sailingaway
06-26-2011, 08:12 AM
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110626/OPINION01/106260311/1001
Some key points:
More likely, Pawlenty's problem is that his early and aggressive organization has earned him an extra helping of scrutiny and criticism. Democrats and sympathizers have been trashing his Minnesota budget and tax record for months. His economic plan, which included a highly optimistic 5 percent growth rate, has met with incredulous media reviews.
Bachmann has not faced anything comparable. She has a reputation for gaffes and factual flubs and is light on congressional accomplishments, but she has seen nothing yet in the way of organized attacks on her record. She has not put forth detailed proposals for a Bachmann presidency. That will come, and whether she has lasting star power or just a vapor trail will depend on how well she handles the heat.
Romney's numbers can spin in either direction. That he's only one percentage point ahead of an upstart like Bachmann might suggest he was right to steer clear of Iowa. On the other hand, that he still leads the pack after spending only a single day in Iowa this cycle means he has a very loyal base. It is hard to imagine Romney gaining more support, however, without coming to Iowa to ask for it....
Herman Cain: Third place is an excellent position for Cain, who is still introducing himself to caucusgoers. At 10 percent, he's the only candidate besides Romney and Bachmann in double digits.
Gingrich: Only gay-activist Fred Karger has higher unfavorable ratings among declared GOP candidates. If the former U.S. House speaker was looking to Iowa to resurrect his smoldering campaign, his finish in this poll behind Romney, Bachmann, Cain and "not sure" should be sobering.
Ron Paul: The Texas congressman had nearly 10 percent of the vote on caucus night in 2008, in fifth place. He's tied for fourth with Gingrich in this poll, although his favorability ratings are far more positive. He has a chance to move up.
Some key points:
More likely, Pawlenty's problem is that his early and aggressive organization has earned him an extra helping of scrutiny and criticism. Democrats and sympathizers have been trashing his Minnesota budget and tax record for months. His economic plan, which included a highly optimistic 5 percent growth rate, has met with incredulous media reviews.
Bachmann has not faced anything comparable. She has a reputation for gaffes and factual flubs and is light on congressional accomplishments, but she has seen nothing yet in the way of organized attacks on her record. She has not put forth detailed proposals for a Bachmann presidency. That will come, and whether she has lasting star power or just a vapor trail will depend on how well she handles the heat.
Romney's numbers can spin in either direction. That he's only one percentage point ahead of an upstart like Bachmann might suggest he was right to steer clear of Iowa. On the other hand, that he still leads the pack after spending only a single day in Iowa this cycle means he has a very loyal base. It is hard to imagine Romney gaining more support, however, without coming to Iowa to ask for it....
Herman Cain: Third place is an excellent position for Cain, who is still introducing himself to caucusgoers. At 10 percent, he's the only candidate besides Romney and Bachmann in double digits.
Gingrich: Only gay-activist Fred Karger has higher unfavorable ratings among declared GOP candidates. If the former U.S. House speaker was looking to Iowa to resurrect his smoldering campaign, his finish in this poll behind Romney, Bachmann, Cain and "not sure" should be sobering.
Ron Paul: The Texas congressman had nearly 10 percent of the vote on caucus night in 2008, in fifth place. He's tied for fourth with Gingrich in this poll, although his favorability ratings are far more positive. He has a chance to move up.