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Dean, Howard

Democratic Presidential Candidates in Virtual Tie Ahead of Iowa Caucuses

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Iowa caucuses approach, the four top Democratic presidential candidates - Howard Dean, Richard Gephardt, John Kerry, and John Edwards - are in a virtual tie, according to public polls and campaign research. Four days before the caucuses, the candidates are intensifying their campaigns, with each trying to gain an edge in the increasingly volatile race. The endorsement of Howard Dean by former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun has provided a significant boost to his campaign, and the Dean team is optimistic about their chances, despite the tight competition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The four top Democratic presidential candidates - Howard Dean, Richard Gephardt, John Kerry, and John Edwards - are in a virtual tie, with Dean leading in some polls and Gephardt and Kerry making gains.
  • Carol Moseley Braun's endorsement of Howard Dean has provided a significant boost to his campaign, attracting African-American support.
  • The Dean campaign is optimistic about their chances, with aides insisting that their organization will help them prevail in the caucuses.
  • John Edwards has adopted a strategy of appearing in rural areas to counter the strength of unions that have endorsed Gephardt and Dean.
  • The Iowa caucuses are notoriously difficult to poll, but two public surveys released on Thursday showed the four top candidates in a dead heat.
  • The campaigns are pulling out all stops to get supporters to their election precincts on Monday in hope of a showing that could give them momentum in New Hampshire.

Statistics:

  • Two public surveys released on Thursday showed the four top candidates in a dead heat.
  • 160 people packed into a small auditorium in Sioux City to hear John Kerry's campaign rally.
  • John Edwards has spent much of his day in smaller communities, appearing in rural areas to counter the strength of unions.
  • The Iowa Democratic Party's caucus director, Ben Foecke, said the race was "absolutely up for grabs".

Sources:

  • The New York Times, Thursday, January 1, 2004.
  • CNN's "Larry King Live" (no date provided).
  • Associated Press, Thursday, January 1, 2004.
  • The Campaign's own statements and press releases (no specific date or publication provided).

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