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I think I've found Clark's theme song:

I've got to get to you first
Before they do
It's just a question of time
Before they lay their hands on you
And make you just like the rest
I've got to get to you first
It's just a question of time

--Depeche Mode, "A Question of Time"

David Yepson of the Des Moines Register and Tony Coelho, Al Gore's campaign chairman during the 2000 primaries, seem to agree that four months is not a lot of time to get a campaign organization together. Worse yet, a lot of people's loyalties are already with one of the candidates who have been running for nearly a year.

Here's the problem: it's going to be difficult to build the kind of ground organization in Iowa to get a good showing in the caucuses (Jan. 19, 2004). New Hampshire's primary (Jan. 27, 2004) requires a somewhat similar kind of organization and time commitment, though not as much as required in Iowa. If Clark doesn't finish in the top 3, it won't look good for him.

One week later is the first cluster of primaries. South Carolina is considered a big one. A respectable showing here could give him a boost in fundraising. Arizona should be an important contest as well. Which "Straight Talk" candidate will win in McCain country?

For the next four weeks, there will be a handful of primaries and caucuses, and the remaining candidates will be raising money and releasing an ad storm aimed at Mega-Super-Crazy-Tuesday: March 2, 2004.

March 2, 2004 is the big day, with primaries in a lot of states, including the three biggest: California, Texas, and New York. After this day, 60% of the delegates are locked up.

Can Clark raise enough money and get enough support to get a 3rd place finish in New Hampshire, a win in South Carolina, and significant progress in the three most populous States? It's a question of time.