[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Was the Caucus a Success?

[Email subscription to blog articles]

Posted by Speed Gibson:
Was the Caucus a Success?
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1202308694.shtml


   Was moving up the caucus into Super Tuesday a success? It's hard to
   argue with the numbers, but let's consider what drove those numbers.
   It's a Presidential year, and the incumbent isn't running. The field
   is still open, at least when the caucus began. There is great angst
   over the rise of John McCain, that we had to "head him off at the
   pass!" The prospect of another Clinton or a hard lefty that would make
   George McGovern blush certainly had to be a factor. And, there is the
   Ron Paul phenomenon.
   It was a perfect storm, to the point where several caucuses were
   simply overloaded. It was standing room only, even in some precinct
   rooms. Forgivably, there weren't enough forms and supplies. Still, it
   was a great turnout, and a needed validation of the caucus concept (on
   both sides) that many politicos consider obsolete given the meager
   attendance in years past.
   We won't see numbers like this again for at least four years. But will
   it now lapse back into the comparative slumber we remember? It doesn't
   need to. I myself am looking forward to the next one. With more modest
   but still historically larger attendance, the next cycle should be at
   least as enjoyable, only work much more smoothly and comfortably.