Pre Iowa - All the polls were made up of people who were "REALLY PAYING ATTENTION" to the race. Very informed viewers, very politically educated, very motivated to understand the candidates and their policies.
Post Iowa - Including the week before the actual caucus - The polls started to incorporate the citizens just to busy or lazy to pay attention. Either they believe whatever the media says, or they have 2 jobs and 3 kids demanding their attention - with little left for the primaries.
This fact seems to be important in shaping this race and future races. Someone here said ... "If the first 2 primary states were N.Carolina & S. Carolina, who do you think would be "PRAISED" by the media as the frontrunner, that no one can beat?".
My point is I believe the system is broken, here is why...
- The people who pay attention early, do not have enough influence over the entire process. Their research, effort, and time is invaluable to the rest who can not afford that luxury. Early state primaries have more influence, whether their voters have researched their decision or not.
- The media's role is too influencial in this process by a factor of a gazillion or more.
- Any "late-breaking or "well-timed" annoucement or event plays a major factor in influencing the entire process - See Dean's Speech or Kerry's win in Iowa.
- Are their minorities in Iowa? New Hampshire? If you don't think this is relevant, please bypass this diary and go back to your KKK meeting. (Sorry, I had to do it)
Your opinions on "IF" the process is broken and why would be a pretty good debate, I think...