2008 | 2004 | 2000 | 1996 | 1992 | 1988 | 1984 | 1980 | 1976 | 1972 | 1968 | 1964 | 1960 | 1956 | 1952

Support From

User login
  • 88.3, Nashua, WEVS
  • 89.1, Concord, WEVO
  • 90.3, Nashua, WEVO
  • 90.7, Keene, WEVN
  • 91.3, Littleton, WEVO
  • 91.3, Hanover, WEVH
  • 97.3, Plymouth
  • 99.5, Jackson, WEVJ
  • 103.9, Portsmouth
  • 104.3, Dover, WEVO
  • 105.9, Colebrook
  • 107.1, Gorham, WEVC

A Salute to Iowa, New Hampshire Democrats

Submitted by Eric Woolson on Wed, 01/28/2004 - 01:00.

Take a bow, Iowa and New Hampshire Democrats. And, for that matter, all you other Democrats and independents from around the country who journeyed to the two "first-in-the-nation" states to work for their chosen candidates.

Maybe we don't agree on many issues -- and you don't agree among yourselves about a favorite candidate yet -- but we all recognize the value of participating in the political process. And, for that, I salute you.

I can't speak for the people in New Hampshire, but I suspect they feel the same as Iowans. That is, we do understand the special role we've have in the process and, Republicans or Democrats, we take it seriously. Just as important, we appreciate the people -- media, campaign professionals and volunteers -- who came here in the heat of summer and the brutal cold of winter to make the process work.

The results of the Iowa caucuses were an effective response to all the criticisms you hear about the process. Iowa Democrats did get an up-close look at all the candidates, weighed all the tangibles and intangibles, and voted for electability over heat and noise. They winnowed the field by thanking Rep. Dick Gephardt for his service but opting for their view of the future rather than the past. They gave the benefit of their wisdom to fellow Democrats in other states. In short, they did their job right. Judging from afar, the Democrats in New Hampshire did the same thing.

We're sure to see quite a few twists and turns in the next five or six weeks as the Democrats continue their process of selecting a nominee. But the enthusiastic participation of Iowa and New Hampshire Democrats proves again why our two states start the process every four years -- and have earned the status to do so again in 2008.

Thanks to all our readers -- even the Dean people who were testy about my pre-caucus predictions and remarkably silent afterward -- for taking part in this fun, informative exercise in democracy. Take care. And stay involved. Everybody's a winner when you do.

»