Iowa GOP Straw Poll - 11 August 2007

[Reluctant Republican]

For some reason beyond my understanding, I was watching the 700 club yesterday and thought I heard Pat Robertson say he won the poll in 1988. If this is the case, what’s the real significance behind the poll? I understand the media will report on who ever does strongly in it, but is the straw poll even worth participating in, for anyone other then the lesser known candidates?

As for results, I say Romney wins with Paul coming in second, and Tancredo in third.

[Reluctant Republican]

Question for everyone. Does everyone agree that Romney has more to lose then he has to gain by participating in this straw poll? After all, everyone expects him to win, and big. So, should he somehow lose, or even have someone like Paul place closer to him then expected, would that hurt his campaign significantly? I personally think that should he somehow lose the straw poll, it’s the end of his campaign. All the hype around him would deflate, and donations might start to draw up. Of course, I tend to exaggerate ill side effects, and could very well be doing so here.

[Reluctant Republican]

Coverage is on C-SPAN right now.

Gingrich is speaking right now for some reason, delivering a CarlHayden-esq rant on illegal immigration.

Gngrich looks rather folksy. Love the shirt.

[Reluctant Republican]

Mitt needs to start dressing casual, the look works for him.

So little applause for Paul. I've a feeling today won't be a good day for us Paul supporters.

[Reluctant Republican]

Great speach by Paul. I'm happy that even though his wife is ill, he can still hit one out of the park. The crowds chants of "Ron Paul" does make this seem a little like a cult, though.

[Reluctant Republican]

Results are about to be announced on Fox News...lots of Ron Paul signs present in the crowd.

Yeah. Say what you want about the man, his supporters know where to position themselves to get media attention.

[Reluctant Republican]

I love FOX NEWS.

I really dislike Geraldo. He's so full of himself. The rest of the gang's not so bad, I guess. But I'll take Nancy Grace over all of them any day.

[Reluctant Republican]

Best Presidential election source on the Net:  Marc Ambinder

AMES -- The announcement of tonight's straw poll results has been delayed due to what one informed source says was a voting machine malfunction. About 4,500 ballots had to be re-run. We are waiting...

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/08/straw_poll_results_delayed_due.php#comments

Great! Now the Ron Paul supporters will be able to blame the computer boogeyman for their candidate's showing.

Well, I thought I read somewhere that a person supporting Romney was overseing the voting. I don't think they'd resort to cheating, but I really think they should have chosen an unbiased observer. Sadly though, I do think Paul will under perform. so I'll be looking for someone else to support soon.

[Reluctant Republican]

Are they going to break in with the results, or will they make us wait until the top of the hour? I really don't feel like watching this.

[Reluctant Republican]

Looks like Thompson will drop out now. Maybe Hunter will consider it, as well.