Overheard

Overheard at Bachmann visit to Drake University in Des Moines: Drake Law students joined the undergrads, faculty and staff at the forum held on campus for Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. As the event began, one turned to speak to the others. "Wow. Iowa plus one point," she said. "We never got anything like this at San Diego State."

Overheard online: Coverage of the Bachmann event at Drake received varied media portrayal. A local reporter called Drake students' reception "cool," and talked about the Ron Paul supporter who made his presence known. A national media article ran with the headline, "Bachmann gives students a 101 on issues, then gets lectured," and called students' inquires "tough questions."

Overheard in the 'burbs: Suburban news site Johnston Patch relates an interpretation of Romney's no-show strategy in Iowa and why it's a win-win for his 2012 campain for the nomination. See the article here.

Overheard at Occupy Iowa: Occupy Wall Street protesters disagree with Occupy Iowa on their plans to demonstrate at the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses, saying it would go against the core values of the Occupy  movement. “Our unique opportunity is being at the pressure point of the most powerful political leaders in the country, even in the world,” said Ed Fallon, an Occupy Iowa organizer. See the Washington Post Article.

Overheard online: Des Moines Register's Juice publishes Drake University student's letter to the editor comparing, or rather breaking down comparisons of the Occupy Wall Street movement and the Arab Spring.

Overheard at the bars: Juice asks patrons of the Des Moines restaurant scene who they'd like to see join the race for the Republican nomination. See what Iowans said.