As caucuses near, Iowa looks like a 'jump ball'

[Elderberry]

Houston Chronicle by Michael Scherer 1/4/2020

The Bernie Sanders campaign plans to knock on half a million Iowa doors in January. Elizabeth Warren's team is asking supporters for spare couches to house out-of-state volunteers. And the national polling leader, former vice president Joe Biden, claims a sharp uptick in volunteer sign-ups as he has secured high-profile endorsements in the state.

After a year of campaigning, and with less than a month to go before the first and therefore most important single contest in the Democratic nomination fight, few if any are confident of the outcome. At least four candidates are seen as having a shot to win Iowa, or, alternatively, to suffer a crippling result that could hobble their campaigns going forward, especially if there is a late surge by a lower-tier contender.

The result, according to interviews with top campaign strategists and local Democratic officials, is a hotly contested sprint to the Feb. 3 causes - a struggle that could either propel a clear winner into the next voting states with momentum oropen a months-long fight for the delegates needed to secure the party's presidential nomination. Unlike past primaries, several of the top candidates are expected to have the financial resources and dedicated fan base to wage long campaigns even if they finish in the middle of the pack in Iowa.

More: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/As-caucuses-near-Iowa-looks-like-a-jump-ball-14950198.php

[Wingnut]

Jump Ball?

I was thinking more like "dodge ball"!   

[Snarknado]

After all the time and money wasted on an inconsequential state, a 5-way tie making the whole thing a non-event would be hilarious.

[sneakypete]

Ok,somebody tell us all what is the VERY last possible date for Bubbette to dip her cloven hoof into the ring and graciously accept the nomination?

[Free Vulcan]

The quirk to the Iowa caucuses on the Dem side is those candidates with a number of votes that tally less than I believe 15%, in each precinct are essentially disqualifed.

Those caucus voters who voted for them must then pick their second choice among those still left on the ballot.

With the still relatively wide field, there could be significant shifts toward other candidates after the first vote, depending on who doesn't make the cut.

[EdinVA]

circular firing squad

[DCPatriot]

The entire primary process for 2020 is a YAWN!

Bring it on, Bernie!   

[sneakypete]

The quirk to the Iowa caucuses on the Dem side is those candidates with a number of votes that tally less than I believe 15%, in each precinct are essentially disqualifed.

Those caucus voters who voted for them must then pick their second choice among those still left on the ballot.

With the still relatively wide field, there could be significant shifts toward other candidates after the first vote, depending on who doesn't make the cut.

@Free Vulcan

Are they free to pick anyone,say,a drunken old crone,for example,or must they pick one of the existing candidates?

[Free Vulcan]

@Free Vulcan

Are they free to pick anyone,say,a drunken old crone,for example,or must they pick one of the existing candidates?

Just the ones left standing after the first vote.  In years like this year, that means a whole bunch of people being forced to choose someone they don't really want.

Which sounds about right for the Dems.

[sneakypete]

Just the ones left standing after the first vote.  In years like this year, that means a whole bunch of people being forced to choose someone they don't really want.

Which sounds about right for the Dems.

@Free Vulcan

Thanks. I wonder if there is any way to determine if Bubbette! has made travel plans so she could show up the first day,throw her pitchfork into the ring,and announce she is here to be our new Maximum Leader?

[Formerly Once-Ler]

If Biden wants to make a headline he could beg Iran to hack the IRS and release President Trump's taxes.