Preparing for South Carolina

 How have I been preparing for RTWH2024?

To prepare for our trip to South Carolina for the first in the South primary elections, we have done research on all the candidates seeking to run for election, talked to and read Professor Scala's book on the New Hampshire primary elections, as well as talked to and read Professor Redlawsk's book on the Iowa Caucuses.

My group was selected to present on incumbent President Biden on his current campaign strategies as he seeks reelection in 2024

After we read Professor David Redlawsk's book Why Iowa? : How Caucuses and Sequential Elections Improve the Presidential Nominating Process we were given the amazing opportunity to meet him and ask questions and gain insights on the Iowa Caucuses. We gained knowledge on the importance of the Iowa caucuses as they influence the caucuses draw an immense amount of media coverage, set momentum for the remainder of the primary season, and emphasize the importance of grassroots campaigning.

We also had the amazing opportunity to discuss the 2024 New Hampshire primary election with Professor Dante Scala. After reading his book Stormy Weather: The New Hampshire Primary and Presidential Politics, we were given the opportunity to ask questions about his book and the current primary elections. We gained insights into how small states like New Hampshire can heavily influence the campaign cycle because of retail politics and the open primary system, allowing independent voters to participate in the Republican primary.