When Campaign Buses Collide

ABC News’ Christine Byun, Raelyn Johnson and Sunlen Miller Report:

Iowa — carved into 99 counties spread over 55,869 square miles of land — yet still too small for the ’08 contenders whose campaign buses have begun to frequently run into each other while canvassing across the state.

Such was the case a few weeks ago when Sen. Obama and Sen. Edwards were both in Clear Lake, Iowa. At the start of the day, Obama’s bus passed Edwards’ bus parked at the Best Western Hotel. Obama strategist David Axelrod told traveling reporters, "I think ours was headed north and his was headed south."

Today John Edwards and Fred Thompson found themselves in close quarters as their buses met up with each other en route to campaign events in Washington, Iowa.

Edwards held an event at the local library. Across town Thompson opened his town hall saying, "I understand John Edwards is at the library -– hope he learns something." The audience clapped and cheered. "I like our bus better," Thompson added.

Regarding all the trash talking on the buses, the Edwards campaign said, "We’re more focused about they very real acceleration in support from Iowa Caucus goers – not our mode of transportation."

Apparently, they think reporters who write stories about buses are breathing in too many fumes.