By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer 

Posted Nov. 21, 2007 – The heat is on, and Democratic rivals in Iowa have a three-way race and new frontrunner, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) 

On Tuesday, The Washington Post and ABC News released a poll showing Obama bumping Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) from atop the Democratic hill, suddenly becoming the No. 1 choice among likely caucus voters.   Obama is now favored by 30 percent to Clinton’s 26 percent, with former Sen. John Edwards (D- N.C.) in third place with 22 percent.

Clinton has found herself on the defensive since the Oct. 30, debate in Philadelphia.  Obama and Edwards came out tough against Clinton and repeatedly challenged her “honesty and trust” worthiness.  The debate in Las Vegas last week brought more of the same and could be one of the factors influencing Iowa voters.  

When the survey asked, “Which candidate is the most honest and trustworthy?” Obama came in first with 30 percent, with Clinton trailing 10 points behind him. This could be an indication that the flurry of attacks against Clinton by her rivals may have eroded some of her mooring.  

Another possibility for Obama’s four-point surge is that folks might be getting to know more about him and liking what they see.  This week, he rolled out an education plan that would make community college free through tax credits.  Now that’s something with mass appeal, and could grab the attention of new undecided voters.

There was some good news for Clinton in the poll, however.  When asked who they thought was the strongest leader and most experienced, likely voters picked Clinton; she scored 32 percent, 10 points ahead of Obama.  She also came in first with voters on strength and experience.     
On Tuesday Clinton took those “strengths” on the road, challenging Obama’s  foreign policy experience.  “Now voters will judge whether living in a foreign country at the age of 10 prepares one to face the big, complex international challenges the next president will face,” Clinton said.

Obama is ahead in the poll for first and second place.  This could almost guarantee a win for him.   

Those caucus voters supporting less popular candidates can decide to give thier  support to another candidate if their first choice is at the bottom.   When folks were asked in the survey who they would pick as their second choice, Obama was on top again.