Iowa Caucuses ‘A Matter of Trust’

“It’s always been a matter of trust” –Billy Joel

It might seem odd for a seventh-generation guy from Wilton, IA, to quote Long Island’s Piano Man, but he nailed it: For Iowans, our caucus vote has always been a matter of trust.

There are more than 20 candidates vying for the honor of being our next president. The Republican field is particularly robust, with our “Field of Dreams” crisscrossing Iowa and holding a vibrant debate on our nation’s future.

In some ways the Iowa they travel is very different from the one traveled by candidates in 1976. Today public opinion is shaped in real time on Twitter, and citizens livestream campaign events on Periscope for the world to view. The op-ed page has migrated from once-a-day in print to 24/7 updates on websites like Medium. But in many ways, things haven’t changed. Candidates will still spend weeks traveling the state to meet voters in towns big and small, and Iowans will still faithfully turnout to greet each one and ask: “Can we trust you?”

Can we trust that you’re running for president because you believe in the American experiment? Can we trust that you have real vision for our country, not poll-tested/focus-grouped bromides? Can we trust that you will honor your oath and faithfully execute the laws of the United States? Can we trust you to do the right thing for the American people and tell us the truth?

As importantly, we want to know: Do you trust us? Do you trust the American people to make our own decisions and care for ourselves and our neighbors? Or, do you better trust bureaucrats and lobbyists in D.C.?

My advice to candidates is simple: For Iowans, it’s all just a matter of trust. For those who don’t make the measure, a passionate start will surely turn into an early exit.