This is a long email about how you should be looking at the results of the Iowa Caucuses. We wanted to make sure you, an important member of Team Pete, had all the information before tomorrow night. 

Hi there,

As you know, the outcome of the Iowa Caucuses is critical. (If you can, please chip in right now to help us make sure we can sprint through the finish line.) What you might not know, though, is how the winner will be determined, or what to make of all the numbers. 
 
There will be three numbers coming out of the Caucuses: the raw numbers of the first alignment (“alignment” is a caucus term for the different rounds of voting); the raw numbers of the second alignment; and “State Delegate Equivalents,” or “SDEs.” The winner of the Iowa Caucuses will be determined by this third number -- the number of delegates awarded. 

Here’s an important note: Delegates are only awarded at the end of the night after a full Caucus. A lot will happen between that first alignment and final delegate allocation. 

But we heard today that the Bernie campaign is planning on releasing numbers after that first alignment -- which means that they’re choosing to ignore the results that come after. 

But just like the winner of the Super Bowl will be determined by total points scored, not yards gained before halftime, the results of the Caucuses will be determined by delegates earned at the end of the night, not the first or second alignment numbers. 
 
If you’re proud to be on Team Pete -- the campaign defined by boldness and belonging -- please chip in right now and help us reach our $500,000 goal before midnight.

Here’s why understanding how this works and adhering to these rules is important: The Democratic nominee has to play to win.

Listen, as much as we’d like to count up the votes in the general election and determine the winner that way, instead of working within the electoral college, we have to be ready to win under the rules we have. Democratic candidates need to demonstrate that ability right now. 

The measure of how someone wins the nomination will be delegates. So that’s how Pete for America is measuring success -- because that’s how we win. 

Pete is the leader we need, and this is the campaign that can win. If you believe that, chip in right now to make sure we can win in Iowa tomorrow, and be ready to win in New Hampshire just eight days later.

We expect our team -- that’s you -- to lead when it comes to caucus night analysis and behavior online. Sit tight and wait until the end of the night. Follow the Rules of the Road tomorrow, just as you have this entire year. 

Even if other campaigns go there and try to spin the results, we won’t. 

Look, we’re playing to win. This year more than ever, Democrats need to be ready to win in November. And we are. We can win. And we’ll always be transparent with you about how we do that.

If you’re proud to be on a team that’s working for a new type of politics based on honesty and integrity, please chip in right now to make sure we have the resources to sprint through Iowa and win tomorrow night -- fairly and respectfully.

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Thank you, 
 
Pete for America 
South Bend HQ