How Clinton Could Have Won Iowa (Or the Age Divide in the Democratic Party)

Lucky for us, our inside man gdancik was able to participate in the first step of this closely watched election. His experience in the Iowa caucus provides us invaluable insight into how the caucus operates and how it may have shaped the outcome of the election in Iowa, as well as how it may have shaped the outlook for the overall election. As he pointed out, the Democratic caucus took over 2 hours in a small, hot room with no option to sit for those participating.

If we keep this in mind with the statistics of Clinton supporters, the outcome of the Iowa caucuses needs to be questioned. In New Hampshire, Clinton received 57% of the votes for the 65+ age group and generally her supporters tend to be on average above 40 and female. The situation for the Iowa caucus (standing for two hours straight in a crowded, hot small room) could have caused some Hillary supporters to stay home. Obama, however, dominates in the college crowd.

One has to wonder if this played into account for the outcome. Perhaps Clinton could have taken Iowa, if only it was a standard primary and not a caucus?

UPDATE: Ok, I think I may have ran with the ball a little too fast with this one.  But it does raise an interesting question.  Some are saying that Barack lost in NH because the college kids were on break and therefore didn’t vote.  But with such a big divide between the top two for the democratic candidacy, will this party stay divided?  As Clinton’s supporters are generally older and Barack backers are generally younger, will either demographic be willing to support the other candidate?