OT:WaPo on Iowa reaction to Dem candidates

[MBS]

I'd sworn off the presidential horse race since JK's departure, but this article is pretty good, emphasizes shortcomings of all the Dem presidential candidates .. sigh
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/28/AR2007012801321.html?referrer=email

Mixed Reviews For Clinton In Iowa
By Dan Balz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, January 29, 2007; Page A01
. . .Clinton and her campaign advisers may justifiably conclude that she made a positive first impression on Iowa Democratic Party activists. But a 90-minute conversation with 14 Iowa Democrats here Sunday afternoon tells a more complete and not-so-encouraging story of her candidacy in its early stage . .
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. . .
Having read all the press accounts" about her opening day in Iowa, "I still don't know what she's going to do," said Roy Porterfield, an unemployed automotive manager.

"She dodged the issue," said Bob Bromley, a retired clergyman.

"That's what concerns me," Porterfield responded. "Is there any single greater issue than the war? She better offer a solution to that real quick."
. .
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."
. . Edwards has been to Iowa 17 times in the past two years and leads many of the early polls in the state. Seen as personable, bright and compassionate by these activists, he nonetheless left them struggling to explain why they had doubts about him as a potential president.

"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.

Compared to JK, these guys are but specks of dust. Sigh.

[MarjorieG]

1. Guess they're not as comforted by Bill3, as to embrace Hill.

We'll see. So all that killing off of JK, in 2004, all for this? Maybe she should sign onto setadeadline. You think?

[wisteria]

2. There would of been a nice niche for JK to fit into but ,it is what it is.

I have only two goals now. To be as productive as possible in persuading people that it is time to set a deadline to bring our troops home and working against a Clinton run.

[rox63]

3. I predict there will be a lot of doubters in New Hampshire as well n/t

[karynnj]

4. I've wondered how stabbing Kerry in the back could hurt there

The BG article a few weeks ago, seemed to indicate substantial affection and respect for Kerry - with some hesitancy on whether he could win.

That combination has to have some impact on backing her - especially as attacks on her heat up. Kerry was swiftboated - the charges were fake. ALL the baggage, definitely over the weight limit, of both Clintons will be opened again and there will likely be more - that we never knew. That has to cut into the view of her as a winner. With that goes the biggest reason to back her.

It's interesting that Edwards seems to run the risk of outstaying his welcome in Iowa.

It's odd, but this describes the scenario we all thought would end by them recognizing that the perfectly good 2004 candidate was standing there better than ever.

[MBS]

5. oh,exactly--especially your last sentence

That's exactly what I thought,too, as I read the article. .