Good question - good observations.
History is the answer to Iowa - so many years of precedent made it a force to be dealt with.
But no more - the entire primary process is being redefined and Iowa is NOT what it once was.
The rule book does not exist right now - it’s in the process of being written.
Good or bad - that remains to be seen.
I actually see Rudy as gaining strength after about 4 weeks of tough going - he is regaining his footing. In my opinion.
Mitt is taking a lot of blows - Fred Thompson is about to get into the fight - and he will be bombarded for “not playing by the rules”.
I think (I think) it’s Rudy vs. Fred in the end - and I think Rudy wins the GOP nomination.
But - as I have said before - I supported Perot - so my vision is not 20-20.
It is possible that in the future you may be correct but for this year, I think that if anything, Iowa's influence is even greater. This Straw Poll is a big deal and Rudy and McCain pulling out says a lot.
Now, if others would leave, then my opinion changes.