Obama says win in NH could lead to presidency

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

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

Mr.Obama will be a great president. And some of us will caucus on February 5th for the first time. Our Domestic affairs and International affairs will be served well by Barack Obama.

JC, Boulder, CO (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:14 PM)

I really would like to see Barack Hussein Obama recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Only then will I believe that he is telling the truth. I could hardly vote for someone who takes the oath of office on some book other than the Bible. This country was founded on "one nation under God".

Jean Mantz, Pewaukee, WI (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:16 PM)

I sincerely hope that NH voters, like IA voters, will recognize the difference between experience and ability. Any of the current candidates can probably manage the presidency better that Bush, but only one of them is truly gifted. I think it should be evident, so far, to anyone paying attention, that Obama is transcending barriers right and left. Sex, race, age, political affiliation, none of it seems to intimidate him. No matter if he were 10 years younger or 10 years older, circumstances have brought him to this moment in time and we are ready for someone to move us. Come on NH. Let's see what he can really do.

High on Change (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:20 PM)

I am sorry to hear that "experience" is such an important factor in some people's decision-making process. Our current President has a very prestigious resume and lots of "experience", but the vast majority of the American people now feel that he is a terrible leader. I think caution is advisable when considering a potential leader's "experience" as it is not necissarily a predictor for extraordinary leadership ability. I, for one, favor a candidate that does not have "experience" selling out to the highest bidder. This, above all, seems to be the nature of Hillary's "experience."

Shafto, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:21 PM)

Wow, politics sure are exciting.

Carlos, Lenexa, KS (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:21 PM)

Change is all you will have left of your paychecks if any of the 3 Democrats win the WH. All the social spending they have in mind will leave you needing all those new services that they are putting together. Your paycheck, no matter how much you make will be taxed to near nothing.

Take your life in your hands and belive in yourself not some pandering politician. Its your life, find your own health care, get educated and get a better job and invest in your own retirement so there is something there.

If you are a baby and need a sitter than go cry to a politician and say what are you going to do for me? That is exactly where they wqant you, dependent on government.

Hillary will not die yet as the villian is not killed till the end of the movie, but she is glad to be out of the cornfields, she always hated that environment. She is not the Senator from Arkansas for nothing.

Alan in Phoenix (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:22 PM)

Way to go Obama! I am convinced -- I want change. Once a Hillary supporter now I'm 100% for Obama! I am convinced. America needs change. Did it occur to anyone that if we voted for Clinton -- that the White house would have been controlled by 2 families for over 20 years? That is not change!

TexanforObama, Frisco, TX (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:23 PM)

Congratulations to the 17-30 year olds out there that played a part in making this happen. As your movement picks up steam, keep this in mind about the boomers: Some are proud to see you lead, some still need convincing that you're ready, and with some you may just need to pry the leadership from their "cold dead hands," so to speak. But not to worry. They may not yet have all the hope boiled out of them. You're hitched to a star. Now reach out and bring somebody along.

thewolf1 (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:29 PM)

I'm tired of people saying Obama is not electable (1st poster). The caucus attendance was at an all time high, and Obama brought in Independants and Republicans to vote for him. In a state that is 96% white (according to MSNBC) that has voted for Obama, how can you argue that he is unelectable? If he wins NH, it will be extremely tough for Hillary to stage a comeback.

Steve, NH (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:31 PM)

For party's sake I wish Obama doesn't get nomination. Since Jimmy Carter, none of Iowa Dems winner won white house. The only time Dems won is 1992 when everyone skipped Iowa.

Ana (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:34 PM)

I really don't feel that becoming president can come with any certain criteria I think what is needed is someone who can relate to the common man and not just say what is needed but can come up with the solution to the problem. Obama is doing this he has talked about many solutions with advisors and has come up with realistic goals he can reach. He was against the war in 2002 it doesnt take a rocket scientist to see what Bush was up to. Just Look at our country its going backwards and I really dont think that we can do any worse than Bush who was put in office twice something is wrong here. Change is needed.Go Obama. Go.

arealperson, anywhere, USA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:39 PM)

In the past the Iowa primary may not have been indicative of the Presidential Election. This primary may not as well, but Iowa has made a statement. The statement is, Iowa is ready for a change! In that statement, Iowa is indicative of the whole country. Ready for a change, not more of the same!

MFisher, Charlotte, NC (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:41 PM)

Obama talks change, but hasn't spelled out specifically how he is going to bring about that change, so why should I take a leap of faith and believe him?

Hillary has the strength and experience that this country desperately needs, not some pie-in-the-sky dreams of grandeur.

Tareli, Fuquay Varina NC (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:45 PM)

As a person who appreciates good writing I am impressed with the correspondence of Aswini Anburajan.
There is a first-person intimacy and steady momentum to her writing which endows her reports with immediacy and clarity.
She has the gift of saying a great deal in a small space.

Don't stop.

Mark Thieme (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:49 PM)

Go! Obama! All the way to the 'White House'! If people don't vote for Obama, it will be the 'same old,
same old'. This 66yr old woman wants CHANGE, not experience. Look what experience has brought us.

Truckee,Ca (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:50 PM)

This man, Obama represents a "movement" of change. Every 40 years, we need a leader to provide us with a New way of doing things. In the 40's it was Roosevelt, in the 60's John Kennedy. Iowan's have clearly seen this in Obama!

carolyn williams, burlington, KS (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:53 PM)

@Stephen Hnat, Southfield, Michigan

Very well put. By far the best quote.

GS - California (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:54 PM)

Daniel Alpern: in espanol, esso! esso!

That is it precisely!

Thank you.

Mark Thieme (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:55 PM)

I believe that Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States. Thank goodness for a candidate who appears to support the average American working class citizen and who refuses to be bought out by corporate America. These are the special interest groups whose only concern is to continue to monopolize the administration in Washington much in the same way they have controlled the Bush White House for the past 8 years! May God bless Barack Obama as he attempts to lead this nation into a new direction! I believe that Barack Obama is the candidate who is the most capable of uniting our nation so that Americans can once again enjoy looking to the future with a special confidence. I believe that with Barack Obama as our president, we as a nation will once again be able to exercise faith in our government, believing that our leaders will finally represent all of the people and not just the special interest of the few wealthiest in our land. With President Obama in the White house, I can’t help but believe that every US citizen will once again be able to look to the future with a hope and confidence that tomorrow will be a better day!

Norm Reynolds, Elkview, WV (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:56 PM)

Anyone else get chills up their neck when Obama delivered his victory speech last night? I am a white male doing fairly well, so I don't typically fit the "change" persona but Obama has really turned my head. I could see myself having a conversation with a guy like that and thats what America needs now. WOW! I'm on the bandwagon!

Bruce Myers, Hanover PA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:57 PM)

It amazes me how people are talking about Obama's lack of experience and during the past seven years the Bush administration has single handed torn this country apart. America voted for George W. Bush twice and we've all felt the consequences of an "experienced" president. I'm ready for change and I think Obama is the best chance this country has at turning its fortune around and becoming admired again in the world's eye. OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT '08!

Bernard, Miami, FL (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:58 PM)

If Mrs. Hillary Clinton talks bout 35 years of making changes, she's in BIG trouble because that would be a dismal record of having changed anything..
Where was she when 9/11 happened? Why did she vote to start the war in Iraq? She talks about being ready from day 1. But what if that's her perception and not the peoples? She talks about being able to defuse the Republican attack machinery-sure she would be great at that!! But who cares to have another arrogant "know it all-done it all", cynical, "politics as usual",person as President? Another dynasty-Democrat, but part of the potical machinery?? I have no doubt in Hillary Clinton's intellectual ability-what she lacks is creativity and humility and courage to think and act differently.

Saras, Brownsville, TX (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:00 PM)

What sets Barak Hussain Obama apart is is self awareness. His middle made, the one that generated so mush controversy typifies his self awareness.

While many jews and muslims have run away from names that identify themselves as such Obama has not. He never used his nickname "Barry", but is comfortable with who and what he is. He never ran away from his blackness either, like many black men and women who try to enter mainstream society by rejecting their black heritage Obama did not. he is very honestly a mixed race christian with a white mother from kansas and an african father from kenya with a paternal muslim grandfather. It accepts these facts as ones that make him a richer person. He does not use any of these facts as excuses as to why he loses are reason for why he wins.

He is authentic and real. In the end this is what is missing most from politics. The fact that we think we are voting for one thing and get something completely different.

We vote for a uniter and get a divider

We vote for a person who understands our pain, and then gives pain to his wife, a intern and the nation with his behavior

We vote for change and get the same old washington insider

We now have some who is genuine, someone who has never ran away from who he is, or pretended to be something different. He will not bake cookies at the dem convention, just to get people to like him.

He won't court the youth vote, because not having it was his downfall in iowa. He courts it because he wants them part of the democratic process.

His authenticity is what allows him to combine black america and white america red america and blue america, the north and the south into one america - healed and repaired. One that does not run away from its history, but one that is richer for it.

nadeem, Canada (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:01 PM)

As a African American senior citizen who lived through the turbulent 60's. Who grew up during the civil rights era. I am profoundly proud of my birthplace Iowa. I moved from Des Moines in the 60's to go to college in California and now I live in Denver. I truly hope that when Obama comes to Denver for the convention he is the nomiee and is victorious.
It gives me chills to think of it. This would be truly a paridime shift in american politics.
I do have one worry that is the threat of assaination I have seen to many promising leaders gunned down. Please please keep this young man safe. I want them to put as many seceret service agents as possible around him.
Mr. Obama has given me the hope that America is ready for him to become the new Commander in Chief not because he is an African American but because he is the best that this great nation has nurtured.

John [JT] Peterson, Denver, Colorado (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:04 PM)

There's no question that Obama is the best candidate; but Hillary is the best president.

Obama is the most inspiring candidate on either side of the divide. He marvelously articulates the greatest goals for America. But it isn't enough to articulate great goals; you must also have a plan for realizing them. This is where Obama falls short.

Clinton is not a great candidate. She doesn't inspire. You don't want to take her home with you. She is all business. But she will make a great president.

Electing a president should not be a personality contest. It should be about the best person for the job.

Mike Frazier (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:10 PM)

Eva Heffron, Great, I think you should not vote for this Senator. You are the non-beliver in the possibility of a United States of America. Your still hung up on a divided Amererica. What color are you?
BLUE OR RED?

Sharon, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:12 PM)

Obama is a fresh choice for change. He has more political experience than Hillary who hadn't even been a NY resident prior to running for the Senate there. More than that, Obama exudes so much hope and excitement for what America could be; Clinton just seems angry and determined to win this thing because it's her right.

Enough with political families. It's time for something new.

I really hope Obama makes it to the general election.

Philip, Denver, CO (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:13 PM)

I agree with some of the previous writers’ comment about ability vs. experience. I feel that if we are looking for true leadership, there is no better indicator than one ability to galvanize and bring together as diverse a group of voters, as have Obama. I truly feel that is the kind of leadership necessary to move America back to their rightful place in the world.

KL, Newark, DE (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:15 PM)

Be aware that the large latino populace will not be
enthralled with a black president. Also,both Hillary
and Obama are both minorities and may have a difficult time becoming the first to become a minority president.

J.Y (Seattle, Wa.) (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:17 PM)

Chad from Iowa, Republican, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I trust we can take it from here. No, please keep your head up young person, Hilary and Mr. 911 will not take this primary. America, yes you do represent America. You are correct, it is not the color of a person that shapes their ideas, it is their life experiences. When I learned that Iowan's are educated, sincere, and very practical thinkers, I said great, they are like me, but just don't look like me. Thanks

Sharon, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:21 PM)

Sharon, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

Cheney and Rumsfeld had years of 'experience', going has far back as the 1970's, but that didn't translate into wise foreign policy decisions. Obama has lived and traveled outside of America and has an extensive ivy league education. Complacency doesn't beget progress, new perspectives do.

Leigh H. Canada (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

Leigh H. Canada (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:24 PM)

I am a single-mom, 37, white with a middle-class income. I struggle to make ends meet on a monthly basis and have put my children's health care, safety and well-being ahead of my own. I have followed politics my entire life and have become so disillusioned with the current administration as well as government as a whole. I count myself lucky to have been allowed to participate in history as it was made last night here in Iowa. Iowa doesn't have to be a "pulse of the nation".....but Iowa can stand tall and proud knowing that we made a monumental shout-out for change in our country....for my children and for all of yours. Obama's time has come and I'm ready to stand up for a new beginning!

Janelle, Cedar Rapids, IA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:31 PM)

Bruce Myers -- Anyone else get chills up their neck when Obama delivered his victory speech last night?

I did. But I have the flu.

MP Pauls, Arizona (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:39 PM)

We Democrats have three great choices---Obama, Hillary and Edwards. How fortunate we are!!!!! Just get a Democrat in the White House!!!!

Mary Lou Rynkiewicz (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:43 PM)

Good for you Janelle! Lots of us will be standing right there with you!

Lesley, Baltimore, MD (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:44 PM)

Can Hillary Clinton tell us why would most people who vote in the democratic primaries who happen to be against the Iraq war and against starting another war soon, most likely against Iran, would not vote for someone other than her, Knowing full well that she is for keeping the Iraq war going (despite her carefully chosen words to the contrary) and practically authorizing George W. Bush to start another war with Iran (Since she voted for the bill declaring the Iranian revolutionary guard a terrorist organization, since we're at war with the terrorists?

Ned Nissar, N. Royalton, OH. (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:47 PM)

Its still the economy stupid. Do any of you people ever read the business section. Put in Obama or Huckabee and I hope you enjoy your recession or depression? Four years of Obama and you will be begging for a Clinton. Remember, its still the economy STUPID ! Oh yes, you can fool some of the people some of the time and the American public all the time. Obama is the best thing ever to happen to the Republicans. He makes Karl Rove and yes, the Republican Oprah proud. Pity, all the Clintons ever did was give you a great economy, jobs and oh yes, that house they just foreclosed on you. Good Luck America, you are so going to need it.

Susan, California (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:51 PM)

There are a few inheirant problems with Clinton's claim to change. She voted for the war in Iraq and a good part of the experience she is claiming includes her role as first lady to Bill as governor and as president. Beacuse of these things she will always be linked to the politics of the past. And every time Bill campaigns for her she reminds voters that he will be back in the White House and she reminds voters of the divisions that existed while he was in office.

Lana, Honolulu, HI (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 4:56 PM)

"I really would like to see Barack Hussein Obama recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Only then will I believe that he is telling the truth. I could hardly vote for someone who takes the oath of office on some book other than the Bible. This country was founded on "one nation under God".
Jean Mantz, Pewaukee, WI"

Seriously, learn to start thinking for yourself instead of believing everything in your email inbox. Barack Obama is not a muslim! He did not swear on the Qur'an! That was Keith Ellison. And anyways, do you not believe in the constitution? Last time I checked, we all have the right to choose our beleiefs. Or, are those rights only applied to Christians? Amazing! And I bet you consider yourself a true American.

Lana, Honolulu, HI (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 5:05 PM)

if obama wins the presidency. America will become weak! Is that what you want for America?

John Fonzworth (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 6:43 PM)

Obama got a good chance and he will do what he promises, not like others whom we have seen there acts before and there real claims.
If US is really a country of democracy he will be the one to enter the white house.

Shadi, ME, Asia. (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:09 AM)

WHY DOSE EVERY TIME A PERSON OF COLOR TRY TO DO SOMETHING, EVERYONE ACTS AS IF ITS A WAR OF BLACK VS WHITE,THE MAN WOULD A GREAT LEADER, WE NEED A CHANGE AND OUT SIDE OF AMERICA,MOST DON'T AND WANT DEAL WITH A WOMAN, LOOK WHO JUST DIED, THEY DIDN'T WANT A WOMAN YOU WATCH THE NEWS ,THESE WOMEN SIT IN THE WHITE HOUSE AND DO NOTHING NOW THEY WANT TO TRY WHAT?

Memphis (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 10:50 AM)

Go Obama, go, go ...

Modoo (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 1:22 PM)

lol obama american people are so stupid, go for any hype. we are talking about the head of the free world. obama is washington just as all the others, whats he going to change? Nothing, the man hasnt been specific at all not once. this election goes to show that fools will fall for anything.......

ray, new york, new york (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 7:10 AM)

I would vote for Obama or Hilary who ever makes the turnout...I wish whomever wins for presidency among the democrates... the other would run for vice president -----

Stacey, Levittown, PA (Sent Monday, January 07, 2008 9:59 AM)

BARAC WILL WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hugues (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 5:04 AM)

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