As republicans in Iowa voted in the caucuses, President Barack Obama addressed his supporters via teleconference at Democratic caucuses across the state. In Scott County, an estimated crowd of 1,200 people turned out at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.
"I expected a few hundred people. I said, 'boy it would be great if we had 400 people.' There's about 1200, 1300 or something, said Peter Sickels who was attending the caucus.
"All I can say is, wow. Yes, like we said before, it's not about the numbers, it's about organizing but this was over the top," added Judy Voss with the Scott County Democratic Party.
"I think it sends a message that people want to be involved. They want to have a say," said caucus-goer Kevin Perkins.
During the video conference, the president thanked his supporters for their efforts three years ago and looked ahead to the general election later this year. Much of his address to caucus-goers focused on his efforts on behalf of the middle class and detailing the change his administration has provided so far.
"Across the board, you have made a difference, but we all know we have a lot more work that we have to do, although we've passed healthcare reform, we passed Wall Street reform, there are a lot of forces that want to push back against it and want to undo some of those changes and we are battling billions of dollars of negative advertising, and lobbyists and special interests who don't want to see the change you worked so hard to fully take root. That's why this time out is going to be in some ways more important that the first time out, it's just right, change is never easy," Obama said.
After his speech, the president took questions from caucus-goers about what to expect in the months ahead. Without a substantial challenger, Obama essentially has the democratic nomination locked up.
The Caucus was also an opportunity for the party to do it's usual caucus business of electing delegates and selecting precinct leaders.
