Crabs in a Bucket

I’d never heard the phrase before — “Crabs in a bucket.”

Robert Leonard, affectionately known around here as “Dr. Bob,” used it to describe these final days before the Iowa caucuses.

When I googled it, I discovered it suggests chaotic striving, crawling over each other, pulling one another down in a desperate effort to get to the top. Do-or-die.

It’s an apt image. Here in Iowa the airwaves, social media, mailboxes and more are deluged with advertising for the candidates. Rallies and appearances by candidates have ramped up with our February 3 caucus almost here. Many (maybe even most?) Iowa Democrats still remain undecided, including me.

I invite you — really urge you — to listen to my conversation with Bob Leonard. It’s also an opportunity to become more familiar with the Reformed Journal Podcast — an endeavor we hope to grow over the next year.

Bob has more access and understanding of the candidates than almost anyone. Maybe you’ve read him in the New York Times, where he appears with some frequency. He’s a unique blend of a true and trusted Iowan who can walk fearlessly through hog manure, and yet write incisively for Salon or Politico and appear on CNN.

Bob and I talk about “Why Iowa?” and Bob offers his analysis on all the different candidates — those who have already come-and-gone, the dark horses, and of course, the front runners.

Give a listen, please.

These specials-of-the-day are also on today’s menu at the Caucus Cafe.

• “The Joy of Caucusing” from the Reformed Journal. It’s my take on the feel and the energy surrounding the Iowa caucuses.
• And then, my most memorable caucus experience — honestly, one of the most unforgettable nights of my life — is recounted here.

Iowa — come for the corn, stay for the caucuses!