candidate he is not interested in while discussing the positive reasons he supports another candidate, means he fits in well.  

      Its great to see a positive upbeat new diarist.

      Tipped & Recc'd

      Keep the faith Super U

      by Redstateresident on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 03:11:55 PM PDT

    •  Agree!

      Looks like you'll fit in very well at Dkos.

      Couldn't agree more...optimistic, intelligent, and frank...a common progressive combination.

      by J Ash Bowie on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 09:31:51 PM PDT

  •  I think we'll use that as a tip jar!

    Congratulations on your diary making the recommended list!

    by be inspired on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:09:15 PM PDT

  •  Welcome!

    And congrats on your first diary.

    I'm still basking in the glow of my first diary.

    

    by RedJet on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:19:55 PM PDT

    •  Seems like every time I read one of your

      comments I'm hitting "Save Image As" on my computer.

      by jre2k8 on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:44:52 PM PDT

      •  Wow, You Picked That Name A While Ago

        if your UID is only 40k.  You've been waiting a long time.

        by jerseycorn on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 06:34:04 PM PDT

  •  Nice diary

    Thanks for taking an interest in participatory citizenship.  Mortar of democracy, etc.  NOW ... which day in July?

    by Quicklund on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 06:12:15 PM PDT

  •  way to get a rec'd diary

    on the first try.

    I too have been lurking in the shadows for quite a while now, and await the day that I have something to share, lol.

    But well done friend, and such well-executed snark in someone so young (*tear*)

    by flowrider on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 08:33:11 PM PDT

•  Nice first diary Superunknown.

  Thanks for posting it.  Good job, and Cheers.

  by mdgarcia on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:01:52 PM PDT

•  two great candidates I agree

  I just hope one helps the other instead of allowing a not so great candidate to win the nomination.

  by nevadadem on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:04:32 PM PDT

  •  Is Obama getting out of the race?

    I noticed Obama supporters don;t believe Obama can win with Edwards in the race, while Edwards supporters believe Edwards can win with both Obama and Clinton in the race.

    Once again, I will say, I do not believe in "Anyone But Clinton."  

    Clinton actually is better than Obama on the environment and universal health care.   Edwards is better than both on those issues.

    As for Iran, both Clitnon and Obama favor designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a "terrorist org."  

    I choose Edwards because I want real change.  I also am sure Edwards can defeat both Obama and Clinton.

    Change begins in Iowa.

    by TomP on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:09:59 PM PDT

    •  I noticed that too.

      I surely hope that all the Obama supporters who are now saying that we should work together to defeat Clinton will come over to the Edwards side without complaint after Obama loses Iowa. Because of course Michelle Obama said a long time ago that if her husband doesn't win Iowa, "it's just a dream."

      by be inspired on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:12:10 PM PDT

      •  I support both candidates

        I support both candidates, but I guess I'm bucking the CW here by thinking that Obama will win Iowa and it'll be Edwards' folks who'll need to get on the Obama train. I think in either case it'll be an easier pill to swallow than getting absorbed into Sen. Clinton's machine.

        A word after a word after a word is power. -- Margaret Atwood

        by tmo on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:34:09 PM PDT

    •  Also, for the weirdos.

      that was a typo with Senator Clinton's name.  I did not review well enough for the typo police, and, as they can see, my post actually complimented Senator Clinton for her positions on a couple issues.

      by TomP on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:14:11 PM PDT

    •  Wow.

      We may support different candidates, but jeez Tom, I've always respected you.  You don't really believe that Hillary is better than Obama on healthcare?  And don't tell me it's because "Hillary just copied Edwards' plan"... I've read both, and she did no such thing.  Also, Obama doesn't favor designating IRG as a terrorist organization.  Why do you say either of those things?

      by Mannabass on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:15:02 PM PDT

      •  Didn't Obama actually co-sponsor a resolution

        designating the IRG as a terrorist organization?

        by clarkent on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:17:44 PM PDT

        •  Prove it. n/t

          by Mannabass on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:47:42 PM PDT

        •  Forget it.

          I was wrong and apologize.

          by Mannabass on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:50:50 PM PDT

          •  Hey no problem

            We all make mistakes.

            by clarkent on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 02:55:25 PM PDT

            •  Yes, we all make mistakes...

              Only sometimes we are dumb enough to do it in front of our peers... which is a good thing.

              by Mannabass on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 03:09:53 PM PDT

      •  Yes, I do beleive Clinton is

        better than Obama on healthcare.  As for your "respect," what a bs comment and insult to me.
        Can you argue without insulting or implying I am being false?

        Obama's plan is not universal.

        From the beginning, advocates of universal health care were troubled by the incompleteness of Barack Obama’s plan, which unlike those of his Democratic rivals wouldn’t cover everyone.

        snip

        Why have a mandate? The whole point of a universal health insurance system is that everyone pays in, even if they’re currently healthy, and in return everyone has insurance coverage if and when they need it.

        And it’s not just a matter of principle. As a practical matter, letting people opt out if they don’t feel like buying insurance would make insurance substantially more expensive for everyone else.

        Here’s why: under the Obama plan, as it now stands, healthy people could choose not to buy insurance — then sign up for it if they developed health problems later. Insurance companies couldn’t turn them away, because Mr. Obama’s plan, like those of his rivals, requires that insurers offer the same policy to everyone.

        As a result, people who did the right thing and bought insurance when they were healthy would end up subsidizing those who didn’t sign up for insurance until or unless they needed medical care.

        In other words, when Mr. Obama declares that "the reason people don’t have health insurance isn’t because they don’t want it, it’s because they can’t afford it," he’s saying something that is mostly true now — but wouldn’t be true under his plan.

        snip

        Now, in the effort to defend his plan’s weakness, he’s attacking his Democratic opponents from the right — and in so doing giving aid and comfort to the enemies of reform.

        Paul Krugman, NY Times

        by TomP on Tue Dec 04, 2007 at 01:18:58 PM PDT

        •  Wait.

          I disagree that simply because both plans have mandates that they are similar or universal.  Also, I asked why you said those things, which is a quest for more info, not an insult.  Also, I disagree with Krugman on that, though he is one of my favorite writers and I have all his books.  Also, Hillary Clinton has already