It is now only 4 days until Iowa Caucuses get the 2008 presidential contest under way. The most precious commodity that Iowa can bestow upon a candidate is momentum; the result in Iowa can set the tone for the rest of the campaign. So, here is Coffee House’s guide to what the leading candidates want out of Iowa.
The Democrats
Current polls show John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in an effective three way tie.
John Edwards: The Southern populist needs to win Iowa. If he doesn’t, he might as well drop out of the race.
Hillary Clinton: Winning would obviously be nice and there are signs that things are swinging back her way in the final few days. But most important to Hillary is that Obama doesn’t win. If he does, momentum will likely carry him to victory in New Hampshire and South Carolina—and if Hillary is 0 for 3 after the first three contest, then she in real trouble.
Barack Obama: Victory in Iowa would make Obama the master of his own destiny in this race.
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