Reply #39: I think we had a rock paper scissors or "mexican standoff" situation

[JVS]

Expectations were that in Iowa, Edwards would win, Hillary would still be the front runner, and Obama would not do well. Instead Obama came out on top, with Edwards second and Hillary just barely behind Edwards at 3rd.

Thus we had: The rising upstart (O), The establishment frontrunner (C), and the guy who failed to meet expectations.

Now, Edwards would have gained nothing by attacking Obama, it would have only helped Clinton, who would have risen above the fray.

Obama couldn't really attack either one without losing his new shine. Edwards couldn't either because while attacking Obama would help Clinton, attacking Clinton could possibly help Obama, and he'd prefer that Obama do it first.

Clinton's best bet was atacking Obama because he was the upstart, and thus threatened her. Attacking Edwards was attacking a faded star.