Yepsen: Brows wrinkle, yet expect to see a record turnout

[babylonsister]

Yepsen: Brows wrinkle, yet expect to see a record turnout

BY DAVID YEPSEN • REGISTER COLUMNIST • January 2, 2008



There is much knitting of the brow in the political community that's camped out in Iowa just now. And it's not all due to New Year's Day hangovers.

The latest Iowa Poll published by this newspaper shows Barack Obama with a handsome 7-point lead over Hillary Clinton among likely Democratic caucusgoers. However, other polls show Clinton only a point or two ahead.

The difference is due, in part, to the fact that 40 percent of the likely Democratic caucusgoers in the Iowa Poll say they are independent voters. Five percent say they're Republicans.

That's just too many independents and Republicans for some to visualize at a Democratic caucus. It's causing much harrumphing among the Democratic camps deflated by the numbers.

And who knows. Maybe they are correct. Maybe people are telling pollsters the acceptable thing, that, "Oh, yes, I'll be there," when, in fact, they'll be parked in front of the tube, watching football.

But maybe it isn't wrong. Maybe we're looking at a big Obama turnout in Iowa. Maybe we're looking at the beginning of an Obama sweep to the nomination and the presidency.

more...

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080102/NEWS09/801020354/1001/NEWS

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Iowa has always been volatile, and

never moreso than this year. I'm placing no bets on this one; I only hope that last Zogby poll is right about Hillary sinking. I have a preferred outcome that differs from yours, I know (Edwards) but I could certainly live with Obama as a candidate more readily than Hill.

[babylonsister]

2. I'm with you, J R. I could live with Edwards, too.

Clinton, not so much. I'm tired of her, and them. I'd always wonder who people were actually voting for if Clinton got the nod. I hope we don't have to wonder.