2016

It happens every caucus cycle. A campaign worried about a disappointing showing near the end of the race starts to raise questions about the legitimacy of the caucus process. In 2008 Hillary Clinton backers famously spun bizarre theories about how Barack Obama’s campaign bused in thousands of supporters from Chicago to swamp eastern Iowa precincts.…

In many ways, it feels like 2008 all over again. Despite a seemingly-insurmountable early lead, Hillary Clinton finds herself in a neck-and-neck race. An exciting, upstart Senator campaigning upon optimism and change challenges her from her left. And the choice has boiled down once again for Democrats as hope versus pragmatism. But Clinton is not…

Standing up on a chair for one of the last times in his Iowa Caucus campaign, Martin O’Malley implored his volunteers on Saturday night to see their tough fight through on Monday. It was the end of another long day of non-stop campaigning for the former governor, who kept his personal energy high in the…

Guest post from Tracy Sefl I’ve been in political communications for years. And believe me: campaigns make plenty of noise. But the best candidates do more than just talk; they stop and listen to everyday people. If Bill Clinton was “Explainer-in-Chief,” then Hillary Clinton may well be “Listener-in-Chief.” She’s that kind of candidate—the type that…

Starting Line has gotten a huge influx of national readers in the last few weeks, coming to us for some behind-the-scenes insight on what’s going to happen in the Iowa Caucus. I first just want to say thank you to all of our great readers and social media-sharers. It’s been an incredible journey and a…

Guest post from Andrew Deen Caucuses were the original method for selecting candidates until the primary was introduced in the early 1900’s, but this doesn’t mean caucuses lost all their importance. Fourteen states are scheduled to hold caucuses this year with the first event right around the corner on February 1st in Iowa. There cannot…

While the large majority of national union endorsements have gone to Hillary Clinton this cycle, Bernie Sanders does have some very active, very visible labor groups on his side. National Nurses United was the first labor union to back Sanders. They’ve been a constant presence in Iowa since. Their red bus often shows up around…

Guest post by E.J. Wallace – Starting Line has enjoyed highlighting the hard work of the many issue groups working in Iowa this cycle. Here’s a look at what Save The Children Action Network is doing:  For me, this is personal. I want all kids in Iowa to have the same opportunities that my three-year-old…

Campaign staffers around the state rose bright and early this morning to finish up final preparations for the launch of GOTC (Get Out The Caucus). Normally called GOTV in most elections (Get Out The Vote), the final four day stretch leading up to the Iowa Caucus is filled with non-stop activity in field offices in…

Hillary Clinton’s final message to Iowans in the last days before the Iowa Caucus is a simple one: thank you. “I want you to know how much it has meant to me as I’ve traveled across the state to hear about people’s hopes and struggles,” Clinton says in her final television ad, released today. It…