This caucus was about perceived electability, I think

[jpgray]

And for whatever reason, people in Iowa don't think Gep or Dean have it. The biggest organizations (Dean, Gep), along with the most money spent didn't make as much of a mark as Edwards, one who had little of either in the state. When 75% are anti-war, and they don't vote for the media-labeled "anti-war" guys, something is truly going on.

[are_we_united_yet]

1. Yes

I would agree that is a fair assessment.

[arewethereyet]

2. or perhaps hope, appeal and a clear message

if these numbers hold up its the only thing that explains Edwards.

And why I've been a believer from the start.

[ShaneGR]

3. Positive vs. Angry

Keep in mind Iowans were absolutely bombarded with a TON of negative advertising. If you take a look at the commercials, Kerry and Edwards were very positive with Edwards never making ONE negaitive commercial.

[BeyondGeography]

4. IWR has ceased to be an issue

When Kerry pulls more of the anti-war vote thn Dean, you can't reach any other conclusion.

This is good for the party in the long run, because Americans aren't going to give a shit who voted for IWR in November. They're going to want a President who can resolve the actual situation in Iraq and who will make them feel safe.

Which is in large part why Kerry won and Dean, who made a huge thing about Kerry's IWR vote, got hammered.

[polpilot]

5. Yeah. What IS going on. Kucinich goes 'pro-war' Edwards and all bets

are off. I don't know what to think.

Dean '04...

[jpgray]

6. Yes, it's been one crazy night. (nt)

[Kahuna]

8. I can dig it. Do you think that after aligning with Edwards,

it's time for Dennis to quit?

[Kahuna]

7. Yep. God bless them. They have restored my faith in the..

good will and common sense of Democratic voters.

[Kal Belgarion]

9. No matter how inaccurate it may be...

Dean's got to tackle that "He's unelectable!" tripe soon. I don't know how he can do it-even many polls show him to be the most electable-but he has to slash that RNC talking point from the media's memos soon.