Someone on the tube today claimed that Kutnruns internals for Ohio showed him in front. Here in Iowa, unfortunately, my gut suggests W is down. I know folks that claimed they voted W last time and will not this time. So far no effort to inspire a big church turnout. Biggest and most enthusiastic effort I ever saw here was when Robertson was in the primary. That year was huge. W can still do it--but he needs someone to make an effort to fire up the base. Just not happening yet. Bringing in a Rudy or Pataki just is not the ticket. Somebody has miscalibrated this thing in this state. Romney was just here but that too is a nonevent. Most have no clue who he is and he sure is not going to inspire anyone. Come on W staff--get on this now or write us off now. W is the headliner, but if he cannot show, then everyday we need to see Laura, or Jeb. An evening event is a must for turnout. W has yet to appear in anything other than midday--and then in a fairly small venue of a few thousand.
Now move out.
We still don't have this election locked up by any means, but I sure wouldn't want to trade positions with the RATs. W is back in the driver's seat, and the power of the Presidency will allow him to drive the agenda down the stretch.
I am an Iowan and believe that Bush will take Iowa, when all is said and done, no problem. I teach at an Iowa college and see no enthusiasm for Kerry at all, and I would normally expect to see some. Virtually no Kerry signs on cars at the college, but a few Bush signs on cars. Around town, I see about half and half Kerry and Bush signs; remember this is a college town.
In 2000, Bush was a far less well-known quantity, and the DUI thing had just surfaced, yet Iowa was still very close. Now Bush is a known incumbent, and Iowans ADORE incumbents of all parties and re-elect them over and over. The Liz Cheney comment will hurt Kerry in Iowa, as well; that simply isn't how Iowans think people should take it upon themselves to speak in public about someone else's child. Bush will take Iowa. I have never been in any doubt about this, regardless of earlier polls. Wait and see!