One of the many perks of being an Iowan...

Is the invasion of politicians every four years for the Iowa Caucus. Funny how when I was back, everyone there was totally over it though... The ads, the events, the speeches, etc.. They've been flooded with info the last few months because of tonight's caucuses.

However, I would love to be there right now. I would love to have been in Des Moines to hear this speech.

When I ask people if they are caucusing in Nevada and they look at me like I'm crazy, I'm never really sure what my reaction should be. I don't understand how people can not be "in" to politics. It effects you every single day... And with the way things have gone the past 8 years, how can you not being breaking down any doors stopping you making a CHANGE?

Four years ago, I was studying political science at Iowa State University. My favorite professor, Jim Hutter, had a course every two years to discuss political elections. Throughout the course you also had to volunteer on a campaign 50+ hours or so... This was one of my favorite courses throughout my 4.5 years as a college student. It changed my whole perspective on the political process and truly inspired me to be a part of the elections and absorb all of the knowledge around me.

I worked on the Kerry campaign. I caucused for Kerry in the beginning - when everyone said Howard Dean would win - and this was before the infamous squeal. I truly believed in the Kerry/Edwards campaign. I almost got run over while knocking on doors for him (crazy conservatives...) And when he lost, I cried. I felt so defeated.

When Kerry gave his concession speech, I remember crying even harder. I looked up what he said to find what moved me... It was this: I think of the brigades of students and people, young and old, who took time to travel, time off from work, their own vacation time, to work in states far and wide. They braved the hot days of summer and the cold days of the fall and the winter to knock on door because they were determined to open the doors of opportunity to all Americans.
They worked their hearts out. And I wish, you don't know how much, that I could have brought this race home for you, for them. And I say to them now: Don't lose faith. What you did made a difference. And building on itself, we go on to make a difference another day.

Whether you liked him or not, he knew we needed change. We all knew we needed change. And I hope so much that is upon us now.

I find inspiration in Barrack Obama, and I am excited to caucus for him in the great state of Nevada on January 19th. I need to know there is more out there than what I've seen our country struggled through the past eight years.