First in the Nation
I moved to Des Moines in the spring of 2019, a serendipitous foray into one of my then-least-favorite areas of interest: American politics.
Covering every move of the Democratic candidates — a diverse group of 24 at its highest — was surprisingly exhilarating. Their efforts to sway Iowans' votes from every corner of the state was relentless, not to mention the ardor of every fervent supporter, organizer, and volunteer of the Democratic Party. In the remaining 72 hours before the caucuses on Feb. 3, I met many who had driven for days just to make the last effort to canvass through neighborhoods and attempt to win over the undecided via landline.
I look back with fascination and newfound appreciation of the nine months. One the universally most-avoided dinner table topics was now one of my personal favorites, even turning into a character study on occasion. This compilation offers but a glimpse of Iowa's caucus 'season' through its tumultuous end.