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Chase Martyn at Iowa Independent did a really thoughtful post the other day on the fact that John Edwards is not getting much media attention, and comparing how he is being treated by the national media as opposed to Mitt Romney.
Based on what I was hearing from people on my trip to Iowa, and the speeches at the Harkin Steak Fry, I can tell you this: if words alone were all the mattered, John Edwards would be the easy winner of the Iowa caucuses. Not only was his speech the best that day, but throughout my trip, one person after another would say to me, "I really like what Edwards is saying…" sometimes that would be followed by "but" and then they would give their reason for someone else. Clearly, though, his message is resonating.
Unfortunately for him, that's not all that counts in campaigns, so he is not a lock for an Iowa victory. Media coverage, along with spin, money, field organization, and those gut feelings by voters I referred to here - they all matter a lot, too. If the national media isn't taking Edwards seriously that will take its toll on Edwards standing in Iowa - it's not the deciding factor, but will take its toll.
I am still convinced that if Edwards were really to begin to distinguish himself on issues, break out of the pack with some really bold and distinctive proposals that don't come from the D.C. policy factory Chris Bowers writes about here, that is would make all the difference in Iowa, and probably beyond.
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