Why does the MSM pay attention to totally corrupt Iowa straw poll?

[FarCenter]

From Iowa Poll Goes to Bachmann; Paul Is Second

It was hardly a perfect laboratory of democracy.

The right to cast a ballot cost $30. Most campaigns footed the bill, throwing in a lunch of barbecued pork, grilled hamburgers and ice cream as an enticement to spend part of the day in Ames. The campaigns poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into the political carnival, which is a fund-raiser for the Republican Party of Iowa.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/14/us/politics/14iowa.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha2

Bought votes. A throwback to the days when corrupt politicians bought lunch and booze for their voters.

[robcon]

1. The "horse-race" aspects of the campaign are the ratings winners.

They want to get ratings.

[dsc]

2. that isn't the caucus

the caucus isn't bought. the straw poll is.

[Bluenorthwest]

3. This was not the Iowa caucuses. This was the Ames Straw Poll

which is not an actual part of the election process, it is like a live poll. From a small pool of self chosen respondents. The Times is correct to call it a poll.
Iowa will have actual Caucuses later on.

[MineralMan]

4. Uh, the Iowa Caucuses are next year.

This is just a popularity deal, and has no weight whatsoever in choosing a candidate. As you said, it's a fund-raiser.

Why is it covered? Because it's the only game being played just now and the cable media has 24 hours to fill every day. Why are we talking about it? I have no idea whatsoever.

[watercolors]

5. The caucus is a side show for the circus of candidates!!

It makes one wonder what the hell is this country coming to with such a display of money & ignorence!!

[fredamae]

6. I think this is how "it" works...

We all hear MSM catering to the TP/Cons/Norquist's Club and etc-We Also hear "them" criticize Dems for Not using a certain talking point after "they" do something outrageous etc-"I just don't understand Why the Dems don't or Aren't using this to score major political points..."

Really? They criticize Dems and at the Same time deny equal time and "cut the mic or cut the clip" short.

It's Not that Dems aren't Saying it-They just Won't air it. If we got as much time added as they spend criticizes Dems for "Not saying" that which they refuse to air-we'd have more opportunities to say it.

Additionally, people who have to constantly declare Christianity are the very ones who seek ways to work Against those who are least amongst us--Real Christians don't waste time "declaring" they just do the work to Help those who are least amongst us.

[Scuba]

7. It's entertainment. n/t

[LiberaL Lamp Post]

8. Is anyone but the obnoxious, loud Fox News Paying Attention?

I hope the field does get narrowed to Bachmann on the ticket. It could only help the Dems.

[lpbk2713]

9. Because no blonde girl has been kidnapped recently?

:shrug:


They need something bright and sparkly to fill up their air time.

[tsuki]

10. Because if the Beltway Botox Brigade did not, they might have to

do some research and report real news. Bleck!

[alc]

11. 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year (366 next year)

try filling that :)