Note the verb tense. This is not a prediction but a statement of fact. What I mean is that Obama has already done in Iowa what he needed to do: show he's competitive with Hillary Clinton. Certainly, if on January 3 he can actually attract more votes there than Clinton or John Edwards, he will truly be in a strong position. But even if he loses in a close race to Clinton by a few points, he will be firmly in the hunt. By drawing close to her--and surpassing her in the polls--in Iowa, Obama has demonstrated he can get within reach of winning.
Earlier this year, Obama was stuck in poll after poll far behind Clinton. That led to talk that he better win in Iowa...or else. Now that "or else" is gone. If he is not blown away by her in the final results, he will be able to carry on. Both Obama and Clinton have plenty of money. And campaigns tend to peter out only when the well gets dry. So Clinton and Obama will continue on to New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina, and Super Duper Tuesday, a.k.a February 5, when 20-plus states will have primaries or caucuses.
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