It would be easy right now to say that John Edwards is not going to make the grade for the Democratic presidential nomination, but in recent days leading up the Iowa caucus he is beginning to show signs of life. In a poll conducted between December 16 and 19 in Iowa by American Research Group Edwards had a solid grasp on third place with 18 percent of the likely Democrats pulling for him.
In a second poll conducted between December 20 and 23, his number lifted to 20 percent. More importantly, Barack Obama fell in the same two polls from 25 to 19 percent and Hillary Clinton improved from 29 percent to 34 percent, according to figures posted at usaelectionpolls.com. While Edwards is lagging further behind in New Hampshire, he is showing better in many of the states that will hold primaries or caucuses February 5, where many of the states hold a larger number of delegates.
In the most recent American Research Group national polls, Clinton is holding a large 41 percent lead with Obama in second with 22 percent. Edwards is in third with 13 percent, but his recent surge in Iowa is being considered a step in the right direction. A good showing in Iowa and New Hampshire could set the stage for an additional push in the southern states on February 5 Super Tuesday.
Additionally, this early in the primary season, a single misstep by either Clinton or Obama could push Edwards and his populist speeches onto the top of the list and help divide the upper candidates' appeal to primary voters.
Breaking News: See the results of the five most recent Democratic polls all released a day before the Iowa caucus.
