Former Senator Mike Gravel asks Citizen Kate to be part of his staff for a day at the NPR Democratic Debate in Iowa.

I recently had the most amazing experience and most horrific experience of my life. All in one day. All during my first trip to Iowa. Let me say that I was super excited to finally visit Iowa. I keep hearing so much buzz that I wanted to learn firsthand why this state is such a political party! I learned a lot...

Originally, NPR turned down my media credentials to attend their Democratic Debate. They said that the media room was too full. I really don’t take up that much space. I lost my freshman 30, so I feel pretty slim these days. Regardless, I decided to visit Iowa. I figured that I might just run into candidates on the street or in a coffee shop or at the local Farm and Fleet. What I ran into was an ice storm -- both outside and inside.

It wasn’t looking so good when my only confirmed candidate interview cancelled his Monday timeslot due to weather. But Senator Mike Gravel proceeded to invite me to be part of his staff on Tuesday and follow him around the NPR Debate.

Finally, I was an outsider inside politics. I made it! I was in the Green Room. All the candidates were there. So was the Secret Service and some delicious craft services. Those NPR cookies were colorful and yummy. What followed made me question: Is a regular citizen ever allowed on the inside? Or must we always stand in the cold?

Note to self: Once you’re on top of Politics, you have further to fall. Especially if you’re wearing Juicy platforms.