Does Hillary Clinton have an “Iowa problem”?

Iowa was the source of Barack Obama’s initial upset of the Clinton machine and arguably the win that put the rest of Hillary’s 2008 ambitions in doubt. Clinton was such a conventional wisdom lock for the nomination in 2008 that witnessing some newcomer beat her in Iowa setup a scramble to the end which she couldn’t ultimately win.

Fast-forward to 2016 and some of the same scenarios and circumstances still exist in the Hawkeye State. Report from CNN:

In Iowa, the state that pulled the first block out of her wobbly Jenga-game of a presidential campaign six years ago, Hillary Clinton enjoys stratospheric approval ratings, well-heeled outside groups toiling on her behalf, and important political connections that date back decades.

From a distance, she appears invincible once again, far outpacing her rivals in the polls and primed to redeem herself in the caucus state that has never been especially friendly to the Clintons, or to female candidates.

…

But beneath the surface here, familiar pitfalls might await Clinton should she decide to run: A restive and emboldened progressive base long suspicious of Clintonian moderation, a hunger for fresh Democratic voices, and a caucus electorate that boasts a cherished tradition of voting with its heart rather than its head.

…

But like many Democrats in Iowa, Boggus said she is eager to hear more from other leaders, pointing to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, two names that have surfaced in early discussions about the next presidential race.

I’m beginning to wonder how much negotiating will be happening behind the scenes to make sure certain other potential Democratic candidates stay on the sidelines in 2016.