Democratic Primary – Iowa Caucus open thread

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MS NOW

Democratic Primary – Iowa Caucus open thread

A place to discuss the Democratic race in Iowa as MSNBC extends special coverage

Iowa caucus special coverage starts at 6pm ET January 31, 2016 / 00:31

Jan. 31, 2016, 2:51 PM EST

By MS NOW

As MSNBC extends its special coverage of the Iowa caucus with a two-hour preview show hosted by Rachel Maddow and Brian Williams beginning at 8pm ET on Sunday, and live rolling coverage on Monday from 6pm to well past midnight, we offer this page as a place to discuss the Democratic race in Iowa.

The latest Des Moines Register/Bloomberg poll results:

Clinton 45% (+3)
Sanders 42% (+2)
O’Malley 3% (-1)

Fresh Democratic headlines:

Clinton makes closing arguments for Iowa January 31, 2016 / 08:40

Sanders on Trump: ‘I will beat him badly’ January 31, 2016 / 07:19

Iowa Caucuses – Historical Context (compiled by Steve Benen)

In the modern era, cycles in which there were competitive caucuses in both parties at the same time are surprisingly common. It happened in 1976, 1980, 1988, 2000, 2008, and now 2016.
Among Iowa Democrats, voters have sided with the eventual nominee five times (1980, 1984, 2000, 2004, and 2008), but the eventual president just once (2008).
Among Iowa Republicans, voters have sided with the eventual nominee four times (1976, 1996, 2000, and 2004), but the eventual president just once (2000).
Among Iowa Democrats, the worst-ever showing for an eventual nominee was third place (Dukakis in 1988).
Among Iowa Republicans, the worst-ever showing for an eventual nominee was fourth place (McCain in 2008).
Among Democrats, only two candidates won Iowa and New Hampshire in the same cycle (Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004). Among Republicans, no candidate has ever won both Iowa and New Hampshire in the same cycle.

The place for in-depth analysis, commentary and informed perspectives.