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From Whispers, GOP Hopefuls Aim for a Roar

Backchannel back-stabbing on rise ahead of Iowa poll

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Aug 9, 2007 3:42 PM CDT

(Newser) – With second-tier candidates sensing that Saturday's straw poll may be their last, best chance to stay in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Iowa is abuzz with whispering campaigns, Slate's John Dickerson says. The homegrown negative ads are a major tool for cash-poor politicians with names like Tancredo, Brownback and Huckabee.

The content is fairly benign, but the largely online efforts are the most effective way to spread opinions without spending money. Smearing is fruitful in today's climate because caucus voters are highly informed; even whispering directed toward a little-known candidate can be a boon, on the premise that if you're worthy of slander, you've arrived.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

A man holds a campaign card for Republican presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, as he speaks to local residents, Friday, July 13, 2007, in Algona, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Associated Press)

For low-budget candidates, a few keystrokes from an anonymous volunteer can be a quick and dirty weapon. (Shutterstock.com)

Romney, who currently leads in Iowa, has chosen to ignore the persistent, viral attacks of opponents "whispering campaigns". (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Associated Press)

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Tancredo Demands Apology from Brownback, in this YouTube video. (TeamTancredo (YouTube))

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From Whispers, GOP Hopefuls Aim for a Roar