Time's Mark Halperin: What John Edwards has going for him in Iowa

[Quixote1818]

Here, then, is a Millworker’s Dozen list of what Edwards has going for him in Iowa:

1. The endorsement of the First Lady of Iowa.

2. The support (some secret) of people close to Governor Culver.

3. Big Labor help being quietly marshaled by one of Iowa’s top Democratic operatives and by Edwards’ 2004 campaign manager.

4. A consistently confident, upbeat demeanor.

5. A re-tooled stump speech that has audiences rising up, and that is filled with specifics of his agenda.

6. Caucus rules that work to the advantage of those with strong support in rural and blue collar areas.

7. Dedicated supporters who will likely turn out even if the weather is cold and inclement.

8. National trial lawyers who are going to do something (read: “everything”) to get their guy elected.

9. A popular, visible spouse.

10. More than enough money to be competitive.

11. Fearlessness.

12. A stronger work ethic than anyone in the race.

13. Perfect pitch in handling Clinton-Obama conflict.

14. A strong Des Moines Register debate performance.

15. New polling showing him as a strong general election candidate and some new boffo national media clips.

16. High favorables and strong second choice support.

17. Trained precinct captains in almost every precinct – a true, old-fashioned organization.


More: http://thepage.time.com/halperins-take-what-john-edwards-has-going-for-him-in-iowa/

[K Gardner]

1. I love opening the Edwards posts here.. you guys are top notch..

Positive and classy :-)

[frogmarch]

2. Wish I could go to Iowa

and see and hear him in person.

Go John!

K&R

[waiting for hope]

3. And he has the strongest Union

support overall - I am so psyched for a BIG Edwards win in Iowa. Thanks! K&R!

[dmosh42]

4. Plus the strongest anti-corruption message! n/t

[JNelson6563]

5. Lot of good points made in that list

I am very anxious to see how Iowa turns out.

Julie

[ClarkUSA]

6. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Edwards won Iowa

His very strong rural organization - cultivated since 2004 - may well put him over the top.

[Eurobabe]

7. For my second choice, I am really torn between

Edwards and Obama, should Biden not advance past NH.

[cali]

8. I agree with Halperin Those points are all right on.

I do want to point out that Halperin is corporate media, and I constantly see the thought espoused that corporate media fears and loathes JE. This is decidedly not evidence of that claim.

[glowing]

9. Sometimes, and it doesn't happen often enough, people become people

and not their position. Sometimes, even the corporate hags, can be inspired... In reality, Halperin is just listing a laundry list of positives going for Edwards.. I'm sure he could do this with each candidate.

[asdjrocky]

10. Thought I'd add three more-

18. I'm leaving for Iowa and I'll knock on every single door in that state, and, I'll be there for caucus night, with my big voice and my "sharp elbows."

19. The people working for him never give up.

20. Money don't vote.

Class post, really, really good work here.:hi: