MSNBC - How Kerry is running away with it

Four architects of Kerry’s victory deserve special mention.

First, and in an unexpected way, Howard Dean. He made it possible for Kerry to disregard campaign limits.

The second architect of Kerry’s victory was someone who isn't a nationally known figure: John Norris, Kerry’s formidable field marshal in Iowa.

The third architect of victory was Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, the party's elder statesman, who flew to Iowa to deliver rousing speeches calling on Iowa Democrats to support Kerry.

The fourth architect of victory was Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe, who had designed a compressed primary schedule that concentrated contests in Arizona, Missouri and five other states on Feb. 3. McAuliffe’s front-loaded schedule meant that an unexpected loser in Iowa and New Hampshire would have no time to catch his breath and climb back on his feet before having to fight in the Feb. 3 round of contests.

Thanks to McAuliffe and the DNC, time is now working very much in Kerry's favor.