In less than 36 hours, Iowans will caucus and officially begin the process of selecting America's next president.

It's a process that began decades ago to prevent political bosses from dominating the primary process. It seems to work here in frigid Iowa, even if the process seems convoluted to those of us who live in North Carolina.

This is retail politics that is truly retail. One on one. Doors knocked on. Phones called. Hands shaken. These voters will literally stand up Thursday night and proclaim, in public, their preference.

John Edwards is hoping for an upset. The latest polls have him either basically tied or several points behind. Can he survive? We just don't yet know. No one does.

His campaign hopes an early-morning disappointment is not an omen. In the middle of the night, while the candidate and staff and media was in the middle of the 36-hour "Marathon for the Middle Class," his bus broke down. The motor coach was abandoned, and alternate transportation acquired.

Edwards is optimistic. His smile still bright. His wife right beside him. The voters will soon speak.

Oh, by the way, it was 1 degree here in Des Moines this morning. Wind chill 20 below. We're off to follow Raleigh attorney Gus Gusler to knock on doors and ask for votes.