With all the primary discussions lately, many have asked why New Hampshire? Why Iowa? Why should they go first?
These questions and more were on my mind when the opportunity arose to work on a campaign in New Hampshire just before the January 8th primary. After spending two weeks in New Hampshire and talking to thousands of residents, hundreds of campaign volunteers (from most campaigns), as well as dozens of media representatives (well, here I was told to listen only and not to talk) a conclusion was reached that Iowa and New Hampshire have to go first.
1. They are small in size. This is important in the cost factor as well as the greater impact of "retail politics." Candidates were holding 2+ town hall meetings per day, plus other stops across the state. Such a schedule would not be possible in a state like Texas or Montana or even Tennessee. If you look at the New York Times article on the "last scramble" of candidates in New Hampshire, you realize this schedule could not be made with the one on one impact in most states.
2. They are smaller in population. Sure in New York a town hall meeting might attract thousands not hundreds, but the impact, the one-on-one aspect would be lost. 200 people in Laconia, NH during a blizzard, makes an impact on the overall electorate. 200 people in Los Angeles do not. The campaign worked with represented made upwards of 100,000 calls in one week. A large potential impact in New Hampshire, a drop in the bucket in California.
3. Tradition. While traditions do have to start someplace, in New Hampshire the tradition of looking at candidates up and down and all around is taken quite seriously. Many who I talked to were planning to watch the debates, visit a town hall meeting (some driving in bad weather), or wait to see who calls them least or most. The residents welcomed the out of state visitors with open arms (that is until they prove themselves unwelcome).
Lastly, in visiting New Hampshire, there was a real sense of patience on behalf of the residents. Think about it. An independent voter with a record of voting in elections you potentially received upwards of 4 calls per candidate and there were twelve candidates. Plus all the people crowding street corners, taking hotel rooms, and the signs... they were everywhere.
So thank you to Iowa and New Hampshire. They may not represent "America as a whole" but they sure do a great job and a great service to the country.
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