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I didn’t think much of it until I started mulling over the almost nerdy battle cries of Obama, Huckabee, and Clinton, “Get yer caucus on!”.  I’ve always envisioned old (almost always white) men sitting in very hard and very high backed chairs raising their hands precariously between sips of tea when their chosen candidates name is called.  That’s half true.  At least for the Republicans.

I came across an informative article by John Jennings explaining a little better what all this caucusing is about.

Apparently, there’s only one rule the Democrats and Republicans share in regards to their caucuses; the time. Otherwise, it’s like comparing a Model T and a Ferrari:

Each precinct’s caucus is called to order promptly at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. All attendees must be signed in or waiting in line to sign in by 7 p.m., when the doors will be closed. Brock said there must be a cutoff time because attendees must be counted to determine candidate viability. This is where the Democrats and the Republicans begin playing by very different rules.

Once the doors are closed, there’s a series of boring and standard introductions, speeches, and an election of officers for the caucus. After this, the “audience” breaks off into various groups determined by the candidate they prefer.

Starting with the Democrats:

Here’s when the Democratic caucuses have their most rowdy moments. Members of the various groups can plead, cajole, beg, even bribe the undecideds to join their group. Bribery may include anything from a plate of cookies to a chance to be a delegate to the county convention. Often a prepared statement will be read by the chairman of the preference group in an attempt to persuade those who are sitting on the fence.

Sweet!  (I’d bring booze.)

And behind the Republican door?

For the Republicans, the caucus process is much simpler. The evening will begin with representatives of the candidates emphasizing the important points of each campaign. Then, the attendees will break into groups and vote, using a secret ballot, for the candidate of their choice. The percentages of the group supporting each candidate decides what delegates will go on to the county convention.

:::cricket cricket:::

I’ve obviously left quite a few details out of the caucus tradition.  Each party has their own interesting (or mundane) way of conducting business.  But regardless of being a Democrat or not, what would you do to try and persuade a fellow caucuser?

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