Show Me What You Got

So, why does the Ames straw poll matter? As far as I can tell, it's a county fair for republicans. And while we're at it - what's with the whole primary system to begin with? Why the hell does Iowa and South Carolina and New Hampshire get to play a part in the weeding out process. It makes sense, I guess - those are three entirely different types of Republican states - but still, how fucking undemocratic is that? There are good arguments against a national primary, but you won't see them coming from me.

PS - in the official eyes of the MSM, the Ames straw poll will matter a lot if Pawlenty wins and nothing in Ron Paul wins. Just sayin...