Iowa was frickin' WWI. It was trench warfare on the ground, and neverending artillery in the press and with the 30-second spots. In the end, people went for the fresh air. Can't say I blamed them.
Dean spent something like $3M; his opponents together spent more than twice that, and supposedly the most professional ground organization in the nation was ground into 4th place. And Dean held the line.
This is not what the rest of the campaign will look like. This is not what the general election will look like. Even Bush can't spend $6m a month in every state.
Dean's campaign thrives on cheap stuff; on mousepads and shoeleather. We thrive on underdog status. We know our guy isn't dangerous or angry in a bad way; we know his record appeals to moderates and indepentents; and we know our "movement" (rapidly becoming a dirty word) is honest and true. This is what attracted people like Gore and Bradley and Harkin and Jessie Jackson Jr; they're all honest pols who know that the system needs some new energy if it's to remain healthy.
Don't count us out by a mile. The truth is stronger than lies, and John Kerry -- while a nice guy who I'd take over Bush any day of the week -- is not "The Real Deal."
It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.