February 1, 2016

The weatherman is predicting that a blizzard will hit Iowa tonight, but after the caucuses.

That does not mean the weather will not have an impact on turnout. Weather is somewhat precictable, but voters' behavior is not. Predictions of a blizzard empty out milk and bread supplies at local groceries and enable a "hunker-down" mentality hours ahead of a storm.

The prediction of the storm is affecting reporters' behavior as well. The New York Times's Charles Blow is calling Iowa quits. We have to wonder: how much on-air talent will be stuck in Iowa tomorrow morning?

Not you too, Joni Ernst! Traitor.

And even before one snowflake drops, the fact that the caucuses are limited to after-dark hours hampers senior citizens' participation. And if the low visibility of today's weather is any indication, many voters, seniors or not, might stay home.

Turnout is critical in caucus states. The weather may not cooperate. Comedian Dean Obeidallah takes the lighter side:

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