Look at page 6 of the Jan 19, 2004 Newsweek...

[murielm99]

In their little CW feature, that bogus mini-editorial piece of crap, they say, "CW has a suggestion: turn over Iowa caucuses to reality TV producers. They would be more entertaining and mo more bogus."

So, the elitists at Newsweek do not like grassroots politics?

All Iowans should call, write and e-mail them to tell them what idiots they are.

I have already cancelled my subscription.

[murielm99]

1. I would like to add...

that they continue to publish George Will, who has been reprimanded by the former chairman of the professional standards committee of the National Conference of Editorial writers for his $25.000 per day's worth of conversation on a borad of advisors for Hollinger International, controlled by Conrad Black.

[bobbieinok]

2. George Will, who in 80 praised Reagan's performance in

the debates with Carter.

Only later (after the election, I think) was it discovered that Will had coached Reagan in preparation for the debates.

I believe the republicans had also stolen the democrats preparation materials, so Reagan was coached to counter each point Carter was set to make.

Reagan in 1980 debates - 'There he goes again.'

All of us about the republicans today - 'There THEY go again.'

[question everything]

3. Does Iowa matter?

First, I lived in Des Moines during the 1988 primaries and considered this an exhilarating experience.

But... this was a wide open field for both parties. Gephardt won the Democratic vote; Bob Dole the Republican. Neither ended up as his party's nominee.

Move forward to 1992, when the Democratic field was wide open. Tom Harkin won Iowa. In that year, even New Hampshire did not call the final candidate; it selected Tsongas.

In 1996 New Hampshire Republicans voted for Steve Forbes.

And only 10% of registered Democrats even bother to participate in the caucuses.

I think that Howard Dean was right in the first place, when he expressed his opinion about the Iowa Caucuses.

Perhaps the fact that the last time we won the White House, in 1992 when Clinton lost both states, should tell us something.

[murielm99]

4. Let's hear from some Iowans on that...

I live in Illinois.

I think their grassroots caucuses are wonderful. Also, I have a daughter in Iowa who thinks that the turnout this year is going to be much bigger.

My objection to Newsweek's comments was based on their elitism and bias.

If Iowa does not matter, do any other states primaries or caucuses matter? They all send delegates to the conventions, and participate in the process.

I think it ALL matters.

[jburton]

5. I think CW is supposed to be tongue in cheek

As in the Conventional Wisdom in Washington *is* elitist.

[murielm99]

6. I don't

want elitist crap. I want the news.