When I was a kid I loved the caucus system even though the old one-room schoolhouse that held the caucus reeked of mouse shit. It closed back in the 1920s and was used two days each election year. For the caucuses and the general. It had no electricity either. But it was fun
running around outside while inside the grownups stood around in corners of the room. Of course, that was a kid's eye view. Now I see it as an impediment to democracy, not an exemplar of democracy. It privileges people who don't have to worry about paying for childcare,
free in the evening and do not need to take paid time off. People who are working during caucus hours are prevented from voting. People who are handicapped and cannot mill about for hours are precluded from participation. And I do not trust the tele-caucus considering how poorly
it has performed in tests. Most importantly, it depreives people of their privacy in voting. My late sister described her local caucus as one where everyone waits to see what corner their boss walks to and then they follow.
She joked that since she was dying, she could vote how she pleased. That's the caucus system, one where your boss sees how you vote, one where bullies can intimidate people into voting for someone they don't like. One where abusive husbands can drag their wives to their candidate
There is nothing truly admirable about the caucus system that couldn't be replaced with a truly SMALL D democratic primary with secret ballots and a potluck
OMG! I forgot about a friend in Washington whose childcare center closed at 8 PM. One of the women she carpooled with made the mistake of saying they had to leave by 7:30 and the guy leading the Bernie team said let's make sure to drag this out until they all have to leave.
She tried to speak and they shouted her down. No one who didn't speak for Bernie was allowed to speak peacefully, they pounded the floor and yelled over all the Hillary people...and of course, they delayed until the group of women had to leave. She was so angry that she was
disenfranchised by Bernie bullies, but she had no choice about leaving. I am glad Minnesota ended caucuses and I can't wait until no state holds caucuses. Though I suppose since Iowa has made an industry out of their caucus, they will be the last to end the anti-democracy system
