By Enrica Nicoli Aldini
ANKENY, Iowa — Things are heating up as Iowans begin discussing their picks for the Democratic nominee.
The Bernie caucusgoer: Christian Pinneke, 20
Medill Reports: “Who are you caucusing for?”
“I’m for Bernie. I’m a pretty strong believer in what he’s trying to accomplish.”
MR: “How are you feeling?”
“It’s getting hot in here.”
Not sure if he was talking about the boiling temperatures in the room, or the heat of the political race.
The Hillary caucusgoers: Bill, 56, and Connie Catrenich.
Bill: “I’m caucusing for the first time. There are a lot of issues that are important to me now that I guess had never been as important, like the environment, medical care and social security, as we’re getting older.”
Connie: “I caucused for the first time eight years because it was a tight race, and I wanted to make sure they would choose the right candidate. It didn’t happen, but she’s back in the race now.”
MR: “Do you think she has chances this time?”
“Yes. I think the last time she just underestimated the power of young voters.”
The Precinct Leader for Hillary: Betsy Dittemore
MR: “How’s everything going tonight?”
“It’s phenomenal. The support for Hillary has been fantastic. We’re having way higher numbers than expected.”
MR: “Is this your first time volunteering for a caucus?”
“I was precinct captain in ’08, and it was pretty crazy, because it didn’t go well for Hillary.”
MR: “What’s changed for her this year?”
“She came into Iowa much earlier, with a wonderful organization in her campaign, and she’s been talking to the people.”
“So what are you going to do after this?”
“I suppose we’ll just go home and sleep very well.”
The cashier at the gas station on our way to Hillary’s victory party.
MR: “You guys not caucusing tonight?”
“Oh no, I like making money, not spending it on candidates who are not going to win.”
She didn’t give us her name.
The Precinct Captain for Bernie Sanders said she supports Bernie because when she studied abroad in London in 2011, she took a social policy class that converted her to democratic socialism. She did not want to give her name, or have her picture taken, because she’s “media shy.” Too bad.
