McCain and Giuliani will skip the Iowa Straw Poll. Will it hurt them?

Question

Rumors say Thompson is talking with Iowa about details of the event. What happens if Thompson shows up?

It's a big money making event. That's the only big deal about it. Money...

LOL...yeah, eating a kitten on TV would be memorable... lol

Answer 1

They'll miss out from the little bit of popularity boost you can get nationwide if you're listed as the Straw Poll winner, but neither McCain or Giuliani would win it, so it doesn't really matter if they don't show up.

BUT, the Straw Poll is a *huge* fundraiser for the party - they might lose out on a few party perks or tick people off who won't help them further down the road.

I think the biggest issue will be if having two of the frontrunners blow it off will signal an end to the straw poll in future elections...

Answer 2

Its an interesting strategy. I can't help but think it will effect the Iowa caucus next year. They must think they're strong enough without attending the straw event.

Thompson raised 680,000 in about 48 hours on his website. With them skipping, Thompson will receive a lot of attention. Thompson will reel Giuliani and McCain in quickly. After Iowa he'll be ahead or real close.

Answer 3

Most people outside of Iowa don't even know what that is, and probably don't care. Candidates from BOTH sides can do what they want and say what they want because short of eating a kitten on TV, nobody will care or remember what they did in June 2007 when it's October 2008.

Answer 4

Does anyone really care about a caucus in Iowa of all places? Makes no difference.

Answer 5

I hope Fred Thompson DOES show up.
I think he will do well.
McCain should skip it. After his 'Amnesty" bill, he would be poorly received.
Giuliani would not be well liked in the "heart-land" of America and should skip it too.

Answer 6

I think McCain is done already. What is Giuliani afraid of?
I hope Tompson does show up. I would like to hear what he has to say.