The latest Strategic Vision Poll gives us the first look at the Iowa primary race after formal announcements and swings through the state by both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. After dropping in early February polls, John Edwards has swung back into the lead by six points. This movement is especially significant given the heavy Obama/Clinton media coverage.

The same poll shows overwhelming opposition to the Iraq War among potential Democratic caucus voters. Clearly, Edwards’ tough opposition to the war and his “Two America’s” approach to poverty are helping him hang tough despite the Clinton and Obama blitz. Clearly, the battle for the Democratic nomination is still a three person race.

Though we’re still 11 months away, the message of this poll is clear: Don’t underestimate John Edwards. Also, we should look out for Iowa polls over the next several weeks as the Big Three duke it out for Tom Vilsack’s supporters.

Meanwhile, it’s important to note that the nasty dustup between the Clinton and Obama camps this week does not bode well for either campaign. Remember that in 2004, Dick Gephardt and Howard Dean were frontrunners in Iowa until they went after each other tooth and nail. The voters, tired of the cut-throat campaigning, placed Kerry and Edwards at the top of the ballot.

If the 2008 Democratic presidential caucus were held today between, Joe Biden, Wesley Clark, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, John Kerry, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, and Tom Vilsack, for whom would you vote? (Democrats Only; Names Rotated)

John Edwards: 24%
Hillary Clinton: 18%
Barack Obama: 18%
Tom Vilsack: 14%
Joe Biden: 5%
Bill Richardson: 3%
Wesley Clark: 2%
Chris Dodd: 1%
Dennis Kucinich: 1%
Undecided: 14%

Get the full poll results, including data on the Republican race, at the Strategic Vision Poll site.