usatoday--2020-02-03--Iowa Poll canceled after Buttigieg supporter says candidate's name was omitted during a poll call

DES MOINES , Iowa – A highly anticipated release of the Iowa Poll , one of the most respected political surveys in the nation , was canceled Saturday night ahead of the Iowa caucuses after Pete Buttigieg 's campaign complained that his name had been omitted by a poll interviewer .
The Iowa Poll 's sponsors , The Des Moines Register and CNN , jointly made the decision in consultation with Selzer & Co. , which conducts the poll , after determining they could n't verify that the results were valid .
Democratic presidential candidates were eagerly awaiting the poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lead-up to determine who will challenge President Donald Trump in the fall .
`` The Iowa Poll was founded in 1943 , '' Carol Hunter , executive editor of the Register , said in an interview Saturday .
`` It 's built its reputation over many decades for accuracy , and we feel the utmost responsibility to uphold that reputation . ''
Buttigieg 's campaign complained of irregularities in the polling methodology that left out his name among the panel of candidates when a supporter was surveyed for the poll .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pollster and its media partners .
`` Our campaign received a report from a recipient of the Iowa Poll call , raising concerns that not every candidate was named by the interviewer when asked who they support , '' Buttigieg campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith said in a statement .
`` We shared this with the organizations behind the poll , who conducted an internal investigation and determined not to release it .
We applaud CNN and the Des Moines Register for their integrity . ''
The decision could agitate Buttigieg 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were looking to use the survey as a signal to their supporters .
Chief among them is Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont , who was ahead in the last Iowa Poll released in January .
The cancellation of the poll created immediate speculation among political observers .
`` CNN should immediately begin a one hour special on what the Des Moines Register poll might have said , '' political analyst Jeff Greenfield said sarcastically in a tweet .
Hunter said the decision should not affect Monday 's caucus outcome .
`` The ultimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make their own decisions , '' Hunter said .
`` Our intent in polling is never to sway outcomes .
A poll is simply a snapshot in time of Iowans ' opinions . ''
The poll was conducted by live operators from a call center where respondents are read candidates ’ names from a list to determine which candidate a voter planned to support .
CNN did an internal investigation and found that an operator had enlarged the font on their computer screen , cutting off Buttigieg 's name , which had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ randomly cycles candidates ' names so that they are read in a different order , making it impossible to determine which other candidates ' names might have been left out – or how many times it might have happened .
While the polling partners are aware of only one instance of a candidate 's name being omitted , the decision was made to cancel the poll because the same thing could have occurred with Buttigieg or other candidates .
`` A respondent raised an issue with the way their interview was conducted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the poll , '' CNN said in a statement Saturday .
`` We were unable to ascertain what happened during the respondent 's interview , and can not determine if this was a single isolated incident . ''
• Iowa caucus saga reaches final chapter : 10 questions that will be answered on caucus night • Iowa caucuses results : How to follow the live results from the Democratic and Republican caucuses Monday night • Presidential campaigns may seek alliances for caucus night , but no one is making deals • 1,500 media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A consortium is ready to greet them with work space and more • How to caucus in Glasgow : Plan the politics , then figure out what to serve on a stick

Iowa Poll canceled after Buttigieg supporter says candidate's name was omitted during a poll call
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa Poll: Explaining why the final poll was canceled Des Moines Register, partners cancel the release of Iowa Poll over respondent concerns. Watch the announcement. Wochit
DES MOINES, Iowa – A highly anticipated release of the Iowa Poll, one of the most respected political surveys in the nation, was canceled Saturday night ahead of the Iowa caucuses after Pete Buttigieg's campaign complained that his name had been omitted by a poll interviewer.
The Iowa Poll's sponsors, The Des Moines Register and CNN, jointly made the decision in consultation with Selzer & Co., which conducts the poll, after determining they couldn't verify that the results were valid.
Democratic presidential candidates were eagerly awaiting the poll results leading into Monday's caucuses in the lead-up to determine who will challenge President Donald Trump in the fall.
"The Iowa Poll was founded in 1943," Carol Hunter, executive editor of the Register, said in an interview Saturday. "It's built its reputation over many decades for accuracy, and we feel the utmost responsibility to uphold that reputation."
Iowa Caucus Results: Follow live Iowa caucus results on Monday night
Iowa Poll: Des Moines Register, partners cancel release of Iowa Poll over respondent concerns
How polls work: The science behind gathering voter opinions The news cycle is jampacked with polls. But have you ever wondered how polls actually work and what they mean? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Buttigieg's campaign complained of irregularities in the polling methodology that left out his name among the panel of candidates when a supporter was surveyed for the poll.
The campaign brought the problem to the attention of the pollster and its media partners.
"Our campaign received a report from a recipient of the Iowa Poll call, raising concerns that not every candidate was named by the interviewer when asked who they support," Buttigieg campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith said in a statement.
"We shared this with the organizations behind the poll, who conducted an internal investigation and determined not to release it. We applaud CNN and the Des Moines Register for their integrity."
Since people are asking:
Our campaign received a report from a recipient of the Iowa Poll call, raising concerns that not every candidate was named by the interviewer when asked who they support (1/2) — Lis Smith (@Lis_Smith) February 2, 2020
The decision could agitate Buttigieg's rivals who are crisscrossing the state and were looking to use the survey as a signal to their supporters.
Chief among them is Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who was ahead in the last Iowa Poll released in January. The cancellation of the poll created immediate speculation among political observers.
"CNN should immediately begin a one hour special on what the Des Moines Register poll might have said," political analyst Jeff Greenfield said sarcastically in a tweet.
CNN should immediately begin a one hour special on what the Des Moines Register poll MiGHT have said. — Jeff Greenfield (@greenfield64) February 2, 2020
Hunter said the decision should not affect Monday's caucus outcome.
"The ultimate poll is always when voters go and make their own decisions," Hunter said. "Our intent in polling is never to sway outcomes. A poll is simply a snapshot in time of Iowans' opinions."
The poll was conducted by live operators from a call center where respondents are read candidates’ names from a list to determine which candidate a voter planned to support.
CNN did an internal investigation and found that an operator had enlarged the font on their computer screen, cutting off Buttigieg's name, which had been at the bottom.
The polling methodology randomly cycles candidates' names so that they are read in a different order, making it impossible to determine which other candidates' names might have been left out – or how many times it might have happened.
While the polling partners are aware of only one instance of a candidate's name being omitted, the decision was made to cancel the poll because the same thing could have occurred with Buttigieg or other candidates.
"A respondent raised an issue with the way their interview was conducted, which could have compromised the results of the poll," CNN said in a statement Saturday. "We were unable to ascertain what happened during the respondent's interview, and cannot determine if this was a single isolated incident."
Follow Phillip M. Bailey on Twitter: @phillipmbailey.
Other Iowa caucuses coverage:


usatoday--2020-02-03--Des Moines Register, partners cancel release of Iowa Poll over respondent concerns

DES MOINES , Iowa – The Des Moines Register , CNN and Selzer & Co. have made the decision to not release the final installment of the CNN/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll as planned this evening .
Nothing is more important to the Register and its polling partners than the integrity of the Iowa Poll .
Today , a respondent raised an issue with the way the survey was administered , which could have compromised the results of the poll .
It appears a candidate ’ s name was omitted in at least one interview in which the respondent was asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this appears to be isolated to one surveyor , we can not confirm that with certainty .
Therefore , the partners made the difficult decision to not to move forward with releasing the Iowa Poll .
The Register has published the Iowa Poll for 76 years , and it is considered the gold standard in political polling .
Selzer & Co. , which conducts the poll , is recognized for its excellence in polling .
It is imperative whenever an Iowa Poll is released that there is confidence that the data accurately reflects @ @ @ @

Des Moines Register, partners cancel release of Iowa Poll over respondent concerns
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Des Moines Register, CNN and Selzer & Co. have made the decision to not release the final installment of the CNN/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll as planned this evening.
Nothing is more important to the Register and its polling partners than the integrity of the Iowa Poll. Today, a respondent raised an issue with the way the survey was administered, which could have compromised the results of the poll. It appears a candidate’s name was omitted in at least one interview in which the respondent was asked to name their preferred candidate.
While this appears to be isolated to one surveyor, we cannot confirm that with certainty. Therefore, the partners made the difficult decision to not to move forward with releasing the Iowa Poll.
The Register has published the Iowa Poll for 76 years, and it is considered the gold standard in political polling. Selzer & Co., which conducts the poll, is recognized for its excellence in polling. It is imperative whenever an Iowa Poll is released that there is confidence that the data accurately reflects Iowans’ opinions.
— Carol Hunter


usatoday--2020-02-03--Senators will vote Wednesday to acquit or convict Trump: What we know

A busy week in Washington ended Friday night with a major decision in the Senate impeachment trial against President Donald Trump that takes the nation one major step closer to a conclusion .
Democrats allege Trump pursued a pressure campaign to get Ukraine to open investigations that would benefit him politically .
He was also accused of withholding aid and a White House meeting from the ally nation in exchange for the investigations .
On Dec. 18 , after a two-month inquiry in the Democratic-led House , the House approved two articles of impeachment against Trump – abuse of power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on where things stand and on what 's ahead .
After several hours of deliberations Friday , the Senate voted to reject introducing additional witnesses and documents in the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump .
Democrats wanted testimony from four officials , including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney , but fell short .
Trump 's defense team argued it was n't the Senate 's job to finish the investigation begun by the House .
The vote against witnesses was 51-49 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shouldn ’ t have done it ’ : GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander who scolded Trump on Ukraine explains why he backs acquittal What happens next ?
The Senate will hold a final vote on whether to acquit or convict and remove Trump from office on Wednesday .
The final vote is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST and will cap a months-long saga over Trump 's dealings with Ukraine .
It 's expected Trump will be acquitted because a conviction requires 67 votes in the 100-member Senate .
That would mean all Democrats and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote for conviction .
The Senate will hold closing arguments on Monday .
There will be a total of four hours of arguments , equally divided among the parties .
Senators can explain their votes in speeches Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday .
Impeachment trial spills into Iowa : Warren , Sanders , Klobuchar and Bennet will have to juggle Trump impeachment trial and the Iowa caucuses Monday Trump has State of the Union speech Tuesday Trump has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing during the House impeachment inquiry and Senate trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoax '' and accusing the Democrats of trying to divide the nation .
White House officials say he will seek to strike an upbeat tone when he delivers his State of the Union speech Tuesday .
Previewing the address on Friday , Trump administration officials said the working title of the annual address is the `` Great American Comeback '' and the tone will be one of `` relentless optimism . ''
In general , Trump will focus on five general areas : The economy and trade , working families , health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific part of the speech will deal with the `` school choice '' issue , aides said .
Will he mention impeachment ?
Aides would n't say , adding that it depends in part on whether the trial is over by speech time on Tuesday night .
Alan Dershowitz : Dershowitz argues president ca n't be impeached for an act he thinks will help his reelection

Bart Jansen, Christal Hayes and David Jackson, USA TODAY

Senators will vote Wednesday to acquit or convict Trump: What we know
Show Caption Hide Caption Impeachment trial expected to end after State of the Union The Senate is expected to begin closing arguments in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Monday. USA TODAY, Associated Press
A busy week in Washington ended Friday night with a major decision in the Senate impeachment trial against President Donald Trump that takes the nation one major step closer to a conclusion.
Democrats allege Trump pursued a pressure campaign to get Ukraine to open investigations that would benefit him politically. He was also accused of withholding aid and a White House meeting from the ally nation in exchange for the investigations.
On Dec. 18, after a two-month inquiry in the Democratic-led House, the House approved two articles of impeachment against Trump – abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Get caught up on where things stand and on what's ahead.
What happened Friday night?
Presidential impeachment: Clinton, Johnson, Nixon test U.S. democracy Presidents have been impeached, but none have been removed from office due to impeachment. Confusing? Here's how. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
After several hours of deliberations Friday, the Senate voted to reject introducing additional witnesses and documents in the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump.
Democrats wanted testimony from four officials, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, but fell short.
Trump's defense team argued it wasn't the Senate's job to finish the investigation begun by the House.
The vote against witnesses was 51-49, largely along party lines.
‘He shouldn’t have done it’: GOP Sen. Lamar Alexander who scolded Trump on Ukraine explains why he backs acquittal
What happens next?
The Senate will hold a final vote on whether to acquit or convict and remove Trump from office on Wednesday.
The final vote is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST and will cap a months-long saga over Trump's dealings with Ukraine.
It's expected Trump will be acquitted because a conviction requires 67 votes in the 100-member Senate. That would mean all Democrats and at least 20 Republican senators would need to vote for conviction.
The Senate will hold closing arguments on Monday. There will be a total of four hours of arguments, equally divided among the parties. Senators can explain their votes in speeches Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Impeachment trial spills into Iowa: Warren, Sanders, Klobuchar and Bennet will have to juggle Trump impeachment trial and the Iowa caucuses Monday
Trump has State of the Union speech Tuesday
Trump has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing during the House impeachment inquiry and Senate trial, calling the whole thing a "hoax" and accusing the Democrats of trying to divide the nation.
White House officials say he will seek to strike an upbeat tone when he delivers his State of the Union speech Tuesday.
Presiding officer: Chief Justice John Roberts emerges as potential wild card in Trump's Senate impeachment trial
Previewing the address on Friday, Trump administration officials said the working title of the annual address is the "Great American Comeback" and the tone will be one of "relentless optimism."
In general, Trump will focus on five general areas: The economy and trade, working families, health care, immigration and national security. One specific part of the speech will deal with the "school choice" issue, aides said.
Will he mention impeachment? Aides wouldn't say, adding that it depends in part on whether the trial is over by speech time on Tuesday night.
Alan Dershowitz: Dershowitz argues president can't be impeached for an act he thinks will help his reelection


usatoday--2020-02-04--We don't know yet who won the Iowa caucuses. But here's what we do know.

DES MOINES — More than 2,500 campaign stops .
A field that at times topped 20 candidates .
And more than 1,600 Iowa Democratic caucus precincts , primed to kick off the 2020 primary season .
And it only took about three hours for it to start crumbling .
The results of the Iowa Democratic caucuses were delayed Monday night , with the state party citing issues with the reporting process that involved three times the results as previous caucuses .
It wasn ’ t the first time the Iowa caucuses have produced late results , but Monday night ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism of the caucus process and calls for Iowa to lose its vaunted first-in-the-nation status .
Here ’ s what we know and what could happen next : Why were the results delayed ?
The Iowa Democratic Party released a statement Monday night saying there were `` inconsistencies '' in the three sets of data from precincts : raw votes from the first alignment , raw votes from the final alignment , and the usual state delegate equivalents .
More : Iowa Democratic Party says caucus results expected 'later today ' following manual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting of three sets of results , '' Mandy McClure , communications director for the state party , said in the statement .
`` In addition to the tech systems being used to tabulate results , we are also using photos of results and a paper trail to validate that all results match and ensure that we have confidence and accuracy in the numbers we report . ''
At the time of her statement , McClure said the party had data so far from “ around 25 % ” of the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early data indicates turnout is on pace for 2016 . ''
More : Caucusing is long over , but Iowa still does n't have a winner However , a number of precinct leaders reportedly had issues using a new reporting app .
Polk County Democratic Chairman Sean Bagniewski told the Des Moines Register that reporting issues `` became the norm for the evening . ''
Bagniewski said boxes from nearly all of the county ’ s 177 precincts were delivered to the county ’ s offices with written preference cards that spell out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and final alignments .
He said the results are nearly all in — the county just can ’ t report them to the state party .
The Iowa Democratic Party , however , insisted that the app did not create delays .
`` This is simply a reporting issue ; the app did not go down , and this is not a hack or an intrusion , '' McClure said in another statement later Monday .
`` The underlying data and paper trail is sound and will simply take time to further report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign blasts Iowa Democratic caucus as 'sloppiest train wreck in history' How did the candidates respond ?
Although there were no reported results , several Democratic candidates gave speeches spinning the non-existent results in the best light for themselves .
`` I have a strong feeling that at some point the results will be announced , '' U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders joked with supporters in Des Moines .
`` And when those results are announced , I have a good feeling we ’ re going to be doing very , very well here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg gave perhaps the most direct claim to victory , despite the lack of results .
“ We don ’ t know all the results .
But we know by the time it ’ s all said and done , Iowa , you have shocked the nation , ” Buttigieg said .
“ Because , by all indications , we are going on to New Hampshire victorious.
” Former Vice President Joe Biden 's also addressed supporters in Des Moines , saying , `` It looks like it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I 'm feeling good . ''
But Biden 's campaign also slammed the process , saying the “ considerable flaws ” holding up election results demand a complete and speedy answer .
“ We appreciate that you plan to brief the campaigns momentarily on these issues , and we plan to participate , ” Dana Remus , general counsel for the former vice president ’ s campaign , wrote in a letter to the party Monday as delays extended into early Tuesday morning .
“ However , we believe that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding the methods of quality control you are employing , and an opportunity to respond before any official results are released , ” the letter said .
What happens next ?
In a short conference call with media , Iowa Democratic Party officials early Tuesday said they expect results to be released at some point later in the day .
`` The integrity of our process with the results have and always will be our top priority , ” Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price told reporters on the call at 1 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the IDP is manually verifying all precinct results .
We expect to have numbers to report later today .
“ They ’ re validating every piece of data we have against our paper trail , ” he continued .
“ The system is taking longer than expected , but it ’ s in place to ensure we are eventually able to report results with full confidence.
” Price said the state party is in contact with the campaigns and will keep them updated .
But Democratic candidates did n't stick around Iowa for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left for the next primary contest in New Hampshire .
'On to New Hampshire ' : Democratic candidates not waiting for Iowa outcome to give their speeches What did Trump say ?
President Donald Trump 's campaign quickly criticized the delay , calling it the `` sloppiest train wreck in history . ''
`` Democrats are stewing in a caucus mess of their own creation with the sloppiest train wreck in history , '' Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in an emailed statement , adding that there were concerns about `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also touted Trump 's early and easy victory in the Republican caucuses , which was announced about 30 minutes after the caucuses began .
`` Tonight , President Trump posted a record performance in the well-run GOP Iowa caucuses with record turnout for an incumbent , '' he said .
Contributing : Courtney Subramanian , John Fritze , Ledyard King , Maureen Groppe of USA TODAY ; Lee Rood , Jason Clayworth and Brianne Pfannenstiel of the Des Moines Register

We don't know yet who won the Iowa caucuses. But here's what we do know.
Show Caption Hide Caption Candidates give speeches amid Democratic Iowa caucus delays With no winner declared on the night of the Democratic Iowa caucuses amid delays, the candidates still gave speeches. USA TODAY
DES MOINES — More than 2,500 campaign stops. A field that at times topped 20 candidates. And more than 1,600 Iowa Democratic caucus precincts, primed to kick off the 2020 primary season.
And it only took about three hours for it to start crumbling.
The results of the Iowa Democratic caucuses were delayed Monday night, with the state party citing issues with the reporting process that involved three times the results as previous caucuses.
It wasn’t the first time the Iowa caucuses have produced late results, but Monday night’s issues come after months of heightened criticism of the caucus process and calls for Iowa to lose its vaunted first-in-the-nation status.
Here’s what we know and what could happen next:
Why were the results delayed?
The Iowa Democratic Party released a statement Monday night saying there were "inconsistencies" in the three sets of data from precincts: raw votes from the first alignment, raw votes from the final alignment, and the usual state delegate equivalents.
More: Iowa Democratic Party says caucus results expected 'later today' following manual recount
"We found inconsistencies in the reporting of three sets of results," Mandy McClure, communications director for the state party, said in the statement. "In addition to the tech systems being used to tabulate results, we are also using photos of results and a paper trail to validate that all results match and ensure that we have confidence and accuracy in the numbers we report."
At the time of her statement, McClure said the party had data so far from “around 25%” of the state’s 1,765 precincts, adding that “early data indicates turnout is on pace for 2016."
Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
More: Caucusing is long over, but Iowa still doesn't have a winner
However, a number of precinct leaders reportedly had issues using a new reporting app. Polk County Democratic Chairman Sean Bagniewski told the Des Moines Register that reporting issues "became the norm for the evening."
Polk County is home to Des Moines, Iowa's largest city.
Bagniewski said boxes from nearly all of the county’s 177 precincts were delivered to the county’s offices with written preference cards that spell out how individual caucusgoers aligned in the first and final alignments. He said the results are nearly all in — the county just can’t report them to the state party.
The Iowa Democratic Party, however, insisted that the app did not create delays.
"This is simply a reporting issue; the app did not go down, and this is not a hack or an intrusion," McClure said in another statement later Monday. "The underlying data and paper trail is sound and will simply take time to further report the results."
More: Trump campaign blasts Iowa Democratic caucus as 'sloppiest train wreck in history'
How did the candidates respond?
Although there were no reported results, several Democratic candidates gave speeches spinning the non-existent results in the best light for themselves.
"I have a strong feeling that at some point the results will be announced," Sen. Bernie Sanders joked with supporters in Des Moines. "And when those results are announced, I have a good feeling we’re going to be doing very, very well here in Iowa."
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg gave perhaps the most direct claim to victory, despite the lack of results.
“We don’t know all the results. But we know by the time it’s all said and done, Iowa, you have shocked the nation,” Buttigieg said. “Because, by all indications, we are going on to New Hampshire victorious.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden's also addressed supporters in Des Moines, saying, "It looks like it is going to be a long night, but I'm feeling good."
But Biden's campaign also slammed the process, saying the “considerable flaws” holding up election results demand a complete and speedy answer.
“We appreciate that you plan to brief the campaigns momentarily on these issues, and we plan to participate,” Dana Remus, general counsel for the former vice president’s campaign, wrote in a letter to the party Monday as delays extended into early Tuesday morning. “However, we believe that the campaigns deserve full explanations and relevant information regarding the methods of quality control you are employing, and an opportunity to respond before any official results are released,” the letter said.
What happens next?
In a short conference call with media, Iowa Democratic Party officials early Tuesday said they expect results to be released at some point later in the day.
"The integrity of our process with the results have and always will be our top priority,” Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Troy Price told reporters on the call at 1 a.m. CST. “At this point, the IDP is manually verifying all precinct results. We expect to have numbers to report later today.
“They’re validating every piece of data we have against our paper trail,” he continued. “The system is taking longer than expected, but it’s in place to ensure we are eventually able to report results with full confidence.”
Price said the state party is in contact with the campaigns and will keep them updated.
But Democratic candidates didn't stick around Iowa for the results. Many candidates have already left for the next primary contest in New Hampshire.
'On to New Hampshire': Democratic candidates not waiting for Iowa outcome to give their speeches
What did Trump say?
President Donald Trump's campaign quickly criticized the delay, calling it the "sloppiest train wreck in history."
"Democrats are stewing in a caucus mess of their own creation with the sloppiest train wreck in history," Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in an emailed statement, adding that there were concerns about "the fairness of the process."
Parscale also touted Trump's early and easy victory in the Republican caucuses, which was announced about 30 minutes after the caucuses began.
"Tonight, President Trump posted a record performance in the well-run GOP Iowa caucuses with record turnout for an incumbent," he said.
Contributing: Courtney Subramanian, John Fritze, Ledyard King, Maureen Groppe of USA TODAY; Lee Rood, Jason Clayworth and Brianne Pfannenstiel of the Des Moines Register


usatoday--2020-02-04--Trump campaign blasts Iowa Democratic caucus as 'sloppiest train wreck in history'

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and his aides gleefully mocked the Democrats over the delayed results in Iowa 's first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest , calling it a `` disaster '' and `` sloppiest train wreck in history . ''
`` The only person that can claim a very big victory in Iowa last night is 'Trump , ' '' the president tweeted early Tuesday .
Describing the delayed reporting of Iowa results as `` an unmitigated disaster , '' Trump said : `` Nothing works , just like they ran the Country . ''
Earlier , the Trump campaign dubbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wreck , and said , `` Democrats are stewing in a caucus mess '' that they created .
`` It would be natural for people to doubt the fairness of the process , '' Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in an emailed statement .
`` And these are the people who want to run our entire health care system ? ''
Parscale also touted the president 's easy victory earlier Monday night in Iowa 's Republican caucuses , where he faced no significant challenge .
`` Tonight President Trump posted a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with record turnout for an incumbent , '' Parscale added .
Iowa Democratic Party officials were holding a phone call with campaign aides amid long delays in reporting results in Iowa 's caucuses .
Communications director Mandy McClure said in a statement Monday night that the delay was in part due to the party reporting three sets of data for the first time .
`` We found inconsistencies in the reporting of three sets of results .
In addition to the tech systems being used to tabulate results , we are also using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to validate that all results match and ensure that we have confidence and accuracy in the numbers we report , '' she said in a statement .
`` This is simply a reporting issue , the app did not go down and this is not a hack or an intrusion .
The underlying data and paper trail is sound and will simply take time to further report the results , '' McClure said .
Meanwhile , Iowa 's GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann said he supported the IDP 's decision to ensure the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses , the Trump campaign sought to project a massive GOP show of force in the Midwest state , deploying 80 presidential surrogates , including much of Trump 's Cabinet and members of his family .
The president also held a campaign rally in Des Moines on Thursday that brought out more than 7,000 supporters to the city 's Drake University .

Trump: Iowa's Democratic caucuses an 'unmitigated disaster'
Show Caption Hide Caption See the Iowa caucuses in action and watch as candidates try to rally support Watch video of how the Iowa caucuses work as Iowans and candidates try to rally their support for their preferred candidates. The Register and USA TODAY, Des Moines Register
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and his aides gleefully mocked the Democrats over the delayed results in Iowa's first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest, calling it an "unmitigated disaster" and the "sloppiest train wreck in history."
"The only person that can claim a very big victory in Iowa last night is 'Trump,'" the president tweeted early Tuesday.
Describing the delayed reporting of Iowa results as "an unmitigated disaster," Trump said: "Nothing works, just like they ran the Country."
But Trump in a subsequent tweet defended the state and placed the blame on the "Do Nothing Democrats." He also said he would keep Iowa as the nation's first delegate selection contest: "As long as I am President, Iowa will stay where it is. Important tradition!"
Earlier, the Trump campaign dubbed the Iowa count as a sloppy train wreck, and said, "Democrats are stewing in a caucus mess" that they created.
"It would be natural for people to doubt the fairness of the process," Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale said in an emailed statement. "And these are the people who want to run our entire health care system?"
The Democrat Caucus is an unmitigated disaster. Nothing works, just like they ran the Country. Remember the 5 Billion Dollar Obamacare Website, that should have cost 2% of that. The only person that can claim a very big victory in Iowa last night is “Trump”. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2020
It is not the fault of Iowa, it is the Do Nothing Democrats fault. As long as I am President, Iowa will stay where it is. Important tradition! https://t.co/bX3FLvua1C — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2020
It is not the fault of Iowa, it is the Do Nothing Democrats fault. As long as I am President, Iowa will stay where it is. Important tradition! https://t.co/bX3FLvua1C — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2020
Parscale also touted the president's easy victory earlier Monday night in Iowa's Republican caucuses, where he faced no significant challenge.
"Tonight President Trump posted a record performance in the well-run GOP Iowa caucuses with record turnout for an incumbent," Parscale added.
Iowa Democratic Party officials were holding a phone call with campaign aides amid long delays in reporting results in Iowa's caucuses. Communications director Mandy McClure said in a statement Monday night that the delay was in part due to the party reporting three sets of data for the first time.
It is not the fault of Iowa, it is the Do Nothing Democrats fault. As long as I am President, Iowa will stay where it is. Important tradition! https://t.co/bX3FLvua1C — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2020
"We found inconsistencies in the reporting of three sets of results. In addition to the tech systems being used to tabulate results, we are also using photos of results and a paper trail to validate that all results match and ensure that we have confidence and accuracy in the numbers we report," she said in a statement.
Live updates: Biden campaign slams Iowa Democratic Party for ‘acute failures'
"This is simply a reporting issue, the app did not go down and this is not a hack or an intrusion. The underlying data and paper trail is sound and will simply take time to further report the results," McClure said.
Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
Meanwhile, Iowa's GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann said he supported the IDP's decision to ensure the results are "correct rather than quick."
"Accuracy doesn't run on deadlines," he tweeted.
I stand with IDP in ensuring #IACaucus results are correct rather than quick. Accuracy doesn't run on deadlines. #IACaucus #FITN https://t.co/cuNpTT2e8D — Jeff Kaufmann (@kaufmannGOP) February 4, 2020
In the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses, the Trump campaign sought to project a massive GOP show of force in the Midwest state, deploying 80 presidential surrogates, including much of Trump's Cabinet and members of his family. The president also held a campaign rally in Des Moines on Thursday that brought out more than 7,000 supporters to the city's Drake University.


usatoday--2020-02-04--"Now is the caucus time!" See the Iowa caucuses in action

See the Iowa caucuses in action and watch as candidates try to rally support Watch video of how the Iowa @ @ @ @ @ candidates try to rally their support for their preferred candidates .

See the Iowa caucuses in action and watch as candidates try to rally support
Watch video of how the Iowa caucuses work as Iowans and candidates try to rally their support for their preferred candidates.
The Register and USA TODAY, Des Moines Register


usatoday--2020-02-04--2020 Iowa caucus: President Trump recaptures overwhelming Iowa Republican support

DES MOINES — President Donald Trump ’ s reelection campaign was a key focus of 2020 caucuses being held statewide Monday night by Iowa Republicans .
Although the vast majority of attention on this year ’ s Iowa caucus campaigns was focused on Democratic candidates vying to oppose Trump , the Republican Party of Iowa still scheduled meetings for nearly 1,700 precincts so the party faithful could have their voices heard .
What those Iowa Republicans said Monday : They were overwhelmingly behind the President .
The Associated Press called the caucus victory in Trump 's favor at 7:26 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night was expected to be nowhere near the size of the large crowds that participated in the highly contested 2016 Iowa GOP caucuses , which were won by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz with Trump coming in second .
That ’ s because Trump ’ s nomination this year has been more of a given , he said .
Trump was boosted in Iowa on Monday by a statewide blitz of 80 presidential campaign surrogates that included much of the president ’ s cabinet .
At Northview Middle School in Ankeny , Lara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the president ’ s 2020 campaign , was a scheduled speaker .
She is married to Eric Trump , one of Trump ’ s sons .
Trump is being opposed nationally for the Republican presidential nomination by two veteran GOP politicians : former Massachusetts Gov .
Bill Weld and former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh from Illinois , a conservative radio host .
But neither Weld nor Walsh demonstrated much of an ability to generate enthusiasm among Iowa Republicans for their candidacy .
In addition , Trump ’ s impeachment trial , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his acquittal by the U.S. Senate , appears to have done little or no damage to his reelection prospects among Republicans .
A packed audience of more than 7,000 cheered Trump during a rally last week at Drake University in Des Moines , where he railed against the “ lunacy and the madness of the totally sick left.
” Surveys show Trump remains popular among conservatives .
A November Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll found 76 % of registered Republicans who didn ’ t plan to attend the Democratic caucuses said they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried Iowa by more than 9 percentage points in the 2016 general election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton , although Democratic nominee Barack Obama carried Iowa in both 2008 and 2012 as he won two presidential terms .

2020 Iowa caucus: President Trump recaptures overwhelming Iowa Republican support
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
DES MOINES — President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign was a key focus of 2020 caucuses being held statewide Monday night by Iowa Republicans.
Although the vast majority of attention on this year’s Iowa caucus campaigns was focused on Democratic candidates vying to oppose Trump, the Republican Party of Iowa still scheduled meetings for nearly 1,700 precincts so the party faithful could have their voices heard.
What those Iowa Republicans said Monday: They were overwhelmingly behind the President.
The Associated Press called the caucus victory in Trump's favor at 7:26 p.m.
Iowa GOP spokesman Aaron Britt said attendance Monday night was expected to be nowhere near the size of the large crowds that participated in the highly contested 2016 Iowa GOP caucuses, which were won by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz with Trump coming in second. That’s because Trump’s nomination this year has been more of a given, he said.
Trump was boosted in Iowa on Monday by a statewide blitz of 80 presidential campaign surrogates that included much of the president’s cabinet. At Northview Middle School in Ankeny, Lara Trump, who is a senior adviser to the president’s 2020 campaign, was a scheduled speaker. She is married to Eric Trump, one of Trump’s sons.
Trump is being opposed nationally for the Republican presidential nomination by two veteran GOP politicians: former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and former U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh from Illinois, a conservative radio host. But neither Weld nor Walsh demonstrated much of an ability to generate enthusiasm among Iowa Republicans for their candidacy.
In addition, Trump’s impeachment trial, which is expected to end this week with his acquittal by the U.S. Senate, appears to have done little or no damage to his reelection prospects among Republicans. A packed audience of more than 7,000 cheered Trump during a rally last week at Drake University in Des Moines, where he railed against the “lunacy and the madness of the totally sick left.”
Surveys show Trump remains popular among conservatives. A November Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll found 76% of registered Republicans who didn’t plan to attend the Democratic caucuses said they will definitely vote to reelect Trump.
Trump carried Iowa by more than 9 percentage points in the 2016 general election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, although Democratic nominee Barack Obama carried Iowa in both 2008 and 2012 as he won two presidential terms.


usatoday--2020-02-04--OnPolitics: Tonight is the night where caucusing is real

It 's possible you 've heard of `` caucusing '' throughout your travels .
It 's also possible you had no idea what that is .
Well , the time has come for all of us to see it in action as Iowans living all over the world decide which Democratic candidate they will stand up for .
Are you scouring the internet trying to sort out the best way to follow the developments of the Iowa caucuses while you also go about your day ?
Are you wondering right now `` Gee , who are Iowans favoring for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want an easy way to catch up on the results ?
Well , if you answered yes to any of these questions , have we got the answer for you .
The Iowa caucuses kick off the presidential primary tonight , with Hawkeyes gathering across the state ( and world ) to make their choices for the Democratic nominee known .
Iowa Republicans will also caucus , though it is expected that President Donald Trump will win those in a landslide .
• So , how does a caucus work ?
Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary .
• What should you watch for ?
Follow these three Iowa counties ’ results .
• Trying to figure out what the heck a viability threshold it ?
We ’ ve got you covered .
• And yes , tonight does matter for the Dems .
Every candidate who has won the Iowa Democratic caucuses since 2000 has gone on to become the Democratic nominee .
Oh , there was some impeachment news today House impeachment managers and President Donald Trump 's legal team made their closing arguments Monday as senators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to convict or acquit the president on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
• GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski , Alaska , says she ' can not vote to convict ' Trump • Sen. Joe Manchin , D-W.V.
, called for the Senate to censure President Donald Trump

OnPolitics: Tonight is the night where caucusing is real
Show Caption Hide Caption A look at the ins and outs of the Iowa caucuses What it will look like when Iowa voters visit their caucus sites on Monday to choose candidates (Jan. 31) AP
It's possible you've heard of "caucusing" throughout your travels. It's also possible you had no idea what that is. Well, the time has come for all of us to see it in action as Iowans living all over the world decide which Democratic candidate they will stand up for.
First, a USA TODAY public service announcement
Are you scouring the internet trying to sort out the best way to follow the developments of the Iowa caucuses while you also go about your day? Are you wondering right now "Gee, who are Iowans favoring for the Democratic nomination"? And, do you want an easy way to catch up on the results?
Well, if you answered yes to any of these questions, have we got the answer for you.
>>> Iowa Democratic Caucus Results
Your caucus questions answered
The Iowa caucuses kick off the presidential primary tonight, with Hawkeyes gathering across the state (and world) to make their choices for the Democratic nominee known.
Iowa Republicans will also caucus, though it is expected that President Donald Trump will win those in a landslide.
Oh, there was some impeachment news today
House impeachment managers and President Donald Trump's legal team made their closing arguments Monday as senators prepare for the Wednesday vote on whether to convict or acquit the president on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.