And we’re so by God stubborn
We could stand touchin’ noses
For a week at a time
And never see eye-to-eye

(Meredith Wilson, “The Music Man”)

The  Music Man was an affectionate tribute to the state of Iowa, as well as the story of a con man turned straight. It turned the corrupt plan of a huckster into a conversion story of a man changed by good-hearted people.  Still, these good-hearted people had a stubborn streak, illustrated by the opening song, “Iowa Stubborn,” (see above) a self-deprecating, yet self-satisfied tribute to the state.

Iowa proved faithful to its reputation Monday, in that, with all of the ardent campaigning and lavish investment of funds, the candidates emerged pretty much as they started in the polls.  Donald Trump, the front-runner, came into Iowa for a couple of cups of coffee and spent most of his time defending himself against felony charges in New York.  How did that affect Iowa’s support? He was an overwhelming victor with 51% of the vote–about what he had coming into the state.

Ron Desantis spent $35 million, more than a third of his campaign bank account. He campaigned in every county in the state. He received the endorsement of Governor Kim Reynolds. He might have gained two percentage point with 21.5% of the vote in Iowa. What must the Governor think of her political credibility? Probably she’s thinking, Well, that’s Iowa Stubborn for you.

Nikki Haley reserved $4.6 million for the final two weeks of the Iowa campaign, twice as much as Desantis, yet she finished with 19.3% of the Iowa vote  [ https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/republicans-spend-100-million-iowa-ads-come-rcna130856]. She did rise in the national polls, but most observers credit her performance in the Primary debates for that improvement. Iowa was unimpressed.

Stubbornness can be detected by several symptoms, according to “Strong Opinions, Loosely Held” [https://www.solhapp.com/blog/how-to-identify-a-stubborn-person]. How do these match up to Iowa voters? Unfortunately no one has administered this test in Iowa. However we could take the informed opinion of composer of “The Music Man,” Meredith Wilson, a born-and-bred Iowan.

1. Refusal to Change – “We could stand touchin’ noses/ For a week at a time /And never see eye-to-eye”

2. Rigidity-  “We could stand touchin’ noses/” (see above)

3. Difficulty in Compromise:   “There’s an Iowa kind of special Chip-on-the-shoulder attitude”

4. Resistance to Authority – “You really ought to give Iowa a try/ Provided you are contrary”

.5. Defensive Behavior: “special Chip-on-the-shoulder attitude”

This musical profile of Iowans should be studied by every future campaigner in Iowa before they lay out one third of their campaign war chest and several months of retail campaigning in the Hawkeye State.  Learn from Ron Desantis.

The challenge of changing minds might be attributed to how the stubborn person changes vices into virtues. in another blog I imagined how a stubborn person would interpret the behaviors listed above.

 Why do we find it difficult to “compromise” in politics and religion? Because we know we’re right and compromising means “giving in.”  Why do (we) believe in “resistance to authority”? Because authority can not be trusted. Better to rely on yourself. What is wrong with “rigidity”? Isn’t it just another word for “courage of your convictions”? https://wtucker.edublogs.org/2023/12/26/the-power-of-stubbornness/

No argument will convince stubborn people, because, in their minds, stubbornness is an admirable trait.  Meredith Wilson captured it in his ensemble opening to the “Music Man,” but he redeemed Iowans as good-hearted and caring people in his immortal musical.  Unfortunately there is no room for “good-heartedness” at the Iowa Caucuses.  In the opening words of “Iowa Stubborn,” Wilson says.

Oh, there’s nothing halfway
About the Iowa way to treat you

When we greet you

Which we may not do at all

The Republican campaigners in Iowa can say to this a hearty “Amen.”  And the Republican Party may want to reconsider whether Iowa sends the right message to those who hope campaigning can change their status in the endless trial of winning the nomination for President.