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Biden’s move to replace Iowa would upend five decades of tradition – Iowa Capital Dispatch

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Biden’s move to replace Iowa would upend five decades of tradition – Iowa Capital Dispatch


Barring a miracle, Iowa’s first-in-the-nation standing is over.

On Thursday, President Biden requested the Democratic Nationwide Committee to place South Carolina first on the 2024 presidential nominating calendar, adopted by Nevada and New Hampshire every week later; after that may be Georgia, then Michigan.

On Friday, the celebration’s Guidelines and Bylaws Committee ratified the brand new lineup.

There are some issues to this reordering of the calendar, and a remaining choice by the complete DNC isn’t anticipated till early subsequent 12 months. However it could be stunning if the celebration repudiated its personal president.

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So, what now?

My guess: Iowa must settle for that it’s going to lose its privileged place. (Within the Democratic Celebration, anyway. Republicans are placing Iowa first on their calendar in 2024 simply as they historically have.)

Scott Brennan, an Iowan who sits is on the Guidelines and Bylaws Committee, objected Friday, however the writing is on the wall.

Some people in Iowa have urged state Democrats to face quick and maintain their caucuses first, anyway.

If it occurs, it could be fairly the turnabout.

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For years, different states have tried to barge forward of Iowa and New Hampshire in contravention of celebration guidelines.

Again then, states like Michigan had been seen because the interlopers, as states that couldn’t settle for the foundations of the sport.

Will Iowa now be the one to fill that position, to flout celebration guidelines?

That might not be look, particularly at a time when distinguished forces within the Republican Celebration appear to suppose they’ll simply rewrite the rule e-book to swimsuit their very own functions, even to the purpose of refusing to concede elections they lose.

I wouldn’t equate Iowa preventing for its leadoff spot with an rebel, after all, however the state nonetheless would run the danger of coming off like a spoiled little one who has loved the fruits of the system for 50 years, solely to repudiate it when it didn’t get its means.

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In fact, what Iowa Democrats determine to do could not matter that a lot.

What actually counts is whether or not candidates and the media present up if Iowa insists on being first.

If Biden runs once more, this probably can be a moot query. But when he doesn’t, there would be the temptation for some candidates to copy what Jimmy Carter did in 1976, to leverage the state to raise themselves.

It may occur, however I doubt there could be a significant variety of credible candidates who would do it – and I wouldn’t in any respect be stunned in the event that they had been largely ignored by the media.

Iowa’s disastrous 2020 Democratic caucuses turned off a number of the nationwide media, as if the state didn’t have sufficient detractors already. Not having the ability to say who gained till days later is a calamity few will wish to threat repeating.

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Extra importantly, many of those reporters have now turned their consideration to locations like Arizona and Georgia, that are the brand new electoral swing states. Iowa hasn’t belonged to that class in a decade.

Candidates who could wish to court docket Iowa may be threatened with a lack of delegates or banishment from debates in the event that they don’t keep on with the DNC calendar.

That will or could not matter to a few of them, however my guess is that it’ll. Why threat it, when there isn’t a lot payoff?

Extra importantly, I feel candidates who wish to lead the Democratic Celebration can be extra apt to spend their time courting the varied voters that more and more decide the course of the celebration’s future, not a state whose largely white, non-college-educated voters are abandoning the celebration.

Apart from, the Democrats are seeing some slippage amongst Black and Hispanic voters to the Republican Celebration. By elevating these voters within the celebration’s nominating course of, Democrats may be capable to win a few of them again.

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With this new calendar, Biden is clearly telling these voters they matter.

Personally, I’d hate to see the caucuses go away. Iowa has benefitted enormously from the eye the final 5 a long time. And I feel, for probably the most half, our state has been worthy. We do give candidates with out big TV promoting budgets the prospect to compete. Activists additionally take their position severely, and the small gatherings that Iowa has historically hosted (however don’t appear to be as widespread as they was) add worth to the controversy.

On the identical time, there’s nothing sacrosanct about Iowa going first.

Different states have voters who are also discerning, who care and who convey a helpful perspective to the controversy. And lots of of them have ached to be given the chance Iowa has been privileged to carry for many years.

I’ve by no means thought that Iowans themselves see the caucuses as their birthright.

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I’m undecided about New Hampshire, nonetheless. Celebration leaders there are donning their armor and have made clear since Biden’s letter grew to become public that, come hell or excessive water, they’re going to be the primary main.

Iowa Democratic leaders don’t appear to me to be as aggressive, whilst they’ve stated they’ll combat this, too.

State celebration leaders had been sensible to alter the format of the caucuses in an effort to maintain their leadoff spot. Even when they aren’t profitable, I hope the adjustments to make the caucuses extra inclusive are maintained. That can be good for Iowans, it doesn’t matter what occurs.

As of this writing, there nonetheless are some unresolved questions. Iowa regulation requires that the caucuses go earlier than different states, though that isn’t binding on the DNC, after all. I’m undecided how that may play out.

Additionally, it’s traditionally been a dangerous guess to go in opposition to Iowa and New Hampshire.

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Nonetheless, by all appearances, the celebration is over.

We’ll have to attend to see whether or not Iowa leaves the festivities voluntarily.

 





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Iowa

Keys to Victory: Nebraska at Iowa

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Keys to Victory: Nebraska at Iowa


Nebraska heads to Iowa City on Friday for the annual Black Friday matchup against the Hawkeyes. At 6-5, the Huskers are bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. Iowa comes into the game at 7-4, having won three out of their last four. Of the two teams’ mutual opponents, Iowa lost to Ohio State 35-7, beat Wisconsin 42-10, and lost to UCLA 20-17. 

On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here are three keys to victory for the Huskers, and two keys to victory for all the fellow Common Fans. 

NEBRASKA’S KEYS TO VICTORY

Stop (or Slow Down) Kaleb Johnson. After having an atrocious offense last season, Iowa is back to being respectable on the offensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to the run game. The Hawkeyes boast the #13 rushing offense in the nation. Starter Kaleb Johnson has rushed for 1,492 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He is legitimately one of the best backs in the country. What’s more, Iowa is on their fourth starting quarterback of the season. While there have been some rumblings this week that Cade McNamara and/or Brendan Sullivan–both of whom have started games under center this year–would play on Friday, it sounds like Jackson Stratton will be the guy. Stratton attempted a total of 14 passes last weekend against Maryland, completing 10 for 76 yards. Considering the strength of Nebraska’s defense has been stopping the run all season long, this matchup should favor the Huskers. But it’s Iowa, so who knows. If the Big Red can contain Iowa’s run game, I like their chances to win the game. 

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More of That Offense, Please. Iowa teams of recent years have been known for great defense. Not just great defense – they have had some elite defensive units. This year’s Hawkeye defense is perhaps not quite as dominant as what we’ve seen in recent years, but they’re still very good. They come into the game ranked #17 nationally in total defense, #12 in scoring defense, and #26 in rushing defense. They have been susceptible to giving up the big play, and currently rank #41 in opponent yards per play, after finishing the 2023 season at #1 in that category. 

What will we see out of Nebraska’s offensive unit this week? Are we going to see the squad that had its way with Wisconsin? Or will we see the unit that struggled to move the ball for most of the year? If new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen can sprinkle a little more magic on the Nebraska offense, perhaps they can get out to a lead and take Iowa out of their comfort zone. 

Make Special Teams Special. Another defining characteristic of Iowa teams in recent years has been outstanding special teams play. On the other side of the equation, all Common Fans know that Nebraska’s special teams play has struggled for most of this season. That said, against Wisconsin, Jacorey Barney had a 45 yard kickoff return to set up Nebraska’s first scoring drive, and place kicker John Hohl was 3-for-3 on field goals. Progress. 

Can someone make a game changing play against the Hawkeyes? Can the Huskers at least make sure special teams doesn’t hurt them on Friday? 

COMMON FAN KEYS

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Soak It In. This is painful to say, but it’s the first time in eight years that Nebraska will be playing Iowa with bowl eligibility already secured. Husker fans don’t have to hold our breath, stressing that the team’s postseason fate rides on this game. I’d love nothing more than to see the Big Red pick up where they left off against Wisconsin, come out and pummel the Hawkeyes. But whatever happens, this isn’t the end of the road for the Huskers. 

At least for me, the Iowa game has emerged as a great Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Iowa is the closest thing we have to a rival since joining the Big Ten. Embrace it. Enjoy it. We’re going bowling this year, no matter what happens against Iowa. So load up with some leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, maybe an extra piece of pie, and enjoy the ride, Husker fans.

Going to Kinnick? Common Fan Podcast co-host Matty O was in the house for the Wisconsin game, and after the win, pulled the trigger on tickets for the Black Friday battle against Iowa. He and his son will be making the trek to Iowa City on Friday. That’s the impact of beating the Badgers, getting to bowl eligibility, and starting to believe in this program again.

Are any other Common Fans out there going to be in the house? Hats off to anyone representing the Big Red in enemy territory. And, if you are going to be there on Friday, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email to commonfangbr@gmail.com or hit us up on social media (@commonfangbr on X) to share your experience. Send pictures, stories, smart remarks…whatever you’ve got! Let’s go 1-0 this week and beat those Hawkeyes!

As always, GBR for LIFE.

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MORE: Nick Handley Show: Iowa Football Preview with the Des Moines Register’s Chad Leistikow

MORE: Nebraska Football Commit Christian Jones Makes Final Visit Before Signing

MORE: Nebraska Football Recruiting: Lamarcus Barber Recaps Visit, Names Huskers Top Choice

MORE: 2026 Wide Receiver Blaise LaVista Details Nebraska Football Recruiting Visit

MORE: 2027 OT Reece Mallinger Details Nebraska Football Visit

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.



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Urquhart Sets Iowa’s Single-Season Aces Record at UCLA

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LOS ANGELES – Senior Michelle Urquhart set Iowa’s single-season service aces record in the Hawkeyes’ 3-1 loss to UCLA on Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion. Iowa drops to 10-21 overall and 4-15 in the Big Ten.

Urquhart needed two aces to surpass the single-season rally scoring era record set by Becky Walters in 2010. With the third set tied at 10-10, Urquhart dropped in a soft serve to secure her 42nd ace on the season.

The senior from Virginia Beach, Virginia, also recorded a double-double, registering 13 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Dominique Phills and sophomore Hannah Whittingstall were in double-figures with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Phills was a spark off the bench, drilling five kills in the opening set.

Senior libero Joy Galles notched a career high in digs, finishing with 24. She neared a double-double, tallying eight assists.

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MATCH SUMMARY
SET ONE (UCLA, 25-23)
After trading points early on, the Hawkeyes strung together three consecutive points to take a 5-3 lead, courtesy of a kill and ace from Urquhart. UCLA answered with a run, pushing ahead 13-8. Phills was a spark off the bench, helping Iowa pull within two on several occasions. The Hawkeyes rallied all the way back in the opener, tying the set at 23-23 before the Bruins capitalized on back-to-back kills to win the set. UCLA had only one attacking error in the first set, while Iowa had seven.

SET TWO (UCLA, 25-11)
Despite gaining momentum at the end of the first set, Iowa fell behind 9-1 to begin the second. A timeout slowed the Bruins’ progress, but they gained early control of the set. Iowa chipped away in the middle of the set on terminations from Phills and UCLA errors. UCLA ended the set on a 5-0 run.

SET THREE (IOWA, 25-23)
Iowa quickly regrouped for a competitive set in the third. A kill from Whittingstall and ace from freshman Jenna Meitzler kept the pressure on UCLA early. Urquhart notched her record-setting ace, breaking a 10-10 tie in the third set. The teams headed into the media timeout with UCLA leading, 15-14. It wasn’t until late in the set before Iowa pulled away, using a 3-0 run to go up by two at 20-18, courtesy of kills from freshman Malu Garcia and Phills. After a UCLA timeout fueled back-to-back points for the Bruins, Iowa sealed the set with a kill from Whittingstall and error from UCLA.

SET FOUR (UCLA, 25-15)
UCLA recovered and regained momentum, leading 6-2 to begin set four. A pair of kills from Urquhart and a termination from Garcia brought Iowa back within one at 7-6. The Hawkeyes stayed within striking distance but could not take the lead in the set. The Bruins used a run in the middle of the set to take control. A block from senior Anna Davis and Garcia stopped the run at 19-13. UCLA finished the set on a 5-1 run to win the match.

UP NEXT: Iowa heads across town for its season finale, battling No. 20 USC on Friday evening. First serve is set for 9 p.m. (CT) from the Galen Center. The match will be broadcast on B1G+ and the Hawkeye Radio Network.





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Iowa Legend Sends Strong Message In Midst of Brutal Season

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Iowa Legend Sends Strong Message In Midst of Brutal Season


Former Iowa Hawkeyes star George Kittle is in the midst of what has to be the most trying season of his NFL career.

Kittle’s San Francisco 49ers—who were Super Bowl contenders heading into 2024—fell to just 5-6 with their loss to the Green Bay Packer this past Sunday, further hindering their playoff chances.

However, the tight end is not giving up hope in the midst of severe adversity.

“My optimism is not broken by any means,” Kittle told reporters. “We still have a lot of very talented players. We will get some guys back. And I still have full trust in the coaching staff to put our guys in position to make plays, and I got no worry about that. But definitely an uphill grind, and going to see what we’re made of, which I’m looking forward to.”

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You have to love Kittle’s fighting spirit, but it seems hard to imagine the 49ers righting the ship in their current predicament.

San Francisco is dealing with a plethora of injury issues up and down the roster, which includes quarterback Brock Purdy, who missed the Packers game with a shoulder problem.

Kittle himself had a strong performance in Week 12, logging six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. He has also been his usual impressive self overall this season, totaling 49 receptions for 642 yards and eight scores in nine appearances.

But not even Kittle can save the Niners from all of their current troubles.

The 49ers will face the Buffalo Bills in a matchup that could ultimately decide their playoff fate this Sunday.

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