NOW let's start using those straw polls!

I did not see last night’s debate, and for once I wish I had – it sounds like it was a hummer I’ll have to find the video. Mainstream Media coverage of the thing seems much lighter than it has been.

Gateway has a good quick recap. Flopping Aces has one, too and a new site design.

Many seem to agree that Thompson is finally coming into his own.

This video is certainly instructive. The word “woodshed” comes to mind:

I’ve been wailing for a while that the process started “too soon, too early,” but now it looks like it’s getting fun. Now it’s time, I think, to take a second to look down the left sidebar, to the Pajamas Media Straw Poll and vote for the Dem or Republican that you like best for president.

Yes, I know, we had that scary time when people were clicking for Tancredo, and that kind of bored, glassy-eyed time when the things were not being used at all. From now on, take the moment and vote, once a week.

I realize last night must have been very good for Fred Thompson, because he’s jumped way up in the overall numbers to be found at Pajamas Media.

If you’re the analytical, number-crunching type, you can look at this week and compare it to last.

McCain is the guy the press likes most of the GOP brood. I said a week or so ago a week ago:

I’m going to focus on Fred and Rudy. Unless something interesting develops elsewhere, I believe I am currently intrigued most by “Freeman Fred,” who works to please no one and seems almost inconoclastic in his disdain for the excesses of the modern political process, and by “Rudy the Ready” who, as a New Yorker, I know, value and trust.

I’m intrigued with the two of them, and with the idea of a Thompson/Giuliani ticket. If you like the sound of that, it may be time to get out the checkbooks, because I don’t think either campaign is flush with the ready.

It’s nice to finally feel intrigued about something on the GOP side. Vote in the Straw poll, let’s see where we’re at. Wonder how the press will deal with that.

Meanwhile:
Don Surber responds to one of her favorite themes.