Osama Bama will lose every state from here out. He's ridiculas! Clinton has it on him easy!!

Obama folks, why are you all so angry?

That's just great that Mrs. Clinton thinks Iowan's take their position so seriously about being the first to decide. Like the rest of the USA doesn't care? Why doesn't the US Congress vote to let all the states have a chance to decide this first and second. Have a lottery system or something to determine which state will be first and second etc.

I agree with Gov. Strickland of Ohio. Iowa and NH determining who will run for President of the USA all the time is a JOKE!!

Jack Murphy

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

ALL ALONG THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL,THRU THE VILLAGES AND BY THE DEMS I HAVE HEARD THE ECHOS OF THE AL-MARKTY PENN, TOUTING HER MAJESTY'S WARES, BUT ALAS THE ALMARKTY HAS FALLEN FROM GRACE BY LOSING A RACE,THUS INCURRING HER MAJESTY'S ILL-WILL. NOW AFTER THE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH, AN EDICT IS ISSUED. IT IS "OUT WITH THE PENN, I'AM BRINGING IN THE CLOWNS,JAMIE AND PAULIE WILL DISH OUT THE YARNS." signed Zarc
Labels: SHE'S CALLING IN THE CLOWNS.

As long as I have been alive and long before that, our presidential nomination process has started with the Iowa primaries.

Now all of the sudden, it is not good enough for Hillary Rodham?

Does it really matter what happens in Iowa? In 1992 a then Gov Clinton only got 2.8 percent in Iowa and Tom Harkin got 76% with 12% uncommitted, on the republican side President George Bush was unopposed. It's still early and it's still an open race where any one can win on either side.

Go home, Hillary! We don't want you in Iowa, NH, SC or anywhere else.

Democrats need to win the WH in 08, but not with you in there!!

Big John – UnConstitutional?

I agree, the current primary/caucus scenario is idiotic. But unconstitutional? Uh … no. Political parties can choose their nominees however they please. But, hey, feel free to point out what part of the Constitution you think prohibits the present system.

This shows how the process is
1. To long
2. Hillary and her supporters are ostensibly smart but cannot resist to put foot in mouth whether
a. Gov in Ohio WHINING
b. Daughter to Nine Year Old I GUESS BEING NUANCED
c. Husband to electorate who THINKS HE IS THE ONE RUNNING
d. Hillary WHO I AM STILL WAITING FOR A STRAIGHT ANSWER ON THE FOLLOWING.
1. archives and releasing information
2. drivers licenses
3. for the war, against the war or what
4. is she a socialist
More questions than answers ….More nuanced than a rubix cube
No we do not need another enigma in the White House
We need a proven Leader McCAIN Go for it…YOU DESERVED IT THE FIRST TIME

Mr. Strickland, a.k.a. HRC, doesn't like the present format because it doesn't help her (yes he is the mouthpiece of HRC).

If it did help her, do you think she would be complaining about it. The Clinton motto is, "If you can't win with the rules that are in place, then change the rules."

All these people saying things on behalf of Clinton are her mouthpiece. They are part of her campaign. She should not be allowed to have them running around saying what they want and then she detaches herself from the comments.

Though Mr. Strickland is correct. The timing of his comments are suspect…and that's the problem for Mrs. Clinton. There are all these comments floating around where the timing is amazing and then she plays like she has no knowledge or anything to do with them. Yet she infamous for how much she controls everything.

So is she in control or out of control? Which one is it? Just another example of her conveniently staying out of the fray publically, but being all so closely related to it behind the scenes. Is she our modern day Wizard of Oz or what?

May God inspire the hearts of Iowans and those in NH to give her the BOOT!

Strickland said openly what everyone is saying privately. What grants Iowa the "special" status of always hosting the first primary in a Presidential election and using an arcane system of caucus to choose its nominee when 49 other states use the simple ballot like ordinary human beings?

Iowa tenaciously clings to this opening slot as it forces candidates to spend a disproportionately large amount of time and humongous amounts of money to reach caucus members. The sheer arrogance of Iowans who claim they need to personally see, talk to and question each candidate is unbelievable in this day and age of TV and internet. And that too for a measly 45 delegates! Guiliani was right in ignoring Iowa and its obnoxious caucus system. The effort to reward ratio is simply prohibitive.

Thank God, after 3rd January 2008, Iowa will be ignored by the rest of the country for a solid 8 years!! Meanwhile Iowa holds the nation to ransom by demanding time, money and attention that makes them pretend that the fate of America is in their hands!!

I don't care that everything starts in Iowa; This should not matter and so many folks are so upset about this issue. All I can say about this is please get over it and focus on what IS important. What does matter is that everyone go out and VOTE on election day for the person that you think will be the BEST president!! I am a dem however I'm not a Hillary fan, However I was a Bill Clinton fan. Yes, Bill might have been considered a pig, but America was so much better off then we are now under the CONTROL of 8 years of Bush. Edwards means good but I just don't trust him and he has the MOST money than any other canidate. I feel we need fresh blood in the white house, such as Obama. I agree with others that we need to break the Clinton – Bush cycle. The MOST important thing we can do as Americans is to GO VOTE and not just complain. If you don't vote than you have to right to complain.

Vote Obama for change – God knows we need it!!!!

While I have always questioned why Iowa and New Hampshire are first, it was the national parties that decided this years and years ago. Once it was determined that Iowa and New Hampshire were going first, then the states got to choose the date.

If we wanted to change things, it would take an act of Congress. Other than Federal Election Day, all other election days are left up to the states.

If you want change, petition Congress. They are the ones who can do it.

Well, Hillary won't be getting this Iowan's vote, but it has nothing to do with Strickland's comment. For what it's worth, Strickland has a point, but rest assured that caucus goers here do take their decisions very, very seriously. I consider the opportunity to take part in the caucuses as an honor and a responsibility.

I honestly wouldn't mind if someone else went first for once. You can't turn on a radio or TV or answer the phone here without being bombarded by politicians. It's bizarro world right now. Be careful what you wish for if you want to go first, you might not find you like it all that much.

Anyway, Obama all the way in '08! Oh, and the latest Des Moines Register poll shows him leading Hillary by 7 points.

So much for Strickland for VP, what a dummie. Talk about dumb timing days before the caucus, one may think that or want another format but like BCS in college football, you may hate it now ( the system) but until it changes you play the game that there is now.

To the Gov. of Ohio and everyone else complaining that Iowa's first: Boo-hoo

I'm an Iowan and it's cool to see Iowa being the first to have caucus, but even if we weren't first, I wouldn't complain.

Also, Go Ron Paul!

Why not have the caucuses in WY & ND? Everybody would save a few bucks and there are less people to pander to.

Guess who had an affair and I "forgave" him? That's right, my HUSBAND.

I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

Total non-issue. It wasn't even Clinton who said it.

Clinton is ahead of Barack Hussein Obama in Iowa.

Funny that people are jealous of Iowa and New Hampshire. Ha, holding the first primary is not a prize worth having. That gaggle of campaign weirdos camp out in your state, harassing you and your children for days on end. The campaigns buy saturation advertising and force you to listen to silly commercial after commercial. Nuts like Huckabee wander the streets. Thank you to Iowa and New Hampshire for keeping them out of my state for now.

This caucus process is needed where a conscientious, intelligent and educated electorate is able to examine the candidates personally , up close and literally under a microscope before the rest of the country gets the standard arm's length view filtered by the TV, radio and print media.

The candidates would likely prefer where the public is kept at bay , where they control the setting, and don't have to answer questions directly from the mundane public. But they have no choice as the Iowans set the stage. It would be nice if every state in the nation had such a caucus primary but that is physically impossible and it would water down the existing process.

The politics and scrutiny by a Midwest state tends to work out best where the politics tend to be much more balanced than in the west, south or northeast and their large metro areas. The system makes sense to me and the Iowans have done a good job at it.

Too you people out there watching this circus. To have people running for office of the highest station in the land and we can't ask questions of them. They are not Gods though some think they are. And their husbands are just as bad. I dislike these people and they should never have the higher station of this country. NEVER! They think they can play us for fools. People wake up and smell what they are trying to feed us.!!!!

I agree with his statements. By the time CA votes, the race is practically decided. What makes IA or NH so special that anyone who wants to, gets to meet the candidates personally. They end up spending very little time in other states that have later dates.

Just another political gaff by a supporter of “ The Smartest Women In The World”???

Personally, I think the current system stinks. I do not support the ethanol boondoggle it has lead too. I would like to use the following system,

First primary day 5 randomly selected states have first dibs, drawing occurs two months before day of first primary.

Wait one month

Second primary day 10 states randomly selected.

Continue primaries every two weeks with 10 to 15 states per date until all states have chosen.

This system would result in a fairer selection process and hopefully fewer subsidies.

THIS IS CLINTON WAR ROOM/SPIN ROOM in full operational mode. Make no mistake no Clinton Campaign surrogates, including Governor Strickland speaks without express authorization and approval of the Clinton Campaign, including both Hillary Clinton and her strategist Mark Penn. The Clinton's are marching out surrogates to undermine the significance of IOWA and NEW HAMPSHIRE because (a) they sense a rejection of her by grassroots Democrats who have had the opportunity to get up close and personal (or as close as the Clinton's will allow) and will reject what they perceive to be a deceptive, disingenuous and fraudulent person and (b) what they really want is large scale primaries, politicking from a distance so that they can have arranged photo ops, massage the mainstream media with advertising and planted stories to extend their brand without question from those who they expect to vote for them. IOWA & NH are significant and Americans should factor into the equation what their fellow Americans have learned about these people from being up close with them. WAKE UP TO THE REALITY: At the grassroots level in this country, among Democrats, Republicans and Independents the distaste for Hillary is wide spread and pervasive. Hillary's support is a mile wide and an inch deep. So many of those supporting and financing her campaign did so because she was marketed as the INVINCIBLE CANDIDATE & INEVITABLE WINNER. If she comes unglued, you will see money start to flow to the other candidates because in earnest, the moneyed classes want access to the potential President. The Clinton's virtually guarantee that they will play ball with entrenched interests and surely they will do anything to win. It will become far more interesting to see her campaign implode or become unhinged.

Iowa will be a word not mentioned by Hillary Clinton for at least four years if she's elected and never again if she's not. If Iowans think the Clinton's words can be relied upon, then the reputation that mid-westerners have for common sense is vastly overrated.

Hillary will probably find her way onto the Dem ticket.

However, if she runs for VP the Democratic Presidential candidate better hope he has great Secret Service protection and media people if he wins. Anyone in Hillary's way gets destroyed one way or another if she has anything to say about it. Just ask Mario Cuomo, Nita Lowey or Stan Lee. Hillary has destroyed more Democrats in the past 10 years than the GOP ever did.

Iowa and NH residents are a bunch of whiny scam artists. Whiny when they don't have someone kiss their bu**s and scam artists because they don't want to lose their advertising gravy money that comes with these first caucuses.

In both races, the winner in Iowa will probably not be the president anyway.

hey harry, what war crimes are you accusing my son and nephew of committing? People like you are trash pure and simple- I would state something stronger to your face.

Kudos to Governor Strickland of Ohio for speaking his mind on the Iowa Caucus. I think that we should have a more open primary season that allows all voters a chance to choose the candidate of their preference. Currently, Iowa and New Hampshire weed out too many contenders and the process forces the later states to merely rubber stamp the nomination.
I wasted my time in 2004 on voting for a candidate in the Florida primary. Why? Because my candidate dropped out shortly before my state went to the polls. Every state should be relevant to choosing our next commander-in-chief and we should not be held hostage by a system that favors having to kowtow to Iowa and New Hampshire.

Just think what the world would have been like if Adam had said NO to Eve. Hillary wants power and control. Say NO to Hillary.

Hillary can run / control her campaign – how is she going to run a country.

And god forbid she loses Iowa then goes onto win the White house. She will remember Us and make our life hell. I could see her sending ALL new immigrants to Iowa with cash incentives to ruin our way of life. Mark my words.

JS

This is great. Exactly why democrats (these days) go into politics……Self gratification…………

CNN is nothing but Clinton parrots

to Harry Houdini: funny how Bill Clinton bombing an aspirin factory to distract from his problems, and all the death and destruction that that evil act wrought, wasn't a "war crime", but the acts of a very, very few soldiers at war are. You liberals are all the same, blinded by hatred, unable to think clearly, and ulitmately losing another major election because of it. Your hatred only gets votes from the outer fringes, on both sides of the political spectrum. The center just gets put off by it, as you'll soon find out when some republican moves into the white house in Jan. 09.

The Hill has "the experience necessary" at making sure she'll have an excuse ready for any and all situations. If it weren't for that… blue dress, everyone would have believed me! Pardon me…$$$… pardon anyone?

VOTE FOR AN HONEST STRAIGHT FORWARD LOGICAL HUMAN BEINGTHAT THE SYNDICATE WORLD DOESN'T ALREADY OWN!

VOTE OBAMA!

Lost in all the anti-hillary rhetoric is the simple fact that the governor of ohio is 100% correct. And furthermore, every candidate, in both parties, agrees, even if they won't say so publicly. It's a joke, and a travesty, that so much emphasis is placed on Iowa, a small, otherwise insignificant state. Even though Hillary denies it, lying as she is prone to do, I'm sure the gov of Ohio represented her sentiments exactly. Perhaps the only time most of the country agreed on something with her, and she couldn't even be honest about that!!

I will not support any candidate who uses this kind of tactic. Lose with grace. First it was Bill Saheen in NH now Gov Strickland. Hilary tactics are not working and neither will she. Edwards will prevail.

Did you ever think you would see the day that Hillary would get blasted on a board sponsored by the Clinton News Network?

All of you spear catchers for the Hildabeast needs a wake up call. Once she's done sucking the blood out of you she will cast your remains on the bone pile of lost causes. The real looses of this election are the American people. If Jezebel gets in the white house our country is doomed.

Iowa and New Hampshire serve as fine first states. Notice the results of recent general elections where both states come very close to the overall figures.

As for representing the country as a whole, what state in their place would represent the nation…None! Each has unique issues.

Quit whining about receiving no attention, enjoy the process and wait your turn.

She is not campaigning in MI (but opted to keep her name on the Michigan ballet) because MI wanted to have an early primary.

read:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/celeste-whiting/dems-to-michigan-go-_b_67915.html
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/29/clinton.michigan.ap/

Last time I checked, you can't win an election with only the support of NH.

And be warned NH, as the Unions in MI are finding out now, you are important so long as you are not in her way, you are a means to an end! Imagine what she will (or won't) do for these states if she is ever elected!

Really – why WOULD she give a straight answer? What if it was the wrong one? What if it was the right one but then everyone changed their minds? What if it was the wrong answer but she could convince everyone it was the right answer (Bill did it didn't he)?

This is what is wrong with politicians these days. They cannot give an answer to anything for fear it might be the wrong answer – what ever happened to a person speaking their mind and let the people decide?

If the politicians would just look at what the people think about Congress – lowest rating ever, twice as bad as President Bush – they would see Ried and Pelosi are taking them down a dead end hole.

I believe in the wisdom and goodness of the vast majority of America, right or left, and I trust the person that has the balls to say something without all the spin doctors will win out.

Tick tock, tick tock another one of Hillary's flip flop.
The campaign has seen the polls and come up with yet another new slogan…

"Iowa doesn't count."

The only thing the people of the Iowa are qualified to pick is corn.

Someday you Iowans are going to wake up and discover what a phony the Clinton tribe has become at the expense of our Nation. I wonder if Hillary is going to charge off the so called "experience" trips she took while First Lady as a campaign expense. Then there is the John Kerry, I was a hero under fire, she claimed while traveling into some African colony. Funny, I don't recall this ever being reported. But then again she will stoop to these lows to garner her parallel to Butto. The difference between Butto and Clinton is pretty clear. Butto is a true hero of the people and made herself accessible to the people of Pakistan at great person risk. If Hillary wins in Iowa, then Iowans should never again be allowed to be the first in the Nation to select a Presidential canidate. By the way have you noticed how inaccessible Clinton really is in this whole process. Kind of an indication of what to expect if she ever reaches the White House.

That, with Bill's misspeaks, and now Chelsea and her Ice Princess frosting of a 9yr old's campaign question, how can we possible let these souless ghouls back into the realm?

Go Iowa Go – send this two bit phoney and her lies down the road a loser!

I hope that Iowa is the first nail in the coffin for the Clintons. Enough already!

He is right; Iowa should not have this power. It is certainly not demographically representative of the United States as a whole.

Govenor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan said the same thing. They are both right.

Strickland's right of course. Iowa and NH are two of the least representative states, and their grossly exaggerated role in selecting the nominees should be ended. Their officials and citizens both wallow in the money and attention this process brings to them. Pretty heady stuuff having all of these power types show up and kowtow to the locals for their votes. Strickland's mistake was stating this truth right before caucus day. Hillary is predictably distancing herself from the statement and the governor, but it sure makes you wonder about his motivation.

I listened to the sports "talk show hosts" over the weekend regarding different possiblities with the football playoffs. They are as funny as the polictical analysts predicting the Iowa outcome. . Still, it is a bit entertaining.
But the reality to me is that we need new people in charge of the White House.
That eliminates Clinton, Romney, McCain, etc. Maybe Obama, maybe Huckabee.
I don't think the Democrat or Republican parties would be to happy about this.
That is OK by me. Politicians should serve two terms and be shot!

I just read Harry Houdini's comments. Thank God idiots like him rant and rave and America goes on as the Greatest Country on the Face of the earth. Hey Harry why don't you pull some magic and disappear. What a no brainer!!

I agree.

Sandy Berger Ex advisor of Defence to the two Co- Presidents Hillary & Bill. He is now on Hillary's campaign committe. Also booked for her Cabinet if?????
When will the Press or the Government investigate what secret docuements he stuffed in his pants and destroyed. Why wasn't he charged with a fgelony?
When President Clinton was involved with a army of Females. Hillary was in Charge of the Bimbo protection for her husband. She also hired two shady private detectives to scare off his Bimbos and make sure theu kept quite.They may even had then bugged. How many descent normal housewifes would get involved in what she did.? Only a serious mental case.

The primaries are spread out so that the candidates get a chance to campaign in numerous geographical areas. If the primaries were held on a single date, where do you suppose the candidates would campaign? California, Texas, NY, Florida etc. Most states wouldn't even see the candidates. I also think a lot of people are overestimating the influence that Iowa and New Hampshire has on the election. It is a very small first step in the nominating process. Now if California or New York or Florida went first, then the nomination might be all but determined before the primaries really got started.

I guess if I were a corn picker or a sod buster I might take an interest in politics (not much else going on). However, when Mrs. Clinton says "they take it so seriously" I have to wonder if she's aware that only 10% of Iowa voters take part in the caucuses?

Jaysus – Don't these people know they are not supposed to say publically what Hillary says privately? What kind of political hacks are these?

Vote Clinton, Obama, Giuliani, Romney or McCain – they will say or do anything for power – but God help us if they ever get it.

Frankly, I could think of a better place or better process than what we use now in Iowa. Iowa has gotten spoiled with all this national attention. We have seen machine style politics, ballot box staffing and an out-of-state arrogance of self importance.

I have lived my entire life in Iowa and I believe it's time for Iowa to stop being "first-in-the nation".

By the way, your article refers to Jerry Crawford as a "she". Jerry is a male and an attorney.

I just got to thank Iowans for putting up with all of these weasels running around their state and clogging the airwaves with their ads. I don't particularly see why they and NH get the special right to be first, but I surely don't want to put up with it here where I live.
Instead, I read their statements and evaluate their records. That is enough for me.
I don't want a motorcade or a convoy of tour buses snarling traffic.

Also, don't you Bush-haters and America-haters (they are one and the same) get sick of being so filled with hate? Can't you relax, enjoy life a little?

It still makes my eyes roll when I read "distancing the New York senator from the governor’s remarks."

This woman has done nothing for New York, except pick it as a place that polled well for her potential to win as it's senator. Period.

Iowans should wake up and realize NOW, before it's too late, that they're being used like we were in New York and this woman could care less about Iowa.

I agree with the governor, but what a boob Had he waiter until Jan 4 to make his comment, noone would have ever written it down. I hope it cooks Hillary early.

give or take ,40 states in the union make NO difference in the primary process because we are later in the year, some much later. In the computer age, there has got to be a better way to approach a NATIONAL primary or a REGIONAL primary to receive meaningful input from everyone, all 50 states. Let's abandon a system put in place in the 1800s and approach the issue in the computer age. Get a bipartisan panel led by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett and let them come up with the solution

It doesn't make any sense to let Iowa decide anything in a national election. Who made them kingmakers? I wouldn't let Iowa decide anything, ever.

The Hillary Campaign Machine keeps calling me up AT LEAST three times a day over the past two weeks, bugging me about voting for her. Who the heck convinced her that annoying people like a crazed telemarketer would help get her support? She needs to fire that guy!

Strange. We Iowans are so insignificant to Hillary, yet her campaign won't stop pestering us.

I was on the fence between her & Obama, but at least Obama doesn't assault us day & night with calls (I had to turn my phone off just to get some peace & quiet from her during the Holidays) and now this insulting garbage from her campaign. I'm voting Obama, with Edwards as my backup.

Hillary is running a campaign in all the wrong ways, and I'm not about to help her gift-wrap the White House for another 4 years to the GOP.

First she didn't want to campaign at all in Wisconsin and then her strategy memo leaked and she was shamed into pandering in the heartland. The Iowa Caucus allows for informed discourse where neighbors can debate issues and electability it is las a horse race and more wrestling match.

The only candidates who are worse than who we have now? Hillary and Paul. I remember how Mr. and Mrs. Hillary Clinton stripped the military payroll and led morale into the sewer. The best and brightest left for civilian jobs in droves and some returned after Bush took office.
Alright Dem voting vets in Iowa. The ball is in our court. Are we voting against Hillary or are you going to voluntarily reenlist? Neither one? Then are you comfortable with the draft? Think about our kids who will turn 18 during what may be the 3rd term of Clintons. Keep Clinton in the senate where she is less likely to do us harm..

Maybe the point is to get the redneck states out of the way

No greater travesty has been foisted upon this country than that of billary. The Clintons should be understood as the thugs and miscreants they are. I have full confidence in the people of Iowa. A complete shut out is what billary deserves. No decent American can support billary. And Iowans are pretty decent folks.

Come on! The timing of this outlandish comment only proves this was an intentional smear against Hillary. What true supporter would say something negative regarding a state that has its caucus in a few days? These comments always seem to appear right before turn-key events……..hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

I hope you caucus goers in Iowa are paying attention. The smartest women in the nation doesn't know where she is going to sleep two nights from now. Either she has no plan or she is a liar and its very hard to believe this calculating women has no plan. Is it really possible that we as a nation are even considering putting this women and her intern chasing husband back in the White House.

We need to remember that the Clintons, both of them, know exactly what they are doing. They lie, cheat, steal, castigate people or things, become religious or rebuff religion, or whatever else it takes to get a vote. They will say whatever it takes to wring out a vote – their only absolute value is – get elected at all cost. I am amazed that this is someone the Democrat party would put forth as a representative of their party – I certainly hope she does not represent what the party is today – if so, God help us as a nation.

Actually I was wondering how much we could get for Iowa on the open market? I'll bet China would pay plenty for the little State that can't. Afterall, everything else is for sale in the USA…..why not sell off a little land? And speaking of that why not sell off California to Mexico…..there's a deal that could resolve the USA debt situation well into the 22nd century. And frankly Michigan is not much either these days….hey Canada have we got a buy for you.
For those of you with shorts memories, George W. Bush couldn't name European, Middle East nor Latin America leaders back in 2000. For some reason, this country elected him twice. Pure genius?
I have little hope for the future of the USA. Like Rome we have outlived our glory years and we have wasted our treasure and human lives in a war that was a lie.
America is no longer the moral leader of the world…..we gave that away with war crimes.
It is to bad that Ronald McDonald is not running for President……..given the relative intelligence of the American voter……my guess is he would win. Hmm….a red haired clown in the White House……sounds about right to me.

Gov. Strickland and other big state govenors want to control the process. I say you can have it. We citizens of our great state of Iowa rae being bombarded with phone call and commercilas before Thursday night's cauceses. Just go and leave us alone!

Hillary the agent of change in the political process? Not when she states that the idiotic system where Iowa has to be first with their piddly caucuses and New Hampshire next "must be protected". Two of the most insignificant states in the Union carry such power so as to eliminate candidates who don't do well there. In the 21st Century, to elect the most powerful person in the world this way, is just insane.

It's about time somebody said this. Iowa & New Hampshire do not represent the rest of the USA, and their tiny voter populations allow campaigns to pander to a an even tinier set of activiists who are nothing like the mainstream voter. And New Hampshire? Come on, it's the size & population of a moderately large county in California.

Good for Governor Strickland!

Hillary Rodham's team, in contrast to her husband's presidential runs, are making numerous tactical errors. The end result is that Rodham is now playing it very safe, refusing to take questions after speeches and avoiding every occasion to put her foot in her mouth. But still these unbelievable stories keep coming.

I would say Rodham is actually on the right track because she does not have any opponent who is substantive enough, nor experienced enough to beat her (even if I wonder sometimes why the public buys into Hillary Rodham's tall tales about her first lady experiences in Rwanda and the like)…. nonetheless even given her tall tales, i think a reasonable person can agree that Hillary has more to offer on experience than Obama, Edwards, Kucinech etc….

It's true. As long as Rodham does not dig herself a hole, she will win the nomination…… unless……….

Unless Al Gore jumps in. Then Hillary Rodham's "play it safe" strategy will not work as she will have an opponent whose stature far exceeds her own.

The Gov. is correct, but clearly less than diplomatic. The entire Iowa circus is just way over the top. Candidates offering "baby sitters " so people can go the caucus. This is clearly out of control. Regionalizing the primary process and shortening is needed. How ever, if the Iowan's succeed in derailing thr HRC express we all owe them a big 'Thanks"

There may have been a time when Iowa's opinions actually mattered to anything besides politicians and hogs waiting for lunch (is there a difference?) but that time has passed. With instant communications via the web making it possible, the whole thing should be done on the same day throughout the US.

She is just setting up her excuses so she can again blame the Far right wing conspiracy.

Oh, please. Is there anyone who thinks she is not going to get the nomination? Come on people. Think. The Clinton machine is one of the best and most ruthless political machines ever seen. Do you think that losses in IA and NH will slow them down? Come that first week in February, she will have more than enough delegates to put away any thought of competition. Obama and Edwards are mere speed bumps. Road kill. Hillary will win the nomination and she will win the presidency. Will it be hell? Probably. But it will happen because there is nothing they would not do to get her in power. Plain and simple. They are as ruthless and dirty as they have to be and it will work and she will win. Ask any supporter why they are voting for her. Most cases "She's a woman" is the answer. That says it all. They have that woman power bond going. That's half the battle. The rest is easy. Like it or not, this game is over. Hillary has won and you best get used to it. She could come in LAST PLACE in Iowa and NH and she will still win.

President Clinton, here we come.

To defend Iowa and NH, these are some of the smallest states available. They have to go out and see actual citizens. This also allows reporters to see and report to the rest of us the questions and responces. Get real, if we had a national day for the primary do you really think you would see one candidate shake an average citizens hand? It would all be TV ads and $1000 a plate fund raising dinners.

It looks like Hillary is trying to soften the blow.

Get over it people. Hillary is no worse than the rest of the bunch running for the Oval office. She cannot control comments made by other people no more than the other candidates can.

Maybe the best alternative to them all is elect Ron Paul President.

I agree with Mike from Cleveland. Run off elections are a great idea to reform this mess of an electoral process we have. It annoys me that you have to be registered with the party to vote in the primary. It shouldn't have to be that way. You should be able to pick your favorite candidate from either side and then narrow your choice down from that point.

Also, it's great that Iowa gets to vote first because, obviously, that state reflects the diversity of the rest of the nation. How about hitting states like New York, California or Illinois which contain large cities and large socio-economic spectrums?

Sadly though, this election really will change nothing in this history of this nation. All anyone is talking about is religion, likeability and B.S. God forbid we address the disaster that is our economy and current monetary policy. That would be too deep for this joke of a lineup we have for candidates this time around (with exception of Ron Paul, he's about the only one talking shop these days).

One of my grandfathers was a pharimist. In my younger years I spoke with him extensively – according to Hilary Logic this would qualify me to be work in a drug store as a pharimist. I also have a good friend who is a pilot on 767's – My time talking with him should again qualify me under Hilary Logic to go to work for any airline as a pilot. Don't you love the ego of these politicians.

Jim

Hillary Clinton and team I am sure would prefer that they would have the ability to have California and New York to be the early states to vote to set the tone foe the election. I myself prefer to have the level headed center of this nation to set the pace for the elections. The mid west is composed of level headed hard working Americans who are forgotten by the parties once they are sent to Washington. Myself I live in New Mexico who's entire state population does not exceed that of most major cities. When is our voice heard? Iowa, vote your heart and I hope you listen to your concience. I for one am a Barack Obama and I am a life long Republican but I am ready for an Idealist who just might bring change to the DC crowd. Iowa you have my support………
Pay attention to the Clinton's who will forget about you once you vote.
I believe they think us in the center states are a bunch of worthless hicks……Oh and as an old Missouri boy (born and raised) my heart is with you in the heartland!

I think we should do the following:

All states are equal and should all vote on the same day. Then any candidate with 33% of the vote (or more). Should have a second (or even a third) run-off to determine the eventual nominee. This idea could tweaked even further based on different scenarios, but you get the general idea. I think the main point should be to shorten the primary calendar and give every state equal voice at the same time. The primary calendar is way too long and politicians spend way too much money to get a party nomination.

Of course you Americans have a confusing selection process. However, I understand its part of some tradition and I admire Hillary who respects it. Its a sort of 'American fun' thing. The outrage of other states has been quite visible so its not only the Ohio governor who dislike it. Not big deal for Hillary to lose Iowa. I would just hope Edwards is winning and not that "Snore-y and Stinky" guy.

Why would she want to stick around? By then she has done all she can do in Iowa. She has more work to do in NH.

I strongly feel that Iowa, NH, & SC should NOT be making the decision on who will lead this country….with the media as it is today regardless of who it is if they do not do well in one or all of these states they are pretty much out of the race…this is not right there needs to be a more decisive method for a primary election that provides all US citizens with an opportunity to vote similar to the general election…Iowa gets all this media attention for months as well as the economic impact. AND for just several thousand people to determine who is going to possibly lead U.S. I do not buy this grass roots crap, myself & most american citizens can make up their minds through the media etc. Most of us will not attend a campaign function between the Democratic or Republican nominee and will be able to make a decision for the general election….it is time to change this arcade method…

Gov. Strickland is absolutely right. He's also the first person with the guts to say something about out loud. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wonders why does Iowa have the privilege of going first and states like Florida and Michigan are punished if they want to change their date? Iowa is the 29th state and didn't join the union until December of 1846. I don't know who made it so Iowa goes first now but it is really something that should be changed. Iowa doesn't represent the entire USA. Only Rudy Gulliani has the smart to not jump into the Iowa hype. you can take the larger states and not win Iowa and still get the nomination. This entire election system needs to be looked at and changed.

Did you guys not read the article. Seems like most of the posts below me are just bashing Hillary. Please read the article before making moronic posts.

I agree with the Governor. How does Iowa represent the United States in being the FIRST to choose? Does IOWA really represent the US? Demographically? Ethnically? Religiously? Equally? I doubt it. I do believe that many of the old election habits are hard to break, unfortunately, the one habit of manual voting booths – with paper receipts is one habit that was quickly broken.

I gave Ron Paul a look see on his support site.
Sorry….no way I can support this guy.

I found Ron Pauls videos an attempt to pull at my heart strings, with all that "stiring" sentimate over 9/11. How its our fault once again. Its not our fault. Historically, we have been very restrained in our projection of power. Too the point now make pain staking efforts not to injure "innocent" people when we are at war with them. I know American Soldiers are dying because of our restraint. If the following Tyrants had the power of this United States, nobody would be free or even safe. Period.

The historical reason the USA is deployed throughout the world, is because of people like Hitler, Stalin, Tojo, Sadam, Mussolini, Pol Pot, Kadafi…etc…etc…. When good nations (like the US) "mind their own buisness", personalities like these are provoked to aggression. We had a VERY VERY "Mind Your Own Buisness" Foreign Policy leading up to WWII. We gained Zero affection from Osama during the 8 year Clinton term. Jimmy Carter (god bless him), tried being nice too. But his term really marked the begining of the Jihad movement. Im not suggesting there were no problems under Reagan or Bush either. But, if your old enough, you remember having to practice hiding under you school desk because of people like Stalin & Khrushchev (whom a great president opposed vigorously). Kennedy if your young.

I think we should maintain a policy of restaint, but some battles must be fought. If we fought them vigorously and in a united manner, they would be much shorter, and good things would follow. Simply declaring peace dont work. Thats Naive.

Im not carrying water for this Bush either. I admire the tough decision, despite the popularity he would sacrifice. I just wish we were fighting as hard as Bush was talking in the beginning.

So, if Gov Strickland is right, then Hillary is wrong in her response.

Can we stand 4+ years of political double talk and political appointments like Elders, Albright, and Ginsburg??

Mr Paul believes America had a part in 911, pleeeease!

Both parties have the worst set of candidates to choose from. All the Repubs have enough conservatism to make them Repubs, but are not conservative enough for any one block of voters.

The Dems are all the same, big government, tax increase and Bush's fault. Fortunatly for the Repubs, he is not running….

I just want to know where you sign-up with the Republicain National Committee (or could it possibly be a Dem's opponent camp) to get paid for all this Hillary bashing. I didn't know Red-Necks knew how to use a computer, but boy was I wrong! Hillary on her very worst day could night light a candle to compare with the vehnom and stupidity you'll are displaying.

I think it is fine in Iowa. I would hate to have the first state vote in Texas. The thought of having to put up with the clowns from both parties like Iowa does, sounds like a nightmare. Not that it is a nightmare already.

+1 for Strickland's comments. The parties love Iowa because despite the millions spent, it's less than what they'd have to spend if they actually had to win the approval of the whole country. They know that Iowa no more represents them or the rest of the country than, well, they do… but it's cheaper to disenfranchize Florida and Michigan than it is to rejigger their spending and campaigning plans designed around an Iowa caucus. In a way, the Dems and Rs are like the RIAA (the recording industry people): totally and hopelessly out of touch, outdated, and desperate to keep things "traditional." Why? Solely because they know that they'd flounder and fail in a changed world. They're scared, and because of it, they cling to the old and reject the new.

Anyway, it doesn't matter much. Neither party is offering new ideas or answers. Whether it's D or R, they have no clear path forward for our country. That's why for them, it's better to argue over silly things like the nostalgia of kissing babies in Iowa or eating pancakes in NH than to actually develop solutions to the issues that face us now and in our futures.

I can't have a president who's perception of reality and decision-making process is triangulated around what interest groups and other countries think of her. Just what we need, a president who "understands" why Iran calls us the Great Satan, and empathizes when Eurocrats call us arrogant (while living under our blanket).

Senator Hillary Clinton a centrist, please are you that blind. The woman is a socialist, playing centrist to win the election. The woman has been a radical leftist for 50 years, now before she runs she becomes a centrist. You can never under estimate how gullible Americans can be.

Two Words
RON PAUL

Hillary is actually pulling ahead……did it ever occur to you that she has left Iowa because she already knows that she will win, so why would she waste more time in a state that is already decided.

Hillary is exceptional. You kinda wonder how they say 50% don't like her – yet she is the most admired woman? Go figure. We love you Clinton and we support you 100%. "I am woman hear me roar." you make every woman and girl in this country proud to be an american.

How about a Kucinich/Clinton ticket? Chelsea of course.

its not the iowans that will put Hillary in the white house, its the young professional women who live and breath on every word she says.

One more thing, sorry to bloviate… It does seem unfair, but look at the small money candidates that would never have a chance at a nationwide campaign. The funds roll in during and between each caucus and primary. So, it is only natural to have smaller states that you can spend small amounts of money in to "test" the waters. Then, when candidates start emerging, an individual can start to fund the candidate that impress him/her the most based on whom they feel is most viable to be elected. Some would drop out along the way, leaving more of a tournament-style process where the stronger candidates would remain in the race.

Additionally, if it were to be done where every state started at the same time, you would only see campaigning in FL, CA, NY, IL, TX, OH and any other largely represented state. Iowa, or any other small state, would never have a voice, because what candidate would care what a tiny percent of the population is concerned with.

I do think that both of these factors were reasoned into the staggered process.

I think the Governor Strickland is fully correct in his assessment. With the front-loading of most of the primary elections to February 5, 2008, the relatively small states that have attempted to control the presidential nomination process with their early caucuses (Iowa) and early primary (New Hampshire) will, within a few national election cycles, witness that level of control shrink to insignificance.

Most most political observers have noted that the Iowa caucuses are one of the most unrepresentative of all political candidate selection processes. The Iowa caucuses, although hyped up as democratic,in fact attract few persons at all, and most of these tend to be political junkies and other activists — typically on the extreme fringes of both national parties. This is why we have an increasing phenomenon of candidates to the left or right coming out of the political woodwork with mostly-Iowa or Iowa-only campaigns that have little attraction to big-state voters such as in Florida, Illinois, New York and California.

As for New Hampshire, that place is singularly unimportant in the electoral college, and it is not only possible in recent years but even likely that winners there — as in Iowa — are ignored by voters in the significant states.

My own choices for US president are both centrists, Mayor Rudi Giuliani for the Republicans and Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democrats. Although I am a moderate Republican of long standing, I would be more or less comfortable with either of these candidates, and I think that in general, there presidential policies would not be greatly different from one another. And yes, an echo and not a choice would suit be fine, because that is what I think America's national situation requires.

I expect neither Mayor Giuliani nor Senator Clinton will win the Iowa caucuses, and I could not care less.

Because Senator Clinton is ahead of her nearest competitor in the RealClearPolitics (RCP) average by 19.2 percentage points and Mayor Giuliani is leading his nearest competitor by 3.5 percentage points.

The Florida primary elections come on Jan 29. Super-Tuesday, with its 21 primaries covering nearly all the large states, follows seven days later on Feb 5. That, I think, will more or less wind up the primary campaigns.

And no, I do not think the party conventions in the summer serve major candidate selection process at this time. They mainly are for showing off the candidates already selected in the primaries.

Some of what I have written here is undoubtedly distateful to many Iowans or New Hampshiremen. I can appreciate your concerns, living as I do in a relatively insignificant political state (Wisconsin).

But I am reminded of something that someone once said about power, that it is the one thing in the world you cannot fake. You either have it or you don't. And in big time national political campaigns, the infignificant states don't.

Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI

Look at the three latest polls @ realclearpolitics.com
Hillary is actually pulling ahead……did it ever occur to you that she has left Iowa because she already knows that she will win, so why would she waste more time in a state that is already decided.

If Iowa is not a representation of the united state then what state is, California, New York, Florida? I don’t think so. I agree that this should be done by region and not by state with the regions rotation to first position. It is interesting to see how many people are against Hillary. The only person I can think of that would be worse than Hillary is Ron Paul. Anyone but those two PLEASE!!!!!!!!

Governor Strickland is absolutely correct.

10% of the registered voters (that are 95% white) of a party get together in someone's living room and argue with each other until one side or the other submits? What a stupid, un-Democratic way to run an election. The news media has given Iowa its importance over the years; to the rest of us it still means nothing.

But the Governor's comments will hurt Senator Clinton's chances in the state.

Is he supporting Obama or Edwards now? There is no other explanation for the timing.

Real bright Ted.I think you should stay in Ohio were you were elected.

Hillary like Bill can never win 50% of the vote, but they will bring in a Blumberg to get in through the back door. This is a very sick woman with a need to control and destroy, so look out she will never give up or stop in her pursuit of power.

This is what is wrong with journalim in America. CNN doen't care about being right. They don't have a liberal or cerservitive bias. The only thing they want to do is stir up poop. Stirred poop= high ratings. Let's start with the headline "Prominent Clinton supporter criticizes Iowa" This just isn't true. He didn't critcize Iowa, just there place in the nominating process. I guess "Ohio Gov. citicizes criticized Iowa's privileged role in the presidential nominating process " won't get over 200 hundred comments. Then there is the parting paragraph "Strickland’s comments came on the same day that WHO TV reporter Dave Price reported that Clinton’s Midwest co-chair Jerry Crawford told him that she would “not be here caucus night.” What does this have to do with the opinion of the Ohio Govenor. Who cares that this story tells us nothing of importance. It give those who hate Clintion a chance to rant and those who like her a chance to defend. CNN doesn't care about the truth. They just want to make Clintion look like she hates Iowa. Not because they don't like Miss Clinton, but becuse they like contrversy. It is how they get their ratings.

I wonder if Hill strained anything trying to distance herself at the speed of light from this 'supporter'. Ya big dummy, alienate the people you want to vote for her…yeah, that ought to work. Sheesh!

For those of you FINALLY starting to see the light, please check out Ron Paul. You may not agree with him, but you'll have no doubt as to where he stands on the issues. And there is no need to check back hourly to see if flip-flops like all these Dem losers do.

http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Come on all you outsiders, just shut the heck up about Iowa's unique ability to select from all the candidates.

We Iowans need the money!
And we are a diverse population, We have:
50.8 % female
14.7 & over 65 years
2.3% blacks
.3 % Native peoples
3.7% Hispanic
91.5% Whites
21.2 % have a bachelor degree
5.8% speak a lanugage other than English

Facts from the US Census bureau 2005.
I love it that Hillary spends money here. Lets keep her here as long as we can.
I just have to shut the TV off when the political ads come on.

Beau

This appears to be a preemptive move, she should change the topic to Blackwater protective services.

I have long been of the belief that the system by which the party nominees are chosen is SERIOUSLY flawed. Both major parties should hold a single election nation wide. The system at present leads to many candidates dropping out because they lost a vote in a state which is representative of the smallest microcosm of the nations population. E.G. Iowa 1% of 1/47th of the electorate.

i'm still with the 40% anyone but Hillary group of voters.

I'm actually surprised that we didn't see triangulation. This was a softball and could have been knocked out of the park by simply stating something like this:
"I respect Govenor Strickland's view, but currently, we have to abide by what has been established. I do feel that each state is a vital part of this process. Iowans are just as important as any other citizen within our great nation; and am anticipating hearing their voice during their caucuses."
See, an easy lob to smack out of the park with their normal triangulation! Does this mean that her campaign is in disarray?

Why are you people being so mean to Hillary? I like what she says. She reminds me a lot of my Dad.

This has been the plan for 10 days with Hillary's campaign……to go after
Iowa and discredit them. A democrat that does not support Hillary
overheard this conversation at a hotel in Des Moine(sp)

And Hillary continues her pandering to Iowans, and next week it will be New Hampshire voters she will be pandering to

Gov Strickland is correct, it makes no logical sense at all to have these two states hijacking the electoral process year after year the way they do now

There should be regional primaries where regional states all have their primaries the same day and the regions should switch each election season so as to not give over-importance to any one region and to not ignore any other region in the process.

It's long past due this was corrected and Gov Strickland has it correct.

I think the process that elects presidents needs to be changed. We no longer have a say in the presidency anymore. The process has been twisted, corrupted, and manipulated by the 2 major parties that the american public no longer can rely on a straight forward election. If you doubt this, then how does a monkey, like Bush get elected without a majority of the popular vote? We no longer need the electoral college, most registered voters are educated enough to make their own decisions at the polls.
We should also abandon these caucuses and hold a national primary (which would be held on the same day), that way then everybody's vote will count. By the time Washington State holds it's primary/caucuses, the decision will not already be made by the parties.
Everyone seemed so concerned after the 1980 election that the press' early returns swayed the vote in the west and that many did not turn out for elections becase the winner had been announced long before the entire country's polls had closed.

The idea that someone as shady as Hillary could get ONE person to vote for her much less a strong possibility of willing a state, tells us just how gullible people are to blatant lies and flip-flopping. She has proven herself, as has her husband, to be born liars and still people blindly support them.

don33 asked "who is Paul?"

The answer to this question is Ron Paul. the only strict Constitutionalist in the whole race. HE ALONE, COULD BRING THIS COUNTRY BACK TO NORMALCY.

I suggest you look him up in Google and get the plain unvarnished truth.

Big business, the corporations and the media do not want him in, because they would lose their clout.

Governor Strickland is ABSOLUTELY right. The first in the nation caucus/primary is a privilage, it's not a right. The parties should rotate them from cycle to cycle. The process as it is now has past it's prime.

Dear Iowans.

Please consider Ron Pual for president. He is a true statesman who cares about freedom and liberty for ALL, democrat and republican alike. I am a democrat supporting RP since I have become very disillusioned and disappointed with the democratic party Consequently, I don't even recognize the republican party anymore and both sides of the aisle are staring to look and sound alike.

All eyes will be on Iowa and that is certainly a heavy burden for your small state but a responsibility I would gladly welcome in mine. Unlike, Ms. Clinton, RP does not have to figure out what he has to do. He has a solid plan for our country and has the record to back it up. Please join me in supporting the only true American who has not pandered to special interests and has consistantly worked to maintain our freedoms. NO more Clinton and Bush "regimes." Let's take our country back and let it begin with the wonderful patriots in Iowa! Join the revolution. KInd regards from San Antonio, TX.

Yet another setup by Hillary and Co. Haven't we seen enough of this manipulation? How many straw dogs is the woman willing to loose on us in order to have excuses for losing, for winning, for not calling Obama a Muslim, for using Bill, for NOT using Bill, for Obama's kindergarten essays and on and on and on? Come on, America, this shyster and her husband should be selling Katrina-damaged Camaros in East Los Angeles, not running the country.

I agree 100%!!! These two small states should not determine who will be running for the next President. The primary elections should be held in all states at the same time just like the general election.

I'm no fan of Strickland but he is right. IA caucuses have drawn as few as 6 % of registered voters in the past. This IS NOT taking it seriously as Hillary must say.

It is time for both parties to divide the states into four groups. Then rotate the groups thru first place every four years. The states who go their own way should be shunned, not allowing their delegates to be counted at the convention.

Its time to stop this unfair process!

I was at Senator Joe Biden's event in Sioux City IA last night, Senator Biden rightly stated that the Iowa caucus process is unique as it allows for candidates who do not have huge amounts of money to still reach people on a personal level, by holding these public events in Iowa. The questions asked by the people who attend are just as good as any questions posed by anyone in the USA . More states should have this kind of system. I know of no other way that I, a middle class nurse, could ever meet and discuss important issues of our time in this way. It is an amazing process, people first, and momentum then follows money really didn't play a big role last night -just good ideas and sound, intellegent campaigning. Thanks, Joe You Rock.

It's so true, the Clintons are masters at spin. It has gotten them a long way. If she can somehow manipulate her way back into the Whitehouse she will be ale to fool the country into believing that we are doing well.

William Wieting

How is this a criticism of Iowa?

His criticism is of the Democratic and Republican parties for leaving other states out and until late. But of course, a headline to the effect would not engender the disdain for Hillary this post was obviously hoping for.

I'm a democrat from New York….
but Hillary is a snake in the grass.

I've been conducting an informal survey
"What do you think of Hillary?"

The response from men and women has been unanimous
"Well… she's alright, I don't really like her but I can't vote republican"

Obama, Obama, he's our man.
If he can't do it, no one can!!!

NOW I find myself in agreement with something coming from the Clinton Campaign :OhioGov. Ted Strickland said “makes no sense” to grant Iowa all this importance in a primary. IOWA does not have half the people in the whole state then we have here in our city. When virtually every other state has simple anonymus voting proceedures theirs is a tortured process.

Hey, does anyone remember the Clintons' stealing expensive items from the White House before they left? I believe for most people that would be considered grand larceny.

I've often heard: if you catch someone lying, grab your billfold, because they'll steal too. Why on earth would anyone want such a lowlifer back in the White House!

Character DOES matter.

I can't believe there are so many anti-Clinton posts on the Clinton News Network.

Hillery is the most devisive person in American politics, ever! Why insist on supporting someone who will brings four more years of lies and deception? For what purpose? Out with the old in with the new. As a Republican I would never vote for another Bush and I can live with Obama but Hillery? For the love of God and Country keep her out of office. She instills nothing but hate.

Iowans being played like a puppet. Hillary thinks she will control you. We will see soon!

Man, all you Hillary haters must be scared to be so nuts.

One of her thousands of supporters makes a statement you don't like (Stickland's entirely reasonable question about whether 200K voters in Iowa should have such a huge say in the process), a statement that Hillary herself rejected, and you all go ballistic? Get a grip, idiots.

The comments on this board are so stupid that I'm not going to bother trying to reason with you people (like Joseph Paquette blaming Hillary for $ 3 a gallon gas for example, instead of looking to the Bush family with its longstanding ties to the Saudis and the oil industry, which is making record profits and supports Republicans. ) You people are laughable. I'm voting Democrat, and would support Obama or Edwards over any Republican, but I'll be working especially hard for Hillary, in part because I know it will drive you idiots CRAZY.

Actually, you're already crazy, aren't you?

http://www.opinionjournal.com/diary/?id=110011061

What's the Matter With Iowa?
The caucuses are anything but a Norman Rockwell exercise in small-town democracy.

Monday, December 31, 2007 12:01 a.m. EST

Iowans vote early and vote often. Attend as many caucuses as possible and vote for anyone but Hillarity. The absence of a national primary election on one specific date should not be tolerated by the voters. This is unquestionably prejudice against the insignificant percentage of minorities in Iowa and New Hampshire.

One hillary supporter is overly worried about the spelling and grammer of her critics. Sadly, that same person is overlooking the major character flaws of the person who would want to rule the greatest nation on earth. One has to wonder why there is not an IQ requirement in order to vote in the USA.

The polls these days are W O R T H L E S S! I repeat…. WORTHLESS!

The only people that believe the polls are accurate are the pollsters like Zogby and the others, and they continue even after they are proven wrong. The continue to swim in their denial.

Just like Dean fell flat on his face in Iowa when everyone expected him to steamroll through, Hillary will do the same.

Only difference will be that she will hang on till the end and lose gratiously, since a loss this year is "by no means" the end of the Clintons.

She go to her grave preaching, "It's my 85 years of experience as a human being that makes the difference.

It makes no sense to have the primaries set up the way they are. Why not have a national primary and get it over with at one time? Who cares what Iowa or New Hampshire thinks. They make no difference in a naional election and they should make no difference now.
Dennis

It is time to dump the Electoral College and institute direct voting. We have technology that was undreamed of when the Electoral College was created. Delegates? Who needs 'em?!?
FUHRC

Hillary will always remind me of Angela Lansbury's character in the classic movie The Manchurian Candidate… That scene where she says something like "They're worried about the communists but when we take power the communists will look like a tea party."

Like most of the candidates, Hillary will say or do Anything to get power. She is so transparent.

Ron Paul gets my vote. I would never vote for Hillary, Romney, Hucktard, McCain (he lost me when he became bush's lacky) or the others (Dodd possibly).

My 86 year old Grandfather, a decorated war vet, had been a lifelong republican up until a few years ago.. But no more thanks to Bush corruption and lies. He also liked McCain until it was clear he'd just become Bush's boy.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, NOT THE CLINTONS, STREISANDS, CHINESE, SAUDI'S,AND THE REST OF THE CREEPS IN THE WHITEHOUSE AGAIN..
WE COULD NOT TAKE IT..THE LINCOLN BEDROOM WAS FOR THE NON-CREEPS.
CAN YOU IMAGINE THE BAGGAGE THEY WILL BRING BACK TO THAT
BEAUTIFUL BEDROOM……….DEMOCRATS, PLEASE, ANYONE ELSE ON YOUR
BALLOT EXCEPT THE THREE LEADING CONTENDERS. BIDEN, RICHARDSON ETC.BUT NO HILLARY,BARACK, OR EDWARDS…..IF ANYONE OF THOSE THREE GET IN, OUR GREAT COUNTRY GOES DOWN THE TUBE, GUARANTEED….
HILLARY COULD NEVER EYE TO EYE WITH THE ARABS. THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR WOMEN. THEY WOULD EAT HER UP AND HER PAL, EDWARDS…
BARACK WOULD GET ALONG VERY WELL WITH THEM AND THEN LOOK OUT….

As a conservative this Hillary implosion is so bitter sweet.

While I'd LOVE to see her in the general election for the dems (as she'd be sooo easy to beat), I'd also love to see her own party reject her outright as well. What sweet poetic justice that would be….almost too delicious to resist even to the detrement of losing the general to someone like Obama (which is very possible as you can't attack a black guy and survive in this politically correct society).

Ah, the drama of it all. This is all better than any daytime soap opera could ever dream up!

This is prime Clinton getting one of her supporters to lay the groundwork for an excuse as to why she lost in Iowa. God help us if she does win.

I don't think it makes sense either but this is typical Clinton machine. If you can't win fairly say the rules aren't fair. Gore tired the same thing in Florida but rule change after attempted rule change left him the loser. Hillary is going to lose in Iowa because of two things, over confidence and Bill Clinton.

The entire primary process, as is a lot of our political legacy, is a throwback to the days of whiskey barrels and turkey shoots.
A modern and fair system of determing the order for primaries should reflect the effectiveness of the individual state's ability to turn out the vote by involving the voters. In other words, the state that has the highest percentage of qualified citizens voting should be rewarded with their choice of when they'll hold their primary. Really, Iowa as a previow of things to come..ha ha. That's a good one and like a lot of fairy tales, believed even though we know its a dim and unprovable contention.

I despise this women, everything about her. Every time I hear her name, every time I see her OLD wrinkley face, every time the leader of the Clintonistas insists she's the most "experienced" agent of "change".

Speaking of which: does Clinton not know any other terminology then "change", which he was constantly invoking during his disasterous presidency.

And what of HIS leech-like behavior, trying to secure an additional 4-8 years in the White House, in direct contravention of the 22nd amendment, which requires, if not in word, then certainly intent, that no president will live at the White House for more than 8 years.

Alan –
Is English a second language for you? I have never seen our mother tongue so savaged in all my years.

The only thing more pathetic than a Clinton is the Clinton supporter. Please go back to that trailer park in Arkansas.

I'm not a Clinton supporter, but I'm always surprised at the anger directed at Hillary in forums like this one. Many times the attacks are very childish, and have nothing at all to do with the content of the article. Please people, make your decisions based on what the candidates have to say about themselves, and not all this mindless trash that's being thrown around.

I agree. How many Iowa winners went on to the White House?

It was a dumb thing to say politically but it is actually 100% correct. The first in the nation caucuses and primaries are a stinking joke.

One national primary for the entire nation.
Single state primaries make no sense to anybody.They allow shmucks to run and sometimes win against the will of the people.
First thing we have to do is lockup all the lawyers.

Hillary can't possibly be appreciating Iowan's for insisting that finally she must spend time on them. So, there she is hammering Iowa into submission, not asking for the vote but demanding it. Will Iowa submit just because she insists that she shall be president? If she should come in at third, guess what she will say about Iowa?? They will become a joke to her overnight, because she has to put down the importance of Iowa to keep her money people together for future states. If she should actually lose in New Hampshire, she will really be full of wrath.

How does Iowa prop up a candidate with a 50% disgust factor out here in the rest of the country? Go figure. Hillary loses.

right….Iowa represents an accurate demographic cross section….anybody can see that is a crock…..but Hillary is too scared to state the obvious, so she panders….once again……..

although, admittedly, it was pretty stupid timing for that statement……maybe in 2006 or something….when they could have actually dictated when and where caucuses are staged….

Hillary in a very bright woman– maybe she will grow up in 10 years or so and begin to understand how our country works.
Maybe she could go back to school and start learning.
Most of we older women have already learned.

The house of cards keeps falling down…

Clinton Duplicity

how is this news? this is a blatant attempt to change events and influence the election… I hope you all are happy! this is such a dirty trick to extract more out of the comments of the governor than just his personal opinion on the process. don't you all think that if this process was the perfect process every state in the union would be doing the same thing? I guess no one is allowed to express their own personal opinions because then is an insult to the nation… what a joke!

I hope Sen. Clinton Wins just to make your republican blood boil!

I agree with Strickland.

When you factor in the hyper-coverage that the Iowa Caucuses get in spite of the fact that maybe 200,000 voters participate, it skews the subsequent landscape of the campaign. It also HEAVILY favors candidates with a large warchest of campaign funds and attritions out candidates who may have a great message but not necessarily the funding. And it too easily lets candidates off the hook as far as addressing a full spectrum of issues, in depth, that resonate beyond one state.

Who, in their right mind, would spend 6-7 million dollars for a majority of 200,000 voting participants unless the outcome would produce an inflated sense of momentum. Well, this year several have. The level of momentum afforded the winner of the Iowa Caucuses should be earned from a much wider swath of voters, and be available to candidates whose message and whose qualifications can propel them forward, not just their funding. I am in favor of whatever it takes to force candidates into a real "meat and potatos" discussion of their policy positions AND record, instead of the shallow "soundbite" marketing that has become the norm. We're electing a president…..not shopping for a soft drink.

No disrespect to Iowa voters….but in addition to the campaign finance reform that is truly long-overdue….primaries should be broken down to maybe 4 dates with each round being comprised of a basket of states roughly equal in electoral college votes.

Whatever our party or candidate affiliation….the system as it is now has serious flaws.

Paul – Palmdale CA

Isn't this a slap in the face of Iowans?

The Clinton campaign is in serious trouble. Every one of her spokesperson had to recall comments made in the media and some even had to resign. What kind of campaign is she running? It appears to me they are either getting conflicting information from Mrs. Clinton herself or it's just bad management of her people. Then her daughter isn't allowed to speak to the media? She's 27 years old… and she can't speak to the media or to a 12 year old reporter? What is she scared of and why is she on the road with Mommy if she can't speak for herself?

I tell ya, these signs of trouble and poor management should be a red flag for everyone, not just for the folks in Iowa. Our country is too precious to leave it in the hands of a woman with poor management skills.

aw com'on people, let's get behind her and give a great heave – out the window!

As a committed conservative, I want to say that we will be happy with either Obama or Clinton as the progressive (liberal) candidate. What a happy 2008 that will be.

I'm the farthest thing form a HIllary supporter but I agree that way too much importance is placed on the Hawkeye Caucii and the NH primary for both parties. To think that some very good canididates in either party will drop out of the race because they don't fare well in Iowa or N.H. is beyond common sense reasoning.

Actually, I agree with this guy, Strickland.

This is ridiculous, that a couple of tiny states should have this much influence over the nominating process for the next President. Who decided that?

I've been telling people that contrary to what you read in the media, Iowa does NOT elect the next president of the US. That election is almost a year away.

Hillary Clinton has lost my vote. She is so fake – it seems like she is just a fat sales lady looking to score her next big sale.. I will be changing parties and voting for Ron Paul, since he seems so sincere. I got a call from one of his supporters and was very pleased with the impressive voting record Dr. Paul has.
Good night Hillary!! You will not be getting into my white house!!!

If Iowans fail to see that Hillary isn't the best candidate you would have to question whether or not they deserve their self-imposed role in the process.

Finially, a voice of reason. Regardless of your political leanings the current way we select our presidential party candidates is rediculous. Congress needs to pass a law that all presidential party nominations need to be decided on a nationwide vote on a certain day. Why should a few thousand Iowans and New Hampshirites make these decisions for the rest of the country?

It isn't democratic and it isn't the way it should be done.

With the present group of "want to be President" we are looking at, it may well be impossible for the once great country to regain the respect of any of the rest of the world. A drastic over haul the includes, but not limited to, retake our borders, enforce the laws already on the books, fire the IRS, install a fair tax or flat tax, concentrate on winning in the wars to the point of then rotating troops homeward with honor, and victory. Address the domestic need of the home land and it's citizens. Stop all social aid to illegals, take care of home first. Stop aid to foreign countries who in turn want to bring about the downfall of America. Target radical cults and any anti american groups that strive to kill our people in America. Make sure English is the official language, and in God we Trust stays on our money,in our pledge, and prayer is optional and freely made. Tell the approximately 15% who disagree, to be quite, as the majority are still in charge.
There is much more no doubt, but this is a start.

Wow, I betcha Chelsea gets a back hand across the face for that comment.

Hooooowahhhh!

I agree with you David.
And 16 year old girls like Vic Novosad scare the Hell out of me.
Its incredible.

What the? It will never end if we allow these waffeling derelicts to acquire more Power and Control of our Government over our country, our future. Hold there feet to the fire! Both party's/ ALL Politicians -slowly it is working on the Right …slowly. Actions speak just as loud as words and you can only lead a Elephant to water. I have not a clue what you do w/a Donkey? Good luck w/ that !??! Happy New Year to you and yours.
"The Government is us; we are the Government, you and I." A Quote from- Theodore Roosevelt

Let all these so called leaders of today know what you exspect of them, your not just alone vioce if we all act / speak up …after all it's just one of our rites. Contact your Rep.s your Congressmen . Power to the people! "the legal ones that is"

You can say what you want to about Hilliary Clinton, but from my personal experience I was so much better off under Bill Clinton's eight years in the White House than the past seven years of being under control of G.W. Bush. And I do mean under the CONTROL of Bush.

If this woman is elected I'm going to italy to live out my last years……If I have to live under a Socialist Ruler I might as well enjoy the food.

This is one of the problems Hillary has and will continue to have. Hillary has enough problems with her stances, "flip-flopping", and inability to answer tough questions specifically. Hillary and her campaign have to apologize or distance themselves from comments and/or actions taken by her supporters, regardless if its Bill Clinton, Gov. Spitzer, or Gov. Strickland.

With polls so undecided on a clear Democratic nominee frontrunner in Iowa, Hillary and her campaign have been preparing for a loss in Iowa. Bill Clinton recently downplayed Hillary's position in Iowa as being a "miracle" if she wins Iowa after proclaiming her the "evitable" winner of Iowa a few months ago. Now you have Hillary-supporter Gov. Strickland 'whining' about Iowa having the first-in-the-nation caucauses. Give me a break!

OBAMA in '08!

Quick comment to Rev. Kelpoitrine Jones first: No, as a matter of fact not every Iowa knows or thinks about the price of corn on a minute by minute basis. Yes, as a matter of fact we do care about things outside of our state and find that generally its people from "bigger states" and "bigger cities" that are very closed off to the real world.
——–

Yes, Iowa and New Hampshire hold the first Caucus and Primary. So? How is that preventing every American from taking place in theirs? If you don't like how Iowa or New Hampshire votes, thats fine, then go out on your night and vote how you feel.

Thats like saying on election night that say – New York has the first returns and says Hillary wins, so everyone else, go back home and vote because New York decided for you. Seriously.

Be happy you live in a country where you can participate in the voting process, take advantage of it. There are people all over this planet that would (and do) kill for that opportunity.

If you don't like Hillary, then don't vote for her, If you think Obama is the guy, then go out and tell everyone why they need to participate and get him elected. If you are a republican, quit worry about the democrats and get your message out, not your hate.

just my thoughts.

If someone ask what her name was, would she be able to give a straight answer? Or would she need someone to un a poll first to see what the people want…. I guess run a poll, isnt that how the RODHAM came off of her name?

I remember back a whole 8 years ago when she was a Rodham-Clinton, presumably to show she was more than a wife but an independent person. Then when the Clinton name could buy votes, who cares about that anymore…..

I hate to see someone who needs a poll everytime they make a decision. Sure it is a country of the people, but why vote a President in if we could just stop and take a poll on every decision that needed to be made?

Although, I really don't like Strickland and he may have ulterior motives to assist the wretched Clinton's, I agree that this process is too important to be left to so few to decide. This is true voter disenfranchisement on a massive scale and must be changed.

I know the media is only concerned about the handful of people, that are too dumb to vote to begin with, that are seemingly misguided away from their right to vote. Meanwhile, the majority of our nation who no significant vote in this crucial vote.

It's got to be changed. NEVER AGAIN.

Please America, let's wash our hands of all the CLINTONS and their ilk, including their ridiculous clown daughter.

Doorknocking this weekend for Obama in Des Moines, I didn't find one new Hillary supporter. If anything, she's not going to win Des Moines or Polk County, which spells trouble for her, especially since she's thin organizationally in rural areas.

Taking off my Obama hat and speaking objectively, Edwards is going to win the caucus, followed closely by Obama, then Clinton.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CLINTONS…..Just Google…'Clinton Body Count'….then….'Ron Brown's Death'. Also, always keep in mind….the Neo-Cons literally wrote out the plan to invade Iraq, Iran and Syria back in 1992.(Google:PNAC…..Then watch a few of the videos). Each participant signed the plan….and coincidentally ended up on the Bush Administration. Like Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Bolton, Card, and many others. HILLARY IS PART OF THE PLAN…..which is why she is receiving more campaign contributions from defense contractors (bomb, guns, tank manufacturers, etc.) than any other candidate….even republicans….(remember Hillary was the head of her college Republican Chapter) which is why she voted to invade Iraq…..then voted to invade Iran. BUSH WANTS BILLARY TO WIN SO SHE WILL CARRY OUT THE PLAN. She is the worse choice for America !!!!…..and Edwards is a rich slick (pays $400 per haircut) trying to act like he caters to the poor….but has NEVER done ANYTHING for the poor. Barack Obama is the answer…..for the RE-BIRTH OF AMERICA !!!!

P.S. There's talk that Hillary will choose Strickland as her V.P. I live in Ohio…..He has done nothing for Ohio……at all !!!!

It's always about the political game. If you might not win in Iowa, then set up the media that the whole process is wrong (hedge this – start a new topic – take the focus off of you). Get your pundits out there early stumping for you that this is a dis-proportionate influence. That should be reason enough to discount the loss and explain it away. And, remember she didn't say this "somebody else" did, and she vehemently disagrees. Right . . .

Mrs. Clinton won't make it
She's a congenial liar -just like her husband
Margaret Thachter had balls
In the midst of her liberal England
And she stayed so long
The men could not beat her up

Remember friends….."If the ballot box really did work,they'd make it illegal!" log on at> http://www.storminnorm.com "its all there"!

Why oh why … Bush, Clinton, Bush and Clinton again???? Are you all NUTS?

Sorry Folks. This is a CNN webpage.
Which means that, while Iowa truly does not equal a serious selection process, this website does not equal a viable audience.

Only the media cares about Iowa, and laughingly, very few people are reading your comments.

As usual she will say anything she thinks will benifit her, and only her. Of course its always spun to hope we will believe it.

IOWA love ya folks, but its time to change the pre election format to something more mainstream, and IOWA you are not mainstream.

In listening to all the Canadates, I still don't think any of them looks, acts or
is presidential. Sad. But until the REAL election in Nov I'll vote for anyone but hillary.

All these peripheral issues are of little consequence; they are merely a distraction for the fact that our country is in big trouble. People should be thinking about the global economy, health care, the fairness of the tax structure, solcial security, medicare, education etc. Where and when the primaries take place, means very little to the future of our country. Get a grip. Bill and Hillary Clinton know more about the issues than most people in our country. At least they study issues and try to find solutions. They don't sit back and say: Cut taxes and everything will be fine. China now owns more of our debt than any foreign country should ever control. They are quickly getting in a position to have far too much leverage on our interest rates, banking system etc. They are becoming America's banker. Wake up.

My, my. we must have a Hilliary supporter. The fact of the matter is, Iowans are a group of people that DON'T pander to the politicians. They are a fiercely independent group of people. If you don't know that, then you know nothing about Iowans or the State of Iowa. We don't cater to big ego's and could care less who YOU think you are. We really will pick the best person for the job of President. If you've campaigned in Iowa and bared your sole , we'll give you an honest appraisal of your performance.By the way, our high school students have been top 3 performers on the A.C.T for over 30 years. We are actually a pretty well educated bunch.

If she is elected, this is a preview of what is to come. Our country will again be in a state of denial and confusion. I really cannot understand the attraction here, what is happening with the people of the country who support another Clinton. Even the daughter is controversial, not answering or even talking to people, saying to a child of 9, "you are a reporter and I will not talk to you" Why is she there?, to smile and clap her hands? Good Grief, they all need to go home and take a vacation to never land!!

Hey Governor, why don't you step up here and tell the people of Iowa what you really think about them!!!
Could it be that he's reflecting the attitude "HER ROYAL HIGHNESS" also holds?

Omce a again the "world Genious" proves that she cant even run a campaign, let alone a country. The problem is the press wants her to win, so the majority of her errors go unreported, I would say if the press is out there hyping Hillary, then she is very far behind. I guess Hillary is nothing more than this years version of Howard Dean. Hillary your 15 minutes are long overdue

Hillary is a joke! Her own daughter got caught up in the news yeaterday, when a small girl asked her a question and the daughter said" I can't talk to the press"!!! Does this tell you how Hillary is afraid even her daughter may screw up?

She has agreed to disagree with the agreers and disagreers alike.

Sooooo…. and a what?

heh heh

I wish that "hillary" would get the nomination but be very wounded by the time of the general election. She has never had to answer for so many things and the media just gives her a pass. I think she would get trounced in the general election then we would finally be done with her!

To Joe in Ohio, who can't understand why anyone would support Hillary Clinton, this is why I believe everyone should.

First, she is super intelligent. She can speak an entire sentence containing words that contain more than one syllable. Second, in her opponents' obsession with "change," one has to know certain problems inside and out in order to change them effectively. And third, because of her extraordinary EXPERIENCE, worldwide leaders already know her and will accept her telephone calls from day one. And last, but certainly not least, is the availability to her of one of the world's smartest and respected leaders she has in former President Bill Clinton.

It is so imperative that we get this presidential election right, and understand it is more about understanding and cooperation, than about personal hatred. Remembering the effectiveness and worldwide respect provided Golda Mier, former president of Israel, and Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of England, should dispel any negative feelings about having a woman president. Senator Clinton is one of the hardest workers toward her duties in government, and she just might turn out to be America's formost brokers of world peace. It's worth a try.

one person said "any normal poster in Iowa". My friend any person in Iowa that would vote for communist Hillary is not a normal person. As far as that goes anyone anywhere that votes for Hillary is not a normal person.

It's amazing how insufferable she has become before even getting elected. It's difficult even to listen to her voice without cringing. I suspect that the more people hear from her, the more her support will evaporate — just like with Huckabee. Sadly, that just leaves us with a smaller group on mediocre candidates.

None of the Clinton haters who wrote their uneducated comments in here sat down long enough to think through what the governor had to say… and JT was the only one comment that made any sense so far in this post…. it is an educated comment that is logically thought out well and his argument is right on and indisputable.

Most likely the other writers never made it past a high school education and therefore the illogic behind their comments….just emotion not any brain power put into them…

Go Hillary Go! Far AWAY.

I am a Republican. I think Hillary as president would be a huge mistake. But the Governor is right about Iowa, especially as the Democratic primary is formatted. Its position as exclusively first is wrong, and the lack of strict voter accountability, ie "proof of being a state resident", is practically non-existent. Watch the more organized and funded campaigns flood the caucuses. Its one big farce.

The Clinton's are over the top in everything as "I've got to figure out what I'm doing". She is not a leader just someone taking advantage of what she and where she is, which isn't much. I hope Hillary loses big time. I do not want Hillary Care.

If you want a real opinion of yourself, ask a small group of people that know you pretty well. If you want a global consensus of opinion, ask a million people what they think. You'll get the more honest answer from the smaller group because they actually believe their opinion means something.Iowans are an honest, hardworking and very well educated group of people. Their opinions are from the heart and the head.They want a God fearing, law abiding and totally genuine person in as president. If you haven't put your heart into campaigning in Iowa , odds are pretty good you don't stand a chance of winning in November.

I pray that Hillabeast will go down the drain.
Please spare us from this woman & all the Clinton family.
The world is in bad shape & we don't need any more for she will have all illegals living in our homes & we will be walking the streets.
God, spare us from this woman. She believes she already is President by the way she speaks.

You just gotta love Ron Paul! He's the only guy that doesn't have to sell out to get people to support him. Think about it! Go Ron Paul!

Anything to stop the Socialist Senator from New York. Looks like the beginning of the end for HC. Tom from Hastings is on the money – demos know she is too polarizing to put her on the ticket.

Take it to the bank – President Romney, Vice-President McCain, January 20, 2009.

why can't they hold all the primary's on one day and get it over and done with

It's remarkable how many people comment but don't actually read the whole article. Hillary has not said Iowa shouldn't have there place as the first to vote…she said the exact opposite. You should really read the articles until the end before you formulate an opinion. Then again most who have negative opinions will no matter what the article has to say. They just love coming on these discussion boards to shower their hatred and usually show they are clueless on all the candidates, not just Hillary, although they like to pick on her the most.

We see it all the time. They just read a headline from the Drudgereport, usually slanted and not resembling any truth, then by pass the actual article and post their hate. If they weren't hiding behind the anonymity of the internet they'd never say the things they do.

His (larger) state doesnt have to vote for the same candidate as Iowa.
That was a very juvenile thought on his part. I quess he thinks his states citizens are lemmings. How do small minded people obtain such positions on this Earth?

1st primary states should be revolving………

With a quick perusal of the tone of the comments, is anyone out there listening? CNN? Democrat Party? Iowa? America? The people of this country despise Hillary Clinton in such numbers, how can any reasonable person begin to think she could be the President of all Americans? Please… Iowa…New Hampshire…any primary state…save us from this woman for the sake of our Country. We beg you…anyone but Hillary!!!

Tell Hillary to go home and bake some cookies….this is the NEW TICKET FOR 2008……Bloomberg-Nunn.

The American people have had ENOUGH OF HILLARY AND BILL AND GEORGE…..let's vote for a couple of men who can get things done on BOTH SIDES OF THE ISLE.

JT, what's a joke is that people like you attack the good men and women in Iowa and attack their character because they might not support your candidate because she doesn't represent them. They are someone's husband, wife, child, grandchild and all you can do is show how bitter you and those who support Hillary Clinton are.

The people of Iowa are interested in choosing the next President of the United States instead of electing someone who has supporters who will attack other Democrats if they don't support your candidate. They are tired of it and I know I am tired of it. Now feel free to attack me. Now shut up and go vote for Clinton in the primaries and stop attacking us. I will be glad if she loses the primaries so I won't have to put up with the attacks of her supporters. Under no circumstance will I, a Democrat, vote for Hillary Clinton. She is divisive and her supporters are hateful of everyone including other Democrats. A vote for Clinton is a vote for 4 more years of hate, partisanship, and contention. I don't want any of it.

……. ted wants to be hill's vp .
……. wonder if his wife , who lives in kentucky , would move to dc ?
……. thanks again , bobby taft .

There are 306 days between the Iowa Caucus and the General Election.

A LOT can happen in 306 days…perhaps too much for the electorate to feel bound in November to honor a promise made in January

Oh, please. GIVE THIS WOMAN A BREAK! Of course Governor Strickland is right. The grossly disproportionate focus on a fraction of voters in one State is NOT democratic. And the caucus process of congregating in different corners of a room and publicly declaring your support; not being able to "cast" a vote for a worthy candidate with less than 15% of support in that room…having to stay there until 9 or 10:00 to make your vote count….Etc…..Everyone knows that it's ridiculous.

AND SO WHAT IF HILLARY HAS TO LEAVE IOWA BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON JAN 3 IN ORDER TO CONTINUE CAMPAIGNING IN OTHER STATES? Yes, Iowans, there ARE other states!! Do you think that people in any of the 20+ states holding their primaries on Feb. 5 will be pissed off if a candidate is unable to be in their state at midnight??

Please, Iowans, get over yourselves. Just vote for the person you think will be the best president, and let them move on to the rest of the country. Don't be so thin-skinned if they can't camp out in Iowa for the rest of the campaign year.

Vote Hillary. Just Vote.

I'm tuning in watch her "Howard Dean" meltdown. Hollywood writers couldnt set it up this well.

The problem is not so much starting In Iowa. It is starting in JANUARY!

Why do the leftist Dems push to change what has been for so many years, such as the Iowa Caucas first? Many have clawed over each other to push their primary dates up earlier to one-up each other. This speaks volumes for the integrity of that party. Bill Clinton should get the credit for "if you can't insure a win, re-write the rules".

Someone needs to tell Hillary that personality has a huge part in having the people select you to be President, and her personality does not do it for the majority of America. Sad, but true.

I suppose they should start in a state that has lots of farmers, a few cities and lots of people live in the rural areas? Maybe Ohio?

Open foot and insert mouth, Ted.

Yes it's ok to feel that way being from a state with roughly 3 times the population and always considered a key state in the general election being rendered pretty much irrelevant in the nomination process because by the end of January I would anticipate that it will be down to 1-2 candidates for either party leading into Super Tuesday. With Ohio not until March 4th our primary election should be absolutely worthless with each party's candidate long since determined. He needs to realize the tradition that's involved here with Iowa and New Hampshire and just play along because I don't see it changing anytime soon. The Dem's whacked Michigan and Florida of their delegates because they jumped Super Tuesday "without permission".

The key for the candidates is to remember that after Iowa and New Hampshire they might as well hang on through Super Tuesday before determining whether or not to stay in the race, unless the $$$$ won't allow it.

Governor Strickland is right. Iowa and NH should not always get the first cut. BTW, I'm from NH but I can see this is wrong. I think it should be up to the parties to figure this out. There are already too many federal election laws.

This is the only comment from the Hillary campaign that remains consistent, "The Clinton campaign moved quickly, and issued a statement distancing the New York senator from…".

Conclusion – if she can't manage her own campaign, she can't manage the presidency. Her supporters (and that includes you, Bill) are not coming up with this stuff in a vacuum. They're hearing it from someone at the top.

Neither Iowa or NH makes any sense. Both states are far different in ethnic, racial, and cultural make-up then almost anywhere else in America.

We badly need to adopt a series of regional primaries. In every presidential election year there should be one in each part of the country; first in February, second in March, third in April, and the last in May.

This current set-up is just silly.

Remember, Iowa gave us Jimmy Carter.

OMG with idiots like this supporting her who needs opponents??

I thought she was gonna get a humongous roll of duct tape for all her people?! Guess Bill was right, ya just never know what might come up to smack ya in the head…

Hillary hope you can bounce with this one. Remember you can lose IA, NH AND SC and still pick up the big ones.

How much do yall wanna bet that Edwards will pull this one out? Obama and Hillary too much negativity.

Cankles in the White House would be a disaster for the country and the world. The sooner she is out of this race the better. The woman has no soul, no convictions, just a lust for power.

Inevitability and stealing the election has failed to materialized. Thank you IOWA for exposing false candidates. We need a real and genuine leader like OBAMA.

Go IOWA
Go OBAMA.

I doubt very much that I agree with Gov Strickland on very much… but holding any nationally important political process first in Iowa is a silly and harmful contrivance. Iowa represents nothing but Iowa.

It must be like everything else in politics: money and power.

Hillary hasa said she believe the Iowa First is correct. . .she also has indicated she'll be in Iowa election nite. . .

other people have spoken differently and or been misquoted. . . .I doubt I'll be voting for Hillary. . .depending on who the republicans nominate. . .

I find the more remarkable candidates are Huckaby and "who is Paul" . . . .they are not the product of organized machines and mega millions of privileged few.

Obama, Clinton and Edwards. . . .seem to me to join Romney, Guiiani & other wealthy republicans in their quest for power. . .

and that's why we have a congress and government that seems to do little for the people and lots for business. . . .

Clinton is already running from places she will be shown as a loser again and Mr. Strickland insults all Iowans and every other state and citizen who does not support Hillary by expecting the political process to start where it will make Hillary look like a winner. They have already started whining because the process is not to their favor. Let's just make sure she loses everywhere and we get some fresh, independent leadership that will not polarize the nation and harm our country.

Let's vote out all the gridlock and march in step politicians who just keep thinking about what will get them re-elected rather than what will be good for all Americans not just the poor or middle class or upper class or very rich. Let's restore freedom and liberty so all can strive to "pursue happiness" without the government reallocating our money like socialists or communists.

NO to Strickland! Double NO to Hillary Clinton.

We need leadership not excuse makers, whiners or wafflers.

If Hillary loses Iowa it will just prove what a fraud the whole process is. Iowans are obviously not interested in helping to pick the best President for America. They seem more interested in who will pander to them by promising to subsidize ethanol, and who will protect their privileged status as the first Presidential nominating contest. None of the nominees will speak the truth on this matter for fear of losing votes, but that does not mean that it isn't true. Iowans should be considering who will make the best President in deciding their vote, not whether the candidates are going to leave Iowa before or after the caucus is done. We hear a lot about the influence of special interests in this campaign, but isn't that exactly what Iowa represents? A small, unrepresentative group of people with a disproportionate amount of influence. The Iowa Caucus is a fraud, and the American people need to wake up and see that. Only once has a Democrat won the Iowa Caucus and gone on to win the general election, and that was Bill Clinton in 1996 who was an incumbent President who ran unopposed. This process is a joke and America needs to wake up and realize that and change it.

Yes, this is the Clinton campaign back-pedaling and providing a ready excuse for not winning or not winning big. Yes, another example of double speak. And, yes, Hillary lacks true conviction in anything other than ambition. Although the messenger should be thrown out, the message is correct:, yet understated, for the entire process leading to the 2008 election consists of too much name calling, too much posturing to pressure groups and narrow constituencies, and too much money. Unfortunately, the politicos and the media love it, because the interminable election means more money and influence. A national reform of the process might stop it. Think of it, in democracies such as Britain, "snap elections" are called and over in two months. Could our leaders place rational limits on the duration of the campaign?

Most candidates (and supporters of them) who know they will lose Iowa, are still smart enough NOT to disparage the process, whether they agree with it or not!!

Iowans, take this for what it's worth……this is the 3rd, maybe 4th political supporter of Clinton who has made off the wall comments and some of these people could end up in her administration. Do you want Strickland (who is on a short list of Hillary's picks) as your VP, when he views you this way????

Everyone needs to be spreading this article like wildfire, especially to your friends and relatives in Iowa!!!!

This grievously flawed woman would be a female version of the Jimmy Carter debacle on both Foreign Policy and Domestic Issues, only worse.

This shows the elitist attitudes that liberals have in this country. The Heartland is irrelevant. They can't understand why they should try so hard and spend so much money to please a bunch of fly-over hicks.

All that matters to Hillary and her type is what it takes to win, win, win. The ends justify the means. To heck with what the 'real' people think; when she gets into office, then she will tell them what to think.

It continues to baffle me why Hillary's poll numbers are as high as they are. It would seem to me that only an insane person would vote for her. I hope Iowans take notice at her brushing off their state. Go Obama. I'm not an Edwards fan, but I'll take him winning Iowa over Hillary any day.

This is nutty. Rodham's team had brought Strickland to Iowa only a few days ago to help, an action which in and of itself is confusing, then a few days later he blurts this out???? I am beginning to wonder if Bill Clinton has enough time in his day to help patch all the holes in his wifes campaign.

Don't misconstrue Strickland's comment. He is Ohio's Gov. Like many, he believes that the Iowa and New Hampshire have become overemphasized in the process of selecting our next president. Ohioan's of both parties agree with him. CNN is stretching to suggest that this Strickland's comment is endorsed by Clinton. This is a non-controversy. Must be a slow news day.

Hillary is an embarrassment to the American political system. She is stupid, morally bankrupt, and will say anything to be elected.

You guys are apparently having a lot of trouble with the reality that Hillary will be our next President. Start resigning yourself to it now, it'll make things easier on you later on.

Does this woman really stand for anything? What a phony!

Thank you Mr. Strickland. I am fairly sick of Iowans picking my President. God bless the farmers who fill our bread baskets every day, but this process is not in the best interest of the overwhelming majority of the country.

The MSM has turned on Hillary and now supports Obama. Fickled folks that they are.

This is just another testimony of Hillary's campaign implosion. If she cannot even manage her campaign staff in Iowa, how can she ever lead the country. All these bickering, blaming, and finger pointing demonstrates how she will govern the country.

The Hillary haters don't need much of an excuse to dump on that great candidate, our next President of the US. They are willing to exaggerate anything anybody said to spew their poison. Meanwhile they totally ignore all the serious stuff showing their candidate has feet of clay. I hope those people enjoyed their Kool Aid.

The wavering from initial comments made and then back-tracking is as similar to Hilary's position on Iraq. Voting for, then indicating this was a mistake.

The Quagmire continues as there is not even a plan out there right now to send the troops home.

Change is necessary and I believe Iowa needs to go with the person with the greatest foresight , judgement and communication skills to lead this new world.

Iowa PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE DUPLICITY THAT SHE BRINGS FORTH

Forget about all these little mishaps, Obama's college students will fail to show up for the grueling, several-hours-caucus and his "poll" numbers will drop when it comes to the real deal. Edwards has some hard-core fans, and it will turn out to be a race between Edwards and Hillary… but in the end, the undecideds and the supporters of Biden, Dodd and Richardson will back Hillary, afraid of putting a 42-year-old with two relatively empty years in the Senate up for this challenge — any GOP candidate has years of expereince that they would use to ridicule Obama during the debates, and in the end, Democrats don't want to see their candidate answering with "well, when I was in charge of water projects for a tiny slice of Illinois" or "my expereince overseeing two sheriffs' departments makes me ready to be Commander in Chief".

Sure Obama is a MUCH more likable person than Hillary… but if that's all that counted, the Democrats would be nominating Oprah!

I'm from Illinois, and I agree with Gov. Strickland. Why should Iowa have this "right" to be the first primary. That is all we here on the news. Iowa, Iowa, Iowa. I am sick of it. Who do these people from Iowa and the news media think we are? Why should we even vote if it's all about Iowa??? I've heard so much about "if the politician doesn't win Iowa, they are through!" BS! How the vote comes out in Iowa, doesn't sway how I'm voting, I can think for myself, thank you!
And PS: anyone that votes for Hillary needs medical help

This is the most offensive thing that Hillary Clinton's campaign and Strickland could do. First, he has the audacity to say that Iowa shouldn't be the first state to hold a caucus and imply that the Democratic and Republican Parties should so something about it. What is his suggestion. Have another state(s) be the first or hold all 50 on one day. Otherwise he is suggesting that Iowa shouldn't be the first because they aren't good enough to be first. We are all glad to know his low opinion of Iowa.

But even that isn't as bad as what Hillary Clinton has done. To think that she would have the audacity to not clearly state "I will be in Iowa on caucus night" is so offensive considering that her buddy Strickland says such things about Iowa. He may think Iowa is full of a bunch of rednecks but Iowa will show Clinton. She should do more then distance herself from Strickland and clearly say "I do not agree with him, he is wrong and should apologize to the state of Iowa for his offensive comments."

But the more I learn about Clinton the more I realize she lacks the experience to be President or the strength of character to hold that office. But even if she did I would still not vote for her because I am tired of the 1981(9) to 2007 travesty of the Bush's and Clinton's and I don't want to make it 1981 to 2016. It's obvious to me that the Clinton's are opportunists and power hungry and don't want to give up the White House. It is our duty as voters to break the Bush, Clinton, Bush cycle and not let it become Bush (George H.W.), Clinton (Bill), Bush (George W.), Clinton (Hillary), Bush (Jeb), Clinton (Chelsea).

If Sen. Clinton can't control her message as a candidate three days before the Iowa caucus starts, how can she be expected to run the country effectively?

And if I still lived in Iowa, there would be NO WAY I'd caucus for her. Everyone knew she'd be gone quickly to NH after the voting, but not BEFORE. That seems to take a lot for granted and is disrespectful to Iowans.

Or maybe she already realizes that Obama will beat her in both states?

Democrats who want to win back the White House know that she is too polarizing to win a national election!

We need Hillary's shrill harping added to Pelosi's like we need another 4 years of W's hyperventilating. Enough. End the dynasties NOW.

I completely agree with Gov. Strickland in regards to this issue. By them time the primaries reach the state of Ohio, the amount of candidates that remain in the running drops significantly. Our primary system here needs changed so that a few states don't have their pick on who is going to be running the country.

Full disclosure of all that Dubai money for the Clinton Library..
Full disclosure by Hillary of the benefits of Nafta that her loving husband, Bill Clinton endorsed when he was president, and the loss of some 3,000,000 good paying jobs in the USA.
Time for HIllary to answer questions.

Strickland is right and too bad none of the candidates have the spine to tell it like it is. And, only McCain has been brave enough to point out how foolish ethanol subsidies are. The American public needs to start hearing the hard truth about some of these idiotic policies and it would be nice if our so called "leaders" helped educate the public rather than perpetuate bad ideas with pandering.

none of these "candidates" are going to give a you-know-what about Iowa after the primaries, so they should get this attention at least.

after this it will just be fly-over country.

Ummmm this guy is THE GOVERNOR OF OHIO…. why do you people make it seem like he just another HRC cronnie. Regardless of who he supports he still represents a WHOLE state that is being shafted by IOWA

And the lying goes on…

If Hillary was a progressive why would she be so willing to protect the system the way it is? Strickland is right, it's time to reconsider the entire primary/caucus system and include other states into the mix. Iowa does not represent most American views, nor do most states even caucus. For example, in 1992 they picked Dick Gephardt over Bill Clinton. In 1996, Pat Robertson over Bob Dole. Now, it looks like they are going to pick John Edwards and Mike Huckabee. Neither one of those guys will be the eventual party nominee.
Iowa's 2008 (irrelevant) results:
1. Edwards
2. Obama
3. Clinton

1. Huckabee
2. Romney
3. McCain
4. Paul

Strickland is right: Iowa SHOULD be put at the bottom of the primary stack in the future. Why 50,000 Ethanol Country flatlanders have such an important, privileged place in American presidential politics is a totally bizarre distortion.

Full disclosure by Hillary of all that Arab money to the Clinton Library,.Ten Million or so? Is this the reason for $3.00 a gal gas?
Full discloure by Hillary of the American benefits of the loss of three million jobs to Mexico and China by the introduction of Nafta by her loving husband, Bill Clinton.
The canidates should expose this Clinton Money Charade for what it is..

A perfect example of Clintonian positioning. If she wins or finishes okay, she can separate herself from the comments of her "self-appointed campaign spokesman speaking for himself," but since he is Governor of a major state, if she finishes weakly, finishing FOURTH for instance, she can say that she agrees with the "insights" of the Governor of a major nearby state. It would try to make the New Hampshire primary the "first" ("the race has not even yet begun") test, discounting Iowa. I do not believe that the Governor would have left the Hillary reservation unless he was asked to do so. He is too experienced a politician to do that. Just like I do not believe that Bob Kerrey's comments aout Obama and madrassas were a "mistake" The point was to get the information out there and get people talking in some deniable form. The point here would be to diminish an Obama's or Edwards' win in Iowa by saying that Iowa is not a representative state anyway,, and having the provess start there makes no sense. Her internal polls must really be going south. This is the beginning of the end for Hillary. Bill must be smiling inside.

Doesn't look so good for Hillary, eh?

Hilarious article.

This whole business of caucuses is a farce. The two parties that dictate the who and what of the American election process are not representative of the American public. We should have all the candidates on a menu and pick until there is one person left. They should have to sign a binding legal document that details their position and if they change their position after being elected, the election should be voided and we start again. We need real representation and not jerks who are bought and paid for by money that we have no idea where it comes from. Our system, although the finest in the world is corrupt and need serious reform. Ask yourself why these candidates spend millions to use sound bite to get a job that pays less than most big business CEOs.

Come on people! Can't u see any truth to his comments? The last GOP debate left out the subject of Iraq and Immigration as if it didn't matter. How many people running for President is going to speak out against ethanol subsidies? This has been going on way too long. Enough is enough.

The arguments I have read to date make no sense whatsoever. I question any voter who would change their minds based on whether or not she is in Iowa caucus night. If that is your argument, then the presidency of the US is not the priority here. Think about it, campaigns are about strategy. How can she commit to being somewhere specifically the entire evening? Will she be in Iowa thanking her supportersthat evening? certainly. Will she be there the entire night? That is rather unfair to presume, and even more so to ask. The race does not end in Iowa. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether or not she wins Iowa, if it in the best interest of her campaign to go to New Hampshire late that evening, she should. I do not believe that decision is contingent on winning the caucus. It is contingent on a number of factors, none of them which have to do with disparaging a State she has worked very hard in.

For the record, I am not a Clinton supporter, but I am politically savvy enough to understand campaigns, their nature of unpredictability, and what drives key decisions. I had to chime in as people are not being fair here.

hillery should be banned from the face of the earth for whatever it is she said or failed to say,lets have 8 more years of dub.

I hope the American public wakes up and sees what a fraud this woman is. Please someone name one thing she has done to warrant being our President?

Frankly the HRC comments are irrelevant since the story isn't about her, rather Gov Strickland's comments on Iowa and New Hamshire. Naturally, the reporter created an issue where none existed to CREATE the news rather than report it.

I agree with Strickland on this point. Instead of these two states being given some special status in the electoral process, there should be a "national primary day" in the spring (say first Tuesday in May) like the "national election day" on the first Tuesday in November. I know some will scoff and say this is a state's rights issue, but let's be candid – the Feds don't give a flying flip about the constitution so the Congress could do this if they wanted to. It sure would be a lot less painful on the populace and would interfer much less with people's narcissistic need to watch Oprah, The View, etc – you know, those very stimulating and intellectually valuable shows!

How ironic that someone from Ohio would criticize another state for having too much influence on presidential campaigns. You'll get your time in the sun Ted. Just relax.

These first 8 written comments prove once again the total stupidity of Americans when it comes to how they view candidates for political office. Not a thing said is based on fact – just conjecture. Some can't even use correct grammer or spelling. Not one of these writers has the intelligence that should be required in order to be permitted to vote for anyone.

Asked at an event Sunday night in Cedar Rapids if she planned on spending the night of January 3 in Iowa, Clinton first laughed and then told CNN, "I'm just trying to get through each day here."

Clinton spokesman Jay Carson firmly denied any notion that Clinton planned on leaving the state early, calling it "totally and absolutely wrong."

Are we supposed to believe she doesn't know where she'll be spending the night 2 DAYS from now? Come on! How stupid does she think we are?
Think about it Iowa/NH: Do we really want to listen to this for the rest of 2008? It speaks volumes that she can't tell the truth on something that simple.

(I say rest of 2008 because she cannot win a general election)

Why can't you all simply accept the explanation that was given? It is entirely possible that there was some miscommunication of which Hillary had no part. Or, here's one for you all, maybe it was an Obama plant that started the rumor There! How do you like that scenario? Makes as much sense as all of your theories about how she's running out of Iowa because she's "imploding" and is throwing away the Iowans like "garbage". You know, you're all scared stiff because she's so much more qualified than Obama and just may very well win in spite of your hate messages about her and Obama's relentless smears against her. I sure hope the voters in Iowa are smarter and more open-minded about the candidates than the writers of these first 8 blogs.

"Pressed to clarify that remark, Clinton said "I've got to figure out what I'm doing."

Finally the truth comes out. Bu I still like her. She reminds me a lot of my Dad.

Hardly anyone is pausing to wonder what Iowa's openness to such manipulation reveals about America's electoral process. Many criticize representative democracies for reducing individuals to pawns in larger power plays, but only the Iowa caucuses can reveal just how profoundly dysfunctional the system is in its indifference to local undemocratic processes.

Read full analysis and the reasons of this critiism here.

Scarey lady (using that term loosely….can't make up her mind or keep one position for more than one speech. Then uses the "gender" excuse…….not a good choice.

And she expects folks to vote for her?

"…Clinton said "I've got to figure out what I'm doing."

Alrighty, then…

The strange thing is…………….If Hillary ends up winning the nomination, every one of you goofy Democrats will fall back in love with her and vote for her anyway on election day!

We Floridians watch what happens in Iowa and New Hampshire with interest, and yes, a touch of envy. They get to see the candidates up close and personal in a way a large state can't possibly.

Hopefully, Iowa and NH will weed out the Clintons and the Guiliani's of the world and leave us with McCain, (no Ethanol subsidies for you, corn state!) Huckabee, Obama and Biden to pick from.

I love all your comments!
I hope y'all vote!

The Clinton campaign has to lie for her about a simple thing like where she'll be on caucus night. That bodes well for the country! And how did CNN manage to question her on where she'll be? I thought she was just "listening" from here on (i.e., not answering questions because she's a fool and can't lie on her feet as fast as her hubby). When she says, "I've got to figure out what I'm doing," it just goes to show you what a sneaky, slimy self-interested weasel she really is. God save us from her. And since my wonderful nephew lives in and loves IOWA, I know you've got the smarts to turn this liar away!

I have spent several days in Iowa canvassing for Barack Obama. The energy around his campaign is so exciting. As the Democratic Nominee, he would have so many passionate supporters from all walks of life pouring their hearts into his campaign until he wins in November of '08. I have faith in the judgement of voters in Iowa because I know many of them are like me. They can see through the political games and they can see a strong candidate in Barack Obama. I feel confident that Iowa caucus goers will not pass up the opportunity to help America elect a president who will improve our country's standing in the world.

It's time for a woman President, HHHHhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmm!
Just not a MARKXIST like the clinton.

"If a person is dishonest in order to get a job, do you believe that he will be honest if he gets the job?" said Huckabee of Romney on Meet the Press.

Now replace he with she and think of Hillary Clinton.

Remember America. You get what you vote for (er..I mean what the special interrest paid for in the case of a vote for Clinton). She won't suddenly become something she is not now being.

You want a politician in the white house…caucus for Clinton. You want a champion of the people, vote for someone else. Biden, Edwards, Huckabee, Obamma, or Paul among others.

A vote for Clinton is a vote for four more years of business as usual.

Good luck at the polls Iowa.

That Hillary has done as well as she is doing is an assault on common sense. How anyone with a straigfht face can support Hillary is beyond my understanding and I have always been labeled as an understanding guy.

There is some truth to question the idea of why Iowa and New Hampshire go first. With most traditions, they have been kept around so long that most people won't move to change them easily. I just wish that all of these primaries and caucuses get moved back to April and May so that we get a chance to better review the candidates. This would give them all a little more in the way of an equal footing for name recognition and fund raising.

Hillary is the most dangerous woman in the political history. I would prefer Cynthia McKinney over her any time. Like everyone says, her statements depend on what the poll number says. Nothing is a coincident with Clintons’ and we don't want any more Clintons to embarrass the White House. A leader should be a roll model to the younger generations.

Wow, most of you can't even type coherently, and you want to broadcast your opinions for the world to see on CNN?

Hillary's opinion's are so terrible? Like what? Her support of a gradual redeployment of troops from Iraq? Forgive her if her constituency doesn't want to leave the mess that George Bush created with his selective intelligence and geopolitical war.

What's next, criticizing her for supporting universal health care? Or, better yet, her support of repealing Bush's tax cuts for those with $250,000 a year in income? Why are we rewarding more cash to the oil industry and reducing the budget of the FDA? They only make sure our drugs and food are, you know, up to code.

Even better, all of you "sanctity of marriage" advocates criticize her for remaining with her husband after his affair, which is precisely what the marriage vow entails. Your understanding of politics, and life, is limited at best.

I think it's funny how you try to denigrate her. You couldn't get Bill out of the White House, even with an impeachment. Hillary will be just as effective when she's elected.

I see no reason for Iowa and New Hampshire to have the privilege of eliminating all but three candidates in each party. No one who placed fourth or below in Iowa, I have read, went on to the nomination. No candidate will propose changing the special time slots for Iowa and NH because voters in those states like the attention and importance given to their votes.

Some sort of rotating list of states should assign times for their primaries, so that in one election year this list of states goes first and in the next election year, another list of states goes first.

All states are equal, but Iowa and New Hampshire are less equal than most.

I agree. The whole system on presidential elections needs to be overhauled to fit today’s needs,,, too much money, too much attention in a state that is NOT representative of USA… Sectioning the country in 4 regions and rotating every 4 years or anything other than the obsolete system we currently have…We should also have a full democracy and be able to elect our president by popular vote.

Don't worry. Hillary will have her staff do some polling on this within the next 24 hrs. Once she finds out that Iowans are turning against her, then she will come out to say that she will be staying. TRUST ME! IT'S THEIR MODUS OPERANDI!

Please, IOWA, vote for Hillary and that goes for the rest of the country.

Please, please, please nominiate Hillary Rodam Clinton.

I would just love to see her shredded and sliced and diced.

She will be so easy to beat.

Yet another triangulation.

Does anyone doubt that the Ohio governor was set up to trash Iowa only so HIllary can distance herself from it?

Has anyone stopped to marvel at the fact that the word "Clintonesque" has come to mean, "sleazy, slippery, cynical, conniving, double talk made up of politically expedient half-truths, in order to achieve the goals of power-hungry, self-serving used car salesmen." ?

She might as well leave now, she isnt going to win. Perhaps she will
make a Howard Dean type screech speech after she get third place
in Iowa. Oh well, I will just be glad when this thing is over.

You guys are crazy…some guy makes a relatively innocuous comment.. and you pile on Hillary as if she said it. Just because someone who supports Hillary says something ( which by the way what he said was not that outlandish…giving some small state such a big role in the nomination is a bit silly.. but whatever) doesnt mean its automatically mean every single person in their circle believes it.

My mom says a lot of things I dont agree with.. doesnt mean it can be attributed to me.

Same thins with the question of whether she is going to be there or not.. who cares.. her answer was actually spot on.. it was I dont know. if you want to make a sill judgement on her.. do it on something more substantive…not whether she knows today where she will be Thursday.

If Hillary lost your vote "Iowa City Dem" for that stuff.. then you obviously really dont care much about issues.. you care about nonsense.

It's amazing how many people are deaf to this woman's constant lies and passing the blame onto someone else. She is so loathed by so many people and if given the White House, our country will be DEEPLY divided. There are several other candidates with integrity, intelligence, passion and most of all RESPECT. Please, ABC! Clinton's had their 8 years, let's follow the rules of this great nation and elect someone else who hasn't been in the White House for 8 years!

Looks like the Klinton news network, CNN, is running for the life boats on the Titanic.

I live in Ohio and Gov. Strickland strikes me as a little naive and not very sharp!

However, I do think Hillary is preparing to lose in Iowa and beyond…we need someone fresh anyway.

Gov. Strickland is correct. The overwhelming majority of Americans share very little in common with folks in Iowa, many of whom put the price of a bushel of corn high on their list of priorities and couldn't care less about world affairs or things that happen outside Iowa. The "caucus" process is dumb and attractive to lonely home-bound and winter-bound Iowans looking to get out of the house for a night and maybe get a free ride from a candidate. I've gpot nothing against them; heck, they are probably nice people, but the question remains, should we entrust the future of the planet to these people? Let's go back to the old fashioned nominating conventions where not only suspense but a bit of honest brokering takes place and in the end a winner emerges that has the greater interests of the country at heart. Most of the candidates for better or worse are pretty bright and accomplished people and yet they are forced to pander to high school dropouts and elderly mall rats to gather votes for their nomination. This would be like members of the board of directors of the Anheuser-Bush Company appealing to hobos on skid row for tender votes. Makes no sense and the politicians, democrats and republicans, look foolish. This is one of the reasons why turnout is so low for American elections. People are not stupid.

A "unique and special role" is inherently antidemocratic for a bunch of heartland folks who have no unique or special qualifications to evaluate the herd of seriously flawed candidates on both sides. Governor Strickland is right to invite condemnation for the irrational and unfair natureof our electoral process.

I am weary…oh so weary of all this…

Does anyone else get it? The media is the the massage..

Every statement ANY candidate makes, from the trivial to the sublime, is instantaneously transcribed, transmitted, dissected, and "sound-bited" in an attempt to titilate the body politic and create "news" where none exists…or to stimulate vitrolic and unpleasant discourse among our citizens only for the spectacle of it all. Where is the substantive reporting on issues that affect our long term well being as a nation (e.g., the impending financial ruin that the country faces, the crisis in health care cost, the safety and education of our future generations in a competitive global economy, and actually, vice pretending, to secure the nation from homeland attack)? The media is giving ALL OF THE CANDIDATES a free ride. Yes, the election is important…who we choose is important…but can we talk about the important stuff? I really could care less about Brittiney's pantiless escapades or Lindsay's substance abuse problems which seem to take up a lot of the media's time and energy.

Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite…we need you.

Amazing! Not one favorable response here for Hillary; and this, on a CNN website. Go figure.

Strickland is right and the Hilary Clinton camp just has to do what they did. Nothing in Iowa is representative of the entire nation. It has come down to who can spend more money buying votes in Iowa. Debates have become meaningless in light of the farce CNN has made of debates. With the technology we have available, we could easily hold a national caucus in one day. But then, if Diebold is going to supply the equipment for that………….

Gov. Strickland makes a great point. Whether you like Clinton or another candidate, Iowa should not solely be given this opportunity. Iowa and Iowans essentially collects a great deal of money from the campaigns and are ultimately swayed by political marketing professionals (e.g. Iowa gave Democrats the unelectable John Kerry .). There must be a better way that permits other Americans to be included. With a different process, maybe democratic voters would be given better presidential candidates in the end.

I'm not going to bash anybody, but the reason that Iowa should retain its early-caucus- status is that we represent the smaller population states whose interests would be completely ignored if we, or a state like us, did not go first. For example, the midwest states when taken together, have a large population, but who would campaign in an Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, etc. if not for this special status. This is a way to insure that candidates campaign not only in NY (love NY), California, etc.

Also, a candidate who falters in Iowa still has enough time to turn things around. A state like Iowa is a barometer of what the country is thinking, but does not have enough clout to decide a nomination.

Iowa City Dem and other Hilary-haters – please don't lie: "Hillary just lost my vote" – tyou're never going to vote for her anyway (an, perhaps in Democratic primaries altogether as you're most likely Republicans). "Lost myu vote" over the remark wehre she's goinf to spend a caucus night?! Give me a break. If this is your true expression then this is one of the dumbest explanation of not voting for anyone I've seen so far.

Just remember folks… Clinton Inc does not know how to lose. God forbid this admitted Sol Wolensky follower (extreme leftist) gets into office. Iowaians will pay. Scorched earth policy all the way with this 60's throwback.

Enjoy the demeanor of the present-day Democratic Party. Cares little of the general population if it has no gains in it for them.

Hillary is nothing more then a creation of the liberal media, she is not now , nor has she ever been qualified for ANY public office. The new anointed one is Barack Hussein Obama, I think they will have even less luck with him.

Real Smart ….Put down the state you are competing in …..Super SMART HILLARY

"She is staying in Iowa until after caucus returns come back, and won't leave until late, late, late that night,"

Why do you think they kept moving the date up?

Good riddance!

Iowa IS over blown. They have three million people in the whole state. We have 30 million. I can see where three million people live from my window. Literally. Ditto on that for New Hampshire . They have a whopping 1.2 million people. Both settings are made up of significant rural areas with many urban areas too, but I'm not sure they are a good proxy for the entire country.

On the balance however, the caucus process seems to bring out a lot of good information.

For the record, I'm supporting Obama.

The Gov was right. I really get sick of all the groveling that is done every four years, in Iowa. Why don't we just let them select the President for everyone and be done with it.

Know this woman's history and you wouldn't want this lady anywhere near the White House and I suggest you learn her history by going to Google and you might add to her name, either the FBI or even Vince Foster

Google is the greatest source you will ever find.

My educated opinion, Hillary 'Ain't got no' business or qualifications to be prezident!

So, it was a reasonable comment by the Governor. Who chose Iowa to be first other than Iowans? And I really doubt that if Iowans had a choice, they would stick with their antiquated and awkward cauces system. The cauces system should be challenged in that it deprives the aged and infirm and the young and energetic from having the time and/or patience to cast a vote.

Clinton is the maker of her own undoing. May she continue upon this commendable path licking her wounds all the way back to New York or wherever in the world or elsewhere she calls home.

Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina – strange, last time I checked as a New York resident (who did not vote for her either time), I thought her primary responsibility was representing the people of our state. Unless there is some alliance between NY and the three states listed above, I can not see how she is doing what she was elected to do. Additionally, I have not heard whether she has decided to forego any senatorial compensation for those days she spends on the campaign trail.

Since she doesn't seem to know where she'll be the night of the Iowa caucus, I trust she has overlooked the status of her elected responsibilities vs. her compensation as well.

Her comments in the article are so telling of her entire political career. When you need a straight answer she doesn't have one. Vote for her at your own risk!

Of course it doesn't make sense to start the presidential nomination in Iowa. We need 5 Super Tuesdays. I'm sick of having no say in PA.

Words are so important now in our advanced society. I am hoping that Hillary wins it all, as to put the final nail in the coffin of what was "The Greatest Country on the Earth". You go girl, lmao.

The Clintons have made campaigning a never ending pursuit.They LIVE for it.
Bill was always running for president even after he WAS the president.They've made politics a 24/7/365 in your face farce.They NEVER stop.I'm sick of their show and can't wait for Hillary to go down in flames…do the right thing,Iowa…

The thought of the Clinton Mean Machine running this country is unbearable.Hopefully, even the Democrats see them for what they really are.

Liars, thieves and communists.

That dog gone pesky notion that Hillary has to be elected keeps getting in the way of her coronation. I think she has a hard time understanding, in spite of being the world's smartest woman that she has to be elected, not annotated to be President of the US.
Is Bill and Hilary so full of themselves that they consider themselves to be living gods that don't have to play by the rules.
May be the talk-show circuit is right in their analysis, of 2008 not being about Hillary, but a 3rd term as President for Bill.

Please God, not Hillary.

Hillary who?

I know it is way too early for you Clinton "apologists" and "explainers" to get up and tell us what he and she meant to say, but we need to hear how this is going to be spun.

Do you think Strickland would be saying this about Iowa if the self anointed "nominee" were holding a large lead?

He is basically belittling the people of Iowa with the insinuation that they are not bright enough to see how great his candidate is and that "first in the Nation power" is deserved of some smarter folks.

How many more Clintonista's have to apologize, back track or have their words "explained away" by the campaign before you realize that she is surrounded by a bunch of idiots who would smear someone instead of respecting them?

Lastly, can you also just discount the FACT that she can't answer a simple question on whether she is going to be in Iowa or not?

Her character flaws and her crony’s flaws are in full view on this one story.

We can't have eight more years of this nonsense.

On behalf of ALL CONSERVATIVE Republicans, who unfortunetly have a LIBERAL Governor, we are pleased Stricland has stick his foot in his mouth on behalf of Shillary. Iowa and the U.S. should open there eyes and see the light. She is wrong for this country.

He's absolutely right. Iowa and New Hampshire are way too powerful. They have small populations and very little diversity. I think these two states end up polarizing the election and the parties to their far left and far right ends.

You see Iowan, Hillary doesn't give a rats butt about you. All she cares about is herself. Don't be fooled by a wolf in sheep clothing…

Clinton said "I've got to figure out what I'm doing

I think the governor's point is being missed.

The caucus in Iowa involves less that 200,000 possible voters (more like 125,000). And the process does not involve a secret ballot.

The news media has gone berzerk over a tiny, tiny, tiny fraction of the United States population.

If a political party wishes to showcase their candidates, why not have all the primaries at the same time, or a least pick a state with a substantial population and one that does not use this caucus process.

The whole Iowa thing is a joke and a throwback to the 1800's.

Iowa will set the stage— and it is "exit stage left" for Hillary
the Country can't afford this experiment— and it won't….

Ready to lead on day one. How? She hasn't managed a 99CENT Store!

Ready to leadon day one. How? She hasn't managed a 99CENT Store!

I agree with him. Though the attention and money are of great importance to the State of Iowa, I do not take any stock in winner from either party. How about Ohio or Florida, instead?

With a mouth and mind like him, I just wonder how Strickland was able to be a governor.

The concept that somehow Iowa (and New Hampshire, for that matter) is uniquely qualified to lead the nation in selecting our President is utterly Nineteenth century and breathlessly egotistical. We should have one national primary election, held on one day. Iowa is a media invention, created to fill a void during a slow news month (December), and ready-made for our over-heated 24/7 news cycle. There is always something inane coming out of the Iowa-December news cycle during primary season. However, what Gov. Strickland said makes the most sense. Both political parties should ignore the Iowa caucases. They are anachronistic. They should be bypassed by both national parties.

A vote for Hillary is a vote for the clintons.
Returning the Clintons to the White House is like returning the fox to the hen houose.
Lets get real Hillary Clinton brings nothing to the political debate. She has no experience and no morals just what we need as President.

Bill Clinton had the perfect cover in 1992 in Iowa. Senator Tom Harkin ran, which allowed Bill to avoid the Iowa caucus, and when he went on to NH, Tsongas won, and Bill was able to call himself the comeback kid., by running second.
Hillary has no such cover. She is running the campaign of a dunce, bringing her mother and daughter with her, but not allowing them to speak in public.
The media annointed Hillary as a brilliant campaigner, just as they annointed her daugther as beautiful. Neither characterization is true. And Chelsea apparently can't even talk to a 9 year old elementary school reporter!
This is a joke campaign.

Come to think of it, why should IA and NH should be granted first in primary status. Now MI and FL delegates do not count. I think it is ridiculous too.

Ted who?

What does the gov. of Ohio have to do with anything?

Honestly, can you imagine this kind of silly game-playing at the Executive Office level, it would be as bad as the Bushies are! Do not elect this woman under any circumstances!

Typical of Clinton, Inc. to be annoyed at such trivia as having to run for President, when we should just skip all the "slapping the pigs" in Iowa and go directly to the swearing in. She makes me sick, and all the smiles in small settings in Iowa are as fake as Bill's love for "world class genious" Hitlarly.

By the way, I am a Hawkeye, Class of '77 @ UI and was born in Dubuque. Now live in FL, but Iowa rocks!

Strickland, the Gove from Ohio, must be working his chances of becoming the VP choice if Billary gets the Democrap nod for President. Strickland should spend as much time as he can outside of Ohio so he limits the collateral damage to this state.He's the one noted for voting "present" on important issues when he can't decide which side to vote with. He also "stole" state money from the tobacco education fund to pay it to older Ohio citizens to offset high real estate taxes to win their vote. Thanks a lot, Ted for supporting smoking deaths in our state!

My God, people. Get a grip! Hillary can't control everything that comes out of the mouths of the hundreds of people who have backed her with their support. But I am sure that most of the above comments are from nuts (read Hillary haters) who are looking for anything that might be even a little bit against her.
I am sure the "normal" people from Iowa aren't going to let something as foolish as this change their vote. They all know we need Hillary. GO, HILLARY!

The governor is certainly correct – the caucus design is idiotic and probably unconstitutional. Both parties reek – Hillary is the culmination of the wrong direction our country is headed. Her at the wheel would be the crowning achievement of many years of Washington sticking it to the country. Hello IOWA – dump this chick-jerk and let's move on. Anyone but Billary!
Big John

You notice she never answered the question. That is a very simple question, are you going to be in Iowa on January 3rd ?. She can't give a straight answer.

Why is anybody supporting this lady is beyond me.

Well, I'll tell ya that Hillary just lost my vote. She can't even talk straight when it comes to telling us whether or not she'll still be in Iowa the night before the caucuses?? Let her leave early for NH for all I care — she and her folks would obviously rather be there anyway, it seems!!

This should serve as a wake-up call to all Iowa Caucas goers…vote, vote early, vote often…anybody but clinton. To have the newspapers and TV calling her the front runner over such HIGHLY EXPERIENCED candidates Like BIDEN, EDWARDS and DODD is beyond belief. Enough with the jokes already. This campaign could care less about IOWA or any other states needs. What an EMBARRASSMENT (HILLARY). IOWA stick a fork in this candidate.

She was for it , before she was against it.

This woman can't make her mind up on anything.

I hope you are watching this IOWA

Clinton said " Ive got to figure out what I'm doing " ??????? Hmmmmmm

Clinton supportes having trouble???

Hard to defend you canidate When you have to log on to her site every hour to see what is the new flip flop topic of the day is. If you dont you look like an Idiot by saying Hillary stance on this is this. And the person you talking to you say you are wrong she stands for this,according to the latest post.

Makes Hillary supportes angry. Biden and Obama supportes dont have to we know there stance. And dont have to keep up on there web ste or not watch the news for a few months and Obama or Biden still have the same stance on issues.
They provide solid leadership, They provide solid judgement. Cant say that for Hillary.

Hillary restore statesmanship to America. That is hard to do when she repeatedly votes yes to IRAQ war. And voted Yes for Bush to start drama drama warmongering bill on Iran war. She spent her first 6 years as senator CO driving or back seat driving the Bush War mongering cowboy diplomacy Bus.

Hillary FOR the interest of the middle and poor class. That is a load of BS. She has taken the most money from Corpates and foreign governments than any other candidate. Take out the corpate money, China money Hillary be left with pocket change. Maybe enough to buy a Big Mac combo.

She does have lots of experience but not the kind that should be on a resume for President. White water , cattle shares, failed marriage now just a marriage of convenience. I can see the White house with Hillary in it LOL. Bill be banging every intern in every room besides the oval office. Instead of White house it be Bill hanky panky shack. But don’t go in that office. That the wicked witch of the west domain. What a world laughing stock the White house will become.

Hillary's poll numbers must be much worse than advertized for Strickland to go off the edge but her not wanting to be in Iowa on caucus nite says it all.

bye bye hillary you can leave – go to new hampshire your gonna lose there also

Best seller list – The final implosion of the HRC 2008 persidential Campaign

It looks like Hilary is already preparing her excuse for losing Iowa. Funny how when she was the expected winner, she touted Iowans and their importance in the process and now that she may lose, she is ready to tos them away like garbage.