I don’t want to completely throw cold water on today’s Iowa polling results; I just want to keep some perspective.

Roughly four years years ago today:

Missouri Congressman Richard Gephardt, a solid leader in January and April Iowa polling of likely Democratic caucus voters, has re-captured a slim lead from former Vermont Governor Dr. Howard Dean, who surged to the top in September polling. Gephardt received 22%, compared to Dean’s 21%.
No other candidate reached double digits. Massachusetts Senator John Kerry was third with 9%…Retired General Wesley Clark placed 4th in the poll, with 7%, and is tied with North Carolina Senator John Edwards.

Kerry won Iowa with 38 percent, and Edwards was second with 32 percent.

Also note, that two days after Iowa results, Zogby responded to Dean’s big lead in New Hampshire: “This is stunning. Dean leads 43-20 among Democrats and 35 to 11 among Independents… This qualifies as juggernaut status. Can he be stopped?”