Like PrairieRobin, I'm wondering what Chris thought of the weather this weekend. Up in MN we got a bunch of snow, but south of the border it was ugly freezing rain... NO fun!

Welcome to Iowa, Chris. Just in time for our first winter storm. Hope you can stop in at Obama headquarters in Dubuque - a harder working group you'll never meet. Their field operations are what's going to win him the caucus!

According to the most recent poll in Iowa (American Research Group, Inc.--Nov.26-29) Biden is now at 8% and has passed Richardson.

I watched his speech from the DNC event from today and I think he made a very compelling argument for why people can trust him with their vote.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1ZsXEbgq0U

He starts off a little scripted but then launches into his normal passionate self.

I supported Kerry way before anyone thought he had a chance. I've had a similar feeling about Biden for the last few months. I think he's got a tougher road than Kerry did. I think 3rd place in Iowa is realistic for him. I think 2nd place isn't impossible.

Thanks, nick - your synopsis fits my previous take so closely that I may put off watching the recording indefinitely...

Hate to be a bummer, but why exactly does anyone from the WaPo need to do on the ground reporting? Couldn't they just use local transcriptionists, and then weave those transcripts into their horserace stories, all from the comfort of DC? Plus, it would help the environment!

Mark, I saw the John Edwards interview on Charlie Rose. There is nothing that he said that could make me cast a vote for that man if he got the nomination. I'd choose McCain & possibly even Huckabee over Edwards. If he were running against Romney or Rudy, I'd write in Biden's name before I voted for anyone of those three.

Edwards is either disingenuous or an idealistic fool to think he can radically change the system by simply winning the presidency. Further, having been a Kerry supporter and thus listening to Edwards during the 04 elections, to now say that the two Americas of which he spoke was not about rich and poor but rather about the wealthy & corporations and the rest of us, including the middle class is bunk.

His rhetoric almost makes it sound as if we were like the third world & developing countries where indeed only the wealthy have a say. I live in a very different America -- and while there are issues that the middle class faces today, in no way do we lack a voice. The problem is not that we lack a voice but that we either do not exercise it or choose to remain uninformed.

Finally, to say that what people want is a president with a "deeply held belief system" is just bunk. We've got a president with a "deeply held belief system," and look where that's gotten us!

Personally, I want a president who is willing to find common ground with the other side, who will work within the system, rather than the current president who for all intents and purposes shut out dissenting voices and tried to cram down his "beliefs" on the rest of us.

I hope Edwards places third after Iowa so that he can drop out. Better yet, wouldn't it be nice to have an Iowa surprise and have Biden pull in higher than he?

You arrive at quite a crucial time, with the second Iowa poll of the week showing Obama ahead of Clinton today: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/11/arg-releases-its-monthly-wave-of-early.html

I would love to know your sense of the momentum on the ground -- the polls do show some surge of Obama and Huckabee, but is that confirmed with people you talk to?

Drop by the Ron Paul HQ downtown and say hi if you get a minute. We get here in the morning before Huckabee's people and stay longer than they do. :)

I recorded last night's Charlie Rose interview with John Edwards [I intend to watch all of them, eventually]. I did not actually stay up to see it and what limited TV I get this weekend will not include watching it. Did anyone see it? What did you think? Why?

I'll check in later, but for now, have a great weekend.

Looks like CC knows how to have a fun Friday night. Hangin' with Loras College students and attending a house party hosted by the Iowa Christian Alliance, on the "Ask Mitt Anything" tour! Go ahead, ask him anything, just don't expect any straight answers.