Looking Back

I don’t know what to say. Three days, 10 hours of sleep, six towns and countless interviews later, TMN Politics is packing up and heading home to Missouri.

We’ve seen all the candidates, witnessed them in moments of humility and defeat, as well as victory. We’ve seen them at a human level and in times of staged theatrics. We’ve stood in the throng of the press, chased down interviews and eaten more fast food than any human being should be asked to consume.

And what did we gain? Other than the blisters and the bruises and the loss of dignity, as we ran alongside campaign buses in high heels?

We gained insight into one of the most unexplainable political phenomena in the world: the fact that every four years, eyes turn to one Midwestern state that will influence a national decision that impacts billions of people around the globe. For three days, the Iowa caucuses outshine all other news including war, famine and crime.

We gained firsthand experience in observing political candidates, their moments of spectacle and meekness. Rick Santorum seeking out a young girl who fainted to give her an autograph was an incredibly human act. Mitt Romney’s intricately staged campaign events were planned exhibitions that reflected his character. Michele Bachmann’s malt order softened her professional exterior.

We gained experience in our craft. We bumped elbows with photographers and beat out national press for interviews. We learned to stand our ground and find an interesting angle. Instead of pressing to the front of the crowd, we often rushed to the back, seeking out those in moments of conflict, such as the occupiers and Ron Paul supporters forcibly removed from Mitt Romney events.

But mostly, we gained confidence: confidence in ourselves as journalists and our fellow Americans as voters. Iowans are incredibly motivated and competent and educated. Their enthusiasm for the caucuses is at once intimidating and inspiring.

As professional journalists prepare for the next onslaught of theatrics in New Hampshire, we will take what we gained here in Iowa and carry it with us into the upcoming election. For now, we’ll be following the political horse race from afar.