Older voters will make or break candidates in Iowa

Generally speaking, in the state of Iowa, Obama has the support of younger voters, including a significant pocket of voters between 50 and 60.  Edwards is strongest among middle-aged, blue collared workers, especially if they are in unions.  Hillary wins out among voters 60 and older, especially those already retired.  In the end, that older voting block is the most important:

While older voters are traditionally the most active, they dominate inthe early voting state of Iowa. About 64 percent of those whoparticipated in the 2004 Iowa Democratic caucus were at least 50 yearsold, according to the state party.

Clearly, Obama has room for improvement:

A University of Iowa poll in August found Obama, a senator fromIllinois, ahead among voters under age 60, but voters over 60 preferredClinton by a wide margin and Obama fell to fourth place, behind formerSen. Edwards and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

Social Security.  Prescription drug costs.  International diplomacy.  Leadership.  Obama needs to do a better job of explaining to voters how his so-called good judgment translates into strong leadership on these issues, which concern that pivotal voting block.  He can't just complain about the Washington establishment.  That generic talking point strikes a strong chord with young voters, but not necessarily with all progressives.  Some Democrats like the system in Washington, think the system has been hijacked by the far-right, and believe that a Washington insider like Hillary is the only person capable of taking it back.

John Edwards and Bill Richardson, however, are in a tough predicament right now because Obama and Clinton are sucking up all the airtime.  But remember, Iowa voters will look at Edwards and Richardson too, maybe even Biden as well, during the final month.   When Gravel, Dodd and Kucinich are no longer a factor, the five major candidates will have the spotlight on them, and Iowa voters will see for themselves who would make the best president.