ABOUT FIRST READ

First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



NH Results (D)

Posted: Wednesday, January 09, 2008 9:06 AM by Domenico Montanaro
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With 96% of precincts reporting, Clinton beat Obama, 39%-36% -- followed by Edwards at 17%, Richardson at 5%, and Kucinich at 1%.

The New York Times’ Nagourney writes, “Most strikingly for Mrs. Clinton, women in New Hampshire did what they did not do in Iowa: rally behind her. Women supported her by 47 percent to 34 percent, according to a survey of voters leaving the polls; women voters in Iowa had been evenly divided between Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama. Mrs. Clinton campaigned in the final days of the contest with her daughter, Chelsea. She emphasized her sex in a debate of the candidates on Saturday night, in which John. Edwards, who placed third here, and Mr. Obama joined forces in attacking her. And in a gripping moment shown repeatedly on television on Monday night, Mrs. Clinton appeared momentarily overtaken by emotion when a questioner asked how she was enduring the strains of the campaign.” But: “For all the glee in her camp, she still faces big challenges. In Mr. Obama, Mrs. Clinton is facing an opponent who has been lifted on the wind of nationwide anti-Washington climate change.”

The Washington Post’s Balz: “New Hampshire proved to be the political firewall that the Clinton campaign long had hoped for. Just as New Hampshire voters saved Bill Clinton's candidacy 16 years ago, they revived Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's faltering presidential campaign Tuesday night. Clinton's battle with Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) now moves to Nevada and South Carolina, then to almost two dozen states, including California, New York, New Jersey and Illinois, that will hold contests on Feb. 5. Both campaigns are ready, and with two well-liked, well-funded and determined candidates, Democrats face a battle almost unlike any they have seen in a generation.”

Politico says Clinton’s win sets “the stage for a protracted fight for the nomination over the next month and possibly beyond. [Her] victory over Barack Obama made fools of the pollsters, pundits, operatives, and even some people in her own campaign who had predicted her imminent demise.”

The Union Leader: "Hillary Clinton upsets Obama."

The Union Leader's DiStaso adds, nevermind "change," the buzzword last night was "comeback."

The New York Daily News' cover: "Who's cryin now? Hillary slows Obama express with stunning N.H. victory."

During her victory speech last night, in a nod to the title her husband won in 1992 when he finishes second in New Hampshire, Clinton thanked the voters of the state as she and her staffers called this win a comeback, NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones reports. "Over the last week I listened to you, and in the process I found my own voice,” she said, after coming on stage with her daughter and husband. “I felt like we all spoke from our hearts, and I am so gratified that you responded. Now, together, let’s give America the kind of comeback New Hampshire has just given me.”

She also talked about being able to deliver results and said she was in this race for the American people. "We know that for the promise of America to be real, we are called upon to deliver on that promise,” she said.

“Speaking to supporters,” the Los Angeles Times writes, “Obama acknowledged that ‘the battle ahead will be long,’ but said that nothing could stand in the way of ‘millions of voices calling for change.’”

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Dear Women:
I am concerned with reports that women are voting for Hillary just because they are supporting a women.  As a woman this concerns me greatly.  This is no time for women to gather on a gender race.  This is OUR COUNTRY!  Women fought to have the right to vote and it is our OBLIGATION to respect their sacfifice.  Not only am I a woman but a divorced women with 3 children.  To those women who are in my shoes tell me how Ms. Clinton can support us or know what it is like to have to choose between food, gas or healthcare.  Even if you have healthcare the co-payments add up.  Most of the canidates don't know what its like to be without money, without a father, or to be a single parent.  Barack Obama knows.  He has small children that have to inherit this country too.  I know as a Veteran how important Iraq is, what it is like to be away from loved ones.  Soldiers care more about their families being taking care of while they are deployed and being able to come home and support them when they are relieved of their duties.  I can't believe all their sacrifice and deaths don't deserve for all AMERICANS to take the RESPONSIBILITY OF VOTING SERIOUSLY!  Please America, this is no JOKE for any of us.  Don't vote Gender Wars, Don't vote against someone because of the color of their skin.  In the military were taught we all bleed red.  We are one no matter the color of our skin.  To leave no one behind.  Eveyone talks about the Iraq war but are blind to the big picture.  We do need CHANGE We do need to BELIEVE that our COUNTRY can regein the awesome POWER it once had.  THIS IS NO TIME NOT TO UNITE AS AMERICANS TO DO WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR COUNTRY OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURES AND OUR WORLDS ENVIRONMENT!  If we should have learned anything from 911 it is that tears are clear and blood is red and every American shed both on September 11 and that same UNITY must take place again!
I support Edwards but I could vote for any of the Democratic candidates, and even some Republicans. I got caught up in the excitement of the Obama wave but then I was unexpectedly overcome with generational sorrow when it looked like Obama for certain. I'm two months older than Hillary and it is painful to imagine our generation turning over the reins with George Bush as the last best leader we had to offer. I'd like us to leave the world a bit better than we found it.  
Women must sit at the table...on (and of)  thier own accomplishments.  Women must go head-to-head with male opponents to prove their ability, skills, and knowledge; no tears, no sympathy, no "stop picking on her" mentality...I am sadly discouraged. Can anyone say Christine Todd-Whitman, Barbara Boxer or Olympia Snow? A Clinton victory means nothing-it's all about her and it's all about Bill. As a New Yorker, I have seen Clinton in action and believe me it wasn't for waitresses and single Moms. She's a corporate guru and will placate any millionaire at taxpayers expense to advance her place in His-story. Her "new voice" is a facade...I don't remember her cracking when Monica came into the picture - that moment should of been the time for heartfelt mourning - her husband was willing to jeopardize his CHILD'S and America's stability for what...not much. Does America really need the re-run....now? Let's not have amnesia now...NAFTA anyone?
Billary's (that is not a typo-he is the one who will again run this country if he gets his wife elected-do we want more Monica's in the oval office?)victory speech says it all: "I found my voice yesterday".  I thought she was the experienced candidate?  If she is so experienced, why is she still trying to find a "voice"?  The answer is irrefutable:  she will adopt whatever "voice" she thinks will get her elected.  That is not leadership-that is pure political opportunism and power mongering.  She flip flops from the "experienced" candidate to the "change" candidate after losing in Iowa. That is what has been wrong with our politial system for so long, and will continue if she is elected.
Just because Sen. Clinton is a woman doesnt mean she deserves to be President. That seems to be the only thing that can be addressed, Even in NH I dont believe she showed great promise to be a good candidate for President. Sen. Obama on the other hand is the exact opposit.
i'm a mamma for obama too but i do love hillary as well and i'm okay with her getting NH because it shows people are listening and voting with their heads.  not only that but i know a lot of women, older women even more want to see a women president and that is playing a role here as it should.  this is an exciting election and i think it's great but i hope my man gets the nom in the end because i think he can bring us together as a country more than she will be able too unfortunately because a lot of republicans don't like her a LOT and i worry that could be a problem in the final race.  we can't afford another republican president this time around and one thing obama is wonderful at is reaching across the aisles.  i'm hearing and reading over and over again how many independents and republicans like obama and are willing to vote for him.  thats HUGE and exactly what we need in this country at this time. i will say i don't like how the clintons have gotten negative and nasty even though and i hope that this win will help them realize that is why she got it and will refrain more from that.  lets discuss issues and lets start discussing more what they will DO and i mean lets see some real details from these candidates; they are both too smart to not really show us so i hope that is what we'll start seeing more of.  but congrats to hillary and hey; obama didn't lose by much thats for sure so its nice to see that it isn't over by a long shot.  fun times are ahead for those of us really enjoying the game!!  :)  i will say i thought the moment was real too so i'm not gonna get in that it was a fake planned tears thing by the way; i just don't want to think that she's that calculating if she ends up being our nominee in the end
i'm a mamma for obama too but i do love hillary as well and i'm okay with her getting NH because it shows people are listening and voting with their heads.  not only that but i know a lot of women, older women even more want to see a women president and that is playing a role here as it should.  this is an exciting election and i think it's great but i hope my man gets the nom in the end because i think he can bring us together as a country more than she will be able too unfortunately because a lot of republicans don't like her a LOT and i worry that could be a problem in the final race.  we can't afford another republican president this time around and one thing obama is wonderful at is reaching across the aisles.  i'm hearing and reading over and over again how many independents and republicans like obama and are willing to vote for him.  thats HUGE and exactly what we need in this country at this time. i will say i don't like how the clintons have gotten negative and nasty even though and i hope that this win will help them realize that is why she got it and will refrain more from that.  lets discuss issues and lets start discussing more what they will DO and i mean lets see some real details from these candidates; they are both too smart to not really show us so i hope that is what we'll start seeing more of.  but congrats to hillary and hey; obama didn't lose by much thats for sure so its nice to see that it isn't over by a long shot.  fun times are ahead for those of us really enjoying the game!!  :)  i will say i thought the moment was real too so i'm not gonna get in that it was a fake planned tears thing by the way; i just don't want to think that she's that calculating if she ends up being our nominee in the end
Just because you are in a position of potentially great power, to show emotion does not make you weak, it makes you human.  Mrs. Clinton showing emotion does not lessen her integrity, her character, he intelligence, or her drive to change things for the better in this country.  If anything, I would say it greatens her integrity and character.  I'm sure past presidents and hopefuls alike had to hold back their emotions during campaigns, "State of the Union" addresses, etc.  Maybe they even showed a tiny bit of emotion and let their guard down a little also.  At times, that is quite evident by the inflection in their voice and body language.  They are only human too.  So, its okay for a man to show a little emotion, but not a woman??  Come on.  I think she was 100% sincere in her emotions and I respect her for being able to be "human" in front of the country and media.  She had honest emotions there and I feel that they match the honesty in her character.  Also, it shows that she is genuinely concerned about the state of affairs in this country and not just faking it.  Us women can fake lots of things ... but concerning our emotions ... you can't fake those and they come from the heart.  Kudos to you Hillary, for having concern and a heart.
i wanted to say that i wasn't happy with some of obamas comments today on the Today show though.  he needs to really not get political on us now and play to his strenghts; which are, speaking common sense to the voters and really come out with some details things he's gonna do to show that the experience thing don't matter.
Some of you may ask, "if Obama has experience, why isn't he defending himself?"  How do you defend yourself as a minority without being falsely accused in the eyes of america for one thing or another?  Sometimes it is best to do NOTHING than to be tried trying to escape another.  The honest question that EVERY american should ask themselves at this point is; If a black man opens his mouth to defend is intelligence, how many americans will be willing to judge, accuse and condemn him?  How many are truly willing to listen?  How many Americans will still try to be fair in their heart and views of him?  How many americans will not hold any form of bias against him?  How many americans will be just as candid as they want to be seen?  

If you can say that you would be sincere in all these cases, then why not let him know that!  Why not truly break down the barriers and let him know that we are truly willing to be fair, honest and not see color?  For this, I can understand why he chooses his words and actions wisely.  There is so much nonesense going around that it is unbelieveable.  Singled out by Hillary and slung through the mud.  I give him this; he never disrepected her position, never insulted her intelligence or experience and never shown any form of major disregard for Hillary.  What has she done in return accept try to demean him (even with the use of lies).  Why haven't she done this to Edwards?  Or, McCain?  or any of the other candidates that is still running neck and neck?  What is it about Obama?  She denies his changes or calls them lies!  Even though some of the most credible news papers and sources have confirmed that Obama HAS pushed bills through legislature, she continues to dwell on "inexperience" as though he is stupid or has never been successful with a bill..  I think he has already won in my eyes because he is holding good composure with all of this discriminating mud slinging that obviously is pointed RIGHT at HIM!! And still, he hasn't demonstrated one bit of slander in return for what she has thrown out.  

Experience?  What experience?  Judge her by her own law...  The universal health care bill is still open because she never had what it takes to get THAT job done!  Of all the people that has PROVEN she lacks experience; tell it to the person that holds a defeated bill. Hillary Clinton...  Such nerve trying to undermind someone else while true failure sits in the palm of her OWN hands....  To claim she has "skills" on the basis of her husband being a former President is basically saying that she gets the seat without having to fight and earn it like the rest of the candidates!  If the american people are willing to persecute Obama, then they should be no less aggressive to Hillary or any one of the other candidates!
Look people. I'm registered as an independant, but as a lower middle class citizen all my life who has worked since the age of 13, I'm sick to death of the Republicans. The money party. The only times in my 57 years my family has even come CLOSE to doing better than breaking even was when a Democrat was in office.

I think this country is ready for change all right. STOP the lobbyists; STOP the lying; STOP the spending for things that don't help the backbone of this country..;STOP the unfair tax loopholes & let everyone pay 10% of their gross BEFORE all the loopholes; STOP sending our jobs overseas; STOP the corruption in Washington;GET the government back to the PEOPLE who elect the leaders.  

Anyone can say they're for change.  We're all for change, because the system's not working.  The rich keep getting richer, and people like me never get past living from paycheck to paycheck.  Trouble is, rich people don't know what that feels like. They CAN'T understand something they've never experienced. It's time for whoever gets elected to listen to the MAJORITY's problems.

I think Obama's heart is in the right place, but I don't think he has the clout to bring on the change he talks about. And as much as I hate to bring this up, I fear for the man's life. There are still zealous white supremecists in this country who will try to "remove" him...then what?

Give me Hillary..she's got the moxie to get us back on track. She's got the experience. She's got the HEART to hear what we say. Let's let a woman try, folks.  Look at the mess men have gotten us into.

Over the past two presidential elections, all I've seen is lies and deceit from aged candidates and party nominees, all of whom have "experience". "Experience" in what? Lying to the American People? We're humans, that means that we learn from mistakes, but these "experienced" presidential candidates haven't. Seeing as all we see are hollow promises that never happen. I'm a young voter, I'm still trying to put myself through college, why should I vote for the people who have been throwing away money that could help me, and MY generation through college. I have yet to see education come to forefront here, and its getting sickening to see the same ole' faces getting the same ole' cheering from the same OLD crowd.

If any presidential candidates or their campaign parties are reading this, consider what I'm about to say. You say you want a bright future for America, then look at its' younger generation, I have yet to see anything that benefits us in your campaigns. Foreign Policy? We haven't had one since the "Containment Doctrine" we used on the Soviet Union in the Cold War. Teddy Roosevelt's "walk softly with a big stick" doesn't work here, the "natives" aren't afraid of us anymore. In essence, the decisions that haven't been made, are already hurting us, those decisions could've been made by some of the candidates that are running now. Why should I listen to someone who has "experience" and only says their going to make our "future brighter".

How can people call Barack Obama "inexperienced" when he has a PH.D. Is he "inexperienced" because he hasn't been infected with the "experience" of being able lie and to deceive people properly. Which is a stained plague that has blurred everybody's visions of how our democratic system works.

If someone promises change, that is new, I'll take their word over someone who hasn't made the change I'd like to see. I respect each and every candidate, but I'm not going to vote for someone who has had their shot in Washington, and has not produced viable evidence of making a brighter future for this country, and my generation, I'm sure as heck not going to vote for them.

I've seen the "experienced" politicians tear this country to pieces for almost half of my life as a citizen of the United States. Kleenex would go out of business if we brought back the founding fathers, to see what this country has fallen into, they would spend the entire time sobbing at its' state. I'd rather see someone get a shot, who I know won't embarass this country abroad and at home, who is "inexperienced" at the lies and deceit that I've seen this country fall for, for almost two decades. Call my generation ignorant of the American past, I'm a history major, I take fact and fact only. And I don't like what I see.
Believing in America, working together, bridging the political divide for the good of everyone ... These are noble and wonderful aspirations. But you also need a plan -- and, more than just a plan, you need to know how to make your plan happen.

And this is what Barack does not do. He enunciates the dream, he stirs the heart, with exceptional skill. But when we ask "How?" he changes the subject.

It's not enough to thrill your audience into waves of euphoria. It's not enough to get them all stirred up and then simply hope that a direction will magically appear in which to channel all that energy. You need more than the dream; you need a vision. And you also need to know how to make that vision reality.

There's a word that describes what Barack is doing pretty well. It's a bit crude, but it's accurate. And that word is "Obasm." Very exciting for a while; but not much to build a relationship on.
Congratulations both to the voters in New Hampshire for showing that they have minds of their own and don't need to rely upon the spin of policical pundits and more importantly to Hillary Clinton, who stayed in the fight and managed to dodge the "slings and arrows".  I look forward to continued success for the Clinton campaign and real change in this country.
All obama talks about is change, but it is full of empty promises. GOOD THING VOTERS HAVE A MIND!! and did not vote for the "popular jock in school."

Go Hillary!
Hi Debbie of Minnesota:
I don't exactly agree with you.  I don't want to bring christian beliefs into this but, men and women were NOT exactly created the same.  Everyone has emotions however, emotions can easily be the condemnation of a person if not dealt with correctly.  I think men tend to understand that emotions are the vulnerability to a lack of control.  It is okay to be emotional as long as they are within a controlable paremeter.  Sometimes our emotions can get the best of us that we lose perspective of what is right and what is wrong.  Like the mud slinging, targeting Obama, the panic and desperation.  These are signs of emotions spiraling out of control!

AS a man myself and understanding how sometimes what appears as innocent people can become killers is because there is an emotion or emotions that was not effectively dealt with.  Hillary had good composure until the defeat of Iowa.  She based her emotions on a material uncertainty.  A gesture that is uncommon in men.  Even if we seem to be confident (never let them see you sweat) that doesn't mean that we are NOT a bit fearful.  It is just a matter of keeping a sense of control over emotions.  Look at this in return; imagine ALL of the pressure Obama must be under to be the first African-American running for the presidency.  Imagine the relief he must have felt with the first victory (something like wow, the american people HAVE eliminated differences and actually accept the possibility of having a minority leader).  Then, there came the defeat of New Hampshire.  This could have gone several ways; he could have lost control of all his emotions and started mud slinging like Hillary or, as a diplomat, dealt with the possibilities up front and still congratulated her respectfully on the end.  I think men realize and deal with certainty and  uncertainty differently than women and this plays a major role in how we deal with things realistically on the end.  I commend him for keeping it all together!  He is a true gentleman, a good competitor (not a sore loser) and shows good diplomacy.  There is no way he can lose even if he doesn't make the oval office.  There is always a good way and bad way to get to where you are going; I am glad he chose the honest way...  Either way, as a minority, he is going to win no matter what.  And it doesn't seem to look like he is going to sacrifice his honesty and dignity just for power and the white house.

Way to go Obama!  Show the world that you will be a diplomatic winner no matter what!
I did some calculations this a.m....Obama won 123 counties and Clinton won 105 and one remains undecided with 0% of that county reported to date.  Why does this make Hillary the "come back" candidate?  The margin of victory for Clinton remained between 2%-3% (a substantial difference from the 9% win of Obama over Clinton in Iowa).  The boring and absurd pundits and polls show only that Americans are smarter than either.  We will vote with our hearts and minds.  It is not a bad thing that the Democratic race was not won last night by a definitive win for Obama (although I am a very committed supporter of Obama) but rather encouraging that we will continue to see the issues discussed in more depth and to analyze who WE want to go to Washington.

A word to Clinton, please do not "use" us again by crying.  Even we who support Obama "felt sorry" for you.  But is this really how you want Americans to feel about you?  Do you want to win votes by displaying such "despair" at any prospect now or in the future of a possible loss?  You are a strong woman, show it. Don't demean yourself or us by "tearing up" about not getting what you want (or believe is your "right" after so many years in office) by crying for it.  I understand that the stress of campaigning as well as not foreseeing that Obama is such a formidable opponent is frustrating, exhausting, and probably (at least it might be for me) humiliating.  Even so, we want your thoughts about the issues expressed not your emotions, or at least not just your emotions.  Try to be yourself and it will carry you much further than changing with the winds.

Now a word for Obama.  Keep up the same kind of campaign you started and continue to demonstrate.  You are inspiring and refreshing.  We are listening.  We are supporting you.  We are donating to you.  Your "losing" speech was just as beautifully honest, sincere, and eloquent as your "victory" speech.  You are the "real" thing and I and many others are not discouraged by NH.

For all the candidates, a note that we Americans do not like "stump" speeches.  We have heard them often now.  We want to hear your voices and ideas.  I know that there are always "slogans" and "themes" that all the candidates make as the "hallmarks" of their campaigns but they are somewhat distracting.  This is especially true when the media and pundits keep using them to try to persuade voters whether "change" or "experience" matters most.  What matters most is the issues and the difficulties that lie ahead for us and the next President.  All candidates should speak from their hearts about these ISSUES and not about each other (except as it relates to the issues that we all face now and certainly will continue to face in the future).  I quite frankly do not understand why anyone would want to take up the burdensome mantle that surely will rest on the shoulders of the next President but I am grateful that there are very qualified and smart candidates willing to do so!!

May the best person win, then all of America will win!!!

Sherry (Arlington, TX)
So for those touting Hill's experience, what is it? She has been senator for 2 more years than Obama.(her only elected office) What else? A failed healthcare bill while her hubby was prez? It must have been her experience that led her to triangulate/calculate that it wouldn't look too good for her presidential ambitions if she voted against the to fight in Iraq. Hence her "bountiful" experience, or lack of judgement, led her to NOT read the NIE that refuted the reasoning for going to Iraq in the first place.

I'll take Obama's "lack of experience" over Hill's "experience" any day of the week.
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to: S.K.M. - Mass.
I agree with your phrase "don't be afraid."  Obama demonstrates a certain type of diplomacy in his character.  As a successful minority myself, I know this feeling especially when you have done so much to climb to heights in this world to have it all stripped away from a misconception.  That is a tough risk to take.  This is america and we should be at the point that everyone can speak freely without being wrongfully judged or condemned but is that necessarily true?  Look at the direct attacks from Hillary...  They were belittling and demeaning.  I know if I were Obama, I would have felt a bit insulted.  In the place of all democracy but being stiffed by the media for not sharing pertinent information then, to be belittled as though I am an idiot by a candidate; wow!  I don't know how I would have taken any of this!  To me, all of it is farthest from democracy than any sitaution I have ever experienced!

Then there is the reality; being belittled by a person that claims to have "experience" but never once held the title of the United States President.  How does one have experience while never doing the job?  Somehow, Hillary has put herself egotistically above the rest!  In the process of trying to tell the world she has 35 years experience at whatever she still hasn't defined, she is doing at the expense of making an absolute mockery of others!  To me, this isn't presidential material!

To succeed at something means that it should be done without being at the expense of others; morally, ethically or otherwise.  That isn't the case here; Hillary's victory came at a great cost, she repeatedly discredited and demeaned Obama!
Thanks to everyone who mentioned Chris Matthews and others of his ilk who are the ones really living in fairy land.  Word is they've been hexed by the mythical lord of media hacks who has hardwired their brains to spin a candidates tearful moment, a haggard facial expression, or an unfortunate verbal misstep into pundits gold.  Get out!!!George Stephanopoulas while you can!!!  Its fools gold and will eventually disintegrate when exposed to the air all the rest of us breathe.  

Well, at least these pundits all seem to enjoy themselves enormously roaming around in their media world, thinking that the rest of us vote on the basis of their sound bitten insight.  At least they have jobs, health care, retirement plans, and money to buy food and gas so as not to distract them from capitalizing on the excitement and fun.    

I, on the other hand, am the voter, the single parent, middle class, unemployed, temporarily uninsured, mother of a child with a chronic illness voter.  You can be sure I'll vote for my candidate, who ideally cries inside or even visibly for others, and is moved to take action on behalf of people who are honestly attempting to support their families, stay healthy, and participate in life in a positive way.

Its not that the pundits don't understand this, but so many have seemingly ignore responsible and well researched journalism in favor of the "in your face" glib commentary.  It lacks respect for the sensibilities and preferences of many, albeit not all of the viewers.  

Lets give all the candidates and their families equal time, equal respect for putting themselves out there, and equal credit for participating in the democratic process.
No one is stopping any voter from doing their own homework, but in doing so, we need good, reasoned, and balanced information from those who speak to us every day in the media.  

like, Diogenes

     
Did anyone notice the HIge philospohical difference between republicans and democrats? While the USA is going into recession the rep talk of the WAR, how we exit etc. At least the dems spoke about helth care, the environment and a little on the economy. Was I the only one that saw that? Yes, N.H went with the underdog!The big papers ripping Hillary were too much! Negative reporting is NOT a way of life in N.E! Look at Romney! We need to vote the facts! WE need a democrat! SIGNED AN INDEPENDENT! I Challenge anyone to prove to me a republican can CHANGE AMERICA!
This is an upset for the media and pundits not Obama and Clinton; twice now. NH was a win by only 3%, which is hardly a "stunning victory" and neither campaign manager will be resting for quite a while.  This is "stunning loss" for those in the business of predicting elections.  Before Iowa they said, "Hilary will walk away with the nomination;" After, "she is going to loose by double digits in NH." After NH, "a stunning victory."  The press is believing its own press.

I was 15 when JFK left Hyannis for Dem Convention - and then there was Bobby - he was our hope for a better life and that was dashed.

This is the first time in so many years that there have been any signs of hope and peace - I will vote Democrat regardless, even though I do have a lot of respect for John McCain.  However, I prefer Obama and Edwards - maybe as a team - I am not comfortable with Hillary and I don't know why really.

When we need to be meeting with other leaders, I want it to be someone who can talk and walk at the same time, has dignity and class, and listens - I have been so embarrassed these past 7 years that I can't stand to watch our Pres represent us......

So my vote right now is for Obama and/or Edwards


Vivian in Maryland,
Thanks for giving voice to what so many of us are wondering this morning.  
Steve Kennedy you are exactly right when you mention the lack of evangelical women in New Hampshire as compared to Iowa playing a key role in Senator Clinton's victory - and I'm one of her supporters. I grew up in Oklahoma and I know all too well how evangelical women there abhore having a strong woman in charge of anything. It always baffled me but I can't deny that I saw instances of it repeatedly. Hillary Clinton will not win any state that has a strong majority of evangelical women...but that doesn't mean that, should she be the Democrats' candidate, she's going to lose the race; any state that has a strong evangelical population won't vote Democrat regardless - they've been too brainwashed at this point to vote Republican no matter what, mainly over such social issues as abortion and gay rights. So, to heck with them. All Hillary has to do is win the same states that John Kerry won plus either Ohio or one of the states that went to GWB in 2004 by the slimmest of margins and she's the next President of the United States.

I wonder if Chris Matthews can stop making sexist comments about HRC long enough to actually analyze the lack of evangelical vote as a factor in her victory? Nah...
Joe, your statement that Obama is "not even patriotic enough to salute the flag when the National Anthem is playing" is kind of misleading...Maybe it's different in Tennessee but I put my hand over my heart when I pledge Alliegence; I sing when I hear the National Anthem.  If I don't sing, I stand with my arms at my side to show respect.
There are all kinds of lies (swiftboating) going around abut Obama right now.  I encourage everyone to go to Snopes.com, enter Obama in the search engine and read the truth.
Let's debate positions and not engage in character assinations.
Ok people its time to wake up and look at your life. Do you allow television to run your life?Don't get me wrong its a great invention and useful tool but it's just that a tool. A tool to give us information to help us make a decision for our own concerns.

This has been a problem since the first televised election. You need to vote for your beliefs and the candidate that potrays values closest to yours, has the closest ideals for the future of our country.

Stop following like a bunch of sheep and vote your own minds.
Its no secret that all of the news teams have a bias for one party or another. listen to  them but dont follow them. You have brains and hearts, you have been educated to think for your selves. If we all vote for ourselves and the candidate we believe in then our country will remain strong.

Who ever wins this nomination for president I salute you. You have the strength and courage to do a job many people have opinions about but do nothing to actually support it.
It is definetly time fo change for all of us. Stand united as a country but be individual enaough to make your choice, not a chice that has been determined for you by a news group.
Here is a novel idea how about a ticket with a 1 person from each party and they have to work together for what bests for all of us neither of them have more power than the other. and the same for the vice spot.
I can't believe that the polls got the numbers so wrong between Mr. Obama and H. Clinton in NH. Some of them people have been doing it as long as I can remember and I am 62 yrs old. I believe that people are like me and tired of Bush, Clinton, Bush, politics and want something new. So what realy happened in NH. I have always voted republican but am voting for Mr. Obama this time.
I was a Clinton supporter when Bill Clinton ran for office and will always give him credit for a job well done (despite his personal indiscretions).  But, eight years of Clintons are enough!!!  It is time for them to move on.  I was convinced of this when I watched Bill's manic tirade against Obama and what he described as a "fairy tale".  He has been truly ugly and has become a constant distraction to his wife's campaign.  He lends credence to the view that he is looking for a back door to a third term in the White House.  Unfortunately, a vote for Hillary is tantamount to a vote for Bill and another Co-Presidency.  She stresses experience (some of which is of questionable relevence), but I believe Obama has shown that he has the judgement to surround himself with persons who can provide whaterver expertise is needed to enable him to make good decisions.  He is in tune with the ordinary people who make up most of this nation, and knew instinctively that the young people needed to get involved in determining their future.  The Clinton's need to go.  It is time for a change.
Hillary can't win with the media. If she doesn't show emotion she's cold and hard. If she shows emotion it shows weakness. Then they say she won because she cried. Get real. Then it was because of race. Nobody commented on the fact Obama won in Iowa because they never put a women in a government position. They have no women in their states elected offices. They need to get with 21st century. Never heard one person mention this when Hillary lost. Should of been noted when Edwards came in 2nd in Iowa but third in New Hampshire. When will Iowa break glass ceiling with women?


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