2007-07-28 17:41:01 · 7 answers · asked by Eric Inri 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Yes and no. The no part is that the straw polls are not part of the official process for electing delegates.
The yes part is that they are a measure of organization and support. Most straw polls are conducted as part of a state party fundraiser. It takes a certain type of person to be willing to show up for an event (even if a candidate is providing a free ticket) and sit around for hours listening to speeches just to vote for a candidate. Amazingly, that process is very similar to a precinct level caucus in a caucus state. So the Iowa straw poll is a good measure of how much progress candidate's are making in getting the intensity of support necessary to be competitive in January in Iowa.
The other yes part is that candidates who show no sign of making progress and are without much money may decide as a result of the early straw polls that it is time to fold up their tent and figure out a way to get on the short list for VP or a cabinet position.
2007-07-28 20:19:45 · answer #1 · answered by Tmess2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not in the big sense. In the little sense it gives candidates a feel for the support they have going into a election. Many send tier candidates from both parties rely on straw polls to see if they even have a shot at the beginning. It helps towns too because it brings in more people and money. Nationally these polls make no difference at all.
2007-07-28 18:36:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There can be parallels drawn between the way a political campaign evolves and either gains or loses momentum and the training methods employed by athletes: peak too early and you will have little left for the actual contest. Clinton and Obama are at their respective peaks . . . and for them it's all downhill from here.
2007-07-28 22:08:25 · answer #3 · answered by Steve C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently, it's a political publicity stunt, to see how much support each candidate has and to hopefully get some national publicity out of it.
Candidates urge supporters to attend and vote for the candidate of their choice, while hawkers sell T-shirts and souvenirs.
The small towns benefit from the influx of visitors, who spend money.
http://blog.georgetowngop.org/
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2007-07-28 18:20:15 · answer #4 · answered by beesting 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only in that they have the potential to influence the general populace.
2007-07-28 17:45:41 · answer #5 · answered by DOOM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I vote for wooden poles. They are a lot stronger.
2007-07-29 03:47:33 · answer #6 · answered by KD7ONE 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, if you're seeking the opinion of masses.
Other than that, no.
2007-07-28 17:44:53 · answer #7 · answered by Glen B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋