More 2012: Wither Iowa?

IOWA: “For the past few decades, presidential hopefuls made a show of their Iowa campaigns, boasting local endorsements and flashing extensive lists of chairmen from the state’s 99 counties, backers who will be ready to turn out supporters for that candidate at the caucuses,” Roll Call writes. “But this cycle, campaigns aren’t playing the traditional ground game. Presidential candidates have minimally organized their Iowa campaigns — if they’re organizing at all. One month before the Jan. 3 caucuses, Iowa veterans expect one of the most unpredictable, nontraditional caucuses in recent history.”

Explore related topics: decision-2012

Advertise | AdChoices

Paul M in Wbridge

That's a good point.

In Iowa, we have an unusual circumstance where everybody is saying they have more organization there than they do, with one exception, and that's Romney who is saying he has less than he really does.

If organization carries the caucus, Romney could pull the upset win. Gingrich has next to nothing, and I'm not buying into the Paul campaign's claims that this time it is organizing the ground game. It might be, but I'd have to see it to believe it.

#1 - Mon Dec 5, 2011 10:43 AM EST

Amy B. Portland, ME

Republican politicians have increasingly turned into theatrical performers, witness, the Sarah Palin phenomenon. The Repbublicans don't seem to mind the crazy candidates they are running, from Cain to Trump, because they are used to the flamboyant rhetoric and showy theatricals of the right wing media. There's a natural progression from the rise of right-wing talk radio to Fox ~~News~~ Noise, to this side show of a primary.

1 vote

#2 - Mon Dec 5, 2011 10:45 AM EST

J. Richter

Gingrich as speaker did balance the budget and turn our economy into surplus. And yes Congress controls spending. Unlike the flip flopper that actually practiced liberal policies he at least has the scars and lived some of the ideals folks are all paying lip service to on the campaign trail right now.

#3 - Mon Dec 5, 2011 10:46 AM EST

Progressive=Forward 11

Look out Iowa! Here comes the GOP "Carnival Of Clowns!"

1 vote

#4 - Mon Dec 5, 2011 10:59 AM EST

Sailcat-2064101

Have any of the GOP's "Pretenders to the Presidency" organized a campaign push in any state? Are any of these losers prepared to mount an organized campaign at all? The evidence strongly suggests they are confused, baffled, and woefully unprepared for the primary race.

This is going to be a long, bitter, and expensive primary race for the GOP's busload of cranks, crazies, and crooks. Read 'em and weep.

2 votes

#5 - Mon Dec 5, 2011 2:20 PM EST

Progressive=Forward 11

Yes Iowa! The GOP Clowns are on their way to Iowa. Riding on their GOP Elephants. The GOP Clowns will spread their messages of "Social Sadism." According to "Nutty Newt" poor children deserve to starve, and they need to work more. "Nutty Newt" does not want an educated society. That would screw up his mentally ill vision of an 1855 Southern Agricultural Slave Economy. This is how deeply sick "Nutty Newt" really is.