Iowa: Edwards surges, Huckabee’s bubble bursts

[rodeodance]

Source: McClatchy Newspapers

Posted on Sun, Dec. 30, 2007
Iowa: Edwards surges, Huckabee’s bubble bursts
Steven Thomma | McClatchy Newspapers

last updated: December 30, 2007 02:19:38 AM

DES MOINES, Iowa — John Edwards has clawed his way into contention to win Iowa's caucuses on Thursday in the first vote for the Democratic presidential nomination, gaining strength even as rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have lost ground, according to a new McClatchy-MSNBC poll.

At the same time, Mitt Romney has regained the lead among Iowa Republicans as Mike Huckabee has lost momentum and support, even among the evangelical Christians who had propelled him into the top spot just weeks ago.

Taken together, this first poll in Iowa since campaigning resumed after a Christmas break showed a dead-heat contest between the three leading Democratic candidates and a volatile clash between the two top Republican rivals here.

“On the Democratic side, the race is about as close as it can get, but keep an eye on Edwards,” said Brad Coker of Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, which conducted the survey. “Edwards has really moved up since our last poll. Obama and Clinton have each slipped a little bit.”

The new survey, taken Dec. 26-28, came three weeks after the initial Dec. 3-6 poll.

Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/v-print/story/23940.html

[Gman]

1. As a Hillary supporter

I'm glad this is being as hard fought as it can be. This will remove any "coronation" talk should Hillary end up the nominee.

[sellitman]

3. Would a second place finish for

JE be considered a victory?

[JMDEM]

29. I would say NO...

I'm a strong Edwards supporter, but he needs to win, and win big if possible. Because he has exhausted most of his efforts and finances in Iowa, he needs a big victory to attract more donations and support for the remaining states.

I DREAD the idea of 8 months of nothing but Twiddle-dee and Twiddle-Dum spouting their worthless pablum at the masses, trying to put us all to sleep, while raking in the corporate sponsorships.

GO EDWARDS!!!!!

[ChiciB1]

35. Just Watched John & Elizabeth On C-Span & Once Again He Reached

out and talked to me and millions of others! As a long time supporter of his I've heard his positions and watched his speeches over and over! One would think I would be tired of hearing much of what he says at these rallies, but each time he gives me a feeling of optimism. As one who has just about "had it" with all that has gone on for WAAAAAAY too long, and all that I've seen that has brought America down, I'm always happy for the lift he gives me.

I know in my heart that if he isn't the nominee I will become extremely depressed and have that same sinking feeling that has been a cloud over so many of us for so long. Living in Florida I won't be able to help him by voting in a Primary, but I will write his name in for the GE! I feel that perhaps this will be my last time being an "activist" in our political process. It has been corrupted like I've never seen. I know our history has had corruption before, but to me none that has been as devastating as what has transpired in such a short time.

As I've said almost a hundred times before, what has gone on here in America has made me very very cynical about what I feel Democracy is about. I don't think I can ever be convinced that The Idiot, Decider EVER won either election for POTUS, and living in the county that I live in, I also think we experienced even MORE fraud in 2006.

The loss of 18,000 plus votes is NOT comprehensible and even though I volunteered to help Christine Jennings in her fight to seek redemption, it has come to nothing. IMHO, our Supervisor of Elections here is almost worse than Katherine "Cruella" Harris, who I had to endure as a representative for 2 terms. And that's really quite a statement to make. Any personal contact I've had with her has ALWAYS been contentious and she's totally lacking of any warmth or caring. I'm sure it's because I have a "D" behind my name, but fairness IS NOT something she tries to achieve.

So seeing John & Elizabeth Edwards almost makes me want to "hope" again!! I don't use the word HOPE anymore, but if given a wish... my wish is that America will be able to see and understand that he wants to work FOR "we the people" and regardless of past mistakes (we've all made some bloopers) I think he DOES want a better America! And he CAN'T do it alone, and he CAN'T do it in the first 100 days... he NEEDS us to help! So if you can, PLEASE DONATE... he's trying to raise 1.5 million before January 3rd. Even though I have little to give I will do it what I can right now.

Please DONATE, now! Thanks!

[onetinsoldier]

62. john edwards

i also saw the c-span show,i am a registered repub,but will
vote for him in the general if any corporate republican is
running against him,i love his populist message and never tire
of listening to him.

[ChiciB1]

65. Another Repub (a Woman) Called In And Said Something Like That...

said she would vote for him in the Primary, but if he doesn't get the nod, she'll vote for a Republican in GE!

Me? I'll write his name in, can't vote in a Primary... It's Flor-A-DUH!!!

[idunno101]

83. Transplant, you mean Florida?

Don't you?

[ChiciB1]

102. We're Not Transplants... Natives, Unusual For Sure... But Yes... Florida!

We aren't having a primary if you don't already know! And from what I hear, no campaigning here either, except I heard Clinton WILL come here... not sure.

They changed the primary date (Florida) which was against DNC rules... Bill Nelson tried to sue Howard Dean, judge ruled against Nelson and said he could appeal! It's a mess. If you want more info, check out "madfloridian's" journal, or look under Florida forum.

[flyarm]

104. Florida is having a primary so go vote..Jan 29th!! eom

[ChiciB1]

110. Sorry, I HAD NOT Heard That... Last I Heard Was That Nelson Lost

his law suit and may be planning to file again. Thanks!

[humbled_opinion]

96. Excellent... I see John riding the wave into New Hampshire...

[femmocrat]

79. Welcome to DU, onetinsoldier!

:hi: I agree with you about Edwards!

[AmBlue]

93. Welcome, onetinsoldier

Glad to have you with us. :hi:

And I'm with you on John Edwards. I've been an Edwards supporter since early 2004 and I'm here to tell you you're not alone. I met many Republicans that told me then if Edwards were the Dem nominee they would vote for him in the General.

I truly believe that John Edwards will give his heart and soul to putting this country back in the hands of The People and stop the corporate corruption and takeover of our government.

[blue neen]

74. Good post.

You summed up how I feel. :)

[Le Taz Hot]

94. No.

It's a new ballgame this time around and a good deal of the REST OF THE COUNTRY will get input as to who the nominee will be. I think most of the candidates will be able to hold out until Super Tuesday. For ONCE a few hundred mostly Caucasion Iowans will NOT be dictating who our nominee will be.

[ooglymoogly]

7. Yes she IS the anointed one.

But in spite of that.....

[Gonnuts]

27. Why on God's Green Earth

... would you be supporting Hillary? Do you not think it odd that out of 330,000,000 people we have only two families that are tight with one another - and make no mistake, the Clinton's platform is virtually indistinguishable from bush's - are the only families capable of running this country? Have you no sense or knowledge of history? Do you seriously think the changes we need can be effected by someone that is nothing but more of the same old - same old? Have you even looked at where Clinton is getting her money? Do you not think she isn't beholden to these special interests?

I don't get it? What's the attraction?

[Gman]

32. Why? I prefer someone that knows what they're doing

which immediately disqualifies Obama. Kucinich? Well, anyway... Of the rest, I could also support Biden or Richardson or even Edwards. However, Biden won't get the nomination, Richardson is running for VP. I can also live with Edwards, but Hillary has a ton more experience.

Too bad you have this thing about families. You would find the most qualified candidate in Hillary, if qualifications mean anything to you at all.

[Patchuli]

37. Can you tell me please

what qualifies Hillary? I haven't seen an impressive track record as far as doing the Peoples' Business and am really curious why you feel that she is qualified.

[bobbolink]

38. "I prefer someone that (sic) knows what she's doing" Yes, she's well aware of her need for the

corporations, the power and $$$ she derives from them, and what she owes them.

She knows what she's doing, all right.

Selling us down the river, AGAIN, to the corporations.

That pleases you?

Are YOU gaining from the selling of America to the highest bidders?

[Two Americas]

48. fair enough

Well stated and reasonable - thanks. I respect your position and your reasons for supporting your candidate.

Consider this - aside from which person seems to be the best candidate, should we not also look at whose interests are being promoted by a candidacy?

I believe that soon all of the candidates, and all Democrats, will be supporting Edwards platform and approach. Kucinich has been there a long time, and Dodd, Richardson and Biden are most of the way there. What is happening is that more and more people are abandoning the old approach that tells us we must compromise with reactionary politics and that we must "play the game" and be practical and accommodate and negotiate with powerful, wealthy and entrenched private parties in order to win.

I don't object to or oppose Senator Clinton or Senator Obama on their qualifications, nor on their skills and talents. I question their approach, that is all. I don't blame them or think they are evil because they are taking the approach they are taking. I don't agree that we need to transcend partisanship and I don't believe that doing so will be successful. I don't believe that we need to accommodate and compromise with the powerful and entrenched big money people any more. I don't believe that we need to find the mushy middle or run to the right, and I don't believe that we need to woo swing voters nor approach the public as though they were just consumers to market a product to.

I think it is time to declare ourselves, to stand up strongly for the traditional Democratic party positions and principles and to stop reacting to the extreme right wing. It is not only the morally right thing to do, I think the time has finally come where it will be the most successful thing to do, as well.

[ScooterFibby]

71. Yes, stand up and speak the truth!

Corporate power is vacuuming wealth out of the American middle class, and there is no way to compromise with the greedy SOBs.

Edwards is making a powerful statement and appeals to me intellectually AND emotionally.

[idunno101]

84. Corporate power is vacuuming wealth out of the American middle class

Links please

[Auntie Bush]

98. I'd say welcome...but me thinks you're not

a Democrat. Do you need a link to understand that?

[TheWatcher]

106. Right After you post links to the indisputable proof of Weapons Of Mass Destruction

:eyes:

Google it yourself.

[durtee librul]

117. You need a link to that? You better

just take a look around you....

[Dhalgren]

113. Excellent reply! Well said! I recommend your reply!

:applause:

[DissedByBush]

51. Hillary has experience?

What did she do as First Lady? She couldn't push a health care plan through and couldn't keep her husband's willy in his pants. She did know how to lie about "Travelgate" though.

What did she do as senator? She has experience voting to authorize Bush's continuance of daddy's war, voting against requirements that Bush use diplomacy. She also managed to make herself look like an idiot by condemning Limbaugh for railing against phony soldiers (yes, he was referring to actual phonies posing as Iraq vets, not all soldiers who speak out against the war), giving Limbaugh a huge PR victory by auctioning off her letter for charity.

She was inept as first lady. She has been embarrassing as senator. She has always had the interests of her corporate contributors at heart.

The establishment wants Hillary, and that's why she's ahead. That's also why she won't get my primary vote.

Obama and Edwards are the only candidates with a chance of success who are for real change. I like Kucinich, but the establishment won't let him win (we've already seen him excluded from a debate).

[niceypoo]

58. WOW! Awsome listing of RW talking points of the last 15 years

You deserve a medal for originality.

[JoFerret]

60. Unfair attacks like that make me really support Hillary

...and I will 100% if she is the nominee. Meanwhile...rooting for Edwards.

[creeksneakers2]

66. Hillary didn't lie about Travelgate

I know it sounds like she did because she told investigators that she "had no role in the firings." Hillary wasn't the initiator of changes in the travel office but did receive reports of embezzlement there and wanted something done.

There were many events that led up to the Travel Office firings. The actual decision to fire was made by others, not Hillary.

While Hillary's response sounds like the parsing the Clintons are accused of engaging in. But if you ring up the final report by Independent Counsel Robert Ray, you'd see that Hillary answered a number of questions and fully disclosed her involvement when answering other questions. There was no attempt to hide anything and therefore its most likely that when Hillary said she had no role she meant the firings themselves, not what led up to them.

There is a difference of memory between Hillary and one other individual about Hillary's exact words. It appears that Hillary did ask "that something be done." The whole matter was investigated over and over and no criminal wrongdoing was ever uncovered.

Rush Limbaugh called vets who denounce the war to the media phony soldiers. The transcripts are out there, both the one Limbaugh doctored and the actual transcript, and there's no doubt Rush was referring to more than the one case he talked about two minutes later, which even then Limbaugh called an example.

Limbaugh's listeners believe every word Limbaugh says even when proof of the opposite is right before their eyes. Rush lies almost constantly and gets away with it. Even when his listeners looked at a transcript that showed Rush was lying they believed they saw truth of Limbaugh's veracity.

Limbaugh auctioned off a Senate letter about his comments and raised millions of dollars for charity. That impressed people, especially his own listeners. One can also conclude from Limbaugh's actions that Rush panics and goes to any lengths when a real challenge to one of his lies gains any circulation. Rush was willing to spend millions of his own money to distract attention from his unpatriotic insults of American soldiers.

Limbaugh gets away with constant lies and hatred by slandering anybody who stands up to him. Those responses get top priority on his show. The other day Rush went ballistic because somebody connected to Huckelbee said something negative about him on a blog. Rush knows that if the truth about him ever gains enough momentum, he'll no longer be able to threaten everybody who tells it. He'll be ruined. That's why he was willing to spend millions.

Welcome to DU and I hope you hang around. Not everything on here is true but the truth is even farther from what Limbaugh gives. An open mind can learn much.

[shaniqua6392]

73. So you hold her responsible for controlling her husbands penis?????

That is a bit much isn't it? I have seen Hillary haters bash her for everything under the sun, but I have yet to see someone actually want to blame her for where Bill's penis has been. That sure is some sexist bull crap if I ever heard it.

[Alameda]

52. Hillary experience?

I wouldn't call being the wife of a president experience. Her actual experience is somewhat limited. I want to know who has the best health plan, among other things..

[JoFerret]

61. Edwards seems to have the best health plan

Paul Krugman seems to think so anyway. And he knows of what he speaks.

[Alameda]

99. Edwards

is my pick...after Dennis.

[Gonnuts]

64. Experience in what?

Just because she's experienced doesn't mean that experience is good. She was on the BoD for Wal-Mart for several years, one of the most repressive corporations in modern history who's founder is a religious nut-case that has backed Huckabee - is this the kind of experience you look for?

She voted for every aspect to keep the Iraq illegal occupation going - is this the kind of experience you want?

She's taken more money from corporations and special interests than any candidate - this too makes you comfortable?

The fact that her record is almost a carbon copy of bush's - I suppose this doesn't bother you either.

Hillary is bush light. Do you know nothing of the Bilderberg Group? Are you simply blind? How in the hell with all the reform we need could anyone possibly vote for a person that represents the statue-quo more than any other candidate? Why don't you just vote republican and get it over with?

And YES the "family thing' bothers me. Research Clinton/bush connections - tell us you feel okay with what you discover. How anyone can swallow the M$M, shoved down out throat candidate shill that HC is, is beyond me. You can take her kind of "experience" and stuff it. Myself I'm looking for someone who isn't going to continue the same old lies and lead us into continued war.

[aggiesal]

77. I prefer someone that knows what they're doing

She has spent only 8 years in the Senate. That's all.
Here are some of her votes in the senate during that period:

Hillary voted with the majority of republicans and against the majority of democrats to erase ethonol requirements for the east and west coast.

Hillary voted no with Lieberman and the majority of republicans against eliminating methyl tertiary butyl ether from the US fuel supply.
In fact, in three seperate bills, Hillary broke with democrats to vote in favor of the use of this chemical in US fuel.

Hillary broke with Democrats against ensuring the workers at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site would not receive life insurance, health and life insurance benefits when their environmental work was terminated by the republican majority.

Hillary broke ranks with the democrats and voted with the majority of republicans to eliminate the requirement of reusable fuel in US gasoline in 2004.

Hillary voted with republicans for oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

To authorize the State of Virginia to petition for authorization to conduct natural gas exploration and drilling activities in the coastal zone of the State.
Hillary didn't vote

Yes, Hillary has made some luke-warm speeches (poll tested by Penn) about changing NAFTA. She also voted against the highly publicized CAFTA bill. But she quietly broke with the majority of democrats in less publicized NAFTA-like bills three times.
1) United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
2) United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
3) Free trade - Oman agreement

Hillary voted against the Byrd ammendment and against a large majority of democrats to reduce Guatanamo funding by $36,000,000. She joined the republican majority against the majority of democrats in supporting Guantanamo.

Hillary is Pro- Plan Columbia Hillary broke with the dems to vote against the Byrd ammendment to modify the number of military personnel and civilians who may be assigned or retained in connection with Plan Colombia.

Hillary voted against the majority of democrats who wanted to limit waiver authority of the president to exempt himself from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 of nuclear materials from India to Iran

Hillary broke rank with the dems to vote with the republicans against an increase of funding for part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Hillary voted against reducing the tax cut to the rich.

Hillary broke with the dems to vote in favor of the much derided 700 foot fence.

While the vote for the Bankrupcy bill has probably been the single reason why dems are not supporting Biden,
Hillary didn't show up to vote either way.

Brownback Amdt. No. 2708; To prevent contributions to organizations that perform or promote abortion as a method of family planning.
Hillary NOT VOTING

Brownback Amdt. No. 2707; To prohibit funding of organizations that support coercive abortion.
Hillary NOT VOTING

So, why are you voting for Hillary?

[obiwan]

89. How much experience did W have before he became president?

Six years as Texas Governor. That's his entire political career. He lost his other political contest in 1978 and ran all of his businesses into the ground. Plus his judgment was awful, and he is a sociopath first class.

Obama has what W did not have, and what Hilary does not have: good judgment and a will to bring the two sides together.

In addition he has as much direct political experience as Hilary does (don't forget his years in politics in the Illinois legislature) and the fact he has been against the war in Iraq since the beginning . In addition, Obama seems to running his campaign without the help of PACS. (Correct me if I am wrong.) And he is self-made. I believe he got where he is without the help of Daddy.

Philosophically, Dennis Kucinich is closer to my beliefs, but we are at a point where I must act pragmatically with my vote. Reality tells me that Kucinich cannot win the nomination- his campaign reminds me of the little mouse who stands in front of the speeding truck with his middle finger raised. He will be crushed, although his thinking is exactly right.

The sad fact is there are not enough intelligent, enlightened individuals in the United States to propel Dennis Kucinich to the nomination. It's all a game of numbers and has little to do with absolute rightness.

In many areas Obama doesn't go far enough for me. But in other areas he does, and he is electable in a real sense. Sad because I supported Howard Dean in 2004, and we all saw what the system did to him.

I have read the pro-Hilary books and the pro-Obama books. I have seen both of them speak. Hilary is a nice person, but IMHO represents more of the same, much as Bill did, due to her voting record and how she feels about issues, and her core beliefs. Obama's reasoning ability and willingness to at least make an honest effort to get the left and right to work together is why I am voting for him in the California primary.

If you are pissed off at the way things are, like I am, you can vote the way you feel and throw your vote away. If you really care about the way things are going, be pragmatic and apply your vote in a way that is much more likely to make an actual difference.

I have been voting in presidential elections since 1972, and I have seen that idealism has been frozen out of the modern election process. Sad but true.

Re experience- remember that Abraham Lincoln had less political real-time experience (2 years) than Hilary does; and he nearly lost the 1864 election.

And George Washington? No prior political experience to speak of.

Ask yourself: do you really want another machine politician as president?

[niceypoo]

53. The sky is falling

[idunno101]

87. Could not agree more.

HRC is wolf in sheeps' clothing.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

118. The Earth is neither God's nor green. -nt

[Sarah Ibarruri]

78. I just hope Edwards wins.

I don't think this country can handle a right winger or even a moderate. This country has been beaten down to a pulp since Reagan. It needs a break to recoup. It needs a lib.

[JoFerret]

120. Right on

Edwards has the best health plan. He is not a lightweight or an airhead. And he stands for something. very interesting man. It has been interesting to watch him grow into this candidacy. I think - like Hillary - he has a sense of what it means to take on this role and confront the GOP mean machine.
I like his policies too.
He would run a good admin.

[roguevalley]

80. I agree, Gman. I think that is the part that bothered me the most.

I hate it when the media chooses our nominee. That is our right. I want to see a contested nomination.

[Seabiscuit]

91. I think the "coronation" talk has to do with something else -

i.e., the way Tweety and other TV bobbleheads have been declaring her the winner since coming out of the gate - with her only competition supposedly coming from Obama, while completely ignoring all the other candidates, especially Edwards. If that's not a "coronation" I guess I don't know what is.

Hopefully, Iowa will expose the MSM's sham tactics for what they are.

[rfranklin]

109. She still will be the pick of the oligarchists...

Of all the Democrats, she is the one that the corporate titans and ultra-wealthy feel they can "do business" with.

[bitchkitty]

2. Congratulations, John Edwards!

I think he's got a great chance, having gained so much ground without the support of the MSM.

[rch35]

4. good for edwards n/t

[Geek_Girl]

5. Go Edwards!

nt

[ooglymoogly]

6. kr for hope

[benny05]

8. It's very close in Iowa

But I'm encouraged by the news, such as from this diary at the Daily Kos.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/30/92956/286/842/426308

From the comments section, Altoona Dem:

I'm on the ground as a precinct captain for JRE
in Altoona, IA. My wife and I went out canvassing yesterday. We took along with us a patent-lawyer from CA. A few things that happened:
- A republican stopped me and asked for a yard sign and said "During the general, I want to get a Republicans for Edwards group started"

- People were excited and determined to make sure he would win.

- Richardson and Obama had people out canvassing. I didn't see anyone else.

- Nevermind the 5 Edwards signs in our yard, I received an Obama "Blueprint for Change" booklet on our door. Too little too late?

- I heard a blurb on CNN from Clinton about lobbyists taking over Washington. Huh?

- Hillary's campaign left a message on my answering machine saying she was the most electable in the general election. Huh?

- The JRE event at East high school was shooting for 500 attendees. Over 800 signed in (many people don't sign in), it was packed to overflowing, and as one physician answering a question stated, BEST SPEECH EVER!

- Met Cate Edwards when my wife, my dad, and I were trying to get out through a back hallway. Met Madeline Stowe on the way out the doors.

- Sent out another letter to undecideds. Our precinct is the largest in Altoona, and we're at about 72% of our goal for JRE caucus-goers. I got a glance at the statewide numbers. There are some counties which we have over 80% of our goals! I shit you not, Iowa is going Edwards!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHJaqe12BIc (Doobie Brothers' Rockin' down the Highway)

Tune into C-SPAN at 11:45 CT for a live JRE event!!

[MindMatter]

10. Evangelicals aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer

But could it be that even they are figuring out that Huckabee is a fraud?

Looks like some of the Iowa folks have started to catch on to the fact that 51% of the electorate will never vote for Hillary under any circumstances. That being the case, the only way she could win is with a 3rd party candidate to splinter the GOP, just as her old man won. People seem to forget the Bill Clinton only got 43% of the popular vote in 1992, and that's about what Hillary could get. The only way she could win is if Thompson or Bloomberg ran as indy candidates. Nobody should count on that.

[unapatriciated]

47. Iowa is not the same as the south in regards to religion

Their Demographics tend to be toward more mainstream religions who are starting to take their blinders off when it comes to Bush and the Republican Party.

http://www.kindredtrails.com/Iowa-History-2.html

Table 2: Iowa's Present Religious Demographic
Denomination Percentage
Christian 73%
Protestant 50%
Lutheran 16%
Methodist 13%
Baptist 5%
Presbyterian 3%
Pentecostal 2%
Congregational 2%
Other Protestant 11%
Catholic 23%
Other Christian 1%
Other Religions 6%
Refused to Answer 5%

[BearSquirrel2]

101. Huckabee ♥ Rapists

Rapists ♥ Huckabee

I haven't heard much of the parole thing in the media (nationwide). Could be some push polling or whisper campaigns. But I knew that he could not survive once word got out on how cluelessly aggressive Huckabee's commutation program was.

[lisainmilo]

72. Such fantastic News!

This gives me so much hope for our country....seriously.....I finally have hope again!

Go John Go!

[sandyd921]

9. Go John go!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Plucketeer]

11. YAHOOTIEEEE!!!!

My gut intuition is coming to fruition :kick:

[Carrieyazel]

12. Richardson is surging as well, at 12%; he could be significantly higher

as undecidedes go for the candidate who closes the best, and a few people aligned with Clinton and Obama decide their candidates may not be able to get it done.

[derby378]

13. I'm also anxious to see how Richardson fares

The chaos of Iowa and New Hampshire could leave his own bid for the White House strengthened. It's far from over.

[pokercat999]

36. I think Richardson would be a very good VP and a real

"workhorse" for our nation, and I mean that in a respectable and complimentary way.

[TexasLawyer]

63. My mom (Des Moines) is caucusing for Richardson

She says her very strong second choice is Edwards. Said she will probably end the caucus supporting Edwards once the viability level of each candidate is determined.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_caucus

Iowa Caucus
Democratic Party process

The process used by the Democrats is more complicated than the Republican Party caucus process. Each precinct divides its delegate seats among the candidates in proportion to caucus goers' votes.

Participants indicate their support for a particular candidate by standing in a designated area of the caucus site (forming a "preference group"). An area may also be designated for undecided participants. Then, for roughly 30 minutes, participants try to convince their neighbors to support their candidates. Each preference group might informally deputize a few members to recruit supporters from the other groups and, in particular, from among those undecided. Undecided participants might visit each preference group to ask its members about their candidate.

After 30 minutes, the electioneering is temporarily halted and the supporters for each candidate are counted. At this point, the caucus officials determine which candidates are "viable". Depending on the number of county delegates to be elected, the "viability threshold" can be anywhere from 15% to 25% of attendees. For a candidate to receive any delegates from a particular precinct, he or she must have the support of at least the percentage of participants required by the viability threshold. Once viability is determined, participants have roughly another 30 minutes to "realign": the supporters of inviable candidates may find a viable candidate to support, join together with supporters of another inviable candidate to secure a delegate for one of the two, or choose to abstain. This "realignment" is a crucial distinction of caucuses in that (unlike a primary) being a voter's "second candidate of choice" can help a candidate.

When the voting is closed, a final head count is conducted, and each precinct apportions delegates to the county convention. These numbers are reported to the state party, which counts the total number of delegates for each candidate and reports the results to the media. Most of the participants go home, leaving a few to finish the business of the caucus: each preference group elects its delegates, and then the groups reconvene to elect local party officers and discuss the platform.

[senseandsensibility]

14. How do they calculate the thirty three percent figure for Edwards

if other candidates defect to him because they don't get fifteen percent? I was glad to hear this news, but how can they be so sure? I remember in 2004 Kucincih released his delegates to vote for Edwards, and I assume he'll do so again, but that doesn't get Edwards to thirty three. Have they done previous polling on this issue?:shrug:

[bobbolink]

39. Because Edwards is the TOP second choice. n/t

[RoccoR5955]

15. Edwards is looking better and better every day....

... As far as an 'electable' candidate is concerned. Though I would much rather see Kucinich win, I would be willing to settle for Edwards. If Hillary wins, I will have to vote for her while holding my nose.

[Gonnuts]

28. If Hillary wins ...

I will kiss this bull-shit country good-bye and never look back.

[ChiciB1]

69. If You've Got A Boat, I Want To Be One Of The Passengers! THIS Will

be my LAST participation as an activist for an election. I am writing in my choice no matter what! I'm sorry, but when a country only wants TWO families to run a country, I don't see DEMOCRACY RISING!!!

I thought our forefathers left England to form a MORE PERFECT UNION!! What we would be getting is akin to a Monarchy, and after Clinton we can check out Jebby next!!

Not for me... Not Ever! Living In Florida has taught me a lesson or two!!!

[Olney Blue]

85. So if Hillary Clinton wins in a fair election, we don't have a democracy?

:shrug:

[ChiciB1]

103. The Way I See It... If All That MONEY Still Controls This Country, It

surely makes me wonder. I'm extremely upset with Chucky Schumer, Rahm Emmanuel and many many others who (IMO) are doing some extensive work to keep D.C. Elites in line. Also heard on National T.V. fro, David Schuster, Chuck Todd & David Gregory that the Elites hate Edwards. They wouldn't name who, what or any specifics, but told Tweety & another host about this. Even told Tweety "he knew" who they were talking about and Tweety seemed to "understand" exactly what was up. And I heard it more than once.

Doesn't sound too Democratic to me, sounds like what we are seeing now. Remember Ned Lamont and what the Clinton's did to help Lieberman and don't forget the relationship between Poppy Bush AND Bill Clinton! They can deny all they want, but do YOU believe anything the Bushies say??

I don't!!

[TheWatcher]

107. No, but it will be a big win for the "football team"

And we all can feel good and feel powerful again.

If people worry about the superior indifference to fascism that they are seeing now, just wait.

[leftcoastie]

46. That's a BIG

DITTO

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

111. DITTO, huh? Where have I heard that before? Welcome to DU.

MKJ

[SlowDownFast]

16. K&R. Go Edwards! n/t

[acmavm]

17. And again I'll say that John Edwards is gonna surprise a lot of people.

You wait and see.

[FatDave]

18. I'm amazed by the Edwards campaign's timing

Seems like he's always been right where he should be when he should be. When everybody else started campaigning way to early, Edwards held back. By the time he started voters were already getting sick of the presumptive front-runners. In the first debates, when only the hardcore were paying attention, he attacked Hillary Clinton. Once more people started paying attention, he dialed that back. He didn't start advertising in Iowa until a couple months ago, and he's steadily ramped them up to the point that he's now practically blanketing the local airwaves. And now he's surging into the home stretch.

Not only has the Edwards campaign pulled this off with near-constant dismissal by the media, they've done it with far less money than the other contenders. They're getting the absolute most out of every penny. Hell, now that I think about, this is the guy I want spending my tax money.

[benny05]

19. On C-SPAN Now!!

At the Giggling Goat Restaurant...overflow crowds. EE is introducing her husband.

[bobbolink]

40. I'm not surprised. He's seasoned, he didn't give up, and he has the "machine" in place.

It's wisdom that has kept him below the radar until now.

I want that wisdom in the Oval Office!

[happygoluckytoyou]

20. EDWARDS---- TOP TEN REASONS TO VOTE EDWARDS

1. WILLING TO ADMIT MISTAKES
2. DOESN'T MAKE A LOT OF THEM
3. LEARNS FROM THEM

4. CANT BE ATTACKED BY THE GOP FOR CLINTON CONNECTION
5. BEST L A B O R CANDIDATE IN THE RACE.... AND YOU KNOW THE GOP LOVES CHEAP LABOR MORE THAN GOD
6. WIFE IS COOL, SMART, POPULAR
7. HAS ENOUGH WEALTH TO NOT BE A SLUG

8. HAS THE BEST NUMBERS TO BEAT ANYTHING THE REPUBLICANS LOOK FOR
9. HAS A BACKGROUND IN THE LAW.... UNLIKE THE CURRENT PRESIDENT, THIS ONE WOULD READ AND THINK

10. HILLARY IS GOP LIGHT.... WE NEED A TRUE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE!!!

[ChiciB1]

70. You Know... Obama Came Up After Him & HE SAID He Was The ONE

who beat every Repuke candidate and would be the one to win. I saw stats that showed that to be untrue and it really shocked me!

How could Obama say this??

[Glorfindel]

21. Well, this is good news! I like Edwards very much

And, after all, the Democrats only need to carry the same states Gore won, plus ANY southern state, to win the presidency. Surely, surely Edwards could carry North Carolina. I don't believe it is possible for either Clinton or Obama to do so, though it's possible either of them could carry both New Hampshire and Iowa, which would also result in a Democratic victory - assuming, again, that the party carries the same states that Gore did.

[skepticscott]

22. It amazes me

that so many people who claim to be suspicious of the MSM put so much stock in their polls. Too many media outlets are far too fond of being the drivers, rather than the reporters of news, and they just love how their polls make everyone react. Do we even know if all of the polls that are taken actually have their results reported, or do the media just report the ones they think will create the most buzz?

[navarth]

33. is it possible that McClatchy derserves more credit than that?

Seems to me I've heard a lot of good things about them.

Am I wrong?

[skepticscott]

44. I don't know

but "Seems to me I've heard a lot of good things about them" is not exactly a ringing endorsement. Did you really hear good things about them, or did it just seem like you were hearing them? And what's "a lot"? Do you hear things about McClatchy all the time?

In any case, if pharmaceutical companies will try to blatantly suppress the results of studies that reflect badly on their drugs in development and only release the favorable ones, why is it so hard to believe that a news organization would do the same thing with polls, in order to generate more buzz and better headlines?

[Kolesar]

119. McClatchy now has the Knight-Ridder reporters who reported dissenting opinions before the war

They had sources that contradicted all the lies that were promulgated by Cheney, the New York Times, the networks, etc. Turns out that Knight Ridder's reporters were right about the WMDs.

[Th1onein]

45. You bet they do. McClatchy has my respect.

They've taken the high road time and time again. This is a newspaper group you can respect.

[surfermaw]

82. If McClatchy says Edwards is ahead,

Then he is leading... It is my opinion, that the Charlotte Observer under McClatchy has never given Edwards any thing...they are for Hillary, Bill was on the committe that helped them purchase the Charlotte Observer, at times I have thought they tried to make Edwards pictures look bad, just my opinion.

[LiberalEsto]

23. Go, John E., go!

John E. be good.

[yardwork]

24. I am very concerned about Romney.

He can appeal to a large number of Republicans. I wish that the supporters of various Democratic candidates would stop attacking one another and focus on the Republicans. They are the real threat.

[adnelson60087]

43. THAT is what the General Election is about, not the Primaries.

[SKKY]

57. If anyone other than Edwards wins the nomination, I'm with you...

...Edwards will clean his clock in a General though. It could be a Clinton-Dole type of Landslide.

[girl gone mad]

108. Really?

I'm hoping Romney gets the nomination. I think he's their worst candidate by a mile. He's takes the fatal flaws of the past few also-rans to a new level. Romney's a worse liar than the media made Gore out to be and stiffer than Gore on his worst day. He's also a bigger flip-flopper than Kerry ever was and as out of touch with regular people as Bush I (and the BFEE that supports him).

Huckabilly's the one to look out for, imo. He knows how to work a crowd and he's just the type of guy Americans want to drink a beer with, to use that lame media test that Dubya supposedly passed with flying colors the last two times around.

[yardwork]

25. dupe - sorry

[yardwork]

26. dupe - sorry

[Lindsey]

30. He was great just now on CSPAN! I'm so into him - PLEASE let

it be John!!!!!!!!!

[99th_Monkey]

31. Sock it to 'em Johnny!! Give US MegaCorps hell, and restore America!! nt

[Bravo Zulu]

34. I doubt a repukian will ever be elected President again

after what $hrub & dick head cheny pulled, so pick your favorite Democratic candidate, I like them all, even with their faults, but I've always liked John Edwards the most, he flew into Pittsburgh one time and I went out to the airport to meet his plane and cheer him, so I'm pretty sure that in the near future that I will totally support Edwards!
I'm ready for change,I hate repukes and everything they stand for, they need to be executed for murder for getting military people killed for no reason in Iraq, bu$h just wanted to be able to call himself war pResident at the expense of killing innocent people!

[beltanefauve]

54. I wish I could share your optimism

re: "I doubt a Republican will ever be elected President again" (not that I believe the current squatter in the WH was ever truly elected, mind you) but they still hold the "fear" card; fear of terra, fear of brown and black people, fear of women, fear of... whatever they can do to fear-monger and laugh all the way to the bank while doing so. I'm sure there are plenty of people who are disgusted with the current crop of Republicans but will still hope for a "different" Republican. And this doesn't even address the issue of election fraud.

[bjobotts]

41. IN 1st is Edwards followed by Clinton and Obama and as they come around the stretch its

Obama by a nose , now Edwards now Obama and here comes Clinton and down to the line it's...Wait a news flash...marshal law has been declared
Horse race crap...I wanna be with the winner,,,I wanna be with the winner.

[unapatriciated]

49. I'm afraid the game will be called

on account of war with Iran-because we all know the terrorist are there not in Pakistan or Afghanistan. :sarcasm: :banghead:

[MetaTrope]

42. "Dead heat" in elections

It makes me a little itchy that the pollsters are talking about a "dead heat" between two or three candidates, as it was exactly that sort of proclaimed situation which set up the election thefts for Bush in both 2000 and 2004. What are the odds that public opinion would break out so evenly. Is somebody being set up for a "narrow" win that in reality is neither narrow nor a win?

[unapatriciated]

50. I hope not

cause if that's true we can kiss our liberal asses goodbye as they round us up for thought crimes.

[beltanefauve]

55. See you at the internment camp!

:hi:

[Sam Ervin jret]

59. Not funny man, completely accurate, but not funny. - Maybe a little funny

[unapatriciated]

67. maybe we can start an underground...underground

I'll bring the shovel and we can tunnel to Canada together ;)

[judaspriestess]

56. Edwards is like my San Antonio Spurs

everyone dismisses them, they don't get the media respect but they keep working and doing their thing KNOWING full well they have what it takes.
Then bam there it is, the Spurs are Champs and Edwards wins the nomination.

Here is the Spurs motto that is posted in their locker room

“When nothing seems to help, I go look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.”

Jacob Riis

[Cha]

68. Words to live by~

So true..

[and-justice-for-all]

75. Even my Republican friend said he would...

consider voting for Edwards.

He also mentioned Huckabee, but knowing that one of his best friends and his brother are gay, I think that Huckabee's Gay-Auschwitz mentality rubbed him the wrong way.

[BrklynLiberal]

76. It sure would make my year if Edwards wins the nomination...

[GreenTea]

81. Edwards is a fighter - He's not going to just quit - he's in it to the end & to win!

[LaStrega]

86. wow ...

"...as Mike Huckabee has lost momentum and support, even among the evangelical Christians who had propelled him into the top spot just weeks ago."

Apparently even evangelical xtians recognize he's batshit loony and should be nowhere near the oval office.

[smokey nj]

88. Frankly, I think all the Republican candidates should be medicated and confined to padded rooms.

The race for the puke nomination looks like a "Mr. Thorazine" pageant.

[LaStrega]

90. true that ~ they're all loons

[GMFORD]

92. Edwards is okay with me.

We do not have a dem candidate who is not a far sight better than everything the repugs have to offer. I like some of ours more than others (go Biden!) but we have a good selection to choose from overall.

As for the repugs, they haven't got sh*t and they know it...they are having trouble choosing because all choices are bad. No sympathy as they got the candidates they deserved.

One caveat: If they choose McCain, he will give our contender a run for the money IMO, once he drops all the nonsense he has spouted to appeal to the sorry repug base.

[truthisfreedom]

95. I'd vote for Edwards in a heartbeat.

[Neshanic]

97. Go Edwards...Go Edwards!

[progressivebydesign]

100. I really love Edwards' populist message, tho the media was being snide about it.

As usual, the snarky and catty media had to find something bad to write about Edwards, just being generally snide in their writing. Typical AP reporting, but I do love Edwards for this.

[K8-EEE]

105. I think JE is FREAKING OUT a lot of peeps, including the "librul" news

Good on him -- he's got my vote!

[EFerrari]

112. They beat up on him and Kerry last time out, and they've been rude

to him this time. If he gets the nomination, he'll likely win. Then, the liberal media will be at a disadvantage with his WH. :evilgrin:

[rodeodance]

114. many think he is a Robin Hood (will take away your $)

[K8-EEE]

115. mindboggling how they can think that after Chimpy and the debt he's leaving!

I think he will be good at pointing out exactly HOW MUCH MONEY BushCo has gone through!

[ozone_man]

116. The surge is working!

;)

Go Edwards!