A word of encouragement to the Dean supporters...

[kentuck]

There is a big difference between a caucus and a primary. Look at C-SPAN and you will see that the majority of people at the caucus are middle-aged and older people. Many younger people, even though they might be avid Dean supporters, will not make it to the caucus process, in my opinion.

We will have to wait for the primary in NH before we will really know just how strong Howard really is. I would bet that he shows up much stronger in the primary than in this caucus. He will be the comeback kid in NH.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

1. hopefully...

..but I expect the russert, wolf, and the rest of the dean smearing media will jump all over this for the next 8 days and will try to push kerry over the top

expect an even bigger pile-on of dean

[kerry-is-my-prez]

12. Well for the next day or so it will be Bush and his state of the union..

That will be tomorrow night.

[auburnblu]

2. And they are about as diverse as a white power rally it seems

I hate the caucus process, it seems to disenfranchise a lot of voters.

[Sterling]

3. Is that not what Dean was saying before that he got in trouble for?

Looks like he was right.

[mbee]

4. Dean obviously is very popular throughout the country and time will`

tell just how much support he has. If he doesn't make it I think a team of Kerry/Edwards is a winning one. I have a little concern that some of the Kerry followers could be a little too elitist, but I hope I'm wrong. The bottom line here though in my view is ABB (Anybody, but Bush)!

[Melinda]

5. The last President to lose Iowa was........

In 1992.

PS: He lost NH in 1992 as well. :)

[MODemocrat]

10. What a handsome "loser he was"

Thank you so much for this photo and info.

:hi: :thumbsup: :loveya:

[Rowdyboy]

6. Caucuses are awful ways to determine a nominee

It's simply unfair to the average potential voter. Caucuses require that one sacrifice 2-4 hours of their time as opposed to 10 minutes spent voting.

[Fridays Child]

16. This is so true, and...

...in my understanding of the traditions surrounding the caucus, it isn't necessarily representative of the people's choice. Caucuses are run by and for party insiders whose allegiance is generally to the DNC/DLC.

Don't get me wrong: if Kerry or Edwards gets the nomination, I will fight all the way for either candidate. But, in my opinion, the Iowa caucuses are overblown in importance by media outlets that care only for those all-important ratings in the 24-hour news cycle.

In the meanwhile, tonight's results should help to paint a fairly accurate picture for Dean, regarding the DNC/DLC hurdles before him.

[Cuban_Liberal]

7. It ain't over 'til it's over, kids!

You took one on the chin, but you're hardly down for the 8 count. Pick yourselves up, dust yourselves off and get on with the job! You have a formidable campaign.

Best of luck to you, and may the best man win! :hi:

[Gin]

8. I heard tonight that only 2 winners in Iowa went on to the white house...

last one was Shrub.

[chookie]

17. Agreed -- it is far from over

Kerry supporters have had to endure a "dark night" for months now, and kept the faith, and saw their candidate emerge victorious tonight. Surely the wonderful Deaniacs can summon up the same for their man.

Dean has emerged from behind in the past, and well may do so again. I do not underestimate him or his supporters.

[MODemocrat]

9. Thank you so much kentuck, you've opened my eyes

President Clinton won two elections after "losing" in Iowa? Maybe this is good news for my candidate. After all, this is NOT an election, merely one state. Think I'll have a :beer:

[David Zephyr]

11. Nice Thoughts. And Good Insight, Too, Kentuck.

I agree.

No one should dismiss the advantage of having lots of money (millions) when it comes to the upcoming Primaries, especially where many are held on the same day and where "retail" politics like that practised in Iowa are next to impossible.

Thanks for your (as always) insightful comments.

[wabeewoman]

13. Thanks!

I was feeling a bit down that Dean came in third. Especially behind Edwards-I didn't think he was that strong of a candidate. I didn't support Gephardt but am sorry to see him drop out. He had some great comments against bush.

[Cleita]

14. Yup, the fat lady has definitely not sung yet.

eom

[edzontar]

15. It is not over, not by a long shot.

Kerry deserves congrats, i think.

But his rise should hurt Clark more than it does Dean.

If not, then there ain't no justice.