Iowa means less than nothing - one state, small # of voters, caucus set up is in a word - ridiculous. When caucus goers are going into a caucus & still saying they're undecided after all the media hype, you have to consider that absurd.

The Iowa caucus is a farce, a circus!

Michell Bachman is still the candidate with the best character !

I have no doubt Romney will be the Republican candidate because that is who obama wants to run against. He has orchristated this. As much as I hate the current president, he is in charge with his Socialist (Communist) cabinet and advisors, he knows he can beat the flip flipper Romney, so he wants to run against Romney of course. I can't understand why people can't see this. Another four years should just about finish my beloved country. America as we knew it is dead and gone, because of this socialist president we have and all the liberals like Alan Coombs and others promoting his agenda.

God

I am tired of this fruitless quest for the "non-Romney." I fail to see the fault in a Romney nomination.

The search for the perfect candidate is futile. Always has been and always will be. I'm confident that Romney has what it takes to beat Obama, which is Mission #1 this year.

At the same time, I am not convinced that the non-Romney candidates do have that ability. Romney is tougher than he was six months ago, thanks to the campaigning and debating to date. He has my vote, even though he is not my perfect choice.

As any political analyst realizes, the Iowa caucuses are a beauty contest..."much ado about nothing". No delegates to the GOP Convention are chosen. Yet thanks to media distortion, it has assumed an unwarranted importance. This is indeed unfortunate. It seems to me that much of the media wants Messr. Romney to prevail. If Romney is successful, the national election will, from a political perspective, match two liberals. This would not bode well for the GOP.

While true contests are in the outing, one may expect the media to push hard for Romney success. It could happen that the contest will be decided in the GOP Convention, not before. Now that would be refreshing. There media influence might wane.

Each state has is method, and Iowa has had its say. The reality is that each other state will not have equal say as candidates are whittled away. By the time the battle reaches PA and OH, what real choices will be left? It is time for National Primaries for National races so we all get to have a say in who the candidate will be. That would change the face of these races and stop the frivolous campaigns that just waste donors' money. Real reform, anyone?

Personally, I don't think we have seen the candidate among those who think they are. We need a strong conservative man who has the utmost concern for our country, now and in the future.

I resent having to go to the polls and vote for the lesser of two evils (so to speak). I am not excited about only one thing, Get the Marxist out of the WH and all his minions. God help the USA.

Romney is the 'best' of a very sorry offering by the GOP this cycle. Santorum is (IMHO) an unelectable candidate, and (again IMHO) Paul is a 76 year old whack job that's out of touch with what the sheepple will support. Bachman may have 'character', but she has some serious baggage. Then we have Gingrich - yeah, right. This guy has had so may flips and flops he makes Kerry look steadfast. Load, what a joke. Where is a leader Ragen when you need them?

Wall Street is backing Romney and Obama with massive amounts of money so voting for anyone else is throwing your vote away. No amount of money can convince a majority of Americans either deserves to lead. But they do have enough money to stop anyone else from winning.

Barry Payne, Titular Despot Emeritus

A lot of our election rituals are a great waste of money! We need a system where he or she who has the most money to waste doesn't have the advantage. Lincoln would never made it in our life time.

Mr. Romney won, but not really; he has hit his glass ceiling. Mr. Santorum has not had anyone seriously after him as he was not seen as a significant factor until now. How does he live down his 2006 rating as one of the most corrupt members of congress? I suspect he will be a target now, especially from the superpacs. Also, he is said to be nearly broke. Dr. Paul is the winner; topped 20%, absolutely hard-core following, which will increase as he gets the news coverage he has not had so far. He has the money support to slog on.

A perfect Republican candidate? I'd settle for anyone rather than another 4 years of Obama and his radical agenda; if he's re-elected, the 2016 Presidential elections may not even happen, or even matter!

Now that there is a good chance McCain (oops Romney, I keep making that mistake) will be the nominee, GOP will continue to stand for God Owful Party. It looks like 4 more years of Barry (or what ever the hell his real name is). Unless it is finally established, to the satisfaction of everyone with a IQ greater than a flea, that the birth certificate is a phony.

There is a possible other take on Iowa, too many viable candidates, all as electable as the other, Romney, Gingrich, Santoeum, Bachman all make for a good candidate, voters have a tough choice. Until the field narrows in March, expect to see continued splits in the elections.

Left up to a biased media, left up 'expert observers,' left up to pollsters, Santorum was nowhere -- unelectable -- marginalized. Iowa showed me the November 2010 mid-terms mattered more than media, experts and pollsters predicted and more than they can grasp. The guys blaring on that giant public megaphone still don't get it. But that's OK. Because more and more of us aren't listening to them anymore.

The Iowa Caucus is a media game held so that the pundits can have a stage. The candidates have been putting on the debates and now this "election" because the media demands it, not the voting public. I would far rather read position statements than listen to media sound bites.

While "the best potential President" is nice, This country MUST defeat Obama at all costs. Therefore, appeal to the broadest part of the electorate is paramount. We have to stop facsism in Washington FIRST, before we pursue ideological purity.

Iowa's "WE can do it sooner than anybody" contest is meaningless. Even Iowa isn't tied to the result. Why should the rest of us be constrained by their meaningless contest.

Wasn't Iowa an Obama state? Why would we want them to choose a Republican Presidential candidate?

I think we all need a break from the Iowa "me-me-ism".

The news media actually want us to believe that the Iowa two-step really MEANS something. It only proves how fickle voters can be.

The official oblahma bumper sticker for 2012 goes on the front bumper! it says "Run Oblahma Run"! :)

The Iowa caucus is pure ego stroking for Hawkeyes. I favor scheduling all state primaries for the same date despite the obvious problems.

jksisco - The elections may not happen this year. With the Patriot Act and the Defense Appropriations Bill, thanks to the RINO's that went along, Barry could declare martial law and cancel the elections. Only following in the footsteps of his idols, Adolph, Joe and Mao. Don't say it can't happen here. KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY. Remember the words of Thomas Jefferson.

My take is that if Romney were a Baptist he would be a sure thing. Call it what you want...his religion

definitely comes into play with a huge number of voters. Mona Charen's article last week said that Romeny is the wrong kind of minority. How sad that a man of integrity with an extensive veto record to demonstrate his conservatism in a democrat state, may not be elected because people have odd opinions about Mormons. As a Christian Mormon Conservative, I am asked to vote for an evangelical...who would never vote for a Mormon. Hmmmm. Ponder that!

Iowa matters because it tests the candidates ability to organize and to communicate. Mitt Romney won and the Democrats are frantic as demonstrated by the performance of DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz this morning on Fox&Friend. Their hatred of Mitt is the only shovel ready project they have.

Patriot Post members need to be aware that Rick Santorum refuses to answer any questions on the right of the people to own guns as does Perry. Obama or what ever his name is wants us to surrender our guns as he's afraid of us Patriots as long as we have them because of his Socialist Agenda. Look at the bill he just signed to allow the use of US troops against citizens.

i and many other constitutional conservatives will NEVER again vote for the "McCain" "Dole" RINO candidate!!!! We realize that to do so will push the inevitable war to restore our constitution and liberties onto our childrens shoulders. We would rather this imposter communist win and the tree of liberty be watered with our blood and those of the current ilk in Washington than ask that sacrifice of our children!!!!!!!

I continue to be dismayed by the failure of the Republican leadership in this country to list the legislation passed by the House of Representatives that is sitting in the Senate.

This is Democrat refusal to at least vote on these measures. Why is this not MAJOR news, every day?

How do we make it so?

I can't believe that Iowa picks who stays in the race. I agree that the obscene amount of money they all spend, especially, Obama, is totally disgusting. Use that money to pay down the debt. They should all have the same limit on how much money they are allowed to spend. The one who manages his money the best will get the most benefits from it and we will see who is the best choice for our economy!

Going negative on Newt won Iowa for Romney at the cost of the nomination. Watch for Newt to go negative on Romney and support Santorum. Mc Cain's support of Romney was the kiss of death. Look for Bachman and the tea party to support Santorum.

If not Iowa then where? It's gotta start somewhere. Why not a good example of 'the heartland'?

It's like Cup racing at Daytona: as the 1st race of the season it's a big deal because of the lead up and massive prep time available, but it has little predictive ability in terms of who wins the championship at the end of the LONG season.

Dixie, at the top, may well have a point. It's possible that Obama would like to run against Romney, and beat him. But, at some point, the less successful candidates have to understand that they aren't going to win on some hail Mary pass, and throw everything they've got behind whoever comes out on top. It's now time for all of them to taske a dose of reality, start pulling in the same direction. I wouldn't want to be the Republican who splintered the vote (a la Ron Paul's threat to run as an independent) and handed Obama a second term. and they need to remember that WE have a long memory. We started with "anybody but Obama", now it's time for "Somebody but Obama." He will probably only lose a small percentage of votes. It's important that all those lost votes go to one candidate. We must not make perfect the enemy of good.

If I was guarenteed of a republican president, I would chose Rick Santorum.....but without the guarentee, I'll go with Newt for the dog fight.

Mitt Romney looks exactly as electable Bob Dole (though he lacks several of Mr. Dole's finer qualities) and the rest of the field looks just about as electable as Barry Goldwater.

The only one who could break out is Ron Paul, and the Republican party clearly refuses to have him.

The problem isn't that people don't recognize the problem. The problem is that many of them simply don't like the candidates' stated ways to address it: take it out on the poorest and least powerful, give bigger breaks to the richest and most powerful. Even if someone could explain why it's absolutely necessary -- which no one has -- it's too distasteful for most people to stomach and too counter-intuitive to make any sense.

The exception, of course, is Paul. He would clearly do his best to cut based on a well-enunciated set of principles and priorities. It might cost me my job -- I work for the Army -- but I could be talked into voting for him. I cannot be talked into voting for the candidate from Goldman-Sachs, the lobbyist or somebody trying to run for elder-in-chief (our church is full up and doing fine at the job it is supposed to do, thank you very much).

"National Primaries for National races"

Mr Murphy forgets that the Electoral College is the Constitutional final decider, giving the states some balanced input in the election process. Too many have forgotten the revolution against remote and centralized power, thinking that the Crown in Washington is able to solve every problem unlike the Crown in England which caused more problems than it ever solved. If Mr Murphy chooses to abolish the Electoral College he gives inordinate weight to concentrations of voters. Only at our peril do we forget that we are a Union of States, a Republic, not a Democracy.

I would and do support Rick Santorum for president. Paul is a unstable wacko in my opinion, and too loose about personal freedoms.

Santorum was the only one who moved the undecideds. He is not without his flaws and mistakes of the past which need to be addressed. However, he is the strongest conservative(Paul is not a conservative, he is a libertarian)who supports the Constitution and believes in smaller government, less spending, and a balance budget. He, also, comes across as a person with character.

I would say the most “electable” candidate is the one the lamestream media attacks the most – because they don’t want to see him run against Obama. That would probably be Gingrich.

where is the masked man on the white horse with a dedicated tonto..romney is competent but totally uninspiring...wishy washy..no pizazz..you listen and get nothing definitive really..nice guy but weak candidate...no fire in his belly..the rest of them...pfffft...looks pretty hopeless up against the chicago mobster who has already bought all the votes...hiho silver!!!

Romney......look at this man! He looks like a weasel...I call him "DerWeasel". He shud be called

"Flipper". I would not vote for this guy on a bet!

You cannot trust a weasel. The best man that is

running for this job is "DerGrinch". With all

that he is dragging, he is still the best man for

the job, and I cannot see why people cannot forgive

and forget. They did with "Slick Willie". This

man has more knowledge in his little finger than

"DerWeasel". I fear that if "DerWeasel" runs

against Obama....it will be business as usual for

the DEMS and 4 more years of the same old stuff.

Bye..Bye America........

Let's hope and pray each conservative that drops out gets behind the best conservative left. For once in my voting life I would like to see a grass roots movement rise up and defeat the established parties that have controlled our government for far too many years! Listening to the Obama Media machine and even some of the Republican pundits is not where we should be getting our news and perspective on where God is leading us in 2012. Anyone want to get on board and be a part of this "God thing?"

Re-read all of the above comments for they have merit. If you put them together you are painting a picture of a party imploding and without sense of direction.

Nuke Iran, intelligent choice for those running for the party nomination to make. Start a nuclear war? really? get a job. Brilliant. there are one job opening for every four persons.. The question isn't Obamacare, the debt, the qwuestion is, I'm serious, is conservatism as we know it, dying?

With Rep Cantor on 60 minutes, his press Secretary had a fit on air for Reagan didn't raise taxes 11 times, he never raised taxes. Delusion. It's time to rethink where we're going. Most of them want to fire judges, arrest them. I'm trying to remember who did that under socialism? I remember. Hitler. Most of the candidates want religion to be part of the state. Hmmm, again Hitler. State takes over the counties and appoints mayors, judges, police, suspend laws, Mich. Again Hitler. lets kill all birth control. Tea Party and again Hitler. IN Hitlers day it was Gypsy's and Jews. In our day the bogyman is Muslims. It all came about during an economic collapse that the rich engineered. we created Hitler, what are we going to create?

Have we've gone so far right that we have become our own worst enemy?

Above my post, Joe's makes the comment about where is God leading us in 2012? Are we listening to God or are we putting words in Gods mouth? Just asking for you'll to consider. All of Joe's comment are spot on.

Thank God Ron Paul is eliminated, despite his claim of being a close 3rd...let this be his last hurrah...

For those of you saying the IOWA caucus is a farce.... you obviously haven't ever attended the Iowa Republican Caucus. Don't knock our way of conducting politics. The pundits say we dont matter because we are non-representative of the population at large....I am not sure what that means exactly...everyone has their own definition. If you want a candidate chosen on the issues and moral character, work ethic and mix in some good midwestern values...... then this is the best way to start that process. I think the top candidates that come out of Iowa will more than provide the firepower to take on the $1 Billion dollar Obama machine and whip him in the next election.

A leopard can't change it's spots. If you want a liberal then go for Romney. If you want a nut case go for Paul. If you want a conservative who will stand up for America then vote for Newt. At least with him you know what you're getting. Sure he's got some shade in his past, he's a politician, but he doesn't try to sugar coat it. If we're going to get rid of Obama, Newt is the way to go.

As I recall, Huckabee won Iowa too. No big deal as far as I can see.

If Donald Trump throws his hat in the ring as an Independant,,, O'bama will be re-elected. Remember the "Little General", who by running on a third party ticket managed to cyphon off enough votes to get Bill Clinton elected? Trump knows he cant win, so he will do an "in your face" to the American People, just for spite. With all his Millions, (or is it Billions?), he has no worries where HIS next meal comes from.

I live in Iowa and attended the caucus; it was a farce. The Ron Paul fans were rude, pushy, and obscenely loud. The whole caucus looked as though it had been staged--pre arranged! The caucus goers weren't really interested in hearing about any candidate other than the one they came to support, it was that obvious. Obama does not want to run against Gingrich as he knows that Gingrich can mop the floor with him in any debate situation, plus Gingrich has experience on the national level and has balanced the budget 4 times. Also, Obama DOES want to run against Romney as he knows he can easily defeat him as Romney will be painted as Wall Street Poster boy by the Obama campaign. Ron Paul has mustered has enough to lead me to believe he truly intends to run as a 3rd party candidate as he will not get the GOP nomination. In doing so, Ron Paul is handing a 2nd disastrous term to Obama and therefore, Obama can finish what he set out to do, destroy the USA and bring it down to the level of a 3rd world nation; more big government. Romney is also a champion of big government and is a flip-flopper depending on the audience to he is speaking. Ron Paul says WE caused 9/11, how idiotic is that. He also feels it's quite okay for Iran to run amok with nuclear weapons; Istrael being their first target. The constitution of Iran states it is the primary job of the their president to spread islam and sharia law around the world - and Ron Paul doesn't think it's a problem for Iran to have nuclear weapons. Ron Paul also wants to legalize various illicit drugs, among them, marijuana, meth, & cocaine, etc.

Bachman has dropped out and I don't think that Perry can really recover enough to get back to a place where he could possibly win the nomination.

I wonder if Santorum will continue to surge...I don't believe he can defeat Obama either, so it comes back to who is the candidate that Obama most fears...it's Gingrich. Huntsman isn't going anywhere and therefore is not a threat to Obama. It's like watching the GOP self-destruct...put another namby pamby up against Obama and he'll get his dream; a 2nd term. As I've seen it posted...

"HAD ENOUGH? IF YOU'RE NOT OUTRAGED, THEN YOU HAVEN'T BEEN LISTENING?"

Iowa is an interesting trinket on the way to the nomination. Recall that Mike Huckabee dominated Iowa four years ago. I for one don't find it plausible to expect a sea change in Washington politics nor Federal stewardship overnight. This is a big ship that has gained a head of steam over several administrations, and can only be turned slowly, regardless of the desires (mine included) to make a more serious correction. I think Mr. Ronmey is a step in the right direction, and one to begin turning the ship of state, with more marked steps to follow. The candidate that might represent the end point of where we need to get eventually is not likely to unseat Mr. Obama and we will be left with the wheel cranked to the left.

Iowa is only one state.We have 49(56 according to bamer)states to go.I will patiently wait until Nov.6,to cast my vote.It won't be for bametr!

Looks like Romney has the backing of the good ol' boy republican establishment.

Forget about a conservative republican candidate gracing the halls of the White House.

We are going to get a moderate/lefty in a republican disguise; an Obama lite if you will.

There is only one way to change the entrenched establishment, both democrat and republican; We must throw off all career politicians and start anew with term limits on all branches.

As a conservative I have been abandoned by the Republican Party. No presidential candidate is acceptable. Romney is a McCain like loser.

Iowa does not make a president. Will those that supported Bachman support Santorium or Newt?

I like either Rick Santorum or Newt Gingrich better than M.r Romney although I would vote for Mitt if he is nominated. I think his war chest is large enough to besmirch either Newt or Rick and he will. Hopefully, they will raise enough money to fight back effectively. If they can, either will beat Mitt because he is not a true conservative which the country wants to see vrun on the GOP ticket.

A debate between Obama and Romney would be like two guys sitting down to dinner and both ordering the same steak, then arguing which got the better steak.

Although I like Santorum's moderate views as far as working with the other side of the aisle as opposed to some on the stage that say we will do this or that, I just don't see him rounding up the GOP troops let alone independents and moderate democrats that may want to defect. Crazy Uncle Joe Ron Paul shocks me but it just goes to show you Iowa means nothing. In the end it will be Romney vs Gingrich. Gingrich has the big ideas that the country needs and is calling for. Having McCain back Romney just about tells you all that you need to know.

I want a GOP candidate who will swear to fight as hard to repeal Obamacare as Obama did to pass it. I also want him to swear to repeal any Illegal Immigration Amnesty bills, of any nature, that may be passed.

He/she must also vow to protect the Constitution, including the 2d Amendment, in the form in which it was written, and to prevent the US Ambassador from supporting any UN actions that would diminish US Sovereignty and/or the Individual Rights of US Citizens.

I would like to see all the primaries on the same day all across the country. With today's abilities in communications, there is no reason for primaries to be held at different times - campaigning is no longer done from the back on a rail car.

Debates are televised, and everyone has the chance to see and hear all the candidates at the same time. Everyone should have the opportunity to vote on the slate of ALL the candidates. The voters of Iowa and New Hampshire should not have the power to eliminate candidates prior to 95 or more percent of the people getting a chance to vote. 80% of the voters should not have the ability to freeze out the value of votes in the last several states in the cycle.

Please help in the fight for this change.

HOPE for the big CHANGE in November.

To All of You who don't see Romney's flaw(s)...

He (Bain Capital) tried to sell 3Com to the Chinese. 3Com is one of the most innovative companies in the world. They are so innovative, even techies get lost in their pitch. One of 3Com's programs is the ZeroDay Initiative, supporting the Tipping Point IDS/IPS.

The Communist Chinese ownership model lacks private property. There is but ONE owner in China, the government. If you take away all the hype about a Cyber Pearl Harbor, Tipping Point is still the most advanced method of getting hard data about cyber events. Even if you remove ALL other vectors from the equation, ownership makes Bain's attempt unconscionable. Here we have a private company beating the pants off the best of the best, and Romney thought is was OK to take that proposition to Capitol Hill. I am just thankful that wiser heads prevailed.

Others have noted his propensity to "flip flop". We got into this mess because of unprincipled leadership. Compromise is the only method. Excuse me, but only looking for a solution between two parties is like a drunk looking for his car keys under a lamp post at 1 AM. The Parties have gone off the left deep end. Romney is right there with them. He has gotten to where he is by being in the right place, not because of any other accomplishment. Romney represents a vote for continuation along the current path, and that is why the establishment is behind him!

All of the "baggage" and "records" touted by the media are so much smoke and mirrors. IMHO, Romney is as close to Obama as the GOP has offered, ever! We don't need change. We don't need hope. What we need is someone who get us back on the happy agate, with our noses to grind stone. That will take all the character we can muster. In the end, it comes down to "who do you trust to lead us". Santorum, Bachmann, and Gingrich all have the right vector to get America back on track.

Romney, Santorum were the winners but in my mind Santorum by coming in second (by 8 measely votes) from behind the pack is the one who resonated with the voters. While Romney and Santorum will be and act like your typical Republican caqndidates, the Ron Paul squads will do all they can to take over and disrupt the county and state conventions by whatever means just as they did in 2008 - and again like in 2008 - the majority of them won't vote - effectively giving the election to Obama, May I be proven wrong.

STATE RIGHTS.

A friend of mine sent me this link for those who care about state rights and less big government. I warn you this is a catch 22 situation and maybe someone on the editorial staff is better at interpretation than I am

The state said Citizens united as the Supreme Court states is illigle. They told the Supreme Court to tell them why the state banning PAC money is iligle. this is state rights. this also has a bearing on Obamacare you'll are so concerned about.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/citizens-united-montana-supreme-court-corporate-spending_n_1182168.html

What says any of you?

This is the challenge

How's this for a strategy?

Work for the election of the most conservative candidate we can find.

If the Country Club elites push hard for Romney, at least it might saddle him with a conservative vice-president who can provide some kind of sea-anchor for the ship of state. Work hard for Romney's election and to take back the Senate.

Assuming he wins, give him six months to a year to see which way he'll govern. If he goes left, the Tea Party can make a formal split with the Republicans, show their strength in the mid-term elections and put forward a truly conservative candidate for President in 2016, while pushing for strong constitutional reforms along the way.

This denies the White House and Senate to the Dems and at least puts a brake on the downward slide. (Assumes we keep pressure on the House.) And it gives us time/space to organize channels of funding/organization outside the Republican heirarchy.

Or we can figure out why we are having more influence in the Party of Lincoln and Reagan and toss THOSE bums out. :)

Ugh, typo. "why we are NOT having more influence..."

Great Read! It is refreshing to find so many comments that mirror one's own thought. The very first, Rosemary, quite well said. Jill---mows the grass! 100% agree!

If any one of the aspirants goes third party--Paul is the more likely,it will fracture the public vote, and present the Republic with another tour of Obama. Bad, very bad! It is difficult to find comprehension in the adulation for Ron Paul. He,much the same as Ross Perot, has several winning arguments. Perot was unelectable (as POTUS), and so is Paul. It must not happen, we must ALL get behind the Republican candidate, with the point of unseating this inexperienced farce that has crept into the People's House. He is attempting to create a black monarchy, and he must be ousted. Equality is the operative goal, as opposed to non-representative monarchy.I am as disturbed with the Republican Party as many others are, have been for years. This is a time when all hands must man battle stations to turn the Ship of State from the shallows and shoals! No third party! That is an unmanned vessel!

Remember 2008, as soon as the vote of the Iowa caucas was done, candidates were urged to withdraw, stand-down & endorse other candidates, again after NH, the same occurred, & in both cases, candidates Tancredo & Hunter, & Gov. Thompson were excluded from future debates, & if I remember correctly: the week before Super Tuesday, Guliani, Sen.Thompson, & Tom Ridge withdrew disenfranchising any supporters, & forcing them to other bandwagons. So the media chose John McCain as the GOP candidate by deFault. I say, None of the Above- the candidates must STAY IN, until a candidate has a majority of all delegates, even if they have no money to spend, do not withdraw. I want a full field in GA (or any later primary) when it is my turn to vote. Only then will my voice be equal to IA, NH,FL, SC, etc.

Romney is a One World Government player. That is why George Bush endorced him and why the media endorces him.

Still so many ignorant American voters...

"McCain endorses Romney." Why feel that Romney is not excited about that? About the same as Obama offering to appear for another Democrat "wannabe." Dole was tiresome, McCain (I applaud his military conduct" is a RINO, just as Romney is. Mass. seems to produce that sort of animal. (Smith). These perpetual candidates really ought to retire after the second defeat. Paul comes to mind. The Gingrich drop in Iowa may not matter much, long way, and many States, to go. There was a most appropriate comment by an Iowan, who named the event a rowdy circus. Especially the Paul folks. Why is that, I wonder?

Very interesting comments above. I happen to like MOST of what Ron Paul stands for but his international policy needs a total revamping. In the end, ANY of the candidates would be preferable to Obama. In particular, Newt seems to have the best overall ideas despite his shadowy past.

I agree that we need to keep "slogging" along. All of these contenders bring the debate, and hence, the education and information needed to pick the right candidate. Obama has a record now, its horrible, and he's been a horrible president refusing to accept blame for his blunders, ignoring many of them and trying to blame others for some. I like all our candidates and let them keep debating.

Ken Blackwell and the other Ken--

Wisconsin has about 7% black population, or about 339,000 out of 5 million.

you said "all these states have a large black population".

Sorry to post this, but facts should be facts.

This tells me that 77% of the voters in the caucus in Iowa are clueless.

Interesting. Romney tied with Santorum in Iowa, got endorsed by the man he couldn't beat(McCain)- who couldn't beat Obama.. and is supposed to be the most electable candidate for the R's to beat Obama. At least he could RUN Conservative instead of trying to out-RINO McCain. That Ron Paul came in 3rd in Iowa makes a very CONSERVATIVE statement to the Candidates.. GET TO THE RIGHT, STAY THERE and we'll pick the strongest one to beat Obama. What does Iowa mean? Well, from the last few elections, nothing.

New Hampshire seems a better bellwether. But, McCain was down and almost out in 2008 by March, but he was the MAN at the Convention!.. Hillary was THE MAN to beat for the Dems.. and she got beat by a Marxist with NO qualifications because the media wanted Obama. go figure.. I would prefer ALL of our runners stay in the fight for at least 3 major primaries..like Iowa, Virginia and New Hampshire.

Actually, I'd like to see a campaign season that is 6 months long...period.. primaries and elections. this 2-3 years of election crap is really old, even if the last year has been Obama campaigning by himself.

My feelings go with W S J I believe if someone steps up and boldly stresses conservative views, like cutting spending, getting out of the U N and cutting foreign aide till we balance the budget and seriously control ILLEAGLE immigration as well as welfare for those who do not deserve it. Even if it is Newt with all his "BAGGAGE", My LORD says we all can be forgiven and he at least knows Washington better then all of them.

Also hopefully he would pick Cain as V P, maybe the pundits really don't know it all, and we sure couldn't do as bad as we did in 2008

Ya know folks, if we re-elect Obama by putting up another RINO for President, then we deserve to become the largest Socialist Country in the World, to fail even at that. Democrat economics has FAILED every time they try to direct the economy- Keynesian Economics failed in 1936, '46- '06...and will in '16. The Socialist ideal ALWAYS fails because people want to be rewarded for their hard work, not punished by taking $$ from them to give to people that don't work. We messed up when we allowed people that don't pay taxes, to vote. If you are on welfare, WICS, etc, then no vote.. go to work to vote. If you have to show an ID to cash a check-- then why can't you show an ID to vote? Just more gerrymandering by the Socialist Democrats to keep people voting that have no RIGHT to vote.

Romney is the GOP candidate. All the future caucuses and primararies will help him to stay sharp and he'll need the practice because Obama is a slick, good looking, appealing candidate with a hard core of blacks, unionists, govt. workers, and left-wing ideologues who would vote for him even if he were a declared aetheistic socialist. In fact, there are some on that list of hard core folk who would prefer that Obama was exactly that.

Be that as it may, if Romney can make this campaign to be about the many failures of Obama's 4 years, he'll win.

Still waiting for someone who thinks like me(us). The one I will vote for needs to prove he is a patriot and not a politician.

Patriot Post

I like your new format!

Iowa caucuses were given far more emphasis than they merit. The way they run things with independents, Democrats and anyone being able to walk in and register to cast an opinion in a caucus renders it irrelevant. I believe electability is important, sorry but it is still the economy. In IOWA they really are not faced with economic turmoil, farmers are subsidized there and are thriving. They have no major industry and lots of small towns. They might be heartland, but thier ever changing opinions about candidates was humorous and indicated how uninfomred they are about issues. We now live in MN and the caucuses are also a joke because the endorsement comes from a convention of party elites. Much ado about nothing.

Romney is NOT the right man to lead the nation. His internal moral compass is a little off to make a 'true' directional change. This whole process will only be successful if the man chosen by God is inaugurated next January. And that will not happen unless a majority of the electorate spends considerably more time in fervent prayer than in fervently watching debates and political ads on TV. This election will be decided in the spiritual realm, whether for good or evil. Only God knows the heart of a man, so he must be asked "Who is your choice for President of the US?"

Why doesn't the Republican establishment get the message? Romney got a quarter of the vote - the conservatives gained three-quarters. We need to take the nation back to the basics as defined by the Founding Fathers.

We; past & present members of the GOP electorate, are dangerously close to completely upsetting the apple cart in terms of the depth and breath of the personal attacks which had been like a combat frontal assault on the only viable candidate to actually be able to defeat Obama in November.

Although Newt Gingrich does carry a lot of baggage along with him on this campaign, his intellectual superiority, vast experience in government and his fervent desire for a return to a Constitutionally based United States are heads and shoulders above any of the present contenders for the Republican nomination.

Mitt Romney is entirely made of plastic. He waxes and wanes according to the mood of his perceptions of his audiences. He is not a straightforward individual and appears to be able to swing in the direction of the prevailing political winds no matter which way they are blowing.

Rick Santorum devoted himself exclusively to touring the entire 99 counties of Iowa. His message was embedded in his personal ambitions to elevate himself in the standings within the GOP run-off by rhetoric alone. I cannot find one specific thing he had done for this nation in the past. His tenure in the US Congress was not strewn with examples of his knowledge and ability to become the next leader of the entire free world. He needs more time to ripen and fall away from his inflated ego.

Ron Paul is; as always, Ron Paul. He hangs like the sword of Damocles, ready to drop on anything or anyone that disagrees with his deeply set opinions about how to restore a constitutionally based government to this nation. His ability to cleave a divide between Republican voters and then to auction off his supporters to whomever takes his fancy is most likely his clearest objective in the current contest. Ron Paul needs to clearly and unequivocally announce his intentions to withdraw himself from further participation in the GOP process. He will definitely split the voters who support him and; in all likelihood, shorten the count for the Republican candidates need to defeat Obama.

Rick Perry needs to retire to Austin. Resume leading his State in the superb job they are doing in the illegal immigrants issue. He has overstepped his boot-prints and his ten-gallon hat as a potential GOP choice in this race. Governor Perry is a fine Governor of the great State of Texas. He needs to get back to his statehouse now.

The remainder of the candidates now involved in the GOP selection process is reduced by one with Michelle Bachmann's long awaited decision to cease further efforts to attain the GOP Nomination. She should return to the Congress and do some good for her constituents back in Minnesota.

As for the few beyond those named above. Please, Gentlemen, dignify yourselves and the GOP by announcing the end of your bid for the GOP nod.

We seek and we need UNITY, not division. What is going on now is playing right into the hands of the 'Re-elect Obama' campaign.

Romney would be a very bad choice for the Republicans. If Romney gets first or second place on the ticket it will be prove the Republicans are not serious about preventing a second term for obama. Far too many Conservative will not vote for Romney for two possible reasons. First Romney is not a Conservative and will not garner enough Conservative votes for a win. Secondly many consider Mormonism to be a cult and out of fear of the cult will not vote for him. A Romney nomination will end as the 2008 McCain fiasco did and we will have given obama a second term on a silver platter

I will vote for Romney if I have to, not because I want to. I do not believe that either Newt nor Ron can win. What's a mother to do?

Pay attention to the Senate and House candidates. Support the most conservative candidate and help them win the Republican primary. We can, will, and must turn the Republican party into our party. 2010 was a great freshman class - we need two more cycles like that to save America. Any republican president - even a "moderate" can be led by the Congress if we elect men and women of charater that are united in the Constitution.

I think that mitt is a goo chose. He sure

can beat obama DG

Romney will go the way of McCain if nominated. Look, after all his negative ads against Gingrich how much of Gingrich's supporters did he get? One or two percent? All's the negative ads showed was that conservatives don't want Romney.

Did you see DWS salivating over the Romney win? THEY really want Romney.

I like Ron Paul's ideas and the establishment on both sides is terrified of him. He sounds a crazy but when you let him explain himself he makes sense. Nevertheless, I think he can't win; however, his ideas are spot on (and are largely responsible for what checks have been put on Obama).

I think Gingrich can win. His baggage is 15 years old, he seems to have settled down and I'm not looking for a spiritual leader. He's balanced a budget (budget, what a concept!), he's worked with Congress and he's helped reform welfare. He's smart, he's quick on his feet. You can't not go negative when you're getting pounded on. He needs to regroup and keep going.

A waste of time and money.

Iowa means nothing to me, it's intresting to watch the show. They have definetly pulled off the biggest marketing skam of the year!!

Hello Patriot Post,

First I want to apologize for not contributing this year. I've been grossly unemployed in 2011, so now its the second year of bare subsistance. I just manage to pay for my groceries and phone bill on a phone that is 5 year old phone with no text, no apps, and basic features to contact for a scant number of job interviews. Very frustrating situation, especially as I was in a store to pick up some eggs and bread a few days ago, only to observe a Pakistani immigrant (I learned Egyptian while in Special Forces and thus can easily tell the difference between Arabic, Farsi or Urdu), with several sheets of food stamps or grocery vouchers, waiting for his babyfood and other WIC allotments - while jabbering away on an IPOD. Regardless of what the IPOD thing cost, it wasn't a basic phone. I digress, sorry. Thank you in advance, as I know that the Patriot Post will not discriminate on my lack of contribution this year, and continue to send me the chronicles. I did contribute a meager sum last year, and at least have hopes to find a job which will allow me to do so again when I make good on my Financial Bucket List. There are many items on the lists back burner right now, but The Patriot Post will be 1st on the list to address after dire essentials are more comfortably met. Meanwhile, I do what I can to forward and encourage readership of the Post in my circle of working and paupered friends. I know some have contributed and thus am temporarily satisfied with at least an indirect contribution. By the way, reforming the Key Headlines and Editorial sections:

Great Job! I like it.

Very Best Wishes for Your Continued Success!

Sincerely,

Brutus Morgan

I see the Iowa haters are out in force. Iowa isn't representative of the whole nation. So what? Name a state that is. According to Pat Morrison all we is is a bunch a farmers getting rich with subsidies (I actually work for a trucking company that does NOT haul agricultural products). I'm sorry to hear that Jill went to her caucus and found it to be a farce. Just remember it's a caucus not a primary so there will be cheering and booing and other "rude" political behavior taking place. James Pogue asks if Bachman supporters will support Santorum or Newt? I will vote for the republican nominee unless it is Ron Paul (he's a nutball plain & simple)or Mitt (why would I vote for obama lite?).

Don Cheadle finally came out and said what all Democrat-produced ignorant lazy people think...they want a "gangsta" president. What that means is somebody who is racist and going to 'stick it' to white people and 'give it' to black people. Congratulations, Democrats and most Republicans...this is what you have produced instead of 'rehabilitating' black culture. Things were starting to go well for black culture until the Democrats stepped in and did things like cause rioting and murder in Wilmington, NC to shut down successful black businesses. Ah, but this isn't taught in our history classes, nor mentioned on the Dem campaign trail. Why don't Republicans bring it up?...because, after all, they are not really conservative..they're playing the game, using all of us 'useful idiots' to get re-elected.

My family, as devout Christians cannot vote for a non Christian, which means that Mitt Romney is out of the picture for us, as he is a Morman, and although Mormans do object, that is a non Christian religion, I've read the book of Mormon, and other publications of theirs, and they are pseudo christians. Of course, Obama is a Muslim, or an athiest, I cannot figure out which, he went to school as a Muslim, but is a Marxist, which suggest athieism.

Iowa shows the Republican establishment that Conservatives are very wary of Mr. Romney, who appears much like John McCain of the 2008 cycle. Mr. Romney cannot change who he is; nor could John McCain for that matter. We need someone bold and courageous to lead this country back to greatness.

Conservatives do not know who (or what) they want; they only know who (or what) they do NOT want.

As an ardent student of American history, I know what made America the freest and most prosperous nation the world will ever know - the ideals and traditions of some very determined New England farmers and shop keepers. Self reliance, frugality, publick virtue, self government (as in govern thyself), faith and the value of personal liberty (more important then breathing) - to name but a few.

The rule of law can be a bitter pill to swallow at times. Natural Rights can be "inconvenient" now and then. However, it is the rule of law and an understanding of Natural Rights that created the Liberty we all take for granted. Our only hope of survival as a nation, is a return to the ways of the Founders.

There is only one GOP candidate who has a proven record of respecting the rule of law and a full understanding of our supreme law - the United States Constitution. Dr Ron Paul.

For thems here who say he is a "kook" - you have been brainwashed by the MSM. Look at his life. Look at his voting record. Mitt is a car salesman. Newt is a DC insider who is most expert at lining his pockets. Dr Paul is a gentleman and a Patriot. He cause is righteous - his methods, unimpeachable. He cannot be bought or intimidated.

Elect Ron Paul and purge Congress while we still can.

In my youth I was both a liberal and a journalist (I have since grown up). I became a conservative (and quit my journalism career) when I watched the media hand select Carter. And why was Carter so appealing to all? Because he was squeaky clean. And look at what that got us? The party elites wanting Romney because he has "the fewest obvious flaws" is right up there with giving us Carter. We could not afford Carter, we could not and cannot afford Obama, and we definitely cannot afford Romney!

77% of the of the Iowans who voted in the caucus are clueless.

oops, I mean that 87% of the voters in the caucus are cluless!

oops, I mean that 87% of the voters in the caucus are cluless!

"The real issue is that Mr. Romney is a cautious, conventional politician in a year when many GOP voters want someone willing to fight for bolder change."

Exactly! When I see Romney, I see George H. W. Bush, the "No new taxes" dupe who trusted the DefeatkRATraitors to reduce spending in return for raising taxes. How did that go?

When I see Romney, I see George H. W. Bush, stopping the first Gulf War, wringing his hands over the slaughter on the Highway of Death, worrying that we might not seem nice enough in the eyes of the world.

We don't need "nice." We don't need trust of the domestic enemies (viz. - DefeatkRATraitors). We don't need "caution." We don't need collegiality and "reaching across the aisle."

We need prosecution of the criminals in Washington, D.C. to put an end to blatant violations of Constitutional laws in that city. That would include Holder and his minions, and the Ineligible-Affirmative Action-Usurper-in-Chief.

I no more see Romney pursuing those ends than I saw George H. W. Bush marching on to Baghdad.