December 28, 2007 7:15 PM
Back Roads LESSONS: Why Iowa?
SPECIAL REPORT: Last in three parts.
View image Iowa voters by Chris Schneider, The Rocky.
And so, it comes down to this: Why Iowa?
What makes these average Iowans so important? Who gave them all the power? And what is the power?
It's the power to make future presidents beg.
The final installment of our three-part series examines the everyday people who get extraordinary attention during the run-up to Iowa precinct caucuses.
Check out the story HERE. Look at Chris Schneider's photo essay HERE. And then let us know what you think.
View image Iowa's powerful hands by Chris Schneider, The Rocky
Back Roads LESSONS
PART THREE: Why Iowa?
"It's not heaven; it's just Iowa -- Who gave this state the magic power to pick the free world's next leader?"
(CLICK HERE)
PART TWO: Democrats
"Dems struggle to harvest votes: After long campaign, it's now up to Iowans."
(CLICK HERE)
PART ONE: Republicans
"Slugfest to the caucuses: GOP hopefuls in Iowa in bruising battle"
(CLICK HERE)
The battle for Iowa is not done yet.
Keep checking back for fast and furious action on the "Back Roads to the White House."
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VIDEO POST-SCRIPT: And finally, multi-tasking journalist Chris Schneider forces M.E. to answer the big question for himself: "Why Iowa?"
December 29, 2007
10:36 AM
Roni Bell writes:
Looking at the photo: "Iowa's powerful hands," could be any number of my relatives in Iowa.
Or - farmers anywhere. Remember? Farmers. Those are the guys and gals who - gasp - use water, and yes - gasp - use land, to seed, grow and harvest that stuff we call food.
I love "powerful hands." My dad had them, many of my close friends...and my husband have them.
May 2008 provide our farmers with all the tools necessary - land and water - to continue providing us Born and Raised in the USA food!
Here's to America's Powerful Hands!
December 29, 2007
9:48 AM
Lynda writes:
I enjoyed your video, M.E., but I'm not sure that you answered the question of "Why Iowa?"
Unlike some other Iowans, I don't think the contests should be started always with a one-two punch of Iowa and New Hampshire. I supported, and continue to support, other states -- such as South Carolina and Nevada -- being added to the process. Although those contests have yet to be held, I think their addition to the calendar has proved that it takes more than just throwing a dart or looking for a small state with a diverse population.
The states that lead the contests -- and let me stress that there must always be retail politics at the front of the calendar otherwise our nation will suffer -- must be prepared, organized and have the infrastructure in place to be able to do so effectively. Obviously, South Carolina and Nevada were not prepared for the magnitude of the challenge, but the process will still benefit from the work they did provide.
December 28, 2007
7:57 PM
The Real Sporer writes:
Great series Mike. See you at the "Raucus" on New Year's Eve.