| THE LEDE It’s almost time to start counting the votes! Or, at least, the quasi-democratic equivalent that is the Iowa caucus.
Party Unity?
Here’s a glimmer of hope for the Democratic Party, from Nidhi: “I would vote for my dead cat over Trump,” said Sandy Stanley, 71, at a Biden campaign stop in Muscatine, Iowa. Stanley said she doesn’t like Sanders but wouldn’t hesitate to vote for him if he does become the nominee. “I think he’s too divisive and I’m afraid he wouldn't win over a lot of independents and moderate Republicans, so I'm hoping he doesn't get it. But Trump, anyone but Trump.”
While it's hard to imagine regular people having more reasons to dislike their party institutions, Ruby has found one: On the eve of the caucuses, a group of DNC officials quietly approved a generous exit package for chair Tom Perez and two of his deputies. Other members of the DNC leadership were stunned — and furious. (Perez and the deputies now say they won’t take the money.) “I think it is completely short-sighted and really stupid,” one senior official said.
READ RECEIPTS J.D. Scholten I texted this week with J.D. Scholten, the Democrat running for Congress in Western Iowa against Rep. Steve King, a Republican who was stripped of his House committee spots last year after defending white supremacists. We talked about the caucuses, the district, and my own professional news. Stay tuned for more! ON THE TRAIL WITH BUZZFEED NEWS From Miriam: Donald Trump is flooding Iowa this week because he needs to be the center of attention.
Bernie’s Iowa supporters are absolutely falling for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nidhi reports.
Ruby reports from Iowa that Bernie’s supporters are warning of a backlash and to stay positive no matter what.
Molly reports that Elizabeth Warren is on a mission to kill anxiety about her campaign P.S. If you like this newsletter, help keep our reporting free for all. Support BuzzFeed News by becoming a member here. (Monthly memberships are available worldwide.) 📝 This letter was edited and brought to you by Ben Smith, Veronica Dulin, and BuzzFeed News. You can always reach us here.
🔔 Want to be notified as soon as news breaks? Download the BuzzFeed News app for iOS and Android (available in Canadian, UK, Australian, and US app stores).
💌 Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up to get BuzzFeed News in your inbox! Show privacy notice and cookie policy. BuzzFeed, Inc.
111 E. 18th St.
New York, NY 10003 Unsubscribe | 