Presidential elections traditionally speak to future aspirations, offering a vision of a better tomorrow, the hope and change of Barack Obama or the compassionate conservatism of George W. Bush.
Yet this year, even before a single vote has been cast, a far darker sentiment has taken hold.
Across Iowa, as the first nominating contest approaches on Monday, voters plow through snowy streets to hear from candidates, mingle at campaign events and casually talk of the prospect of World War III, civil unrest and a nation coming apart at the seams.
Four years ago, voters worried about a spiraling pandemic, economic uncertainty and national protests.
“In Iowa, life isn’t lived in extremes, except the weather, and yet they still feel this dramatic sense of inevitable doom.”
Persons:
Barack Obama, George W, Bush, ”, Doug Gross, Nikki Haley, isn’t
Organizations:
Capitol, Republican, “
Locations:
Iowa