COMMENTARY

ADAM C. SMITH/TAMPA BAY TIMES

ADEL, Iowa — Iowans are quite simply the nicest humans on Earth. But their antiquated caucuses are a lousy way to kick off a presidential election.

Candidates and media hordes descend on this state every four years, and voters cheerfully stoke the charade that their caucuses are some kind of shining example of democracy. I once accompanied a menacingly colossal New Jersey Teamster knocking on doors in zero-degree weather. We woke up a woman who, still in her bathrobe, insisted we come inside and let her make us bacon and eggs even though she didn’t care for the Teamster’s candidate. Continue reading…