Political Words of the Week: Voter Vocab
The American political lexicon is always evolving, and during campaign season, new phrases pop up like corn in Iowa. Here are some of the words that have worked their way into the conversations this week.
Articles from Contributor
Q&A: Ron Paul, Iowa’s Third-Place Finisher
Before his bronze-medal finish in Tuesday’s Iowa caucus, TIME spoke with Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul about his libertarian message, the campaign that lies ahead and whom he could support in the general election. A …
GOP Candidates Go Back to School in Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa
Three candidates and one candidate’s band of sons attended Valley High this morning to make one final appeal to young voters before this evening’s caucuses. Their brief speeches, given in a gym draped with …
Can Ron Paul Pull Off a Youth Revolt in Iowa?
Newton, Iowa
David Richardson, clad in his black leather Led Zeppelin jacket, rode his bicycle into the middle of the Iowa Speedway in Newton. There were no drivers on the track, but there was a different kind of race under …
The Bullseye on Ron Paul’s Back
At most of Ron Paul’s events in Iowa this week, little was said about the bad press that has buffeted him outside his intimate town halls. While Paul and his fans were decrying the secrecy of the Federal Reserve, the national media highlighted a past scandal, new criticisms and constant slights from his rivals.
“He’s a threat to …
Six Reasons Ron Paul Has Appeal Beyond the GOP
Council Bluffs, Iowa
A rowdy pack of ever dedicated supporters makes its presence known at most of Ron Paul’s campaign events in Iowa. But beyond those who show up already wearing “I voted for Ron Paul” T-shirts, there are …
On the Trail With Ron Paul: Love, Curiosity and Anger in Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa
Through the booms and busts of the Iowa campaign—Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich—Ron Paul has steadily built his following in the Hawkeye State, where he now sits atop the polls. But …
Q&A: Kent Sorenson, the Iowa Senator Who Just Jumped Ship from Bachmann to Paul
On Wednesday afternoon, state senator Kent Sorenson appeared with Michele Bachmann as the chair of her Iowa campaign. On Wednesday evening, Sorenson was stepping onto the stage at a veterans’ rally to endorse Ron Paul, switching …
The 2012 Candidates’ Telling Verbal Tics
We all have verbal tics, my friends (as John McCain might say). And with the proliferation of speeches, interviews and debates that campaigns entail, the verbal proclivities of politicians are bound to make themselves apparent in an election year. From Newt Gingrich’s pedantry to Mitt Romney’s waffling, here’s a breakdown of the 2012 …
Newt Gingrich’s Electability Gap
Whether it’s on the state or national level, Gingrich is currently the candidate causing conservative hearts to flutter. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Wednesday found him with a 10-point lead over Romney among Republicans, 28% to 18%. When Independents were factored in, that lead dipped slightly to seven points. But when all voters were …
Mitt Romney’s Nuanced Evolution on Immigration
It’s well known that Mitt Romney has changed his position on certain issues over time: cap-and-trade, abortion, gay rights, gun control. In all of these areas Romney toed (or leapt) rightward as he transitioned from the politics of blue Massachusetts to the national stage. But—beyond unceasing allegations of general …
Is Michele Bachmann Getting Desperate?
She won the Iowa Straw Poll just two months ago, but since then, Michele Bachmann has plummeted in the polls, and it’s beginning to look like Ames was her apex. Now, in a series of low-production-value online videos, the self-styled “comeback kid” is telling voters “Don’t Settle”—in life or on a moderate Republican presidential candidate.
Joe's Road Trip 2011Joe's Road Trip
After the Tornado in Joplin: Blood, Sweat and Money
Joplin, Missouri
One of Joe’s road-trip companions, chief wrangler and fact checker Katy Steinmetz, sees a house with broken windows and a yard full of debris. In the backyard is a sign that says, “If you have it, we can
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