WASHINGTON _ Michael Bloomberg isn't competing in the Iowa caucuses. Monday's outcome, however, could determine whether his unorthodox presidential campaign has a viable path to victory in the Democratic race.
Bloomberg allies and Democratic operatives say for the former New York City mayor to have a shot at the nomination, Iowa and the other three February contests would have to produce a muddled result, leaving the current national polling leader, Joe Biden, in a weakened position.
That could provide a lane for Bloomberg to swoop in as the moderate alternative that Biden was supposed to be, countering whichever progressive candidates are still standing _ particularly Sen. Bernie Sanders.
