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.