A little lost in all of the post-Iowa scramble seems to be how much these results hurt Clark. Which candidate can Clark now afford to finish behind in NH?
Not a second place finish to Dean. Headlines will read, "Dean is back".
Not a second place finish to Kerry. Headlines will read, "Kerry has lock on nomination".
Not second to Edwards. Headlines will read, "Dem southern star shines."
Seriously, if Clark finishes anything but first, how much further can he go? Shooting for second isn't going to cut it anymore for the general. And does a third place finish take him out?