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While insiders spent time recently thinking about what has made Obama’s campaign successful, most talk of the McCain campaign more was about its missteps than its successes.

ANALYSIS: With tonight’s vice presidential debate hours away, one rural analyst sees it as a “high-wire act” for GOP candidate Sarah Palin, while another views it as an opportunity for the Alaska governor to escape from what he believes is an unfair media-driven caricature of her.

How the debates play with rural voters could be crucial for determining the outcome of the election. Can John McCain — who has been openly hostile to ethanol and other farm interests — hold the lead with rural voters who may be paying more attention account balances than social issues this year? And will Obama be able to a bridge a perceived cultural disconnect with rural Americans?

As results of the Iowa Caucuses came in tonight, David Oman, former GOP candidate for governor and a top aide to Iowa’s last two Republican governors, had the following observations from Des Moines:

– Watching post caucus remarks, John Edwards looks like old news, and Hillary Clinton comes off as old-old news.

– Sen. Obama had perfect [...]

A top Iowa Republican says he’s hearing evidence that Barack Obama’s crossover appeal will play a role in tonight’s caucuses.

“I continue to run into Republicans becoming open about supporting Obama this evening,” said David Oman, a former chief of staff to Iowa’s last two GOP governors, Terry Branstad and Bob Ray.

Oman notes that The Des [...]

Iowa Republican insider and 1998 candidate for governor David Oman says he’s been meeting regularly with his old boss, former  Gov. Bob Ray, and that the two are looking to back the same GOP presidential candidate.

“I have not made a determination on whom I will support,” Oman tells Iowa Independent. “Gov. Ray and I have [...]