Bad news today for the Democrats running for President. Iowa, the first primary, is not shaping up well. Although Iowa runs to the left of much of the country, Bush right now would win at 52 percent. More than 60 percent approve of the war. Despite those statistices, the candidates have opened an attack on Bush and the war. Dean has always opposed it, sounding like the '60s liberal he is. Kerry has now opened up also. Obviously, the candidates are trying to stake out ground away from Bush, but having a hard time. As the Democratic party tacks left, they leave behind the big center, which is trending right more than left.

Although conservatives do not see Bush as perfect, he is the best they have. He also has a good chance to completely nail down the center, especially if the Democrats do continue to move toward the extreme liberal wing of the party. But, it is still "the economy, studpid" for many Americans. You could solve the world's problems and still lose the election if the economy is slow. If Bush can rev up the economy before the elections, he will win. If not, it could be another very close election. The Democrats will run left in the primaries, but turn back toward the center in the election if necessary, and continually compare Clinton's economy to Bush's. Of course, Clinton's economy was shaped largely by Congress reigning him in, but who will remember?