AMES: A Low Turnout: About 14,000

Campaign officials estimate that around 14,000 Iowans cast straw ballots today. That's about sixty percent of the 23,500 who voted in 1999. So, turnout is clearly low. But that's not surprising, given that three major candidates refused to attend.

That year, Texas Gov. George W. Bush received about 31% of the votes cast.

Right now, Romney tops the polls in Iowa with anywhere from 26% to 30%, depending on the polls.

The 14,000 is a solid guestimate...the actual number may be a bit higher or a bit lower.

Comments

All sorts of interesting things going on. They doubled the tickets sold at the last minute so that Romney (who gives free tickets to supporters) would have an advantage. Then someone may have poisoned Ron Paul's wife. I saw her less than 2 weeks ago and she was the picture of health.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 7:35 PM

If Americans liked Ronald Reagan they are going to "love" Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney is a "solid" candidate. He has "accomplished" more than any other candidate out there in his career so far. 1. Took apart failing companies and put them back to together again...............2. Took the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics games that were 369 million in debt with massive corruption and pulled off one of the most incrediable "turn arounds" three months after 9/11................3. Became Governor of the bluest state in the Union with a projected $3 billion deficit and balanced the budget WITHOUT RAISING TAXES...............4. Brought private health insurance to every citzen in Massachusetts WITHOUT RASIING TAXES..... There simply isn't ANYONE as qualified to run as this man. If our corrupt liberal press wants to "nickpick" and create a "negative" sterotype of this man this so be it. ALL the other candidates running for President "TALK" about what they will do........Mitt Romney has already WALKED THE WALK. He has actually DONE things. Mitt would make a great President for All Americans.... Go romney!!

Posted by Mitt in 08 | August 11, 2007 7:42 PM

We all have heard much about the Iowa GOP fudging and manipulating the straw poll results, but someone poisoned his wife? That sounds, well, harder to believe.

Posted by Crow | August 11, 2007 7:43 PM

Mitt raised taxes. He called them "fees." Seriously, if people had lived in MA or a MA border State when Mitt was governor, they wouldn't be falling for this "I'm a conservative" nonsense.

Posted by Crow | August 11, 2007 7:44 PM

Mitt in 08 - Is he a member of CFR? Yes. So his loyalties do not lie with the US.

It isn't about labeling yourself a conservative, it is about tackling the basic problems of this country - Social Security, trade deficit, spending deficit, cultural decay, inflation, getting out of suicidal trade agreements that are undermining our sovereignty, etc....

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 7:48 PM

It's not hard to imagine when you consider Paul folks like conspiracy theories, black helicopters, the "tin hat" folks.

Posted by Matt | August 11, 2007 7:48 PM

Yeah, she just suddenly fell ill. Same with Litvinenko.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 7:51 PM

Mitt is the most viable conservative in the Presidential race and the best qualified to bring new leadership with his vision for America's future. As Michael Reagan has reminded everyone, his beloved father, The Gipper; when Governor of California signed a major pro-abortion piece of legislation before he became our party's greatest conservative and pro-life President. So good people do evolve in their positions on social issues. Gov. Romney has an impressive resume to showcase. When elected governor in 2002 he assumed a monstrous 3 billion dollar deficit and put the state od Massachusetts back in the black without raising taxes. His success in public office mirrors his record in the private sector at Bain Capitol where he reorganized and made household names of companies such as Domino's Pizza and Staples. He also bailed out the U.S. Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002, and turned a profit there for 100 million dollars. I have nicknamed Mitt, "the Rominator", for obvious reasons. Candidate Romney graduated valedictorian in undergrad; then pursued a double degree at Harvard (M.B.A. and law) graduating in the top 5% of his class while doing so. Gov. Romney's record not only reflects his fiscal expertise; but he's also pro-life. As governor, Romney vetoed a bill which would have funded human cloning and the destruction of human embryos. A strong family man, Romney has been married for 38 years to his wife Ann, has 5 sons, and 10 grandchildren. Romney has also taken a tough stance on terrorism, and he's the only top tier presidential candidate who strongly opposed the flawed Senate immigration bill( aka "No alien left behind") architected by Senators McCain and Kennedy. Romney currently leads all Republican candidates in New Hampshire, Iowa and Michigan, won the 1st debate, and raised the most money in the first quarter is the best shot at Republicans capturing the White House in 2008.

Posted by Mitt in 08 | August 11, 2007 7:51 PM

Mitt in 08 -

What is Mitt's stance on the NAFTA superhighway? The Real ID? The North American Union? CFR will tell him to push all those things through, so we don't need him.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 7:55 PM

Regarding this comment:

"Seriously, if people had lived in MA or a MA border State when Mitt was governor, they wouldn't be falling for this "I'm a conservative" nonsense."

I am an MA resident and I strongly support Mitt. In fact, Mitt leads the other Republican candidates in both MA and NH. You can check out the polls... what you're saying is demonstrably wrong.

Posted by Stephen | August 11, 2007 7:58 PM

Poison the wife? Everyone knows that's not how you stop a rival's campaign. You plot to ruin their daughter's weddin'.

Posted by Ian | August 11, 2007 7:59 PM

Ames means nothing anymore. The fact that Giuliani, McCain, and Thompson skipped it should make that very clear. Mitt's probable win will be completely hollow.

http://www.political-buzz.com/

Posted by matthew | August 11, 2007 8:01 PM

its rudy or nothing. if we nominate anyone else, clinton wins easily. romney can't beat her, he can't even make it a race. thompson is a clown, a silly loobyist with a record of being lazy. mccain is washed up and tired with no base of support. rudy has broad appeal, hig favorables, and the best resume by farrrrrrrr. and poll after poll show he is the only one who can win.

so right wingers, stop impeding the progress of our only hope, rudy giuliani.

Posted by matt | August 11, 2007 8:04 PM

Ok, Romney sucks, but did you just say that Romney poisoned Ron Paul's wife? If anything Paul pulled an Edwards here.

It's awesome that Mitt blew $3-5 million trying to beat up all the GOP candidates in the Pygmies Tier. And hilarious.

Posted by Another Alex | August 11, 2007 8:05 PM

mitt is Mormon he will lose because of his cult

Posted by fred k | August 11, 2007 8:06 PM

Giuliani, McCain, and Thompson skipped it simply because they were going to lose. It means that Romney has the most organized team and is obviously way ahead of them. Name recognition isn't everything...as McCain has recently realized...and I am sure Giuliani will catch on to. They did not "skip" the event...the obvious fact that Romney was going to win chased them out. That was weak and, therefore, now I supporty Romney. The others ran.

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 8:07 PM

Ron Paul's wife has a heart condition that acted up recently:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/08/ron-pauls-wife-.html

Posted by Gabriel | August 11, 2007 8:07 PM

Duncant Hunter is the only one with the qualifications to lead our party and country.

We can't let the bull-dyke lesbian win. She must be defeated no matter who our nominee is.

Posted by BRussell | August 11, 2007 8:07 PM

Romney can definitely beat Clinton. While sex isn't at all the only issue, it bears keeping in mind that Romney has already run against a female opponent who tried to play the "gender" card against him, and it didn't work (Shannon O'Brien, when he ran for governor of MA). That experience alone shows he knows how to handle much of what the opposition will throw at a Republican candidate in this election.

Posted by Stephen | August 11, 2007 8:07 PM

When are results going to be coming in from Ames?

Posted by Matt | August 11, 2007 8:08 PM

Supposed to be right about now. 7 pm central time.

Posted by Stephen | August 11, 2007 8:09 PM

Any moment now, Matt.

Posted by Gabriel | August 11, 2007 8:09 PM

matt - you must be a Democrat engaging in disinformation. Rudy who is actively working to sell out the infrastructure of the country, minces and lisps effemintately, and is entirely bought by AIPAC (yes, masters...shall we send Americans to die for you in Iran next?) has no chance of winning against anyone the Democrats run. He is the Democrat's (and thus the MSM's) favored choice for a candidate. They love wimps seeking aproval, that is how they control them.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 8:10 PM

Another Alex -

Not saying Romney poisoned her. Romney is just a low-level peon. The people actually calling the shots are the ones threated by Ron Paul. Check out "Freedom to Fascism" by Aaron Russo some time.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 8:13 PM

Where's da votes? Is the IA GOP** doing some good ole box-stuffing to give Mitt the fat margin he desperately wants?

**A wholly owned subsidiary of Mitt Romney for President, Inc.

Posted by Another Alex | August 11, 2007 8:14 PM

Matt, that's backwards thinking. You don't have to get a big name to go against Clinton. People feel they need to compromise their principles just to beat Hillary and she will probably beat rudy. Remember when a little known governor from Arkansas named Clinton beat a big name President Bush? Clinton and rudy are well known and there's not alot of movement or growth for either of them. Romney wears very well and he has the most potential to attract new voters. Also Governors win elections. Governor Bush, Governor Clinton, Governor Reagan and Governor Carter. We rarely elect Sitting Senators because they don't have any executive experience. Romney has executive experience in the public and private sector. Go Romney!!!

Posted by Mitt in 08 | August 11, 2007 8:15 PM

Matt - The GOP never wins by being Democrat-lite (Rudy) - see 2006 as an example...they win by representing the real values of the party.

I am a strong Southern Baptist and I proudly support Mitt Romney. I respect Mike Huckabee and I like him...Senator Brownback is cleary not a classy person.

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 8:15 PM

Not everyone with Ron Paul is a conspiracy theorist. Every campaign has their share, focus on the candidate, not the handful on board with the campaign with strange ideas about things.

Posted by Crow | August 11, 2007 8:16 PM

We can't let the bull-dyke lesbian win. She must be defeated no matter who our nominee is.

Unadulterated bigotry. The lifeblood of today's Republican party.

Posted by DivGuy | August 11, 2007 8:17 PM

Ron Paul is the only Republican candidate different from G.W. Bush and similar to Jefferson, Madison & Franklin. If Americans want more statism, they can vote for Rudy McRomney. If they want a rebirth of freedom, Ron Paul is the man.

(If Rep. Paul's wife has taken ill, I hope she is feeling better soon.)

Posted by James | August 11, 2007 8:17 PM

Jason - don't be fooled. They all say they are conservative to win - same with GWB! RP is the most conservative candidate there is!

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 8:17 PM

I am curious to know who won... Even if RP doesn't come in 1st doesn't mean he's giving up, he's not going to.

And Alex, please, calm down a bit. Your silly accusations are things that attribute to people thinking RP supporters are kooks. You can't go around saying someone poisoned Mrs. Paul without a pinch of proof.

Before anyone thinks Alex is what represents the majority of RP supporters, please don't think that's how we feel. The majority of RP supporters are not "kooks.."

Posted by ASmith | August 11, 2007 8:18 PM

You must be one of the ruling Jewish-banker-Free Mason-Illuminati-neocon-Satanic elite, Crow.

Just kidding, of course. Thanks for the words of wisdom.

Posted by Gabriel | August 11, 2007 8:20 PM

Sure, Crow, the Federal Reserve that has wrested control of this country's MONEY supply (which means they really make the laws) is just sitting back and passively watching to news hoping for an honest vote.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 8:20 PM

Sorry guys, I am a libertarian influenced conservative...but there is no way I could vote for Ron Paul in this primary. He's almost like our Dennis Kucinich. I watched him on CNBC the other day and Kudlow made him look bad...without trying to accomplish that. I am sure he's a great guy and I know he has great ideas...but this whole campaign is a wild black helicopter fringe thing.

Where does he stand on drugs, social issues, etc...everyone wants small gov't but RP is toast once we move beyond that.

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 8:21 PM

Vote Mitt Romney!

Ron Paul is just another slave to the zionist lobby. He's courting all you jackasses because you think he'll expose 9/11 for the government cover-up that it was, but only Mitt Romney would have the guts to do it.

Posted by Brendan | August 11, 2007 8:23 PM

Now THIS is getting VERY interesting. Where the hell are the results? I already seriously suspect the IA GOP is goosing the #'s for Romney. Romney stuffed CPAC and stuffed the YR straw poll (the latter incredibly blatantly, with baby boomer votes lol) ...

Well, it looks like Romney has wasted his money, regardless, because others can pretty fairly cry fraud.

Posted by Another Alex | August 11, 2007 8:23 PM

ASmith - I said someone MAY have poisoned his wife. The timing is a bit too convenient to not at least suspect that.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 8:23 PM

Jason, the conspiracy theory crowd have indeed made RP their candidate of choice....but he does have a lot of level-headed supporters too.

BTW, do you have a link to the Kudlow video you mention? I'd like to see it.

Posted by Gabriel | August 11, 2007 8:24 PM

Romney is nothing more than a phony. GO RON PAUL!

Posted by Frank Hortingander | August 11, 2007 8:24 PM

Saying that someone poisoned Carol Paul is nonsense. Calm Down Alex 1, you're making the other Alexes look bad.

GO RON PAUL GO!

REVOLUTION 2008!

Posted by Yet Another Alex | August 11, 2007 8:24 PM

Romney, Clinton, Rudy, Obama, it does not matter. Unfortunately it took segregationist Governor Wallace to reveal the truth that "there's not a dime's worth of difference between" Republicans and Democrats. The Democrats willingly went along with the War in Iraq, suspension of Habeas Corpus, opening mail, banning books like America Deceived (book) from Amazon, stealing private lands (Kelo decision), warrant-less wiretapping and refusing to investigate 9/11 properly. They are both guilty of treason.
Support Dr. Ron Paul and end this madness.

Posted by Winston | August 11, 2007 8:26 PM

Jason, I doubt Kudlow made him "look bad" but if you are depending on the mainstream media to pick out a good conservative for you, GOOD LUCK!

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 8:26 PM

None of the leading democrats have any executive experience. The republicans will be crazy to nominate someone without any executive experience.

Posted by Mitt in 08 | August 11, 2007 8:26 PM

Maybe the people that "poisoned" RP's wife poisoned the vote counters as well...

...seriously people...it gets old.

A major issue I have with the RP camp: They can say he is uncorrupted, different, etc...but how come he is the only person in the entire race that is uncorruptable and perfect? I'm a Romney guy, but what about Huckabbee? Is he a slave to these secret lobbbies as well?

(I don't have a link to the video...I caught it on TV several days ago.)

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 8:28 PM

Unfortunately, the strongest conservative can't run because his last name is Bush. And even if you believe in all this ulterior motives for everything; to immediately spew your ideas on this sort of forum just hurts your candidate...I liked RP a lot more before I read what some of his supporters have been saying here, although I know that to be a foolish reason to like or dislike someone.

Not another Alex...it's beginning to sound like a late 70's clone sci-fi flick.

Posted by Rob | August 11, 2007 8:30 PM

HUCKABBEE MUST BE A SLAVE TO THE SECRET ELITE LOBBIES! Why else would he be so silent about Ron Paul's wife's poisoning?

/sarcasm

Posted by Joseph | August 11, 2007 8:31 PM

Jason, Huckabee talks and seems like a nice guy, but check this out. The guy is clearly demented and only respects the Constitution when it serves his ideology.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dtprTFgcdAI

Posted by Robert | August 11, 2007 8:33 PM

I meant Jeb, incidentally. His older brother is no conservative.

Posted by Rob | August 11, 2007 8:33 PM

Perfect example, thanks Robert. This is exactly what I meant...no one in the world thinks badly of Huckabeee. I throw him out there as an example of why can only RP be untarnished and uncorruptable...and you RPaulies just go after him. It's nuts.

You are our Kuciniches...enjoy irrelevancy.

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 8:36 PM

Pardon that last comment, it should have read:

"You are our Kuciniches, except you probably hold jobs..."

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 8:37 PM

Jason - "Is he a slave to these secret lobbbies as well?"

Just look up if he is a member of the secretive group, CFR - a secretive band of elitists. Don't think they are? Try to sit in on one of their meetings.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 8:42 PM

Watch out, I heard his wife holds a monthly sewing circle after Sunday school as well...

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 8:47 PM

The comment about Alex making RP supporters look bad is true...but my problem with RP is that for some reason he is attracting all of the old David Duke, Bo Gritz, John Birch supporters who believe nothing they see in the news unless its supports their position. Would someone tell me why?

Back in the 60s and 70s they said that Martin Luther King Jr. was a communist plotter. The also said that Dwight Eisenhower (who my Grandpa served with) was a communist. Then they made up crazy story that the Council on Foreign Relations (a benign think tank that a friend of mine worked for--and no he didn't take any blood oaths) has been planning all world events since the French Revolution also runs every election, killed Kennedy etc. Then they say they think we should all go back to the Gold Standard (oops, guess none of them ever took an economics class). But the thing that IRKS me the most is the anti-Semetism. The conspiracy theory that the "Jewish Bankers" run the world has existed for hundreds of years and has excused countless pogroms not to mention the holocaust. I am not accusing RP of believing these things, but if he doesn't disavow them soon I think he should be denounced by the Republicans like they denounced David Duke back in 92.

And the funny thing is that the people who tend to vote numerous times in online polls, think the Ames straw Poll must be rigged if their guy doesn't win. For Paul to come in 3rd is a major coup...but what I don't understand Alex, is if you think the whole world is rigged anyway, why do you even bother with Democracy? Why even venture out of the compound huh?

Posted by Fred | August 11, 2007 8:48 PM

How long does it take to count 14,000 votes electronically anyway? This is starting to look either incompetent or crooked. Neither one can the Republicans afford.

Posted by Rob | August 11, 2007 8:49 PM

Exactly what Fred said. He obviously goes for the factual and substantive responses while I enjoy hitting the wingnuts with sarcasm and annoyance. The mere suggestion that the CFR is some super elitist power club is funny...I know too many people involved to be able to believe that.

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 8:52 PM

rudy is much more then a big name, he has the most accomplished resume in the field. from being 3rd top official in the reagan justice department, to the most successful prosecuter in the country in the nations toughest district, to being the greatest big-city mayor in american history. romeny is nothing but a john kerry clone, inconsistent and deceitful, a total panderer to the fullest with just one weak term in office.

rudy ran the 3rd largest government in the coutry, the second largest economy, the largest police force, and the number one american terror target. it was the most effective conservitiver governing in the last 50 years. he proved he can lead in a crisis, he proved he can keep us safe, he proved he can turn around defecits and lower taxes, and did it in the most hostile liberal center in the country.

his poll numbers show he is the only republican who can win nj, penn, michigan, conn, main, oregon, and even california. no other can make the claim. he alsow has defeated both an african american candidate and a woman candidate with ease.

a vote for romney or thompson is a good a voting for hillary herself. if you want another clinton, vote romney. if you want the change and vision of reagan, then rudy is your only choice. anything else proves you are not a true relublican, merely a dittohead who helps to fuel phonies like falwell, perkins, dobson and their ilk.

Posted by matt | August 11, 2007 8:57 PM

Sorry boys, it's been fun...but I need to get to dinner (I'm having Kissinger, a few Sultans, and some neocon named Cheney over to a bar mitzvah to plan some coups, market crashes, etc.)

Anyway, Matt, it was a nice attempt but Rudy is not the guy. He waters down the message of the party - which is more important than any one person. He has a checkered past on some issues and he was not "America's Mayor" before the 9-11 tragedy. One event should NEVER propel one person to the Oval Office.

Mitt Romney is extremely accomplished and competent. I am not going to try to convince anyone...especially someone who is planning on victory in '08 by seeing who can win CA, CT, OR, NJ, etc.

Best of luck to everyone. Romney '08.

Posted by Jason | August 11, 2007 9:02 PM

Who was #2 in Reagan's CABINET? Mr. One World Order himself! So being loosely associated with Reagan doesn't buy you much in and of itself.

Rudy is a gun grabber and has stated such. Talk about a panderer - he is the type who immediately starts talking about hunting when the subject of gun control comes up. He doesn't even understand the issue.

He is involved in selling out the INFRASTRUCTURE of this country for FOREIGN companies! Yes, Texas roads that were PAID FOR by tax payers now belong to a Spanish company and they are going to charge tolls. That is the sound of Giuliani selling out his chances of every getting close to winning!

His effeminate mincing and lisping doesn't play well anywhere beyond the readership of the Village Voice.

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 9:05 PM

The muff-diving, thunder-thigh bitch must be defeated guys. No matter who our nominee is we have to get behind that man.

Posted by KevnJT | August 11, 2007 9:10 PM

Fred, what is that pablem you are puking? Antisemitism isn't hating Jews - it is being hated BY Jews. Victor Ostrovsky, and ex-Mossad agent himself, freely admitted to the tactic of "labeling" anyone who critisized Israel is being "anti-Semitic."

Posted by Alex | August 11, 2007 9:10 PM

Jason, the only thing that has watered down the message of the party is the religious right. well they had 8 years with their evengelical president, now its time for a more pragmatic approach. the man turned around life for 8.5 million new yorkers, who showed what true leadership is all about, who beats every dem in every poll, unlike miit who pathetically loses by as much as 20 points, will bring this country together. rudy is bigger then just one party, he crosses boundries and solidifies one nation against the jihadists.

most importantly, he is the only thing standing in the clinton machines' path to imperialism and dominance. hillary will destroy the courts, our defense, our healthcare, and our retirement. america's mayor is the only one who can stop it.

a vote for romney = president hillary clinton

Posted by matt | August 11, 2007 9:11 PM

jason, those are simply the states besides the ones bush one that rudy leads the dems in. he is also the only republican leading the dems in ohio, which is where the election needs to be won.

romney claimed to be to the left of teddy, now he is to the right of reagan. he is kerry, the sequel. we dont need a right wing version of kerry, we need the best qualified and most proven executive, and mitt simply doesnt come close in the accomplisment department.

Posted by matt | August 11, 2007 9:18 PM

haha romney spends the most and pathetically still gets 3,000 votes less then bush

Posted by matt | August 11, 2007 9:24 PM

More Iowa Straw Poll Coverage at CrookedInc.Com

Posted by Gary Vincent | August 11, 2007 9:41 PM

I am not talking about criticizing Israel. I have done so many times. But when people starting blaming everything from the economy to grand, complex world events on "the Jews", I have a MAJOR problem with that.

We do live in interesting times. There have always been cranks, conspiracy theorists and anti-government skeptics. To an extent, its part of the beauty of Democracy and represents a thread of the American tradition. But the underbelly of this can be very ugly. Trying to look at it clinically, I think the advent of the internet has caused a great amount of cross fertilization and that's why you have a few ignorant liberal professors who are spouting a line invented by the John Birch Society or the KKK 40 years ago (but they don't know it). I have also found that when you hate someone so much (whether its politicians, a different ethnic group, or a public figure), then you will believe anything bad said about them.

I may not be a fan of Clinton or Bush, but that doesn't mean I believe stories that they murder people or are planning world events along with Queen Elizabeth and the Bilderburgers in the basement or that if I brush with flouridated toothpaste I'll be brainwashed into being a communist. Anyway, I should "have done with lesser things" and not get involved in a discussion with conspiracy theorists, but we have learned from history that when extremists get a platform (i.e., the internet nowdays), they need to be countered.

People thought Hitler was a joke until he took over.

Posted by Fred | August 12, 2007 12:35 AM

Sorry for the long comments guys...but I couldn't resist one more.

If the counting takes a long time they will say it took "way too long"...if it only took a minute they would say that was fishy too.

I was an election worker last year and an official observer in 2004. The electrnic machines are WAY better than the old scan trons that gave us 2000. In either case, dual control and procedures make it super hard to steal votes. In fact, the fraud that does occur is usually double voting, not vote stealing. Yes, the system is not perfect, but people shouldn't comment on it unless they know something about it.

Posted by Fred | August 12, 2007 12:48 AM

Romney spent the most money -- end of story as straw polls are worthless when a candidate can buy as many ballots as he wants and pays the way for people to be bused in.

Big win -- NOT even close.

Posted by Samantha | August 12, 2007 1:33 AM

Unadulterated bigotry. The lifeblood of today's Republican party.

Calling Hillary a bull dyke exhibits bigotry, yes. But it also indicates great difficulty determining sexual identities accurately. Which is also a common trait of Bush supporters. There is an amazing amount of repressive and shame-based sexual dysfunction evident in many of the ones I've observed. Thus they can publicly castigate homosexuals while having homosexual trysts.Hypocrisy has been so paramount that everytime I read a homophobic statement like BRussell's, I automatically assume they're gay.

And when Brendan says "Ron Paul is just another slave to the zionist lobby", I automatically assume he's an unapologetic bigot who never gets laid.

As to the candidates, Giuliani, Romney, Hunter and Tommy Thompson aren't likely to carry their own home states in the general election. Iowa has also emerged as an unreliable indicator of the ultimate nominee.

I think it's foolish to get so worked up about the presidential race before November. So much can happen - a terror attack, $5/gal gasoline, a recession, a war with Iran, a verbal gaffe, etc - that the ardor shown for anyone now is akin to looking for a new messiah.

I just don't get why people get their panties in a twist about choosing the hired help. They're just people with different skills and different flaws. I haven't heard of one or seen one that did much of anything that benefited my life any more than a teacher or the guy who hauls my garbage; they're public servants all.

Posted by Kevin Hayden | August 12, 2007 6:46 AM

Romney is indeed a qualified and intelligent person, and would certainly do a better job than Bush - but he has a serious problem: He supports the disastrous and unprovoked Iraq war and hasn't ruled out attacking Iran.

The murder must stop, and I'm not going to support anyone who doesn't strictly rule out another unprovoked attack, and who doesn't want to get out of Iraq in a reasonable timeframe -- even if he happens to be qualified and right on many other issues.

Unfortunately, that doesn't leave many candidates - all but Paul, Kucinich and Gravel have made pro-war statements.

Is anyone else totally dissatisfied with the choice?

Posted by Stop Bush | August 12, 2007 4:40 PM

Fred knows everything. Trust him. He is good with dis-information to knock down the truth that is right there before our eyes. Trust him. He is so much smarter and worldly than everyone else because he has friends who counsel on foriegn relations for foriegn profits. The twin towers came down from fires too!!!!Trust him it's logical.

Posted by Charles | August 12, 2007 7:28 PM

Diabolt machines are great!! Trust Fred. They have never been proven to be hackable. The Sec of state in California didn't decide that the voteing machines could be hack. He is worldly!!! Just like Mitt Romney. The bank of international settlements doesn't even control the US currency cause Fred is..............a brainwash slab of useless meat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Charles | August 12, 2007 7:35 PM

All politicians are crooks. Why would anyone spend all the money Romney is spending to get a job that pays 450 thou$ a year? Because he can make BILLIONS, by manipulating us, that's why. He doesn't give a shit about you ro me. None of them do except for possibly Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel. And I'm terribly sorry to inform you, but if you doubt what I just said, than you are an organic portal just waiting for the next message to come from FOX News or Rush Limbaugh or Hannity or O'Reilly or any of the other parrots of this facist nazi regime that has overtaken our beloved country.

Don't hate me for saying it, but please do some research on your own and begin the painful process of becomning the thinking, living and loving human being that you were intended to be. Begin to understand and feel how much you love your own mother and father, and sons and daughters and then try to fathom how someone, anyone, anywhere, could not feel the same love and connection that you feel. Regardless of their heritage or staion in life or country of origin, people are all the same. We are all droplets in the ocean of humanity and what you do or think to another human, eventually, you do to yourself.

it's time to understand that love is the ONLY thing that can save us from complete and utter destrucion. It is the ONLY thing that can stop the killing, the destruction, the murder, the greed, the lying and the manipulation of mankind. Fuck you if you think I'm some sort of hippie...I am not. I am just a realist. War and fear and hate makes BILLIONS OF DOLLARS for the people who control humanity while they manipulate and continue to control our thoughts, feelings and actions through their complete monoploy of the media and our leaders. We are helpless without love. Just spend a moment thinking about that. Nobody HATES you...except your leaders.

Upwards...

Truthman

Posted by Duane Evans | August 12, 2007 8:28 PM

Ron Paul is the only true conservative in the running, and is Founding Father material. Gouliani is a total fascist and his law firm is representing the Spanish company trying to build the Trans-Texas Corridor aka the NAFTA super highway. Romney is a total tool and the only thing going for him is his polished look and haircut.

RP is the only one who can beat Clinton...period. If RP does not get the nomination you all can enjoy Shillery as your next president. The Bushes and the Clintons and the Bushes and the Clintons.....

Welcome to the new America. Land of the dumb and home of the slave.

RP will save the Constitution, your liberties, and the country in the process. Join the Revolution!

Posted by AdamT | August 12, 2007 8:45 PM

I'm completely amazed that so many Americans still have faith that it matters who they vote for. Blaitant election fraud in the last 2 elections (and clearly this Iowa straw poll) should not be the only thing to alert Americans to the reality of their growing dictatorship. Billary "I voted for the Iraq war but I don't support it" Clinton, Barrack "Blow the shit out of Pakistan" Obama, Rudy "arrest ground zero workers for digging for their friends" Guliani, and all of the other neo-con puppets pretending to oppose each other will all give you more of the same shit- an invasive and illegal foreign policy, mass removal of constitutional civil liberties, and further destruction of the economy and borders to push for a North American Union.
Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate who will restore your liberties, keep a humble foreign policy, destroy the illegal privately owned federal reserve and end income tax, and keep America's sovereignty. Americans, the two party paradigm is a sham, a distraction that has effectively brainwashed you from the real issues. Vote for Ron Paul. I might be Canadian and will have no say in '08, but it still affects me to a great extent who gets elected.

Posted by James N | August 12, 2007 9:52 PM

WOW, a Canadian named James N understands this country more than most who live here. Some people just don't want to believe facts that contradict their personal opinions and prejudices. Everything he posted is factual. I'm a proud American, but I'm pretty embarrased by how naiive and gullible the sheeple of this country are. The masses are scary people who believe anything they read, or, see from the major news media networks/outlets that are now controlled by 6 corporate entities. HUMMM, how does this work? We need more people like James....

Posted by da324 | August 13, 2007 12:12 AM

I'm from 20 miles from Mass. and romney is as phony and fake as his sons with their "serving the country by helping mr. corrupt become prez'nit."

The reverse cognitive dissonance is so loud that sen kerry, from the same state, was labled as a silver-spooner, yet romney's no different, serving his Mormon mission of 15 years (wasn't it 15 years, since he didn't serve in Viet Nam (like Kerry did) because of his mission to a French-speaking country?) Lessee, what sub-Saharan African country did he need to speak French in? Oh yeah, France. Geez, did daddy pull a few strings for that one or is obvious just plain obvious enough in and of itself? And kerry was the flip-flopper, so what does that make romney the wussy on so many issues, abortion, etc.?

Get real, mitt in 08, this guy, who's also made millions selling pornography to satellite subscribers and hoteleers, is the one coulter the skank should call "faggot" 'cause he's such a wuss.

Posted by JoeP | August 13, 2007 1:05 AM

It seems Mitt is only loved by his cult religious supporters, as MA folks all seem to hate him. If we make this weenie president, he will send our tax dollars to the Church of Satan, uhm I mean Mormon. Learn the lesson from Prayin' Ernie Istook of Oklahoma. After becoming a senator he managed to deflect some Oklahoma pork back to his favorite state of Utah. Oklahoma loses a light rail system, and Elohim and Joseph Smith smile.

Posted by Steve Savage | August 13, 2007 4:54 AM