Iowa Democratic leaders want something to happen during the caucuses; they want someone to challenge Hillary Clinton. They fear a “coronation” will deprive their voters of a discussion regarding the direction of the country. After all, this was a state that backed Obama in 2008 primaries and both presidential elections in 2008 and 2012. A lot of voters have seen this movie before concerning the inevitability/invincibility of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
As previously mentioned within liberal circles, Hillary’s ties to Wall Street, the financial sector, and her lackluster campaign skills has this group of Democrats hesitant to rally behind her (via WSJ):
Iowa Democratic leaders say they are troubled by the prospect that Hillary Clinton could win the state’s 2016 presidential caucuses without a serious challenge, a view primarily rooted in a desire for a more liberal candidate or at least a robust debate about the party’s policies and direction.Interviews with more than half of Democratic chiefs in Iowa’s 99 counties show a state party leadership so far reluctant to coalesce behind Mrs. Clinton. County Democratic officials also voiced qualms about Mrs. Clinton’s ability to win a general election and her fundraising ties to Wall Street firms and corporations, which remain a target of liberal ire.
Many county officials said they would like to see senators including Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont enter the race, though they were split over whether any could gain traction and overtake Mrs. Clinton.
“My heart wouldn’t be in it for Hillary to the extent that it might be if it was a different candidate,” said Jennifer Herrington, chair of the Page County Democrats in southwest Iowa. “I admire Hillary, she’d be a great president, but you know, she isn’t my first choice I guess.”
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State Democratic officials also want a contested race because that boosts the party apparatus and fundraising. Mr. Obama’s 2008 campaign attracted scores of volunteers who remain active in the party. Various presidential hopefuls, moreover, serve as star attractions for fundraising dinners and barbecue cookouts across the state.
Vermont Senator–and self-identified democratic socialist–Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren were mentioned as possible liberal alternatives to Clinton, who’s viewed more as a centrist and a pragmatist.
At the left-wing Netroots Nation last summer in Detroit, it was obvious that the Liz Warren constituted the base for Democratic Party–not Hillary.
So, while we all wallow in speculation-land, Hillary has 48 percent of the country saying they cannot see themselves voting for her, dismal book sales, and members of her own party in one of the early states in the 2016 primaries saying they want someone else.