Iowa...Really?

I’m originally from the Midwest and I know this is somewhat biased but…who gives a flying flip about Iowa? I mean seriously that State, along with New Hampshire who also deserves the same comments, is forever the bellwether for the Presidential elections? Really? I appreciate History and the importance of traditions, but in 2008 Iowa and its caucus system feels ridiculous to me. So much time, energy and money is being spent on a system that may only give us a false leader board to work off for the coming primaries. If the weather is too cold there will be low voter turnout, the system is so complicated a lot of younger voters avoid it and let’s be honest, Iowa is not exactly diversity, economic or racial, incarnate. How is it possible then that Iowa (and again not to seem to evil on one state New Hampshire is in this too) is the place that will often help determine who runs for President? Is it not scary to anyone else the Iowa is helping Huckabee?

As I watch Nightline and listen to NPR give me almost constant Iowa updates all I feel is a rising sense of frustration with the system and anger at how much effort is spent on such a small fraction of the US population. I have met very nice Iowans and I realize there are relevant issue for everyone (immigration, health care, global warming) to be found in Iowa, but overall it just feels limited in scope and power for the Presidential elections. Maybe I’m just bitter, but I know I’m not alone!

The only good thing right now with the Iowa caucuses is that they will be over with today. Now we can see if the other states like Michigan and Florida will really be punished for trying to challenge Iowa and New Hampshire for dominance. I hope to God the next election some of these shenanigans will have worked themselves out. I'm suffering from election burnout and nothing has even started to happen yet. America, what the hell are we doing?