Mitt Romney Won Iowa. Why Am I Not Surprised?

Mitt Romney winning Iowa is a real so what-- a big, fat yawn.  Didn't we know this would be the outcome?  The media were ginning up the competition like it was an episode of  Survivor, but really there was never any doubt. The only thing of relatively minor interest is that he won by only eight votes and that Rick Santorum came in a close second-- but I'm not really surprised at that either and in the long run it makes no difference.

The dirty little secret is that the Iowa Caucuses have little to do with electing a Republican candidate.   They are more media merchandising opportunity and entertainment than political primary or a chance to  evaluate a potential president. Their purpose goes back to ancient Rome and the bread and circuses provided to keep the masses pliant while the emperor and his minions made the real decisions.

MItt runs on D-cell batteries and looks for all the world like he should have a wind up key in his back.  He's been called a Ken doll and worse, but it doesn't matter. He'll support the corporate and governmental establishment.  He's got the money and the connections and he is the most broadly palatable candidate in the Republican clown car so he is gonna get the brass ring. Santorum may play well in the boonies( and outside of  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the boonies) but the cigar smoking Washington boys in the back room are definitely not going to let him into the club-- at least not this year.

It's already been decided, so lean back, pass the popcorn and enjoy the show.  This all bodes very well for Obama.  Thank you, Iowa

cartoon source:: donkeyhotey via flickr creative commons