ASL Caucus in Iowa
RENCA DUNN (THE DAILY MOTH):
Hi! I just arrived in Des Moines, Iowa for a satellite Democratic caucus event. But this is very unique because tonight is the first time in U.S. history that there is a fully accessible caucus that is ASL accessible and all inclusive.
[B-roll of caucus location]
THE DAILY MOTH:
We are now all gathered here to discuss the candidates and their perspectives before we go forward with voting.
FEMALE VOTER:
I’m keeping my mind open. I have seen pros and cons with them.
FEMALE VOTER #2:
Amy, so far, have 18 endorsement letters.
FEMALE VOTER #3:
If you want change, he’s the person that probably can make it happen.
FEMALE VOTER #4:
He has shown 100% support for indigenous people and recognized them.
GRETCHEN NEWMAN:
Three candidates won tonight. Joe Biden got one delegate. Pete Buttigieg got one delegate. Elizabeth Warren got two delegates. We have a total of four delegates to give, so that’s our totals. It means that Elizabeth Warren won our first ASL caucus in Iowa!
[B-roll of caucus goers cheering]
DIRK HILLARD:
The ASL caucus is amazing because we all can discuss our preferences for president. We are able to exchange our viewpoints!
DARLENE CORDERO:
I grabbed this opportunity to be here and I’ve shared my pick.
GUS CORDERO:
Many in deaf communities, as well as other disabled people, we want to share our feelings since we pay taxes.
SARAH A. YOUNG BEAR-BROWN:
It’s amazing to be a part of this first-ever, historical ASL caucus! Because I’m a Native American and a person of color, it is not often that I see us voting. It’s critical that minorities vote, so I feel honored to be a part of this event.
JENNIFER KEATON:
We know that politics and the deaf community usually doesn’t work in collaboration. It has been isolated from one another with a wide gap. Many deaf people can’t go in depth in politics because there is no accessibility and many barriers.
SYLVIA TOWNSEND:
I’ve learned how to do caucusing the right way! It’s my first time experiencing this. I’ve seen it on TV, but it’s my first time to experience it first-hand. I’ve really enjoyed it.
THE DAILY MOTH:
I’m here with Gretchen, the one who made everything happen! So, I’m curious on how did you push for this to happen?
GRETCHEN NEWMAN:
Really, when I found out that there was a possibility for satellite caucuses, I decided I wanted to grab this opportunity because we’ve never had access to the political process with caucuses. The caucus process by itself is not accessible to many people. The deaf community has never… I experienced it firsthand four years ago and forget it, I was overwhelmed. It was chaotic with many hearing people talking over me. I had to figure out where I could go. I know many communities out there have never been to a caucus in their lifetime so I took the opportunity to apply. Then it seemed like the process wasn’t going right, but I was persistent in calling for this for a month and a half until finally they found me a room and everything worked out. Finally! So, really, I just want to give people the opportunity to have a voice.
THE DAILY MOTH:
Absolutely. So, this is officially the first time in U.S. history that this has happened, in the state of Iowa!
GRETCHEN NEWMAN:
Really, the primary elections are generally accessible to everyone, but the caucus process has not been accessible. I do have a feeling that maybe this year will be the last time that we’ll see a caucus as it is. Maybe there will be major changes in the future. It’s possible.
THE DAILY MOTH:
I just finished my first ASL caucus! Actually, it is not just my first, but this country’s first ASL caucus. I’ve really enjoyed it. I see that it’s very important for deaf people to have access, full accessibility to sign language and exchange of information. I’ve seen deaf people share various perspectives and discuss candidates. Some have their perspectives changed. Others went into depth on their views. It was a good discussion and I enjoyed myself. I hope to see more states open up ASL caucuses for deaf people so we have full, 100% access!
[B-roll of caucusgoers doing the “moth” sign]
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