Dean sharpens attacks on Democrat rivals as his lead in Iowa slips

[T_i_B]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=481007

The Democratic candidate Howard Dean is fighting hard to retain the narrow lead he holds in next week's crucial and increasingly bitter-fought Iowa caucuses - launching a series of attacks on his opponents and reiterating his claim to be the only genuine alternative to President George Bush.

Singling out Mr Kerry, Mr Edwards and Mr Gephardt by name for their support for the decision to invade Iraq, he added: "I want you to remember a week from tonight when you caucus who stood up against that war when no one else would."

In recent weeks, Mr Dean's status as Democratic front-runner has led him and his policies to be placed under unprecedented scrutiny by political pundits and the US media. This has led to a number of claims that he has shifted his position on key issues and, potentially much more damaging, accusations that he has made a series of "gaffes". These have been seized on by his opponents and former general Wesley Clark, who is not taking part in the Iowa contest, has moved into a close second in the polls for the New Hampshire primary on 27 January.

There is more than a suggestion, however, that the flurry of stories pointing to a "shakiness" in Mr Dean's campaign and claims that support for him is decreasing, are based less on real evidence rather than a concerted effort by some Democrats and by Republicans to do everything and anything to stop him becoming the party's candidate.

[Bucky]

1. There is a certain delight in watching British commentators get us wrong

I'm hoping like mad that General Clark actually will give Dean a run for his money, but I think it's a little premature to say "Wesley Clark... has moved into a close second in the polls for the New Hampshire primary." I think Clark could, and probably should, beat out Dean in the long run. But right now "close" by british terms means 15% behind in the polls. This sucker's gonna be wide open until at least SuperTuesday, maybe till Texas & FLorida vote.

[T_i_B]

2. They write 'em, I post 'em

It's as simple as that, and as long as it's not Mark Steyn type blatant GOP propoganda I'm happy to post it on here.

[jsw_81]

3. His lead is slipping?

The latest Zogby poll had Dean's lead increasing to five points over Gephardt in IA.

[Cheswick2.0]

5. Yes, exactly right

He is increasing his lead in Iowa at least for today.

[maddezmom]

4. all the candidates are going to be pin cushions n/t