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What the hell is this "iowa straw poll" that all the news is about today after teh debates last night? Can someone educate me here?  

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So far as I can tell its where the Republican presidential hopefuls go to prove whos the biggest douche in the hopes of attracting more donors.

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Dems do it too.

Straw polls are non binding.  But they just give an idea of who the country favors among the candidates.  We usually have a number of them over the course of a year and it is one way to decide who our front runners are and who just doesnt have a lot of support.  One candidate may be strong in one poll than in another.  So...Bachman would do well in Iowa, but Romney will do best probably in New Hampshire.  

The results dont really count toward the election.  But it just gives us an idea of how strong the various candidates are.

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So, Bachmann apparently won it, with Ron Paul in 2nd, and Pawlenty has quit the race. Am guessing Paul doesn't really have much of a chance of getting the nomination overall, so what does that do to the field now?

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it's not to see who the nation favors, it's basically a test of campaign organization. it's whoever can bus in the most voters from around iowa. and while bachmann won, romney didn't even participate, and rick perry threw his name in at the last minute. so, it doesn't mean a whole lot, it just propels bachmann's name into the top three candidates.

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Originally Posted by Dødherre Mørktre:
it's not to see who the nation favors, it's basically a test of campaign organization. it's whoever can bus in the most voters from around iowa. and while bachmann won, romney didn't even participate, and rick perry threw his name in at the last minute. so, it doesn't mean a whole lot, it just propels bachmann's name into the top three candidates.

So Palin has pretty much given up then, seeing as she didn't even feature?

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I'm from IA originally and I don't remember all this right wing support. Anyone catch today's new picture of Bachmann with a corn dog in her mouth? I swear I wonder if it's possible to take pictures of politicians when they aren't doing something goofy.

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DAMMIT I knew people were gonna circulate that dumb picture of Bachmann with a corndog in her mouth. I wanna smack the person who took it.

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Originally Posted by Kieran Colfer:

Originally Posted by Dødherre Mørktre:
it's not to see who the nation favors, it's basically a test of campaign organization. it's whoever can bus in the most voters from around iowa. and while bachmann won, romney didn't even participate, and rick perry threw his name in at the last minute. so, it doesn't mean a whole lot, it just propels bachmann's name into the top three candidates.

So Palin has pretty much given up then, seeing as she didn't even feature?

i think bachmann pretty much swallowed up her constituency.

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Originally Posted by Dødherre Mørktre:
it's not to see who the nation favors, it's basically a test of campaign organization. it's whoever can bus in the most voters from around iowa. and while bachmann won, romney didn't even participate, and rick perry threw his name in at the last minute. so, it doesn't mean a whole lot, it just propels bachmann's name into the top three candidates.

My bad. *Blush*

I'm now looking for Romney, Bachman and Perry to become the 3 front runners.  Have to admit that Gingrich is now done.  Ron Paul is a loon...and a dangerous one at that.  I'm guessing Cain will most likely drop out soon as will Santorum.

I'm thinking Palin is leaning toward not getting in the race after all.  She may be angling for a VP spot though.

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Originally Posted by Douglas Shireman:
DAMMIT I knew people were gonna circulate that dumb picture of Bachmann with a corndog in her mouth. I wanna smack the person who took it.

how bout this pic?



reminds me of this one.





meanwhile







where's the ugly, untouched closeup of me-chell obama? why the iconic imagery of obama? why do news outlets to stuff like this and then claim neutral unbias.

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Well, the media has been accused of favoring the Dems...and especially the Obamas.  they loved the Clintons too.

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Originally Posted by Dennis Young:
Well, the media has been accused of favoring the Dems

No, really? Never heard that one before. Am surprised it was never mentioned in here at some stage...

:-P

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Originally Posted by Dødherre Mørktre:



where's the ugly, untouched closeup of me-chell obama? why the iconic imagery of obama? why do news outlets to stuff like this and then claim neutral unbias.

I don't have a problem with Michell Obama. I think she has upheld a very good image of what a first lady should be. I actually agree with her personal goals as first lady as well.

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Originally Posted by Mark Simmons:

Originally Posted by Dødherre Mørktre:



where's the ugly, untouched closeup of me-chell obama? why the iconic imagery of obama? why do news outlets to stuff like this and then claim neutral unbias.

I don't have a problem with Michell Obama. I think she has upheld a very good image of what a first lady should be. I actually agree with her personal goals as first lady as well.

Me too Mark!  I think she has done some pretty good work as far as nutrition for kids go.  The right has slanted and twisted this, however, and tried hard to make it something bad.  But imo, if the (public) schools are state-run and taxpayers have to fund it (as the do), then I think the govt has the right...the responsibility to make sure schoolkids are fed nutritious food.

OTOH, I'm not so thrilled with her extravagant vacations to Spain costing the taxpayers millions especially in the economy.  But she has done some pretty good things imo.  At least she's done more good than her husband has.  Lol!