So, the first real test of the 2008 Presidential campaign came and went in Ames, Iowa. And what did we really learn?
Is Romney the new frontrunner? Not really. He allegedly spent a ton of money to outpace Huckabee and Brownback. I know he's supposed to be an excellent business man, but I'm not sure he's making good investments.
No, what we really learned this past weekend is that the GOP is depressed. The turnout in Iowa for this straw poll was pathetic, much worse than the last competitive primary in 1999. This is good news for the Democratic nominee, as long as they don't screw it up:
For starters, turnout this year declined sharply from the 1999 straw poll. That year, more than 23,000 Iowans--only Iowans are allowed to vote, though anyone is welcome to come to Ames--cast ballots. On Saturday, only 14,302 votes were cast. Why should an event that draws only 14,000 people be given the significance the straw poll receives.
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