Iowa and New Hampshire: How’d it Go?

After getting the nation’s first major caucuses and primaries behind us, how did it go in terms of Divided We Fail issues? Are a sound economic future and access to affordable and quality health care as important to people as we thought?

Most recently in New Hampshire it turned out that nearly half of all voters in the primaries were 50-plus and the issues important to this age group continue to be important to all. Financial concerns proved a critical issue, with exit polling by the Associated Press showing that 9 in 10 Democrats and half of Republicans were concerned about the economy.

Perhaps even more telling was the record turnout by all ages, showing the importance of the elections and that Americans are done with partisan bickering, and that they want solutions that are fair to all generations.

Similarly, in the earlier Iowa caucuses baby boomers were engaged and involved, with polling showing over 70 percent of Republican and 60 percent of Democratic caucus goers over the age of 45. And entrance polling shows these caucus goers were concerned about where the candidates stood on the most pressing domestic issues: health care and financial security.

And, as with NH, the results indicated that these kitchen table issues are important to younger Americans as well.

Based on these first two state’s results, and as we move to Nevada’s caucus and South Carolina’s primary in just a few days, it’s clearer than ever that Divided We Fail issues are every bit as important to Americans -- of all generations – as we’ve known for a long time.

Millions of Voices for Change

Millions of Americans are faced with difficult decisions concerning their health care and financial security every day. These Americans are eager to see real resolutions to their concerns, not political gridlock. Here are just two stories we’ve heard recently:

I’m Worried Sick
“I am a critical care nurse who sees too many people who waited too long to seek medical attention because of the cost of health care. Or who had an illness but cannot receive the rehab they need to return to an active life. Recently I became ill with a severe infection. Despite the fact that I work full time and have health insurance I owe close to $20,000 to the hospital, doctors, outpatient x-ray and labs. I am worried sick. And I am sick of the Congress and the President not helping those that need it. Perhaps if we were all in the same boat they would see things more clearly.”

Shirley M.
Phillipsburg, PA

We’ve Done Our Part – Our Elected Officials Should Do the Same
“I am among the fortunate retirees with an employer retirement plan and health insurance. Even so I worry, will it be enough? Will I become a burden to my family? We've made provisions at our home and planned to live out our days there and not be burdens to our family. We've done our part! Now I want evidence that our representatives in Congress are all on the same page, are listening, and will get the job done. What I see and hear when I read the news is about Congressional bickering and petty partisan gridlock. My generation has kept its end of the bargain and now Congress needs to come aboard. I joined Divided We Fail because it affords me a chance to be a part of the solution. I want to work for well-considered, affordable, non-partisan legislation for health care, and a financial safety net for seniors. I want us to have choices for our own health care and how we spend our final days.”

Elsie H.
San Mateo, FL

Want to know more about breaking through the partisan stalemate?

Read AARP CEO Bill Novelli’s comments on this political gridlock or share your thoughts and experiences with our nation’s leaders to show them they must work together toward real solutions for improving health care and financial security.

Learn More About The Issues

Primary and Caucus Season in Full Swing Trying to keep up with where the candidates go next? Check out Divided We Fail’s Primary/Caucus Calendar for the full schedule through September.

Divided We Fail Election Issue Surveys
These surveys of AARP members who say they may vote in their states' Democratic or Republican primary elections or attend either party's caucuses explore how closely they are following coverage of the candidates and how likely they are to change their candidate preferences as they learn more about the issues. Take a look.

Don’t Forget to Wear Your Champ Gear
After all, you never know who else you’ll find wearing it. Just take a look at who we found sporting a Champ hat during the New Hampshire primary!

Blogging for Divided We Fail
Did you know that AARP has its own blog? And that there is a whole section in it devoted to Divided We Fail? Check for the daily updates of the Divided We Fail wave that’s catching on all over the country.

Taking a Stand in Your Communities

New Hampshire Elected Officials Support Divided We Fail
The entire New Hampshire Federal Delegation, Governor, Executive Council and all 24 members of the New Hampshire State Senate have committed to working in a bipartisan fashion to make access to affordable, quality health care and life-long financial security top domestic priorities.

Florida Volunteer Witnesses Iowa Caucus
Clarke Dahlgren, the Divided We Fail District Coordinator of Ft. Myers, Florida, provides a first-hand view of the Iowa Caucus.

Mark your calendars! Planning to be in Florida later this month? If so, join AARP in Kissimmee on January 23rd and Ft. Lauderdale on January 28th. Find out more by downloading our Divided We Fail rally flyer.

Divided We Fail. Together We Can Do Anything.
 
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