Problem is,
I’ve seen it first hand.
I don’t expect people to automatically believe me, but maybe just think twice when they pettle the theory the Fred will suck all the air out.
You’ve seen what first hand?
Are you one of them thar psychic power guys like Miss Cleo?
In my language, we have peddle, pedal and petal, but not pettle.
But personally it seems more like you are trying to create an air of inevitability, to discourage Fred supporters from even trying to get Fred a decent showing at the Iowa poll. Unfortunately, this reeks at best of a deep discomfort with Fred in Iowa, or at worst, desperation.