Obama says win in NH could lead to presidency

Posted: Friday, January 04, 2008 12:44 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, Obama

From NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
PORTSMOUTH, NH -- It was a small and packed crowd that greeted the race's new front-runner at an airport hanger in Portsmouth this morning. Obama, fresh off his Iowa win and his voice hoarse and raspy, entered to chants of "We want change! We want change! We want change!"

And he promised to deliver that change, telling the crowd that if they voted for him in the primary just four days from now, he would deliver them the promise of a new government, health care, clean energy, and end the war in Iraq.

"If you stand with me and work like you you've never worked before ... then I'm absolutely sure we will win in New Hampshire and then Nevada and South Carolina and on February 5th, and we will go on to Denver and unify our party and gather Republicans and Independents and create a new working majority and we will win in November," he hoarsely shouted.

Obama's look ahead, not just to the primary next Tuesday but to February 5th and the Democratic convention, simply underscores how much weight his campaign placed on winning the Iowa caucuses.

"Change is coming to New Hampshire in four days time. If you gave me the same chance that Iowa gave me last night, I truly believe I will be the next president of the United States of America," Obama told the crowd.

He also used the tremendous turnout in Iowa last night as evidence that he could deliver on the unity that he had promised. "The pundits are still scratching their heads. They said it couldn't be done. But we won with everybody. We won with Democrats, Republicans, and independents. We won the young vote. We won the old vote. We won the union vote. We won the non union vote. We won man and woman, black and white. We gave thousands who had never participated in politics before a reason to believe."

And though Obama tried to stay above the fray, he did take one swipe at Clinton and her campaign upon immediately taking the stage. "This feels good, just like I imagined it when I talked to my kindergarten teacher," he told the crowd to roars of laughter.

After the rally in Portsmouth, Obama headed to Dover New Hampshire where he stopped at Cafe on the Corner and spent about 40 minutes talking to voters, who clapped as he entered the restaurant.

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Comments

do not think Barack Obama has a reasonable chance of winning the presidency. I still think Clinton or Edwards are more realistic candidates. Obama is not electable. He should wait four yrs.. He would not get my vote.

Eva Heffron (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:23 PM)

As much flack as Iowa took for not being "representative" of the nation, I submit that Iowa's place in the process is exactly where it should be. You want us going first. You've got a state that is made up of folks that are basically middle-of-the-road, fairly well educated, and somewhat deliberative in their selction process (40% hadn't made up their mind 3 days before the last election). There may be a lack of diversity in terms of color, but we are diverse in the arena of ideas, and I beleive that is more important than color. If diversity in race matters most, then we should all celebrate the Bush administration which has been the most diverse in our nation's history. Anyone prepared to do that? With Super Tuesday, we still will probably end up with Hillary and Rudy, but last night we gave some candidates who will provide real change a shot.

- An Iowa Republican

Chad from Iowa (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:30 PM)

So tired of the disingenuine, pandering, self important politicians who dictate what we should think and believe, Obama, like Bobby Kennedy, connects with the better, more compassionate, and more sane sensibilities of everyday people. That's why he won in Iowa, that's why he'll win In NH and that's why my vote for Hillary will now go the Senator from Illinois.

Gary Burnham, Viera, Florida (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:31 PM)

Better check the statistics on people who've won the Iowa Caucus before you make that statement, Mr. Obama.
Only 4 people who won Iowa went on to win a Presidential election in the same year, and 3 out of the 4 were incumbants.
3 out of the last 4 Presidents LOST The Iowa Caucus in the year they were first elected.
and.....The only first timers to win Iowa and the Presidency in the same year were Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush.
It aint over, 'til it's over folks.....and this race is just gettin' started!

HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT 2008!

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:32 PM)

Obama is far more electible than you think and on the world stage, an African American President would do well. We need him. We need him badly. I hope he picks Joe Biden as a running mate. As for Edwards? He represents the rich as does Hilary. Time for a common decent person who will not bring religion into the whitehouse but fair and equal treatment for all of this country's citizens.

Daniel Alpern

Daniel Alpern Seattle Washington (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:34 PM)

John Anderson, Portsmouth, NH (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:40 PM)

The good thing in all this is that obviously the voting public has seen that we need leaders with brains as well as heart. Finally there is an election which represents our diverse population and hopefully this will get more people to take an active part in the process.

Diane Randolph (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 1:40 PM)

Iowans should be congratulated. They voted across party lines, age and ethnic groupings and showed that America can vote without petty prejudices. You are ready to take back the role of "world leadership"
Obama is your best bet to lead the country back to the way America should be. Never mind all the press about silent Chelsea, did anyone see Obama's cute little girls on stage with him?

Harold MacAloney, Nova Scotia, Canada (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:18 PM)

White Democrats in Iowa promote the candidacy of an African-American son of an immigrant, who overcame personal and social adversity to graduate with a law degree from an Ivy League university. In contrast, white Republican "evangelicals" promte the candiacy of a white, Baptist minister who believes the universe was created 6000 years ago. Maybe Edwards does have it right and there are two Americas.

Stephen Hnat, Southfield, Michigan (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:18 PM)

Hows Hillary superior to Obama on experience? Obama has been in an elected office more than Hillary. If shes staking a claim based on her first lady days, she should release her white house records first so that Americans will have an opportunity to judge the contributions she made. If one goes by whats available, she was responsible for healthcare reforms during Clinton I, which continues to be her signature issue even now. She failed to make any difference. She failed miserably. I am not sure what the experience shes claiming.

NC4obama (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:24 PM)

Keep talking, keep voting, keep demanding change, neither religion nor experence is as important as ability to lead. As long as the majority of Americans vote in a way that selects a new leader for us, one without controvercy from the starting block, I believe the world will respect the leader and us again after 8 years of disappointment, corruption, and isolation.

Kelechi Oparaji, Orlando, Florida (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:26 PM)

Obama won't win in New Hampshire. We want to see real experience, not just talk about it. Yes we want change but we want to see it done by someone who has done something in their life. Obama talks a good game but he doesn't have the foundation needed at this point to put anything into action.
John Anderson, Portsmouth, NH
----------------------------------------------

Another talking point that can not win Hillary Clinton a single vote. Sorry, John, Hillary ain't the one to lead us.

I'll stick with Obama all the way; the people of IA has validated my claim.

Bee (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:26 PM)

Wow. A lot of pro-clinton anger on this message board. Give me a break. I don't see how Obama loses in NH. He crushed Hillary among independents in Iowa, and she was materially beat by Edwards among independents as well. Guess who can vote in the NH Dem. Primary? Oh yeah, independents. And as far as throwing up stats about former winners of Iowa, Obama said "if he wins in NH" he will be prez, not just because he won Iowa. So can the stat expert go back and see how many people won both states and lost the nomination? Thanks. Clinton supporters, think about it. If Hillary can only wing among blue, hard-line democrats, how does she win a general election? Especially against someone like McCain who appeals to independents. Independent support = swing states = victory in November. Obama has proven he can deliver and will again next Tuesday. Hillary has proven she does not have broad appeal. It's not over yet for Hillary, but it could be real soon.

Jon , Manchester, NH (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:27 PM)

It's a movement, people. Either you are with it or you will be left behind wishing you had been a part of it. Barack WILL win NH, etc. As for HRC's experience?--she keeps toting 16+ years---but what exactly HAS she done? We need change, hope, and a uniter--Barack is the MAN!

Lee (Republican), Santa Barbara, CA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:28 PM)

When I first started reading this blog a few days ago I was duly impressed with the Clinton organization and how well they clogged the responses with pro Hillary rubbish especially the "experience" line. Exactly what experience are we supposed to revere?
I am a Bill O'Riely right winger from way back but watching Mr. Obama's acceptence speech last night brought tears to my eyes that there is really hope for America. I may not love his policy perspectives but he looks to me to be the kind of statesman that we dearly need in these horribly divided times, whereas Hillary Clinton would be about the worst thing that could happen to America.

Charles Gallagher, New York (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:28 PM)

If you check the history you will find that some of our best Presidents had very little experience when they took office. JFK comes to mind of the top of my head. Secondly, I think the most important attribute a President can have is wisdom. The wisdom to pick great thinkers not just someone that help them get into office but someone that knows the field in which they are appointed. Secondly, the wisdom to select the right direction once given good options to choose from. Obama has such wisdom.

T. Webb, Newport News, VA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:30 PM)

<i>"Obama won't win in New Hampshire. We want to see real experience, not just talk about it. Yes we want change but we want to see it done by someone who has done something in their life. Obama talks a good game but he doesn't have the foundation needed at this point to put anything into action." </i>

Obama has a lot more experience than Hillary and Mark Penn would lead you to believe, my friend. He's the first candidate in a long time that people WANT to vote for, as opposed to the candidate they vote for to prevent another one from winning. THat is a big deal that can't be taken away no matter how much badmouthing Hillary and her surrogates do.

From WaPo:
People who complain that Barack Obama lacks experience must be unaware of his legislative achievements. One reason these accomplishments are unfamiliar is that the media have not devoted enough attention to Obama's bills and the effort required to pass them, ignoring impressive, hard evidence of his character and ability.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/03/AR2008010303303.html

John, Charlottesville, Va (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:31 PM)

To whom it may concern in Iowa: I DO NOT want you going first. Personally, I am tired of my vote counting for less than yours because candidates drop out of the race before my state's primary is conducted, reducing my choices thanks to someone else's early opportunities. (As of right now, Dodd and Biden have already dropped out.)

In today's world of instant access to information, we do not need months of primaries and caucuses to decide who to vote for when our time comes. Most of the candidates have been running for nearly a year. If you do not know who they are, you probably never will. Just conduct all the primaries in a several week span in one month and hold the conventions in the next month.

If the people care enough about a candidate they will learn about him/her, if they do not he never had a chance, anyway. By the way, I know that this idea would never be adopted but that does not change the fact that I have never been allowed the privilege of voting for who I wanted, except as some sort of write-in protest vote, because they had dropped out by the time it was my chance to have my say. It seems undemocratic to have your franchise restricted by others more fortunate.

Michael Zhivago, Lille, France (U.S. Army) (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:31 PM)

Obama is an amazing public speaker, and I think that can be misleading. Just because he can talk doesn't mean he can make balanced political decisions. He can rile up a crowd with calls for change, which everyone wants. But what is he going to do when he wins? Speaches will not get America back on track. He seems to afraid to take a firm stand on any line that may alienate a potential voter. How would he take a firm stand on the world table? I guess we won't know how much bark is bite unless he is actually elected

L B New Haven, CT (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:32 PM)

I find it very funny that the Democrats have any hesitation about Obama -- he is the candidate who draws huge enthusiastic crowds. Enthusiastic people tend to vote!

George, Redmond, wa (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:33 PM)

No more of the status quo same old game in the White House. Time to clean house and unite the people under Obama Ride the Wave across the country. Go all the way, Times they are a changin!!

Ron G Walton, Oregon (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:35 PM)

Hillary is a fraud--the emperess without clothes. What experience does she really have. Her entire "career" has been built on Bill Clinton's coattails. Everyone likes Laura Bush, but should she be elected President because she hung around the White House for 8 years? What has Hillary actually done in Congress in 7 years? She is a ticket to nowhere.

Gordon Alter (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:36 PM)

I often wonder, if race will ultimately be his downfall. People say one thing on how Obama is nice, charming, talks well, and is different, but its always the but which I don't understand. It can't be experience, History shows that experince has nothning to do with being President, ie Abe Lincoln and given peope with experience have screwed things up Bush,and Jimmy Carter. So it must be his color. He has every attribute that any White male has if not better . Top 10 in his class of Harvard. So whats the hang up are we scared to elect a Black person or any person of color...... ????

Christopher Shultz , Lakeland FL (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:39 PM)

Well said Daniel from Seattle.
Obama is VERY electable, especially if he picks a wonderful statesman like JOE BIDEN as his running mate. What a combination!

Obama-Biden '08

bluestateken (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:42 PM)

The race is just started and it's start with a message of hope,unity and change.This is what Obama represents for our middle Class.Hillary comes third in Iowa, ask yourself why?.Believe it or not Obama will do better in New Hampshire.

Rodolph (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:42 PM)

"If diversity in race matters most, then we should all celebrate the Bush administration which has been the most diverse in our nation's history. Anyone prepared to do that? "

I will. Bush was able to reach across racial lines to find lap dogs and criminals of every stripe. The name "Alberto" springs to mind.

Colin Powell was the only "person of color" who wasn't just a black Exxon B of D member, and they threw him under the bus.

Thank you for helping set the record straight.

Lee in CA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:43 PM)

As a Canadian watching what took place last night it gives me hope that the American public my have finally seen the light. Change is needed in the US. It's incredible to see how the Bush administration has torn apart the American country both at home and it's reputation around the world. Why is Obamas experience even a question? Does not the President of the United States surrond himeself with experienced cabinet people who would help him put forth policies that would direct the country. Clinton is the same old same old and as for the Republicans my fear is as it has been over the last 8 years no domestic policy what so ever more US debt no clean air policies and continued waste of American taxpayers dollars on a war in Iraq that a majority of the American public both Republicans, Democrats,and Independents don't want. Obama needs to stand up to these people and make sure that the American public understands that what he brings to the table is not the same old sameold but true change and hope for the future of the United States.

Andrew Hrywnak Toronto,Canada (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:43 PM)

John from NH... as a fellow NHite.. don't confuse recognition with experience. If you took the time to look, you would see what Obama has done with his life, His 'foundation' is intelligence, good judgment, honesty, integrity. He lives, breathes, taught the constitution. Or is your idea of experience the kind that Bush, Cheney, Nixon and many other politicians have brought to the table? The bottom line for me is what kind of character is brought to the table... first and foremost. That is the mark of a good foundation.

pat b Manchester NH (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:46 PM)

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY-- You wrote-- "Only 4 people who won Iowa went on to win a Presidential election in the same year, and 3 out of the 4 were incumbants.
3 out of the last 4 Presidents LOST The Iowa Caucus in the year they were first elected.
and.....The only first timers to win Iowa and the Presidency in the same year were Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush. "....
The above are facts but that does not mean that every Iowa caucus event will follow that trend. The headline is also misleading. Obama did not say if he won NH he will win the Presidency. Obama was merely highlighting the momentun that would result in his victory in NH. There are two arguments to this. Had Obama lost Iowa, there are some people who would have written him off. At that point(to support your argument) Obama would have brushed aside that loss and said an Iowa victory by Hillary Or Edwards does not guarantee the Presidency !!

Dee , Plano , TX (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:48 PM)

Nothing could be more disasterous for the Democratic Party than nominating Obama, still in his senatorial diapers. And the only thing as disasterous for America as electing another evangelical Christian would be electing a completely inexperienced candidate like Obama. He has done nothing in Washington, not even convening the European Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which he chairs. I admire his idealism, but platitudes and talk is not what America needs at home, or abroad. Sadly, the other "top tier" candidates have precious little more experience than Senator Obama. The one candidate left in the Democratic pack, the candidate with a proven record of leadership at home, and on the world stage, Bill Richardson, is being marginalized by the media. Because of this the public is largely ignoring his record and accomplishments, as well as his platform and plans. I pray that the people of the Granite State decide to choose substance and experience over money and image which is all Senators Obama, Clinton, and Edwards have. Governor Richardson has not yet raised as much money as the rest, but he has a clear vision, a viable platform, and the experience as a chief executive and a diplomat to reclaim our economy and jobs from NAFTA, get us out of Iraq, help stabilize the Middle East, and reestablish us as a world partner, not world bully. The Republicans of Iowa have shown the country that they are more interested in substance than money. Clearly the Democrats have not done so. So what's more important folks, money and image or ability and experience? Go to Richardson's website. Read his policy statements. Read about his accomplishments. Don't ignore him New Hampshire. You do so at our peril. We will not take back the White House with Barack Obama. It will not happen, and we will be faced with more of the same from the Republican Party for the another four years. Four more years of domination by evangelical Christians, four more years of control by corporate interests, four more years of environmental destruction, four more years of our men and women dying in Iraq (which you will get with Obama as well). Choose wisely New Hampshire. Don't annoint the incapable front runners. Help elect a President; Governor Bill Richardson.

Shtuey (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:49 PM)

That's my problem with the left, they think anyone who believes in a creator is whack. You attack Huckabee just because he's a minister. I think Huckabee won with Repubs because he's not cut from the current Republican mold. But, because he believe in God and creation, in your eyes he's an idiot and those who voted for him must only care about religion. If you did your homework, you'd realize the Obama didn't win just because of "white" democrats. He won because of independents.

Edwards is right, there are two Americas. There's the America that buys into every feel-good campaign slogan and issue without thinking about the ramification of implementing such a policy (free health care to all, raise taxes, no more carbon pollutants), and there's the America that is analytical and who doesn't buy into the B.S. slogans and tag lines the candidates throw out. Both parties are filled with both kinds of people, but sadly most of America is drifting towards the type that has the attention span of a toddler without his ADD meds and who can analyze an issue past its "feel good" headline.

Chad from Iowa (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:49 PM)

Clinton Supporters,

What experience does Hillary has? Is it taking more money from coporate lobbyist than republicans, is it voting to authorize war in Iraq without reading the national intelligence report, is it voting to give Bush and his NeoCons the power to authorize war in Iran, is it not realizing that elections in Pakistan is parliamentary not Presidental, is it to nominate Bill Clinton to be a Supreme Court Justice. Are you kidding me! Obama/Edwards 08 a winning ticket. Hillary has no chance in a General Election to polarizing. Obama/Edward 08

Hawk west palm beach, Florida (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:49 PM)

Hey,did you hear the one about a lib hack site posing as a news organization asked for comments about a green liberal minority loon and posted 10 comments from lib yahoos but counldn't post the one common sense, straight fact from a real independent?

Dennis Brewer (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:51 PM)

have seen Obama get a free pass through out this process but I looked at Meet the Press on Nov 11, 2007 when Obama was asked this question from Tim.

MR. RUSSERT: You talked about Senator Clinton having records released from the Clinton Library regarding her experience as first lady, and yet when you were asked about, “What about eight years in the state senate of Illinois,” you said, “I don’t know.” Where, where are the—where are your records?

SEN. OBAMA: Tim, we did not keep those records. I...

MR. RUSSERT: Are they gone?

(NOTICE OBAMA WILL NOT TELL US WHERE ARE HIS RECORDS IN HIS NEXT RESPONSE)

SEN. OBAMA: Well, let’s be clear. In the state senate, every single piece of information, every document related to state government was kept by the state of Illinois and has been disclosed and is available and has been gone through with a fine-toothed comb by news outlets in Illinois. The, the stuff that I did not keep has to do with, for example, my schedule. I didn’t have a schedule. I was a state senator. I wasn’t intending to have the Barack Obama State Senate Library. I didn’t have 50 or 500 people to, to help me archive these issues. So...

MR. RUSSERT: But your meetings with lobbyists and so forth, there’s no record of that?

SEN. OBAMA: I did not have a scheduler, but, as I said, every document related to my interactions with government is available right now. And, as I said, news outlets have already looked at them.

MR. RUSSERT: Is your schedule available anywhere? Are—the records exist?

SEN. OBAMA: I—Tim, I kept my own schedule. I didn’t have a scheduler.

MR. RUSSERT: Senator Durbin, your colleague, publishes his schedule each day. Would you do that?

SEN. OBAMA: Well, you know, these days I have a public presidential schedule that I think everybody has access to.

Obama you have said that Hillary has not been truthful, but if you talk about change, let us talk about change. Where IS YOUR PAPER TRAIL OF MEETINGS WITH YOU LOBBY FRIENDS. DID YOU LOSE THEM OF DESTORY THEM?

I AND MANY AMERICANS WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE 1.5 ,MILLION OF THOSE DOLLARS CAME FROM WHILE YOU WHERE A STATE SENATOR. WILL YOU TELL US MAN, NOT THE STATE SENATE DOCUMENTS, LOBBY DOCUMENTS BUDDY.

GAYRON TAYLOR
EUST, FL

Gayron Taylor, Eustis, FL (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:52 PM)

I am so proud of the people of Iowa. This is an historic moment, and I ask the people of New Hampshire to really get to know Senator Obama. Check out his record in Illinois, and you'll see that he is someone who has always fought for people's rights, and to make life just a little better for people. Isn't it about time we said goodbye to the politics of yesterday, and start the next generation of the politics of hope? Please, New Hampshire, we're counting on you to do the right thing.

Eric J. (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:53 PM)

The time is NOW, for better or worse America has awaken. As a people, we want to identify with a leader that is not afraid to shake America up, strong in making decisive descisions, but most importantly put people before corporate America. We need a leader that is not scared to fight for what has made this country great - diversity. A president that believes in inclusion and not exclusion. Where the color of a man's skin is no longer a threat, but merely represents a different point of veiw. Mr. Obama has vision, a plan that includes all americans. PEOPLE THIS IS THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE NATION, Mr. Obama can bring us together to rekindle the spirit this country has loss. Don't be afraid of what you see instead focus what he is saying - change, change, and more change. In other words as John Edwarsd put it, no more business as usual. Obama president in 2008

Anthony Harris WR GA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:54 PM)

Obama is not electable, Eva? You have it backwards. Hillary Clinnton is despised, and we owe him a huge, collective thank you for bringingi down the most evil public figure in American history.

Larry Grard, Winslow, Me. (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:55 PM)

Also, I get tired of dems and the media who try to paint Repubs as all white and racist when a black democrat doesn't get elected. Take Harold Ford, Jr. for example. He doesn't win Tennessee and some in the media said, "Well I guess Tennessee is just not ready to elect a black man afterall." That is B.S. How come when it's a black candidate who is a democrat that loses, the voters must have been racist, but when it's a black Republican who loses--like Michael Steele--there isn't one mention that the people of Maryland aren't ready for a black senator. It becomes, "well the people just didn't like his positions." It's a double standard and I get tired of it. If J.C Watts were running right now, I think he would do quite well in this field of Repubs. I hope he does run someday. I like the guy and I would relish in the chance to throw the same mud back at the dems and label them racist for not voting for him.

Alex, Chicago Illinois (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:56 PM)

pat b Manchester NH (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:57 PM)

oh thank god Eva Heffron weighed in on this issue, her opinions on whether Obama is a viable candidate where so enlightening. I forgot that she has so much political experience and can also see into the future.

Sean Fox, St. Louis Missouri (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:57 PM)

While it is definitely useful to be comparing this election cycle to those of the past in seeing how useful an Iowa win is for a presidential candidate, I don't think you can accurately make the same comparison to this year's. Regardless of how many former candidates lost Iowa and went on to clench the nomination and/or president, no candidate in history had the kind of name recognition or solid leads that Hillary Clinton had going into this. Whether it was her own campaign or the media that put so much pressure on her to win and win big doesn't matter - her loss last night can't be explained away by "that quirky Iowa process" or her campaign's "inexperience on the Iowa field."

I think it represents a very important shift in what the Democratic electorate is looking for. Keep in mind we (Democrats) have been watching and listening for quite some time, and last night in Iowa was our first opportunity to speak our minds - and look at the result. I'm a Clinton supporter but dont think that I haven't thought twice about what my peers might be thinking.

Change is imminent and you can bet your bottom dollar that momentum will flow into New Hampshire. If Obama wins NH and it's convincing, no amount of money or network will change Democrats' minds at that point.

Alan, DC (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:59 PM)

Chad from Iowa,
Intelligent post Thank you!

A Texan Independent

GAB, Austin, TX (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:59 PM)

Most Americans have felt the pain of Republican government for the past 8 years. Loss of jobs, raising gas prices, home foreclosure, loss of pride and self worth. The rich gets richer, no more middle class and ost of America doesn't believe a change is needed. Well I like most are not part of the 1 or 5% of America's worth and I'm ready for a change. Obama all the way!!!!

IL4obama (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 2:59 PM)

Obama is a viable candidate and will get my vote. To steal a phrase he is very "electable".

Sean Fox, St. Louis Missouri (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:01 PM)

I lean toward the conservative side of things and am inclined to vote Republican. I am, however, impressed by Obama. Although I don't think he has enough experience, we currently have a president who lacked both smarts AND experience when he took office. And, to suggest that he has more experience than the conniving, power-obsessed Hillary Clinton (whose experience consists of a few years in the Senate, sitting in meetings with her corrupt husband and his cronies, and concocting failed socialized healthcare plans) is ridiculous. If Obama does nothing more than knock the Clintons into oblivion, he's my candidate.

The best choice for America, however, is John McCain, who has the experience and is an American hero.

Mike From Massachusetts, Westborough, MA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:03 PM)

Thanks for the stats J. Merle, I thought that was the case but could not find it yet. Stephen of Southfield your view is silly. Someone out there is saying that white democrats (I guess you think there are no people of color in Iowa)still are not ready to back a woman who overcame personal adversity to graduate with a law degree from an Ivy league university. And republicans vote for good wholesome values in politics. I am joking about the last part, Huck has no integrity. But lets be real. Every one has adversity to claim and everyone interprets primary outcomes their own way. Obama did not overcome anything to go Ivy league, he just had rich relatives. And affirmative action quotas are not social adversity unless you are white. Harold America never stopped being a world leader. It led when the world wanted to continue doing nothing, and the world did not like being left behind. When has the UN done anything but give lofty speeches while people die by tens of thousands. They are doing such a great job in Darfur. Some people wring their hands and say somebody should do something while others take action. To bad the hand wringers are always standing by to say I would have done it differently.

Sane in UT (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:05 PM)

"Yes we want change but we want to see it done by someone who has done something in their life. "

Ha - oh, I think he's done plenty, John. And he's not done yet!

J. Merle - ever consider that the stats might be changing this go-round? Iowa has never elected an African American to ANYTHING, that didn't seem to hold up this time...

God Bless America! God Bless Iowa! Make us proud, New Hampshire!

squintz, philly, pa (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:05 PM)

Iowans have clearly sent a very very strong message to the rest of the country. Change in the right direction is what the USA needs not baked politics of Hilary Clinton. If Obama wins New Hampshire, Nevada and North Carolina then Hilary's Party is over because it will be extremely hard for her to bounce back.

Jacob Stein,madison,wisconsin (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:11 PM)

Hillary will win NH if the independant minded Republicans are kept away from voting as democrats. They vote democrat but nationally they are different from real Republicans in south and midwest.

The point is how much McCain is a factor in NH. He will determine if Hillary wins or Obama wins.

Simon, IA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:12 PM)

Daniel Alpern

THAT SOUNDS GREAT! OBAMA/BIDEN
I have been saddened that Biden dropped out of the race, and I believe Obama is wise enough to choose an excellent cabinet. WOW! Choosing Biden as running mate would seal the deal!

Just keep praying protection around Obama (if ya's do such a thing) that some nut doesn't take him out.

Stephen Hnat--
sorry to inform you, but "Christians" voted for Obama, also. NOT ONLY THAT, but Obama claims his is "Christian." sorry to bust your bubble.
"Christians" are NOT stupid. "Kill the Christians" ended a lonnng time ago. "Christians" are not bad people, no more than any other group. WHY single out "Christians" ??? It wasn't "Christians" alone who voted for Huckabee. So, since some "Christians" voted Obama, and some "Christians" Didn't vote for Huckabee, where is the reasoning to single out "Christians." Even Mr Edwards is a "Christian."

WHY single out "Christians?" (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:12 PM)

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