A couple of quick notes and advice from my first caucus night.
First, just because I'm wearing a yarmulker, that doesn't oblige you to comment on it. There were a few blacks there, few hispanics (aside from the party chairman), and a couple of Jews. I've got no brook for formal affirmative action, but repeatedly telling someone, even with good humor, that they look like a fish out of water is a great way to make sure things stay that way. I wasn't offended - the Party clearly sees the need to, er, broaden its base - just annoyed after a while. Successful outreach needs a little less clumsiness, and I've already self-selected.
Second, I'm sure that the older gentleman who read the rules has a history of long and distinguished service to the Party. Evidently that service doesn't include trying to maintain control over a roomful of adults with other obligations, in a hall with lousy acoustics. Get someone who people want to pay attention to. They don't have to be Robin Williams up there, you'd think that people with a lifetime in politics would know the value of public speaking skills.
Third, sell the post-caucus politicking. No, not sell as in, "office accounts," or "replacement for Deanna Hanna." Sell as in, get people debating. Almost everyone in that room ended up as a delegate to the state convention. If we're not just going through the motions, these things matter.
Finally, I think Mike Miles spoiled the party for everyone. If you can organize, organize, organize, pull surprise upsets at the caucuses and the convention, and still get only the votes of you and your mom in the primary, it calls into question the whole process. Maybe things were more exciting in counties where whole precinct delegations couldn't fit in a cupboard. But in trying to defend the process, I got the same feeling that I got from conversations with fellow train-travelers a couple of decades ago.
Comments
Josh, this was my first caucus, and I too was dismayed at the poor turnout. Anyway, I guess I will see you and Ben and maybe some more RMA'ers at some of the Assemblies. I will be a delegate at all three. I look forward to seeing you.
Jack Ott - Lakewood (Rick O'Donnell Country).
Posted by: The Drum and Cannon | March 24, 2006 10:54 PM
Josh;
I agree - moved to Colorado Springs in the late 90's (second time around) as an old Rockefeller Republican and have felt like a fish out of water in El Paso County. Still keep my oar in with the Small Business Advisory Committee of the RNC but my heart isn't in it. Have elected to cross the street to support a fiscal conservative Democrat (that I encouraged to run on that side of the aisle because I knew SHE had no chance in the El Paso GOP world view). Unfortunately, I think crossing the aisle may the only chance we can get to make a difference - when we can find a Democrat that can add.
Posted by: Tom Lord | May 5, 2006 5:02 PM