So how soon will HRC and Obama backers start the "IOWA don't matter" meme?

[Ken Burch]

It's looking more and more like Edwards is gonna take it, so the other two have to start spreading the "does't count" spin. Will they wait 'til after the votes are in, or will they start early with the "Edwards is gonna win BIG" meme so that his victory gets discredited right away if it isn't big ENOUGH?(Like with Muskie in New Hampshire in '72)?

Make your guesses here.

[MalloyLiberal]

1. Chris Matthews already started the meme

He says, Clinton wants Edwards, and it doesn't matter if he gets it, big whoop.

[Lucinda]

2. Everything "matters" but Iowa isn't "end of the world" critical to Obama or Hillary

They have enough money to duke it out elsewhere. JE needs a good showing. Which it looks like he may get.

[silverojo]

3. As soon as Edwards wins!

:rofl:

[ashling]

4. Right you are!

:hi:

[JI7]

5. Hillary has already been doing it for some time

[Califooyah Operative]

6. It's not that Iowa doesn't matter...

It'd be a signficant win for any of the three. That said, financially and strategically -Obama and Clinton can afford to lose it much more than Edwards could. Edwards fundraising is way behind and he's limited by the public financing system and his primary focus has been on Iowa. Clinton and Obama have the money and have focused just as heavily on the other early states and beyond.