Rudy Giuliani was spot on in opting out of the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa today. In fact, he should opt out of the whole Iowa thing – and so should everyone else – in my not so humble opinion. Straw polls and caucuses are all well and good on the internet, where we know they are pretty much just for fun. But when votes start to count, they should be accurate and fairly administered. In other words, no more caucuses and straw polls. Just primaries, please. Iowa should find a better way to put itself on the map. An Iowa Primary would be just fine.
UPDATE: Of course the rise of Fred Mania may have something to do with the above. (Fred T. is now number two on the Rasmussen Weekly Poll – and he’s not even officially declared ). Also, Rudy’s weakness in early primary states, as pointed out in the Barone Blog link above.
Roger, your link behind Giulani’s name is a “mailto:” link.
Thanks. Fixed.
I like Fred, I would vote for him if the election were held today.
But I have a hintergedanke Fred may not have the fire in the belly presidential candidates need to woo people.
I don’t know.
Lem, if it’s true that Thompson doesn’t have the fire for a conventional campaign, then I can’t think of a better strategy for him than what he’s doing now. Laying in the weeds for as long as possible and relying on the Internet to get his message out allows him to marshal his strength for the last stages, when he’ll need it the most. Stuff like his retort to Michael Moore will give him a lot of bang for the effort put in.
I hope he can wait until just before the primaries actually begin to officially announce his candidacy. Heck, I’d vote for him in a heartbeat just on the basis of running such a low-impact campaign. I’m just really really tired of the never-ending campaign, and how there never seems to be a break between election cycles anymore. It gives me a headache, and I don’t see how it’s good for our political system, either.
Us Iowans have always enjoyed our free bus trip to Ames for the straw poll along with the free food, free candidate stuff, and the chance to see old friends, also for free. I guess you rubes on the coasts finally have this one figured out.
Riverman