The following is a rush transcript from an interview with our Senior Political correspondent, Bryce Macombe.

Walter Jefferies (HHWT News): And now let's check in with our Senior Political correspondent Bryce Macombe, who's in Des Moines, IA outside a Democratic caucus venue. Bryce, what's the feeling there tonight in Iowa?

[live video image – Bryce Macombe shivering in T-shirt on snowy, downtown street.]

Bryce Macombe (Des Moines, IA): It's electric here tonight Walter. I could feel it in the air the moment I stepped out onto the street fourteen hours ago. A chill of earnest anticipation went through my entire body. At first my extremities tingled with the vicarious energy of these Iowa caucus goers but now, like everyone else I imagine, I'm just anxiously numb waiting for the results.

WJ: Bryce, for heavens sake, your not wearing a coat! What's the matter with you?

BM: Hey I haven't seen Chris Matthews in a coat the entire week. Wolf Blitzer was reporting in shorts this morning, for chrissake! I'm no pussy, Walt!

WJ: But isn't the temperature only about 10 above zero?

BM: [hesitatingly] Nnnnno. With the windchill it's more like 5 below. [more confidently] You're probably thinking of the expected voter turnout percentage.

WJ: [confused surprise] Ten percent turnout?

BM: That's right, Walt. Iowans take their first-place position in the presidential campaign very seriously. The candidates have virtually camped out here for the past year and spent tens of millions trying to connect with, and tailoring their platforms to, the people of this sparsely populated heartland state while virtually ignoring the rest of the country. And finally tonight the proud people of Iowa get a chance to express their thoughtful dedication and commitment to this responsibility by winnowing the field of contenders down to just a few before the rest of the country has any say whatsoever.

WJ: [indignantly] But Bryce, that's just... What? A couple hundred thousand voters? That's less than one tenth of one percent of the country's population largely deciding who should be the major party nominees. That seems more than a little...

BM: [interrupting] I know, I know. Their patriotism moves me too, Walt. In fact I would be glassy eyed right now... if my tear ducts hadn't frozen shut after that last two hour Obama rally outside the state capital. I'm sorry, but he's just soooo full of hope! I mean Hillary's got brains and Bill, but Obama's just dreamy...

WJ: Alright Bryce. As far as tonight's concerned, do you think that message of hope will win out over Hillary's claim on experience?

BM: It all comes down to one thing, Walt: numbers. Which ever candidate gets the most supporters to the caucus sites carries the day. And in this weather, that's a considerable challenge. Which is why the campaigns are bending over backwards to help voters out. Free taxi services, babysitters, text message reminders. I even hear the Clinton camp is digging heated, underground tunnels from voter's homes to caucus venues. A bit costly maybe but worth it if she can take the momentum of a strong finish here into New Hampshire next week.

WJ: [with disbelief] Oh come now, Bryce. That's absurd. Underground tunnels? They can't possibly afford something as ludicrous as...

BM: [interrupting, chastising] Ah-ah-ah, Walt. This is the Clinton political machine we're talking about. Hillary's just brought out a new fund raising tool: Political TV spots so long they have their own commercials. She's got a fresh, several minute ad about foreign policy experience or whatever broken up with a 15 second spot for the Burlington Coat Factory.

WJ: I can't imagine that would generate any substantial campaign revenue.

BM: They sell more than just coats, Walt.

WJ: Well anyway. Moving on. Tell us about the caucus procedure, Bryce. We've heard the rules are somewhat arcane. Could you describe it a little bit?

BM: Oh I don't know if I'd say they're arcane. That's seems a bit of an exaggeration.

WJ: Well anyway. What's involved in the process?

BM: I haven't really been able to pin that down. It's tough finding someone who can actually explain how it works. It seems only to be completely understood by a few select people. But I've heard it's basically like a game of Red Rover, Red Rover.

WJ: [confused] You mean the children's game with people racing towards two lines of other people holding hands?

BM: Right. But don't confuse it with Steal the Bacon. That's what I did at first.

WJ: [more confused] Steal the Bacon?

BM: Yeah. That's how they elect the state senate here. [now shaking from cold]

WJ: Okay then. Thanks Bryce. We'll let you go get yourself inside and warmed up now.

BM: No way, Walt! I just saw Tim Russert standing in a snowbank barefoot. I can take it.

WJ: Oh this is just childish.

BM: Hey I wonder whose universal health care plan is most appropriate for multi-digit frostbite amputees? [yelling beyond camera] Can we get some literature on that please?!

WJ: Bryce Macombe in Des Moines. Thanks Bryce!