Damn Thermoquads.

The choke is not hooked up. I am used to Holley Carburetors and since I rarely drive these cars when it is 50 degrees or colder, I haven't needed a choke.
Is it fair to guess that this carburetor needs an operational choke to run right on a "cold" start even if is not technically cold outside?

Absolutely, they run very lean. But can be adjusted to start and run like fuel injection. Always run a choke though.