The Cold Truth

Today's the day when the real battle begins for candidates stumping in the Iowa presidential caucuses. Sure, they've been on the trail for months. But today marks our first measurable snowfall for most of the state, and that's when things get interesting. The candidates go from just battling each other to battle each other and the elements.

Three to eight inches of snow -- which is what we received through the central part of the state -- has a way of slowing down caravans, like John Edwards' 25-county blitz, and grounding small planes that carry candidates to the towns with airports too small for even the smallest jets.

Big snow means only one thing in Iowa and that is, the really cold -- sub-zero --weather is not far behind. In years past, even candidates from cold-weather states have grumbled about what they endure in the name of a good showing on Caucus Night. That's because elections are typically held in November, remember, not January. So, if you're from a cold-weather state, you've typically campaigned in the fall and you're basking in the warm glow of victory in your office -- or on the beach in the Bahamas -- by the time the really miserable stuff hits.

So, think of those presidential aspirants today. All bundled up. Wearing their newly purchased scarves and mittens and parkas. Of course, they always shed all that gear just before they're seen by the TV cameras and voters so they look presidential in their dark blue suits and wingtips, but at least they're getting a dose of what real life is like here in Iowa. And, in just about six weeks, all but three of them will feel more than the cold winter winds; they'll feel the cold slap of rejection from Iowa voters and media. No one ever said it would be easy.