Bernie Sanders supporters speak

February 1, 2016

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders waves to the crowd during the photo spray before the start of the Democratic debate on Saturday, Nov. 14. The debate took place in Carnegie Hall on Drake University’s campus. (The Daily Iowan/Brooklynn Kascel)

The Daily Iowan has reporters around Iowa City and Des Moines covering Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses.

The DI has spoken with several individuals caucusing for the first time for Democratic candidate Bernie Sander – even despite an earlier injury, in one case.

“I’m stoked to caucus and this is my first time,” said Andrea Courtney, 22, at the Pomerantz Center. “I actually got a concussion just this morning from slipping on the ice but I’m here because this is important to me. I think Bernie represents a lot of stuff most politicians aren’t passionate about. I feel he is standing up for the middle class.”

“Bernie really aligns with my views and he is what I hope for our country,” said Breawna Schroder, 19, at MacBride Hall. “I really support his views on education and those are the most important to me.”

Other caucus-goers said they were not anti-Hillary Clinton, Sanders’ main rival, but they preferred the Vermont senator.

“A lot of people are rabid Bernie Sanders fans and diss Hillary,” said Christian Corcoran, 18, at MacBride Hall. “I don’t mind Hillary Clinton, she’s the safe choice. But I’m willing to take a chance first time caucus-goer.”

“I’m leaning Bernie, but I’ll hear what Hillary people have to say,” said Anna Baio, 19, at the Robert A. Lee Rec Center. “I probably won’t go Hillary, though because she’s been contradicting in the past.”

Others settled on Sanders more recently.

“I did some pretty intense research this morning,” said Laura Perez, 18, at MacBride Hall. “I support his stances on supporting small businesses and wanting to break up big banks.”

“I’m leaning Bernie, but I’m not for sure,” said Caitlin Deigan, 20, at the Rec Center. “I like what he has to say about social issues, he’s talking about things that Hillary’s wishy-washy about.”

Some remained convinced that Sanders will fight for their economic interests.

“Bernie brought a new rhetoric to the new arena. There is some hope. He is the strongest candidate to fight against Wall Street,” said Resimye Oral, 57, a returning caucus-goer at Iowa City High School.
“There was no doubt in my mind he’s the man for the job. After seeing him speak twice, I had no doubt he’s a candidate for the people,” said Nick O’Loughlin, 27, a first time caucus goer at the Iowa City Public Library.