Democracy in Iowa: A long-standing influence on national politics
Residents of Iowa have long prided themselves on shaping the American political landscape. Since 1972, the state has opened a pathway to the presidential nomination, using caucuses that, though small in population, carry outsized impact. Voters value their chance to be heard and recognize that their participation can echo through national and even global media. While some question the weight of this early-in-the-process influence, many believe Iowa still wields a meaningful voice in selecting candidates.
On a brisk Monday, the Republican side faced another pivotal moment as Trump remained central to the race, with Haley and DeSantis contending for second place to sustain their campaigns. Debates and local meetings in Iowa illustrate how candidates tailor messages for a state where one-on-one retail campaigning still matters, while also highlighting the delicate balance required to maintain momentum without overcommitting.
The campaign has continued amid notable shifts in political practice that have defined American campaigning for decades. As money has played a larger role in shaping outcomes, questions persist about whether the public’s voice can endure under new conditions and louder fundraising.
Democratic strategy
The Democratic side is recalibrating how party committees influence the process, moving beyond traditional models. After tensions in 2016 during the Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders contest, and the turmoil in 2020, steps were taken to improve reliability and transparency. Yet the process still faced setbacks, leaving the party to weigh options and potential paths forward.
A deliberate effort has been made to strengthen the process while avoiding past missteps. The aim is credible, timely results while preserving the core idea that the primary season serves as a test of organization and message. This year’s party meetings underscored bureaucratic and procedural issues, with anticipated open voting by mail expected to shape outcomes on Super Tuesday, March 5.
The difference between states matters. Iowa features a white, older, religiously devout electorate, while South Carolina offers greater racial, demographic, and ideological diversity. It is no accident that South Carolina has played a decisive role in shaping successful campaigns by building broad coalitions that can translate into general election effort.
Republican model
Within the Republican arena, a quiet challenge in the field of meetings has emerged. Cold weather and logistical hurdles raised doubts about whether past turnout records could be matched. The campaign season now embraces a transformed landscape as candidates rely on varied approaches to mobilize supporters and volunteers.
Haley and DeSantis have built robust ground campaigns, turning Iowa into a focal point for much of the race. They have invested in organization and outreach, even as internal tensions and fundraising dynamics present ongoing challenges. DeSantis has visited all 99 counties at least once, while Vivek Ramaswamy has completed the tour twice. Schedules include numerous events of all sizes, with some gatherings drawing only a few attendees and others drawing large crowds.
The ground game has reshaped the landscape. DeSantis’ operation stands out for its scale and discipline, while Haley has mobilized volunteers and voters with intense, highly organized efforts. Yet with rallies becoming common, questions arise about the necessity of in-person campaigning. Voters sometimes wait in long lines in harsh weather just to catch a glimpse of a candidate from a distance.
During a rally in Indianola, a candidate reminded supporters that Iowa remains a battleground state in the broader quest for the nomination. The claim that the state will continue to occupy a premier role in the process echoes through the campaign, even as some figures question the long-term vitality of the Iowa-first model.
Economic activity tied to caucuses is substantial. Spending on hotels, dining, and transportation creates a temporary boom in the capital and nearby areas. The 2020 cycle saw more than 11 million dollars spent in the week before the vote; estimates for this cycle suggest a similar level of activity, though precise figures are debated.
While the Republican caucuses generate a noticeable economic surge, some observers warn that the system risks becoming another form of political capitalism that might threaten the citizen voice that Newendorp once honored. Still, observers remain hopeful that reforms can take root, betting that durable local organizing and community-level politics can regain relevance in national discussions.
Source: National Political Analysis, 2024