We’re outta here
Wednesday, June 6th, 2007 4:42 pmR.I.P. Iowa Straw Poll.
Perhaps I shouldn’t say that.
If it’s media attention that makes the Republican Straw Poll what it is, what happens if nobody pays attention?
That’s a big question in the wake of Rudy Giuliani’s and John McCain’s announcements Wednesday that they’ll skip the Straw Poll, the August extravaganza that’s a big money-maker for the Iowa GOP — and the object or derision of those who don’t have a chance of winning it or don’t share in its spoils.
I won’t pretent I have any great influence. But what of those who do? Already today, a Washington Post blogger has called the Straw Poll “meaningless.” A Politico writer advises his colleagues to take their August vacations.
There undoubtedly will be others writing the same thing.
Giuliani led the mini-stampede with a noon announcment Wednesday. Four hours later, McCain was out the door, saying the event — which eight years ago he disparaged — had lost its meaning again. If Fred Thompson ever thought about coming, he probably isn’t now.
That leaves Mitt Romney among the national front-runners who’s left to compete. His state people said shortly after the news broke that he’s still planning to be play in Ames — but against whom? And, to my main point, what if nobody shows up to record the results?
Much like the caucuses themselves, the Straw Poll gets its oxygen from media attention. And if the national media doesn’t consider it a “key test of organizational strength” then it doesn’t seem likely anybody will bother.
If that’s the case, the twin decisions not only have relevance for the front runners. But, on down the roster of candidates. Consider Tommy Thompson, the ex-Wisconsin governor who was banking on a strong Straw Poll finish to ignite his presidential campaign.
He’ll have to focus his effort on the big show now.
As for the others whose state organizations aren’t as beefy — and who don’t have the money or poll standing nationally, the demise of the Straw Poll would just remove another opportunity to boost themselves.
Of course, the news is still fresh. There have been plenty of writers who have shamed themselves by predicting the demise of the caucuses only to see them survive every presidential cycle.
It could be the same with the Straw Poll.
Or it could be just a whole lot of left over barbecue.
June 7th, 2007 at 6:22 am
I strongly favor a national primary day. The supposed influence of Iowa and New Hampshire is entirely out of line with their populations, and whoever decided that primaries had to be weighted to smaller states was for sure from a smaller state. There is no logical reason for small states to artificially be cast in a more important light than they deserve at any other time.