Sure, the process is Tammany Hall, but the setting is cornfields and little Mainstreet USA towns where people are named Hank and Ethel, not Sean and Britney. At least, that's how they like to be seen, and the media appear to be cooperating in sustaining that vision, or illusion, depending on how you look at it.

Caucuses are leftovers from a different era, when all kinds of local and state politicians succeeded or failed based on who they picked to run for the big national offices. They were a chance for some of the little people to act like movers and shakers in the party structure. They built party loyalty by making voters feel like insiders.

All that seems like a huge anachronism now, but I'm not sure it's all bad. Caucuses may help counter the Karl Roves of the world, people who buy elections with media dollars. They're also an interesting test for candidates, a way to see how each one does in an environment where the individual caucuser is more interested and aware than the average primary voter.

Good points all, but I'm not sure what you base the following assertion on: "Caucuses may help counter the Karl Roves of the world, people who buy elections with media dollars."

For instance, with seemingly one exception (Mike Huckabee) it's the people who are spending the most money who are doing the best in Iowa (and Hew Hampshire, and elsewhere). Romney has poured millions of dollars into Iowa and may very well win because of it. So, I'm not so sure that this is right.

You also point out that the environment of the caucus involves those who are more interested than the average primary voter. But, does this really lead to anything different? The candidate in question rolls into town, has a small gathering where s/he rolls out their talking points and moves on, generally speaking. Maybe there's more face to face time with primary voters, but can you really point out any concrete changes or instances where this type of system makes a difference?

"Mainstreet USA towns where people are named Hank and Ethel, not Sean and Britney":

You don't spend much time in the sticks, do you? We're up to our asses in Seans and Britneys.