Candidates scramble before Iowa Straw Poll
In every presidential election people talk about how the Iowa straw poll can't be taken seriously -- and then they take it seriously. The poll, to be taken Saturday, is in a sense the first test of the Republican field. Chief White House correspondent Norah O'Donnell reports from Iowa.
Saturday's straw poll is the biggest test to date for Republican candidates. And while the results may say a great deal about an organization's strategy and how they're doing, this is also a great deal about perception.
Michele Bachmann has been campaigning in Iowa for just two months but is already favored over many of her Republican opponents to win Saturday's straw poll..
"If the election were held today would Barack Obama be reelected? Not on a bet,'' said Bachmann on the stump in Iowa.
Bachmann easily excites social and fiscal conservatives in this state, something Tim Pawlenty has struggled with.
The former Minnesota governor has campaigned in Iowa for over a year and admits he's got a lot riding on tomorrow's contest. But what if he doesn't meet his goal?
"I think we will but obviously if we come in last or some ridiculous result we'll re-evaluate. But I don't think that's going to happen," said Pawlenty.
Looking to ignite supporters, Pawlenty directly challenged Bachmann in last night's debate calling her inexperienced.
"It's an indisputable fact in Congress her record of accomplishments and results is nonexistent. That won't be good enough for our candidate for president of the United States,'' Pawlenty said in the debate.
Bachmann fired back: "You said the era of small government was over. That sounds a lot more like Barack Obama if you ask me."
Iowans are getting a front-row seat to the intense jockeying. Even Sarah Palin, who is not a candidate or even competing in the straw poll, showed up at the Iowa state fair. One reporter asked is she was stealing the spotlight from the declared candidates.
"I don't think I'm stealing any spotlight. In fact, if anybody thinks I'm stealing a spotlight, go! Go find the other folks!,'' said Palin merrily.
It's important to note the history of the Iowa straw poll. Since 1979, when it started, there had have been five winners. Only two of them went on to win the Republican nomination, and only one of them became president--George W. Bush.
As for Saturday's straw poll, O'Donnell says Michele Bachmann is the early favorite. Gov. Pawlenty has a strong organization going into the straw poll, but a lot of it is overshadowed by the entrance tomorrow of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who is going to announce his entry into the race in South Carolina.
Norah O'Donnell will be sitting in for Bob Schieffer this Sunday on "Face The Nation" from Iowa. Her guests will be Rep. Michele Bachmann and Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee.
