All the weird little elements that combine to create, "CANDIDATE X WINS!" can be really interesting; the idea that some bad weather could create a "Romney Coming Back!" narrative even more so, and the humble birth of a new campaign talking point is always special to behold.

For what its worth, I'm with you on trying to handicap a race early by anecdotal stories.

i'm not saying it doesn't have it's faults - the sprawl in the southeast is pretty hideous, the economy is in the tank, and ann arbor is the birthplace of the misguided sense of self-importance, to name but a few - but the lakes are gorge and the UP is the most under-rated piece of real estate in the continental US.

...sorry, i'm reflexively defensive when people talk smack about it!

That really sucks. Like, about as many went to the caucuses in IA.

Shows the R's got nothing.

I apologize for slamming your home state. I feel that way when people slam Indiana. You moved away right when we moved to the People's Republic of Ann Arbor! But the liberal bubble of Ann Arbor (which isn't *that* liberal, everyone) is a bit small. And this state has gotten crazy in the last 7 or so years. Even long-time residents of MI will tell us they don't know what's happening to their state anymore. Things are bad, and there's a lot of anger here. And then you have people looking to blame others--hence the recent anti-gay state constitutional amendment and the anti-affirmative action amendment. We're just waiting for the other shoe to drop here! And Governor Beauty Mark has been just about useless. /end rant/