Capital Commentary
With Edwards Out, Will Tuesday be ObamaFest for Idaho Dems?
By Jill Kuraitis, 1-30-08
The news that John Edwards will drop out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination leaves the Obama campaign the only visible presence in Idaho, and an impressive presence it is.
With the biggest and busiest campaign office I’ve ever seen in Boise, and more in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Ketchum, the Obama acolytes are having no trouble attracting volunteers. In fact, “so many people turn up that we’re always caught up on our to-do lists,” state director Katie Ingebretson told New West.
Now, the Ada County and the state Democratic Party offices and the Obama campaign are swamped with more to-do lists. Sen. Barack Obama will visit Idaho on Saturday morning, just four days before the caucuses, which means staff and volunteers must get ready for the two biggest things that happen in a presidential year – a visit from a presidential candidate and the Super Tuesday caucuses – at the same time.
I hereby testify that the double-event-duty concept is intimidating. When I was staff for campaigns, organizing events often fell to me, partly because my degree is in directing and stage managing. The logistics of just one of those events is a task for a strong leader, experienced lieutenants, and dozens of volunteers. And it helps if they are passionate about what they’re doing.
The Obama campaign appears to have plenty. With an “organic” start from BSU political science student Reggie Holmquist with help from Dave Ficks, it began without contact from Obama’s central organization. Democrat Julie Fanselow was there. “The main thing I remember about that first meeting - which was last February at JB’s in Meridian - was that when I walked in the room, I didn’t know anyone there. I knew right away that Obama was going to bring people into politics who’d never before had an interest in actively taking part. That was a great sign, and that’s exactly what’s happened.” A packed house at the grand opening of the Boise office, with paid staff from the national campaign, was the next step in developing what is now an impressive machine.
With no Hillary campaign in Idaho, and Edwards gone, what will the Tuesday caucuses look like?
Let’s hear your thoughts.
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The thing is, people who haven't taken an interest at all are engaged by this leader. They sense something great is happening here.
Julie, you're right, the Idahoans for Obama team have done a great job, and I hope that the many new people his campaign brought in continue to work with other Idaho Democratic candidates.
Don't get me wrong I think the de facto party label is a little presumptuous. But we need to ride the wave when it comes instead of waiting to see if the next one will be better. I'm not getting any younger. And things are getting bad.
I'll be there mama.
In 2004 there were a large number of these folks in my district, which would have likely made 15% if they had maintained their numbers on the first count. Of course, this group is a harder to organize as their issues and priorities are not as clear as with a particular candidate. Still, the potential exists for people that are not committed to the remaining candidates to participate without joining a particular candidate's caucus. The delegates, if earned, would then go to the convention to work on the platform and vote on national delegates.
I think we sometimes lose sight of the other work that needs to be done at the convention aside from the national delegate count. The process is important as well as the outcome. And I think Sysiphus hit on something critical for organizations, that the relationships and structures established by any popular campaign can persist and grow beyond that particular event.
I encourage everyone that interested to participate, "Obama Tsunama" or no. It's a great participatory experience, and you might even have fun!
Dean has been very good to Idaho, indeed. I would also submit to you that the 50 state strategy goes away if Hil is the nominee and then wins the presidency.
We have a lot of heavy lifting to do this year. Let's be sure to play nice with each other and find ways to work together, because we will have to put together coalitions of grassroots groups in order to win. See y'all Tuesday...I'll the one of the THOUSANDS with an Obama button!
Mama, I've also heard that, that as well as this being Hilary vs. Obama, it's DNC (Dean) vs. DLC (Clinton).
I'm not so sure that there will be as much competition for delegate spots among the Obama caucus as you might expect. A lot of people are on board with this campaign for the presidential race and may not be all fired up for less glamorous party work. There has usually been a need for alternates to attend, if not for delegates in the first place. This year is definitely unusual though.
It's considerate of you to think of those who may not have attended already, but we want qualified delegates that are ready to work in any case. I'm sure you'd fit the bill there. I'd encourage you to campaign for a delegate position if you're able and willing to go, whether there are others that are interested or not. I think you would have a lot to contribute.