Why does McCain get his ass kicked in these closed door caucuses?

[bluestateguy]

It takes real commitment to go to a caucus for 2-3 hours and declare yourself openly for a particular candidate. It's much more of a commitment than quietly going to a primary, casting your secret ballot and then going home. The true believers go to caucuses.

Ever notice that John McCain gets his ass handed to him in these closed door caucus meetings, sometimes losing to Ron Paul? He has yet to win a caucus.

[CanonRay]

1. Because the Repug activists are ultra-conservative.

"Normal" Republicans show up at Primaries, but the Rethugs are the ones controlling the party, and the caucuses. That's why Romney won Colorado, a caucus state.

[Bongo Prophet]

2. I think it is indicative of "soft support"

And that should not be construed as a crack about his age. ;)

you're right, here - it takes true believers, people really excited and dedicated enough to follow through.
One of the impressive things about Obama is that the new voters he is bringing in are following through, which gives evidence that they are not the "shallow kids who will abandon us" as both detractors as well as some supporters and objective analysts are concerned about.


Here is a related thought, just to toss out:
The point that Hillary made regarding nurses who have to work is also an important one of class and job requirements, caring for children, etc. It is more difficult for some to get out, due to their personal responsibilities. National voting holidays and regional primaries should be considered to change that dynamic.

[Bitwit1234]

3. Because you don't have a secure record of voting...you can stick

your favorite in and no really truly way of checking.

[LiberalFighter]

4. Because they involve people that have time from other activities

Absolutely must be a Republican?

Fewer people involved in the process?