Persuasion Power: The Supporters' Turn

From what I have observed, there are distinct features that have emerged from the supporters of the leading candidates. And that leads me to wonder who will have a stronger ability to persuade the undecided or supporters of non-viable candidates after the first round.

For example (and this is just a generalization) will the opinionated and obstinate older women that I observed at the Clinton rally be able to make compromises needed to appeal to the undecided caucus-goers? Obama made a big push to recruit youth to his campaign, but will these 17- and 18-year-old, first-time caucus-goers have the experience and sincerity to persuade undecided voters? Will the impassioned, working-class Edwards supporters be able to make the concessions needed to persuade undecided voters?

And on the Republican side, will the evangelical, far-right Huckabee supporters use more than rhetoric to appeal to the undecided? Can stuffy Romney supporters make acknowledgments of the far-right needed to appeal to the undecided?

These were clearly generalizations, but I would not have included them if I did not witness the rallies first hand. I clearly feel that the presence of the die-hards in attendance at all of the campaigns may prove to be detrimental to support, but considering that all of the candidates have their fair share of die-hard supporters, it may all even out in the end.

But tonight is the night. As the nation has its eyes on Iowa, it comes down to the individual Iowa residents. Don’t let my little criticisms fool you, for the supporters of all candidates are, if anything, impassioned. No matter what the polls say now, tonight we will find out which supporters were able to persuaders.