Model Caucus

The Story of Model Caucus I walked into the Des Moines Social Club on the evening of the Iowa Caucuses in February 2016. It was Bernie versus Hillary with other contenders Martin O’Malley and Rocky Patel. I saw about 200 Iowans on one side of the room in support for Bernie Sanders. I saw another 175 Iowans on the other side in support of Hillary Clinton. But, in the middle of the room, I saw only a handful for O’Malley, Patel, or “undecided.” My immediate thought was that they were not important. I even imagined them being considered “losers.” My instincts were “tribal.” I thought any Iowan needed to be with either of the top two tribes to have any value. I was wrong. I saw experienced Bernie and Hillary supporters from Iowa engage their fellow neighbors in the middle. Being “undecided” was valued in the Iowa Caucus. Even though Bernie won that precinct handily, every citizen in that room was respected — for their opinion, their issue priorities, their concerns, and their vote. I saw magic that night in Iowa — the magic of democracy. I thought, “How can I help share this magical experience with the country, with the world?” The idea of the “Model Caucus” was born. Model Caucus is an interactive educational “Model UN style” simulation of the caucus that seeks to educate students that elections do matter, and direct deliberative democracy works. — John R. Gagain Copyright © Model Caucus 2018