Poll Shows Obama, Huckabee Lead In Iowa

Des Moines Register Puts Democratic Senator, Former GOP Arkansas Governor Ahead

(AP)  Presidential contenders rang in the 2008 election year with near-constant campaigning as a poll showed Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee leading their rivals with three days remaining before the crucial Iowa caucuses.

Anonymous phone calls and a negative campaign commercial that vanished into thin air also spiced up the race, and not even New Year's Eve was off-limits to campaign oratory.

The poll by the Des Moines Register showed Obama, an Illinois senator, with the support of 32 percent of those surveyed, compared to 25 percent for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and 24 percent for former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.

Among Republicans, Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor, had the backing of 32 percent of those surveyed, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had 26 percent.

Other polls have shown far closer races in recent days within both parties, and the leading candidates are engaged in a virtual nonstop round of personal appearances across the state that provides the first test of the race for the White House.

"I'm taking a risk, I know I am," said Huckabee, who previewed an ad sharply critical of Romney during the day after first assuring reporters he would not air it on TV. Romney has aired ads critical of Huckabee in recent days.

The three top Democratic rivals campaigned in far more traditional fashion, and Obama, Edwards and Clinton combined for more than a dozen appearances before time ran out on 2007.

Obama jubilantly touted his lead in the Register poll during the last of five rallies, telling his audience that he had a six-point lead - and people in the crowd corrected him by noting it was actually a seven-point margin.

"We just might pull this thing off, Iowa," said Obama, seen at left carrying his daughter. "Who would have thunk it?"

Clinton got the distinction for the last event of the year - in downtown Des Moines with her husband, the former president.

"We want our government back, we want our democracy back," Edwards told an audience in Storm Lake. Locked in a three-way race, the former North Carolina senator claimed late momentum for a campaign built around his pledge to fight special interests in Washington.

Clinton, a former first lady bidding to become the first female president, seemed primed to counter. "I submit to you there isn't anybody running who's taken on more special interests and taken on more incoming fire and survived them than I have," she told a crowd in Keokuk.

Obama stuck doggedly to the campaign pitch that has made him the most serious black presidential candidate in history. "You can't afford to settle for the same old politics," he told a crowd in Perry.

The poll said Obama was benefiting handsomely from an influx of first-time caucus-goers. If so, that meant his finish in the state would hinge to an extraordinary degree on the ability of his organization to turn out supporters.

In yet another sign of uncertainty, nearly a third of those polled said they could still change their minds.

In a gesture that reflected the hand-to-hand nature of the political struggle, Obama's campaign arranged to have a former Clinton supporter, Marlin Eineke, introduce the Illinois senator to the crowd. The political convert said he was attracted to Obama's positive campaign.

The Iowa caucuses are the crucial first contest in political parties' state-by-state process of selecting presidential nominees. The caucuses - simultaneous meetings held at 1,784 locations statewide - begin the process of selecting delegates to the parties' national presidential nominating conventions in August and September.

New Hampshire holds its first-in-the-nation primary five days after Iowa's caucuses, and if history is a guide the roster of candidates will be far slimmer by then. Already, Democratic senators Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Joseph Biden of Delaware have spoken about dropping out if they fail to meet their expectations in Iowa.

With three days remaining until the caucuses, several Democratic voters reported receiving anonymous telephone calls from self-proclaimed pollsters spreading unflattering information.

Some calls said Obama's health plan would leave millions uninsured. Others said Edwards' plans for a troop withdrawal from Iraq were dangerous or that Clinton would lead the party to defeat in the fall.

One Democrat, Michael Hancock of Coralville, said he had received an automated call reminding him that an important college football game would be televised Thursday night at the same time the caucuses were held.

He said he promptly hung up his phone before concluding it was a "transparent attempt to depress turnout from some people." Neighboring Kansas plays in the Orange Bowl Thursday night.

No group has taken responsibility for any of the calls.

The newspaper poll, conducted by phone from Dec. 27 to Dec. 30, reported virtually no change in Huckabee's lead over Romney since a previous survey about a month ago.

Romney, the former Republican governor of Massachusetts, used his personal wealth to jump out to a sizable early lead in both Iowa and New Hampshire. Huckabee's support among evangelical Christians allowed him to overtake Romney in surveys in recent weeks, although he has more lately fallen back under the weight of criticism of his record as governor of Arkansas as well as his own campaign missteps.

Stepping before more than a dozen television cameras Monday, Huckabee first swore off negative ads in the Iowa race, then previewed a commercial in which he was seen saying of his rival: "If a man's dishonest to obtain a job, he'll be dishonest on the job. Iowans deserve better."

He acknowledged the risk to his campaign of allowing Romney's critical commercials to go unanswered, but said of his own supporters: "If they abandon us now because we are not going negative I would be surprised."

"If you gain the whole world and lose your soul, what have you profited?" asked the Baptist preacher-politician.

Huckabee is trying to outflank Romney in their race for primacy in Iowa - and in the national polls.

He told reporters one of the reasons he originally intended to launch a negative commercial was because Romney had assailed a third candidate, Sen. John McCain. McCain has made a relatively modest effort in Iowa, and Huckabee could benefit in the campaign's final few days if he could peel away some Republicans who had been leaning toward the Arizona senator.

Huckabee also suggested a two-way debate in the final two days that would allow Romney and him to share a stage.

Romney had no immediate response to that as he made his final campaign rounds of 2007.

He launched an upbeat new commercial that said it was "time to turn around Washington."

At the same time, he was freshly critical of Huckabee's record as governor, saying voters would be put off by his rival's position on immigration and the pardons he had granted while governor.

Three protesters seeking a commitment from Huckabee to end the Iraq war were arrested during the day after refusing to leave his office. Police said the three were charged with criminal trespass and released.

McCain had New Hampshire to himself, and he defended himself against Romney's ad that points out he opposed President Bush's tax cut in 2001. "There was no restraint in spending" to accompany the cuts, he said.

[jedi08]

Hillary whole campaign slogan is a joke and thankfully Iowa is starting to realize it. She says she is experienced, but at what. She has never ran anything in her life except for a broken home.
She says she is the canadate for change but she is part of the Bush Clinton dynasty.

Her main support group is older women who are voting for her purley becasue she is a women and not Obamma because he is black.

Don''t put corruption back into power people.

Vote for truth and intergrity. Vote Obamma

[apolloknowsa]

Huck just jumped the shark.

How many more cheap political stunts is this guy going to pull? Iowa, please tell me you are not going to fall for this court jester!?!?!

He is running for President of the United States of America! Do you really want another Arkansas gov''ner who did some mighty shady deals while in office?

Seriously folks, check out judicialwatch.org. They just placed the Huckster at #6 on their 2007 list of most corrupt politicians!

One more time. He let murderers--convicted by a jury of their peers--walk out among your children at shopping malls and McDonalds because he could. He is beyond soft on crime.

Huck is not presidential. He is a very funny guy, but when it comes to international issues, he apologized for the assassination and completely misspoke about the situation in Pakistan.
We can not afford to have a President, a Commander-in-Chief who talks without thinking, especially in a time of crisis.

Huck is a great guy, he is very funny, he would make a great court jester, and many would like him as their preacher, but he is simply not presidential.

[cs4466]

Obama who?

Hillary 2008! You go girl!

[bywill]

America doesn''t want the truth! Look at our history; it reeks of deceit and out right lies. Our truths our based around little white lies. And the world wants stand around waiting for us to get our act together for long. OBAMABIDDEN 08. Like Elvis said%u201D It%u2019s now or never"

[mcvet]

I''m going to support and vote for whoever come''s out of the Democratic Primary regardless but I do think Edwards is the best choice. The Republican''s? They have pretty much lied and decieved until I nor anyone I know would even concider any of them.

[goldesprit]

Edwards has his priorities right.

[formrusmcsgt]

Hillary whole campaign slogan is a joke and thankfully Iowa is starting to realize it. She says she is experienced, but at what.

Posted by jedi08 at 05:14 AM : Jan 01, 2008


Answer:

She is married to a president.

She got elected Senator becaused she is married to a president.

[formrusmcsgt]

Posted by Nancy_Naive at 07:45 AM : Jan 01, 2008

What does it say about the GOP when the two leading candidates are a former dogma peddler and a guy who believes in magic underwear?

[goldesprit]

Edwards.

Hillary would be a good VP.

[panhandlpete]

One more time. He let murderers--convicted by a jury of their peers--walk out among your children at shopping malls and McDonalds because he could. He is beyond soft on crime.
Posted by apolloknowsa at 06:04 AM : Jan 01, 2008

What do you call soldiers who have killed people? They come home, walk amongst us, and even one former soldier became President. Killing is accepted if done for all, but that does not change the result.

[perception5]

Pick your poll. New poll released this morining from CNN has:

Mitt at 31%, Huck at 28%, Fred at 13%, and John at 10%.

This is the order I believe the actual results will mirror on January 3rd.

[formrusmcsgt]

Pick your poll. New poll released this morining from CNN has:

Mitt at 31%, Huck at 28%, Fred at 13%, and John at 10%.

This is the order I believe the actual results will mirror on January 3rd.

Posted by perception5 at 08:35 AM : Jan 01, 2008

That wouldn''t have anything to do with the fact that you''re all Mitt, would it?

I still find it amazing that a guy who believes in magic underwear could get even one vote.....

[formrusmcsgt]

Where are the multitudes that the Paul fanatics were claiming were running to Paul?

Obviously, that was all a bunch of crapola that they were hoping to turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

That jerk is still at 5% - where he was 9 months ago when he announced his candidacy.

[formrusmcsgt]

Posted by skykk at 08:50 AM : Jan 01, 2008

There was an article here over the weekend that was headlined "Bill Trying To Sell Hillary".

He ought to stop trying to sell her and just give her away.

[goldstarjanr]

This country would have to be crazy and ashamed to disgrace us by electing someone named OBAMA to be President. It would only illustrate how far down the toilet we have gone. And as a taxpayer of Illinois, I am aggravated that we have been paying him to be our Senator, and since the day he was sworn in as Senator, all he has done is campaign to be President! He doesn''t even have experience as a Senator, America!!! HILLARY CLINTON is absolutely the best choice for America and for the women of this country. She will work for the country, but she will also work for women: white, black, Hispanic, women of all colors and nationalities. Get on board, ladies - elect HILLARY!!!!!

[prinzowhales]

Stalin''s famous quip to the effect that ''its not who gets the most votes, but who counts them that is important'' is more true today than ever before. Who will be counting the votes in Iowa?--A company tied to the Israeli defense industry...that''s right, an integral part of the Israeli regime that has been working overtime to smear Ron Paul and one of its false flag operations--an American Nazi front--was caught red-handed by the alert team at WHATREALLYHAPPENED.COM, with a capture of the Israeli propaganda operation signet--MEGAPHONE--on its computer screen.

Is it possible that there is no one in Iowa who can count? Why the elaborate electronic show...a literal electronic Rube Goldberg procedure for vote counting has been instituted that is tailor made for fraud. Why does Iowa need an Israeli firm to make a simple, uncomplicated tabulation? There is nothing complex involved...there is nothing beyond the Establishment Criminals desiring to quash any candidates who are not in their pockets.

http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=7780

If you don''t care for democracy, come out in the open-- as Hucksterbee has-- and support those who call for the scrapping of our Constitution and Bill of Rights and for a world government by "elite consensus". The same dumb animals who saddled us with Bush are in the process of trying to saddle America with one of his hideous clones...

[inbredwhty]

OBAMA in 2008...Clinton for VP.

[formrusmcsgt]

This country would have to be crazy and ashamed to disgrace us by electing someone named OBAMA to be President.
Posted by goldstarjanr at 09:10 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Considering that what really counts is the candidate and what they stand for, not their surname, your post has a xenophobic aroma to it.....

[hungry1968]

Posted by perception5 at 08:35 AM : Jan 01, 2008


Chances of them winning the Nov 2008 election vs the WORST democratic candidate:

Mitt - 0%, Huck - 0%, Fred - 0%, and Rudy - 0%.

[formrusmcsgt]

OBAMA in 2008...Clinton for VP.

Posted by inbredwhty at 09:15 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Considering that some neocon xenophobe would probably try to assasinate Obama jsut because of his Arabic heritage, I don''t think having Hillary one heartbeat from the presidency is very prudent.....

[formrusmcsgt]

Posted by hungry1968 at 09:19 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Actually hungry, polls show that they would do well against Hillary.

Not so against Obama.

[formrusmcsgt]

hungry-

see the head-to-head poll results @

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/national.html

[formrusmcsgt]

Independents will decide the election and I know very few independents who would vote for Hillary over any of the Repubs you listed.

Including me.

Posted by tuckerndfw at 09:26 AM : Jan 01, 2008

This Independent is hoping hw won''t have to make that choice.

[formrusmcsgt]

And I''ll tell you why, tuck.

I despise Hillary. But, on the other hand, Huck is a former dogma peddler who has no grasp whatsoever of foreign affairs.

Mitt believes in magic underwear and anyone THAT gullible doesn''t deserve to office.

Rudy is an infidel who moved his mistress into his home along with his wife and family.

And McCain is a dubya clone. ''Nuff said.

Not a single good choice in the bunch.

[formrusmcsgt]

The best ticket for Dems is Obama/Richardson or Obama/Biden.

The worst ticket includes placing Hillary anywhere on the ballot.

But, Dems, as a party, are stupid, so I''''m sure they''''ll choose Hillary.

That''''s why they can''''t win elections.

Posted by tuckerndfw at 09:30 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Agreed on the ticket choices.

Regarding your last line there, were you conscious in November ''06?

[jowand]

Considering that some neocon xenophobe would probably try to assasinate Obama jsut because of his Arabic heritage, I don''''t think having Hillary one heartbeat from the presidency is very prudent.....
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:19 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Who was the last neocon to try and assasinate a public official, be truthful. Obama is of African heritage not Arab

[formrusmcsgt]

Who was the last neocon to try and assasinate a public official, be truthful.

Posted by jowand at 09:37 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Well jowand, here''s one potential....

----

This country would have to be crazy and ashamed to disgrace us by electing someone named OBAMA to be President.
Posted by goldstarjanr at 09:10 AM : Jan 01, 2008

[formrusmcsgt]

Obama is of African heritage not Arab

Posted by jowand at 09:37 AM : Jan 01, 2008

The post to which I responded was taking exception to Obama''s name, which is obviously of Arabic origin.


Barack Hussein Obama

[formrusmcsgt]

Very few Americans support "gay rights"

Posted by tuckerndfw at 09:42 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Not true.

http://www.pollingreport.com/civil.htm

There''''s a subtle but significant difference between a party winning a contest and their opponent losing it.

Posted by tuckerndfw at 09:42 AM : Jan 01, 2008

The difference is mere semantics.

[jowand]

This country would have to be crazy and ashamed to disgrace us by electing someone named OBAMA to be President.
Posted by goldstarjanr at 09:10 AM : Jan 01, 2008 Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:39 AM : Jan 01, 2008

That''s not a threat to kill anyone, if fact it is nothing compared to the vile filth posted about Bush or Chemey, or even the hatefull stuff about the Clintons. Look what Kerry, Kennedy, Murtha and Durbin have said about US troops in Iraq. Goldsrarjanr doesn''t even come close with that comment.

[formrusmcsgt]

In a head to head match up, based on agendas (without the Iraq factor) Dems are going to lose..

Posted by tuckerndfw at 09:42 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Depends on who''s in the head-to-head.

See head-to-head polling results at

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epo
lls/2008/president/national.html

[rowdytexan2]

Then I guess if it is left up to you, we''ll have another Neocon in the White House.

Your insecurity and hatred of Hillary would assure that. The Neocons discredit of Hillary is working and once again, you will let them snow you.

Edwards couldn''t carry it in 2004 and hasn''t surged this time either. He''s an also ran, and a fake. Obama is still a wild card, and his motivation is not clear, nor does he have the backing to make the changes that have to be made, even if he is elected. We don''t have time for him to train for the presidency.

So go ahead, let the Neocons put the snow job on you about Hillary.

[formrusmcsgt]

That''''s not a threat to kill anyone, if fact it is nothing compared to the vile filth posted about Bush or Chemey, or even the hatefull stuff about the Clintons. Look what Kerry, Kennedy, Murtha and Durbin have said about US troops in Iraq. Goldsrarjanr doesn''''t even come close with that comment.

Posted by jowand at 09:49 AM : Jan 01, 2008

I didn''t say it was a threat, jowand.

But as you always try to do, you place words in other mouths and then take exception with what YOU say they said.

I said it was a "potential", which you can not debate.

This person''s post obviously and absolutely seethes with hatred.

[forbesf]

hey tucker - guess what?

Hillary will be elected President and will be re-elected in a landslide. Why?

Because the common sense majority of this country, who are also moderates as most of the country is, will realize what a great President she had been and will reward her.

It will happen - deal with it.

[formrusmcsgt]

So go ahead, let the Neocons put the snow job on you about Hillary.

Posted by RowdyTexan2 at 09:52 AM : Jan 01, 2008

I think it a might naive to blame Hillary''s fall on the neocons. To me, it appears that she''s shooting herself in the foot and doesn''t need the neocon''s help in torpedeoing her campaign.

To wit: Hillary claims that she was part of a "presidential team" for 8 years, something her own husband, who actually WAS president during that time, publicly disavows.

It wasn''t a Clinton/Clinton ticket that won, it was Clinton/Gore and everybody knows that to be the case.

[formrusmcsgt]

Hillary will be elected President and will be re-elected in a landslide. Why?

Because the common sense majority of this country, who are also moderates as most of the country is, will realize what a great President she had been and will reward her.

It will happen - deal with it.

Posted by forbesf at 09:57 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Why do you think Hillary made the cover of Business Week instead of Obama or Edwards?

[formrusmcsgt]

I do not share your trust in polls that involve "p.c." issues.

Posted by tuckerndfw at 09:58 AM : Jan 01, 2008

So you reject objective polling in favor of "gut feeling", apparently.

Poll after poll indicates that your contention is absolutely false.

But you can believe what you want, tuck. You don''t HAVE to accept proof to the contrary.

[smtchcose]

Happy New Year from www.interracialloving.com ... you know it is a site where diversely ethnic singles meet new friends, make great dates, and build lasting interracial relationships.

[jowand]

I said it was a "potential", which you can not debate.
This person''''s post obviously and absolutely seethes with hatred.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:53 AM : Jan 01, 2008

HERE IS YOUR POST
Considering that some neocon xenophobe would probably try to assasinate Obama jsut because of his Arabic heritage, I don''''t think having Hillary one heartbeat from the presidency is very prudent.....
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:19 AM : Jan 01, 2008

[formrusmcsgt]

Ron Paul would beat her in a head to head match up.

Posted by tuckerndfw at 10:01 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Paul can''t get more than 5% of the Repubs to support him.

What makes you think he could get 51% of the electorate to do so?

[formrusmcsgt]

I said it was a "potential", which you can not debate.
This person''''''''s post obviously and absolutely seethes with hatred.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:53 AM : Jan 01, 2008

HERE IS YOUR POST
Considering that some neocon xenophobe would probably try to assasinate Obama jsut because of his Arabic heritage, I don''''''''t think having Hillary one heartbeat from the presidency is very prudent.....
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:19 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Posted by jowand at 10:04 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Well jowand, you obviously feel you''re dealing with a child here.

I made the post in general to which you challenged me to provide some specificity. I posted the comment from
goldstarjanr in response.

Now, you cut and paste from the two different posts to try to make them look like one.

You are really desperate, and outgunned as well.

Keep up your games. I''ll keep shutting them down. Not really much of a challenge.....

[abdoul_pasha]

Happy New Year! I wish you much health!

[formrusmcsgt]

Objective polling is the 2004 elections when "gay rights" were on the ballots in several states and was soundly defeated in every one of them.

Which is far more persuasive than some survey taken by some college intern.

Posted by tuckerndfw at 10:09 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Nice try, tuck. But the 2004 initiatives were not about gay rights, but rather, same *** marraige.

Which, for some reason, scares the crapola out of the homophobes. Go figure.

[formrusmcsgt]

Happy New Year! I wish you much health!

Posted by Abdoul_Pasha at 10:11 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Health, happiness, and prosperity to you as well, Abdoul.

[abdoul_pasha]

Thanks a lot! Haven`t you celebrated?

[realpatriot1]

tucker,

You claim that Hillary is the least electable candidate. I beg to differ; she''s the least electable Deomcratic candidate.

Looking at the latest Zogby head-to-head matchups(the only way to know how electble any Democrat or Republican is in a general election) here''s the scorcard for each major candidate:

Obama 5-0
McCain 2-1
Guliani 2-1
Edwards 3-2
Huckabee 1-2
Clinton 2-3
Romney 0-3
Thompson 0-3

The best matchup for dems is Obama vs. Romney(53%-35%). The best for Republicans is either McCain, Guliani, or Huckabee against Clinton.

The most unelectable candidates are Romney and Thompson.

Expect Obama vs. McCain.

[formrusmcsgt]

Thanks a lot! Haven`t you celebrated?

Posted by Abdoul_Pasha at 10:17 AM : Jan 01, 2008

Yes, but quitely here at home with the wife for whom I shall surprise by serving her breakfast in bed this morning.

I shall take my leave to do so.

Happy New Year, all.

[hungry1968]

I do not share your trust in polls that involve "p.c." issues. Based on the 2004 elections, it is fairly obvious the majority of Americans oppose "gay rights."

Posted by tuckerndfw at 09:58 AM : Jan 01, 2008


Why not put it to a national referendum vote?

Or why not leave it up to the individual states?


And as far as the immigration and open borders comments, and your blaming it on the Democrats:
Yes the bill was created by Ted Kennedy. But make no mistake - NOBODY WANTED THAT BILL MADE INTO A LAW MORE THAN BUSH!!!! And it was only the MAJORITY DEMOCRATS that killed it and prevented it from becoming a law. I still remember the look of absolute disappointment on Bush''s face that 12 million illegal aliens WEREN''T going to get amnesty.

[abdoul_pasha]

At midnight we were in one square where a specvial evening programme was presented, there were many people.

[hungry1968]

The Democrats advocate for gay marriage so I''m missing your point.

I said Americans do not support the Democrats'' agenda; you argued they do.

BTW, my opinion is all civil marriages should be eliminated. That would solve the whole problem.

Posted by tuckerndfw at 10:19 AM : Jan 01, 2008



If you''re not g`a`y, and it doesn''t affect you, then why do you care?

I think the opinion of most of America is that they don''t care one way or the other. Live your life however you want.

I think the whole institution of marriage is a sham - hetero or ho`mo. I was married and it turned into a dismal failure. The only people that benefited from it were the lawyers that made over $4800 in legal fees. If we weren''t married, we could have just separated, I pay her child support, and it''s done.
Instead we had to hire lawyers, file motions, yada, yada. It took over a year, and for what? So lawyers could make money.