Comments on: Edwards Tops Iowa Independent Democratic Power Rankings

By: Bigsky in Iowa

Bigsky in Iowa — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:23:52 +0000

Why is political reporting and analysis being copied from the sports desk? Some of the snark up-thread gets to the point most of us (and the press) miss... reporters should be covering issues and not relative placement on the trophy stand. Voters should be making their decisions based on data, on the positions, statements and past behavior of the candidates. Too much reporting places WAY too much emphasis on front-runner status and whoever bases their voter decision on that subjective metric doesn't deserve the right to step past the curtain in the booth.

Political reporting should borrow NOTHING from the sports desk.

I understand the point of this story was to rank candidates in some way with respect to their ability to get the second-choice vote here in Iowa's caucus system. Fine and good. But for the love of Pete can we please spend more ink (bits) on covering and aggregating the real differences and positions of the candidates so that when the only poll that matters is finished on Jan. 3 we have collectively nominated a candidate based on something substantive?

By: arty kraft

arty kraft — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:31:34 +0000

Hillary's Slipping Fast with Good Reason Over the years, the voters from Iowa have shown a remarkable ability to smell out the snake oil and collectively make a wise choice. The status report above indidicates this year will be no exception. Which makes us wonder, How in the world has Hillary maintained such a big lead when her negative rating is remarkably large? Just read the comments on sites ranging from Salon to Washington Monthly to virtually any city paper and you'll find a sizable number of posters who register at least discomfort if not distrust of the former First Lady.

It seems that the truth is, instant name recognition, a few polls skewed to her base, and a lazy media bias for the presumed winner have all led to an illusory, seemingly insourmountable lead. But finally, there are cracks in the Titanic and people are jumping over everyday. And it was bound to happen, if for no other reason than the fact that people woke up to her amorphous answers, her inflated experience (35 yrs? - at what?), her Republican background, and last but not least her Neocon sympathies. Not to mention her insignificant legislative record.

Really, if you're so convinced of her merits, name five bills she wrote that truly mattered. Explain how she voted in favor of calling the Iranian guards terrorists and then expects that will aid in better diplomacy. Please explain where all these elaborate ideas about energy and the environment were six months ago, or, now, six years ago when she had a chance of pushing some meaningful legislation through. She's sided all too frequently with the right wing and never voted no to a war.

For further clarification please check out the following site: (ignore the space between each character) h t t p : / / i n t e r n a t i o n a l n e w s . o v e r - b l o g . c o m / a r t i c l e - 1 3 8 3 2 6 2 1 . h t m l .

Please Iowan voters, our fate is in your hands. Please exert the same level of wisdom you have over the years and choose a true leader - any one of the candidates except for Hillary.

By: ronnie mitchell

ronnie mitchell — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:04:32 +0000

try listening to Edwards I think you should try basing your opinion on Facts,not the typical uninformed smear. He does NOT accept PAC money, and you must just be throwing dirt because I dont know how you could not know of his working in New Orleans HELPING REBUILD HOUSES …does the 9th Ward qualify as working with “ordinary people”?.He wasnt there as photo-op, he WORKED with people there and this has gone on for over two years.Where is his dependence on “wealthy lawyers”?,and what do you think of the fact that he has been on over 200 picket lines in the last year alone? Do you think these are not “ordinary people”? on these strike lines, or you just another example of what is wrong with 'Faux News' mentality?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:29:39 +0000

I think just about anyone who has actually talked to or listened to Edwards would disagree with you, even those supporting other candidates.

By: wucs@indianvalley.com

wucs@indianvalley.com — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 13:29:42 +0000

Edwards Not The Right Choice IN my opinion John Edwards is too arrogant and seems to talk down to the ordinary person. He talks about poor americans, but still looks like a wall street who really gives more concern on how much money he can make than really caring about us real americans. Any person who would spend $400 on haircuts and rely on wealthy lawyers and than attack other candidates for taking money for different groups. He is not kidding me, I know that he like all the candidates take money from interest groups. He should get off his high horse and start talking like a more sincere candidate than a phoney with a lot of smooth words which suck people into his way of thinking.

Bob W

wucs@indianvalley.com

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 23:08:44 +0000

Edwards also just began to advertise while Clinton and Obama have both already spent millions.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 23:01:26 +0000

That's clearly what the NY Times poll shows. The majority of her supporters have never caucused before, far different from Obama or Edwards.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:59:12 +0000

Seems like you are just a pissed off Hillary supporter who doesn't like how the rankings came out.

By: lauren

lauren — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:13:52 +0000

you made my night I met John Edwards today. My God, the man radiates intelligence, passion, and leadership. He is totally honest and a fantastic communicator. Please Iowans give him and Elizabeth their chance. Give us John Edwards as the Democratic candidate for President, and he will give us the White House.

By: susjo

susjo — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 15:33:09 +0000

Polls An earlier post referred to Real Clear Politics showing Edwards dropping in Iowa. I just looked. The facts are this. Edwards was on a real high EARLY in the year when the other candidates were really not paying attention to Iowa. He took a poll hit when Obama and Clinton got organized. That's no surprise. If you look at the Fall Season you see a strong climb for Edwards that continues—– Obama climbing and then a little flat and currently Clinton in strong downturn in Iowa. THAT'S THE STORY RIGHT NOW. Check out Real Clear Politics— it's a good average of the polling. It's probably as close as you can come to figuring out what's happening in Iowa polling—- and we all understand polls don't do a very good job with caucus goers!