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DES MOINES -- On a cold Sunday afternoon, more than 300 people packed a downtown performance space here to see yet another Democratic presidential contender. The crowd didn't come to hear Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or John Edwards; instead, they offered a raucous standing ovation as New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson entered the room. "I am honored to be in this huge crowd," he said. "Thank you for giving up your Sunday. It is Sunday, right?"

There may be a simple explanation for Richardson's big crowd: Actor and fake president Martin Sheen was expected to serve as host, though what he called a "severe, contagious" cold left him unable to fly to Iowa. Instead, and perhaps better for the candidate, he was introduced by supporter Nancy Sebring, superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools. Then again, perhaps word of Richardson's legendary charisma, so lacking in most debates this year, has gotten around.

Alternately winning big applause and big laugh lines, Richardson's wide-ranging speech encompassed everything from education to the Constitution and the war in Iraq; he has called for perhaps the fastest withdrawal of American troops of any candidate, which he says differentiates him from the rest of the Democratic field. "They're all terrific, they're all great. They'd all make great vice presidents," he jokes.

Richardson told the crowd his campaign would surprise in Iowa, and that more than 18,000 caucus-goers had pledged to attend their caucuses on his behalf. While many voters will sign multiple pledge cards, the number of potential supporters remains impressive, and gives the campaign's 1250 precinct captains something to work with. "We need you to shock the world," Richardson said.

"Today, it begins. This effort, that is so American democracy," Richardson told the crowd, "where you go and try to get a certain percentage to survive." The governor stands at just 6.2% in the latest RCP Iowa Average, though he peaks at 12% in the latest Mason-Dixon survey for MSNBC and McClatchy. If the big crowd on a frigid weekend afternoon -- when most rational people are snuggly watching football games -- is any indication, RichMentum may be the next buzz word of the 2008 campaign.