The latest poll puts Hillary ahead in Iowa, 29 percent to 23 percent for Edwards to 22 percent for Obama.

I don’t think there’s an exact parallel, but when I heard of Hillary’s tough exchange with a questioner yesterday, I thought of a similar odd back-and-forth between an Iowan and the Democratic frontrunner about four years ago.

Yesterday, Hillary was asked about a recent resolution on Iran:

Clinton said. “I consider that part of a very robust and diplomatic effort because (it) wasn’t in what you read to me — that somebody obviously sent to you.”
Rolph shot back: “I take exception this was my own research,” Clinton interrupted “let me finish,” Rolph replied “this was my own work.” “I’m offended that you just said that” Rolph continued.
Clinton then claimed that she had been asked the same question before: “Well let me just apologize, Clinton said, “I’ve been asked the very same question in three other places so let me apologize.”

Four years ago:

“It just makes me furious when the political media and the columnists slam, bam, and bash Bush,” contended Dale Ungerer, 67, a registered Republican from Hawkeye. “If you analyze it, how many times did you criticize Bush, but what’s the sense if you don’t actually say that `My plan involves this and this?’ “ Ungerer called on the Democrats to heed the biblical maxim of “love thy neighbor,” adding: “Please tone down the garbage, the mean-mouthing, of tearing down your neighbor, and being so pompous.” [Howard] Dean, who listened quietly, immediately replied, “George Bush is not my neighbor.” When Ungerer tried to interrupt, the former governor shouted: “You sit down! You had your say, and now I’m going to have my say.”

That was the first rattle in the engine for the Dean campaign, if I recall correctly.