What Did — And Didn’t — Go Down In The Iowa Caucuses

One thing to note about this year’s caucuses is that the realignment process doesn’t permit people who are already backing a viable candidate to move. In years past, you could’ve moved, even if you already backed someone who was viable. And if you’re uncommitted and the uncommitted group is viable, you’ll have to stay there.

Here in Philadelphia, Pete Buttigieg becomes viable with four supporters, matching Warren. Sanders wins the precinct with six. Generalize at your peril!

If you ever wondered how the caucus organizers count all of the people in the candidate groups, here’s your answer. The people sitting in chairs are a piece of cake, since there are a finite number of chairs in each section. People sitting or standing were organized into groups of 10 by the volunteers, and now everyone is standing in place, waiting for the action to begin.