Party is over? Are we choosing the next president in about a week?

Absolutely true.

Jamesia, " I was just pointing out that Edwards is opposed to gay marriage due to religious reasons. I said "the Bible," Marilynn said "his religious upbringing" ... blah, semantics" I don't believe the bible says anything about gay marriage. That comes along with organized religion. Some worse than others.

I've listened to Obama and haven't heard anything on solutions I think are critical at this juncture and am not repeating the news - - wasn't aware the news was saying this, but in the interest of fairness I will go to his website and check it out. Thanks.

Anyone who says Obama doesn't really say anything, or doesn't actually propose actions, hasn't actually gone to his website or read any of his propositions. He is supporting a message of change and unity. And he does have real solutions. Try to overcome the need to repeat what you've heard on the news, and just visit his website... better yet, once you're at his website, watch his speech about the role of religion in politics. After watching it, you can't possibly believe Obama is giving empty promises. He's the single most refreshing politician I've ever seen (next to Kucinich) who actually has a chance of being elected and getting something done once elected.

As for gay rights, I could personally care less about civil unions and gay marriage. Under the law, it's obviously allowed, and I refuse to make a Republican talking point an actual issue. I was just pointing out that Edwards is opposed to gay marriage due to religious reasons. I said "the Bible", Marilynn said "his religious upbringing" ... blah, semantics.

I think Obama/Edwards or Edwards/Obama would be a real great ticket!

Jamesia you're right that Obama is a powerful speaker and his message is the concept of hope and change. As much as I like the man and believe in his sincerity I haven't found anything in his speeches that directly addresses any specific solutions. (Even less from Clinton). Hope and change is something we desperately need but it falls empty with out real solutions. I firmly believe that two basic things are eroding our country. The first is the erosion of our basic rights according to our constitution (including separation of church and state); and the second is that we're letting greedy and rich corporations decide the rules for their own personal agendas and the rest of us can sink or swim. Edwards is the only (democratic) candidate I've heard challenge "business as usual". Gay rights, stem cell research, and many other issues deserve consideration and change, but until we bring this country back to the concept of "for the people and by the people", won't have a platform to enforce those changes.

jamesia, The reason Obama doesn't hammer away with party Mottos is that he doesn't say anything. He is very personable but like Hillary he isn't saying anything that could offend anyone. Has either of them promised gay marriage? Edwards admitted to not supporting gay marriage. He does however support civil unions, and I feel secure in thinking that if a gay marriage bill came to him as president he would sign it into law. He didn't use the Bible as a reason, he said he grew up as a Baptist.

what percentage of iowa's population caucus? (or caucuses, or caucuseseses, whichever is correct)

once again it comes down to a few people to decide in which direction many more will go. democracy can be defined as a "free and equal representation of people, the free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government, often practiced by electing representatives of the people by the majority of the people"

OFTEN practiced by the majority

shouldnt we want to show up and vote if we could? its so weird, either we let others decide for us (by not voting) or we try to influence others to make decisions we would agree with, blind trust or delegation of trust. we seem to not want any accountability for any of the results of the way in which politics is handled and functions, the democratic system has been twisted and modified to fit this obscure, irrational, illogical social popular request.

and this is when marketing seems to fit into political races, marketing of believes. most media portrays this as a national popular contest more than a path to needed ideas and how to apply them.

AH! its so bizarre, overload of contradictions and kaos. this is as good as it gets?

we want to have a 50 50 system because imagine how "bad" it would be if we were to have 6 people to choose from on a national election. is it terrible if someone wins w/ 30% of the votes amongst 5 others? i believe that it is not great, but it is how it should work. the number that represents a majority depends of how many options we have, and SOMETIMES it is needed to KNOW and ACCEPT that 50%+1 do NOT support Mr. A or Mr. B
it is an illusion that we have been shown for a long time that at least 50% of the country supports an elected president. the only true way to overcome social issues is NOT by pushing us to fit on ONE SIDE OR ANOTHER, but to understand that THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS THAN A and B, we are all responsible to choose and we should not let "test states" determine our options.

but that will definitively not apply to this election, although, the result of it may change that. although the conditions we chose to have make CHANGE very difficult.

That's right Chique. Gay rights are important but won't do anyone any good if we lose everything else. We need to support the man that wants to give us our country back. He needs to be running ads right now to offset the almost total media blackout of him. They don't want him. We need him.

Agreed MM. Not that the wedge issues aren't important but our immediate issues are loss of constitutional freedoms, solving the war and getting our troops home and the corporations and lobbyists controlling our country. Edwards is in the best position to effectuate true change and not go along with business as usual.

uroborus8, not true. He said that homosexuals should be allowed civil unions but he is opposed to marriage. Has to do with Baptist not Homophobia. Elizabeth is for gay marriage. She will win him over. I'm tired of gay and abortion issuers deciding the Presidency. Obama voted for the bankruptcy bill, Clinton didn't show up for the vote. Clinton's husband gave us NAFTA. You know where our jobs are going overseas and we are becoming a third world country. She refuses to commit to even fixing it let alone getting rid of it. Clinton and Obama both owe their souls to corporations for campaign financing. Edwards didn't take a dime.

Edwards is still openly homophobic. Iowans are more progressive then that. The University of Iowa was the first University in the country to openly admit women and embrace their LGBT student body through inclusive policies.

I grew up in Iowa, and I emphatically believe Obama is going to squeak by Clinton. New Hampshire is a wild card. Iowans are wary of the status quo and remember Clintons questionable reputation during the 90s. (It wasn't an issue of prudishness as you may think). Rather, one of honesty and respectability.

Nevertheless, I will sit this caucus out because of my recent relocation to Seattle. I hope with all my fingers crossed that the six percent of Iowans who will show up January 3 vote with bravery and a strong education.

Until January 4, I'm holding my breath in hopeless anticipation.

I expect Edwards to win this one. He is definitely pro labor and understands the middle class. I think people respond to integrity.