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With the upcoming Iowa caucus, Americans are waiting to see what candidates have to say to gain the support of undecided voters. Democratic Chair Sean Bagniewski hosted a meet and greet at his home in Beaverdale for Iowans to meet Senator Cory Booker to hear his message.  As more and more people entered the quickly filling house, it was clear that it would not fit the attendees that came to see Sen. Booker. The crowd moved to the yard where a speaker and camera gear were quickly set up. 

Attendees patiently waited for Booker and gathered to listen to his message. He quickly won over the attention of the crowd with wit and the use of “dad jokes”. He came out strong telling the crowd that he was not running to separate the Democratic Party based on issues, but to provide unity for all Americans.

This was seemingly welcomed by the crowd as people applauded and waited to hear what more was to come from this powerful speaker. Booker had a strong ability to instill a sense of hope for a brighter future into the hearts and minds of those that were listening.

One event attendee pointed out in a question to Booker that although the senator has a great ability to speak, there is a lack of attention to policy plans from his campaign. This seemed to be a shock to the senator who rebutted that one needs only to look at his record from time in multiple offices and campaign website to find his position on these issues. During his speech, Booker avoided providing plans on policies that could be implemented if elected into office. He instead sought to win over the crowd through his message of unity.

As the caucus nears, and support for Booker in Iowa sits at 3 percent in The Des Moines Register’s most recent poll, one can’t help but wonder if greater attention to a well-thought-out policy plan would increase Booker’s polling percentages. Despite Sen. Booker’s request to the crowd not to vote out of fear but on what they felt the country needed, I would still need to consider if this is a plan that could win in the general election before supporting his group in the caucus. Even those captured by Booker’s speaking and sense of honesty behind his words want to know how he will instill the change he says will come.

Although Booker can certainly grab the attention of his in-person audience, perhaps greater attention to talking of policy would garner the support needed. With his low polling ratings, he will miss out on the Jan. 14 debate in Des Moines, the final debate before the ever-important Iowa caucus. If a better focus on a policy plan had been part of his campaign message, perhaps he would have had the opportunity to participate in this upcoming debate.