Iowa Keeps Candidates Awake at Night

Clinton clings to slim lead, but poll finds 'lots of potential for change'

(NEWSER) - With just four days left before Iowans gather to caucus, a Reuters/C-Span/Zogby poll released today found Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama 31% to 27%, while GOP heavyweights Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee are in a dead heat. Third-place Democratic contender John Edwards was running a strong 24%. Republican John McCain, who is focusing on New Hampshire, was the only other candidate in double digits with 11%. More»

Fresh face draws voters, but Bhutto assassination could help Hillary: poll

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama has erased Hillary Clinton’s lead in New Hampshire, pulling into a tie by persuading voters he is more honest and change-minded, according to a Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll. In Iowa, both hopefuls are neck-and-neck with John Edwards—but Clinton could rise if the Bhutto assassination focuses voter concern on national defense, an area where she is perceived as strong. More»

Stress of political races can cause overeating, premature aging

(NEWSER) - Even the presidential candidates who miss out on the White House will feel the effects of their campaigns for years to come. The mad dash to the Oval Office—speeches all day, deadline pressures, cross-country tours—puts tremendous stress on the body. Forbes takes on the low points:

1. Sleep deprivation, leading to memory losses and risky decision-making.
2. Poor diets, causing that waist to grow (Clinton favors ice cream; Obama, French fries).

GOP field still wide open, Rudy's numbers slipping

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is still in first place among Democratic presidential hopefuls nationwide, despite a substantial 12% leap in support for Barack Obama since early December, finds the latest Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll. Clinton leads Obama 42% to 33%, with John Edwards trailing at 11%. Asked to pick between Clinton and Obama, a slender majority of Edwards voters went for Clinton. The GOP figures were less clear-cut. More»

Caucusgoers may have known too much about 'establishment' candidates

(NEWSER) - The Iowa caucus results shook up more than just political campaigns, reports Advertising Age, as age-old advertising truisms also flew out the window. Mitt Romney’s $7.9 million on broadcast ads should have sealed the deal against Mike Huckabee, who spent just $1.7 million. Like Barack Obama (who did outspend his rivals), Huckabee came across as anti-establishment, which may have clinched his victory. More»