WP: Mixed Reviews For Clinton In Iowa ("Democratic race in Iowa is wide open")

[Pirate Smile]

(Reviews actually sound generally positive but it is early, people are still interested in other candidates)

Mixed Reviews For Clinton In Iowa

By Dan Balz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, January 29, 2007; Page A01

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Jan. 28 --

-snip-
"The media in particular has a bad habit of taking our candidates and giving them back to us in a caricature," said Waddington, an Iowa Democratic Party official and activist. "Al Gore was a bumbling elitist. With Hillary, they have her painted as a cold fish. That's absolutely what you do not get in person. She's very warm and very intelligent."

-snip-
Widely admired and seen as strong and intelligent, Clinton nonetheless engenders substantial doubts among people who, by virtue of Iowa's place at the front of the nominating calendar, could play an outsized role in selecting the next Democratic presidential nominee.
"Competent and capable, but she's my fourth choice," said Dale Hedgecoth, a carpenter at a local high school.
"Strong, but not it," added Dona Howe, a first-grade teacher.

-snip-
Their opinions underscored what polls and strategists are saying: The Democratic race in Iowa is wide open. There is great interest in Illinois Sen. Barack Obama but many questions about whether he is ready to be president. Former senator John Edwards of North Carolina is well known to Iowa activists, but for someone leading the polls here he evoked a curiously unenthusiastic reaction among many in the group. Other candidates sparked limited interest, although there were kind words for former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware.

-snip-
Most of those in the group strongly oppose the Iraq war, and Clinton's 2002 vote authorizing Bush to go to war rankles many. Several said they want to hear fuller explanations from her about why she voted the way she did and how she would try to end the war and bring the troops home.

-snip-
Around the table, Obama evoked some of the most effusive responses, with repeated use of the word "charismatic." But the group was decidedly split about whether he is ready to be president.Joe Stutler, a systems analyst, said that "the C-word, 'charismatic' " describes his view of Obama but that the senator reminds him of a rock star coming off the release of a double-platinum album. "Is the first album the one and only?" he asked. "Is he a one-hit wonder? I can see him as vice president now."

-snip-
"I really like Edwards," said Ann Bromley, a retired city worker. "I think he's intelligent and compassionate. I don't think he's electable, and I don't know why. Something is missing." Others nodded in agreement.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/28/AR2007012801321.html


Frankly, the entire article reads like a DU thread - which makes sense, it is just Democrats spouting their opinions.

[Skwmom]

1. In 2008, the American public will be electing a commander-in-chief.

After Bush bungled the job so badly, I think picking someone who can be an effective commander-in-chief will be a top priority. I think people are starting to realize we are in a heck of a position and need a leader, not a politician if we are going to have a chance at turning this mess around.

[jaysunb]

4. Commander in Chief, huh ?

I've been around for part or all of 11 presidents and 5 major military conflicts or all out wars, and I've never heard the term Commander in Chief used so much.

I'm sorry to see this term become a part of our vocabulary when discussing the person who's main function is to be the " Chief Executive Officer " of the Republic.

Amazing...simply, amazing. :evilfrown:

[illinoisprogressive]

2. great post. I must say I agree with Bromley. I think she said

it best about my reason to not support Edwards. I don't like or dislike the guy. I have no ill will to him. I just get the feeling something is missing for me.
I hope this doesn't get the Edwards people upset because I just wanted to comment on something that has bothered me and I couldn't put my finger on it.

I also agree with swkmom above.

[wisteria]

3. They needed Kerry in the mix. It seems he could have offered the experience

and the right position on the Iraq war. Now, please don't post all the negative junk we already know about election 2004. I am just stating my POV.

[Leilani]

5. Sounds like the time is right for Wes Clark.

I hope he announces soon.

People are still looking, & not satisfied with what has been offered.

[Apollo11]

6. I predict it will stay wide open thru the Fall

This race will stay wide open - not only in Iowa but also nationally.

If I'm right then it could provide the circumstances for Al Gore to "change his mind" and enter the race as late as November 4th, which would be exactly one year before election day.

I say "change his mind" - but I believe that right now Al Gore is keeping his options open. He hasn't ruled out running again and he still has some time to watch the field and consider his options.

Personally I don't like the early start to the 2008 Presidential election campaign. Don't forget that Bill Clinton announced his candidacy in October 1991 and still went on to win.

Candidates are taking the risk that people will get bored of their campaigns before 2008!

Let's all find ways to show our support for Al Gore! :)

In Gore We Trust
www.algore.com
www.algore.org
www.draftgore.com - Sign the petition!
www.draftgore2008.org
www.patriotsforgore.com

[Pirate Smile]

7. kick