Iowa Caucus

As the American Primary season starts, John McCain has fired a last shot before the (primary) voters of Iowa caucus in their homes, local schools and halls. As Politico points out, it is reminiscent of the more shocking video broadcast nationally by Tom Tancredo, who has since withdrawn from the race; more content with having put immigration issues such as porous borders on the agenda for debate by the remaining candidates, than splitting votes in what is already a large field on both sides of the Congressional aisle.

Speaking of, the race begins in earnest, but not without a last minute fumble by Team Clinton. Hilary spoke of President Pervez Musharraf as a candidate on the ballot papers, despite the election being Parliamentary, with the goal of electing a Prime Minister. I don't think this small matter will play deeply into the minds of Iowans, but reinforces just how closely each candidate is being scrutinized by their opponents and the media. Primary season is ripe with chances to turn an off the cuff comment into a TV attack ad come next November.

In terms of media attention, the primaries seem to inversely reflect the attention given to them when the Presidential Election itself is underway. With 7 electoral college votes, the attention will move to the swing states with Electoral College votes that matter, such as that small matter in Florida with 27 votes.