Campaign Stops Vary in Substance

Michele Bachmann favored style over substance in a number of campaign stops in local neighborhood eateries. Bachmann’s campaign mainly focused on shaking the hands of local caucus goers. Several of the more prominent caucus goers, such as ambassadors or local leaders, were pointed out specifically by her handler. Bachmann quickly moved from one venue to the next, taking time to shake hands and order some food but not much else. The event felt like more of a last ditch effort to make any impression possible on voters than a full-fledged campaign event. Most caucus goers at the event, as the gentleman pictured above, seemed to be undecided and were still ‘shopping around’.

Before visiting Rick Santorum’s next campaign stop we had the chance to stop on the set of “Hardball” with Chris Matthews, where we met a Truman alumnus, who was showing his support for the Iowa caucus’s first in the nation status. Next we traveled to a “Pizza Ranch” where Rick Santorum came for a meet and greet. Santorum gave a short yet spirited speech for the multitude of news crews assembled at the event, and another speech to caucus goers in the restaurant. In juxtaposition to Bachmann’s event, Santorum’s seemed much more enthusiastic and was more than just shaking hands of potential voters. Santorum inspired the crowd and hoped to woo many of the undecided voters. There were several dedicated Santorum caucus goers as well as a few undecided Iowans in the crowd. The event had much more substance than Bachmann’s event.

Mitt Romney’s final campaign stop of the evening, and before the Iowa caucus, was well organized and most highly attended. Romney introduced himself and his family, but handed the microphone to his wife to have her begin the speech before he took over. The crowd was highly energized, cheering and waving signs at key points of Romney’s stump speech. Still, many of the caucus goers remained undecided, while others intended to caucus for Romney.