How is Grinnell politically active? Well, you don't get much more politically active than the Vice President of the United States. Just a few weeks ago the Vice President, Joe Biden, made a special trip to Grinnell. It was a great opportunity to see a famous American politician and Biden's visit allowed students to feel a part of the political process. Biden discussed issues that are important to college students: financial aid, women's rights, marriage equality, and job opportunities.
However, after the VP left Grinnell, discussions and activities relating to politics didn't subside. There are debate watch parties all over campus. The Campus Democrats have been postering and canvassing for weeks and early voting has taken place on campus as well. There is always something going on politically on campus from random conversations with friends to anti-Monsanto rallies. Also, this is Iowa, an extremely important state for politics, in part because it is a swing state. Presidential hopefuls spend a lot of time and money in Iowa. Luckily for Iowa, though, it isn't just a swing state. Iowans are able to cast the first votes during the primary season because Iowa holds the first party caucuses in the country. In this way, Iowa voters have the chance to select who will represent the two major parties in the general election. In fact, Obama got his big break in 2008 because of his caucus win in Iowa and earlier this year Santorum was considered a viable candidate because of his close second place (and eventual first place) win in the Iowa caucus. The people of Iowa are welcoming of politics and are always interested in getting into political discussions; the same is true for Grinnellians.
If politics are your thing, Grinnell is a great place to explore the realm of politics by getting out there to discuss, vote, and canvass. If politics aren't your thing, Grinnell is a great place to help you get off of the bench and into the game.
