The Iowa caucus site where a burger costs less than a tin of chewing tobacco
GRANT, Ia. — Grant is a tiny Iowa town named for Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. president.
The population peaked to nearly 300 people ahead of the Great Depression but has dwindled to a mere 88 souls as of the 2016 Census estimates.
But on Monday evening, it joined the rest of the state in hosting a Democratic caucus for the first time ever — and it’s being held at The Hayloft, the town’s local bar and grill.
The Hayloft is owned by Zelda Swartz, a spry 74-year-old Republican who has run this place for almost half a century.
Hamburgers cost $2.50. There’s a Skoal chew dispenser behind the bar, at $7 a can.
The original plan was to host this precinct at Grant’s firehouse, just up the road, but they declined, Swartz said, because they would have to move the trucks outside.
So the Iowa Democratic Party called Swartz.
Of course, she said.
More: How do the Iowa caucuses work and how they are different than a primary?
The front bar features signs and a TV in the far corner — and would host a Grant City Council meeting before the caucus. A rustic vibe fills the back room, where farm memorabilia is scattered, old signs hang and a pool table sits prominently. Horse saddles and a Santa-like sleigh sit in the back.
On the floor, supporters for Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg claimed tables on both sides. They are friendly with one another, and are collectively hopeful that 30 people show up to help decide who will receive the three delegates up for grabs in Montgomery County’s fifth precinct.
The back room inside The Hayloft is full of friendly folk. Only 23 people are here caucusing, which means the candidates just need four for viability.
Vicki Rossander gets up from the Klobuchar table and approaches a man sitting at the Sanders table.
Iowa caucus: What is a delegate equivalent? Or a viability threshold? The Iowa caucuses, explained.
“Sir,” Rossander says, “Bernie isn’t going to gain viability, so I think you should come over and hang out with us.” She proceeds to give the political equivalent of a recruiting pitch.
Meanwhile, a couple of Warren supporters walk across the room to talk with others who have yet to decide. Everybody is using their inside voices.
“Is everybody done?” one woman asks.
“Not yet,” a man replies.
“All good,” the woman responds. “We’ve got time.”
There’s no way to measure these things, but there’s a very real possibility this might be the friendliest caucus atmosphere in Iowa tonight.