Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Barack
I must say I was rather surprised that Obama got the thumbs up from Iowans last night. Not exactly flabbergasted, mind you, but I really didn’t expect to see him emerge as the Democratic victor in doubtless one of the whitest amongst white states. Maybe a racially prejudiced presumption on my part, I admit. My apologies to all pallid Hawkeye lefties. Sorry.
It wasn’t even close. The guy kind of kicked ass with nearly 38% of the votes.
Albeit with trifling party representation, Obama has for the time being secured the top spot on the Democratic leaderboard after the first round of competition.
Iowa is only the first of many tough rows to hoe, though, and despite the hype and opening ceremony ballyhoo (not to mention the inordinate millions spent on candidatial entrance fees), the Cornfield Follies really matter little when all is said and done.
Consider that Bill Clinton got only 3% of Dem votes for nominee in the 1992 caucus, and it becomes pretty clear that Iowans are not necessarily midwestern Nostradamuses.
I’m happy, though, with Obama’s first-earned bragging rights from last night’s win, whether or not he ultimately prevails. I like him, and since my guy D.K. has all but thrown in the towel, at this point I tend to think that perhaps B.O. is the way to go.
If nothing else, the results in Iowa revealed at least a soupçon of interest in effecting a much-needed course change, from the path that this country has been led down for the past seven years. Bush has certainly proven his lack of directional sense.
Expect some competitive script-tweaking from Hillary and John as the race continues.
Oh yeah, the Republican swarm bestowed upon holier-than-thou Huckster top honor for their team last night, too. Whatever.
barack obama, iowa caucus, hillary clinton, john edwards, mike huckabee, presidential election
January 5th, 2008 at 4:38 am
The media mentions that Huck and Barak won because this country is ready for change. Huck represents change? I don’t get it.
January 5th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Could it be more clear that people are hankering for real change? I had to laugh at Mitt Romney’s idiotic pontification yesterday that he thinks “the race in Iowa was really a very clear call that people want change in Washington, not in the White House, in Washington.” What planet is he from?
Of course I don’t count out Clinton yet. I just never could get enthused about her. Personally, I’m tired of the Bush and Clinton dynasties. I have been pretty much an Edwards fan from the start. In fact, I thought he would have made a better and more electable candidate than Kerry last time. But looking at it strictly from the aspect of wanting change, I’m thinking Obama’s experience “problem” may turn out to be a real plus.
And lastly, isn’t it interesting how the corporate media are trying so hard to re-inflate the McCain candidacy? Since when is finishing fourth a victory? Guess they are from the same planet that Romney and the Repubs are from. I can’t help suspecting that pesky ol’ military-industrial complex is back of a lot of this. Ah, Big Business, the savior of mankind!
January 5th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Although I wanted Edwards to win , I can live with an Obama win. I’m just not a fan of Hilliary’s. If Obama wins the nomination, I hope he picks his VP wisely. Biden or Edwards would be a good choice IMO. I listen to progressive radio and many of the callers weren’t Hilliary supporters. So I’m really not surprised she didn’t win. The media has made her the front runner, not the people.
January 5th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
New Linda - You know, I’ve been perplexed by that Huckabee “change” spin, too! I don’t get that one at all!
Doug - Romney always amuses. Sounds like the Grecian Formula might be leaching into his brain. I so so so want to like Hillary. I think it’s the Clinton thing, but like you said, I find it hard to get enthused about her for some reason. I do think Barack’s “inexperience” has been more appealing a sell for change than a disadvantage, to be sure.
rainlillie - I do like Edwards, too. If (still a big “if”) Obama takes it in the end (yikes!), I do think that Edwards would be a most excellent running mate. Biden, I like. I doubt if he would be as strong for the campaign as the Edwards name, though.
January 6th, 2008 at 5:42 am
[...] urbane Mr. Obama offers a stark contrast to the current White House occupant. Obama is sophisticated, eloquent and not from a political family. The country needs a new direction and [...]
January 6th, 2008 at 6:25 am
I read that DK is planning to sue ABC for not allowing him to participate in the debate. I sure hope he follows through.
January 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I read that, too. The little guy just keeps trying, and I respect him for that, rather than completely giving up. As an aside, despite being totally sick of the same same in the endless debates so far, I actually did enjoy the ABC debates last night. I liked the format where they were given time to just chat amongst themselves, it made it more interesting.
January 6th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
I hated the way BO and JE interacted. There was something snarky about their behavior towards Hillary.
Though I do agree that I liked the format. It was more relaxed.
January 11th, 2008 at 1:31 am
[...] I didn’t think Obama was going to fetch Iowa, nor Hillary New Hampshire. Admittedly, my soothsaying skills may also appear to be less than impressive. I’ve learned my lesson, though. This time around I’m paying no attention to punditry nor polling; I’m going against the grain and relying on my gut, predicting John on top, Hillary in the middle, and Barack on bottom. (That prompts some rather disturbing mental imagery!) [...]
January 30th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
[...] have been supporting Obama for some time, but have often said that I would probably have taken the Edwards route if I thought [...]