If Ann Selzer’s poll accurately predicts the outcome of the November 5 vote, several additional observations come to mind, drawing from insights I gained during recent Zoom sessions with Selzer herself. Previously, I had attributed Iowa polling trends primarily to dissatisfaction with Republican policies on abortion, private school vouchers, and inaction on eminent domain protections related to carbon pipelines. However, there’s a fourth factor likely contributing to the apparent discontent among older Iowans with Trump: the persistent issues with Iowa's nursing homes. The Iowa Capital Dispatch has been consistently reporting on serious mismanagement—and, in some cases, possible malfeasance—in certain facilities, while Iowa commentators critique the lack of government oversight.
This election marks the first time Iowans can express their reaction to several major policy shifts: the state’s responses to the Dobbs decision, the dramatic expansion of private school vouchers since 2023, the absence of eminent domain protections for landowners, and the inadequate regulatory attention to Iowa’s nursing homes. Altogether, this vote offers Iowans a chance to signal their objections to these issues and voice their opinion on the Republican-led state government’s response.
This could play out the same in other states with Republican led states.
Thank you, IowaCaptive. I know my Republican friends are feeling very confident, but in the all-important “field sign competition,” Harris/Walz appears to be doing well. Across rural Iowa and residential neighborhoods, their signs are noticeably more prominent. Just yesterday, while volunteering at a certain political party’s headquarters, I was struck by the number of people from Ames and rural Story County who came in to request signs, replace ones that had been taken down, or simply show their support. As IowaCaptive reports, Iowa’s landscape is already telling a story.
Thanks Becky. When people start wearing their politics on their shirt sleeves (pun intended), that is a good sign. Political buttons and bumper stickers used to have that same benefit.
If Ann Selzer’s poll accurately predicts the outcome of the November 5 vote, several additional observations come to mind, drawing from insights I gained during recent Zoom sessions with Selzer herself. Previously, I had attributed Iowa polling trends primarily to dissatisfaction with Republican policies on abortion, private school vouchers, and inaction on eminent domain protections related to carbon pipelines. However, there’s a fourth factor likely contributing to the apparent discontent among older Iowans with Trump: the persistent issues with Iowa's nursing homes. The Iowa Capital Dispatch has been consistently reporting on serious mismanagement—and, in some cases, possible malfeasance—in certain facilities, while Iowa commentators critique the lack of government oversight.
This election marks the first time Iowans can express their reaction to several major policy shifts: the state’s responses to the Dobbs decision, the dramatic expansion of private school vouchers since 2023, the absence of eminent domain protections for landowners, and the inadequate regulatory attention to Iowa’s nursing homes. Altogether, this vote offers Iowans a chance to signal their objections to these issues and voice their opinion on the Republican-led state government’s response.
This could play out the same in other states with Republican led states.
Thank you, IowaCaptive. I know my Republican friends are feeling very confident, but in the all-important “field sign competition,” Harris/Walz appears to be doing well. Across rural Iowa and residential neighborhoods, their signs are noticeably more prominent. Just yesterday, while volunteering at a certain political party’s headquarters, I was struck by the number of people from Ames and rural Story County who came in to request signs, replace ones that had been taken down, or simply show their support. As IowaCaptive reports, Iowa’s landscape is already telling a story.
Just saw this on The Bulwark. Here's hoping Ann Selzer is right.
One of Iowa's favorite retailers, Raygun, is currently sold out of LFG T-shirts https://www.raygunsite.com/
Thanks Becky. When people start wearing their politics on their shirt sleeves (pun intended), that is a good sign. Political buttons and bumper stickers used to have that same benefit.
Driving from Storm Lake to Des Moines, then Jewell to Council Bluffs, mostly on county roads I saw lots of Harris/walz signs!!