That Democratic turnout

isaid so — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:05:36 GMT

Regardless of what happens in NH or elsewhere, the black vote is pretty much locked up till March 2008.

That Democratic turnout

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:15:25 GMT

This is the biggest 'Great Iowa Wrestle-Off', in a long time.

That Democratic turnout

April Hesperia Ca. — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:16:20 GMT

I just don't believe Obama has the experience to lead this country in the right direction. I don't think he can win I know beyond a doubt my vote is still for Hillary

That Democratic turnout

Biden4President, Edwards4President, Tampa FL — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:17:29 GMT

Our country made two Big mistakes, one in 2000 and one in 2004 by electing Bush. Howard Dean or John Edwards should have been the nominee in 2004. It will be another Big mistake if Democrats do not nominate Sen. Joe Biden, most qualified, or John Edwards, the man who will stop corporate corruption. We know Iowa does not predict the nominee. I'm just hoping America wakes up before it's too late, Again!

That Democratic turnout

George Sears, Cedar City, Utah — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:18:14 GMT

Boy, no second tier for the Dems. The first three get 97%. Some pretty serious guys, Biden and Dodd, get a used Snickers wrapper. Even when Pakistan reminds people that there is something to be said for some experience. Wild. Superstar politix.

That Democratic turnout

Biden4President, Edwards4President, Tampa FL — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:21:33 GMT

I agree with George!

That Democratic turnout

Jane Doe — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:21:39 GMT

This is the real story in Iowa.

That Democratic turnout

mm, Richmond, VA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:23:52 GMT

Can someone explain the numbers showing in the Dem tallies? Is each precinct allotted a certain number and the individual voters are apportioned? Because the network is showing about 900 for Obama and 700 or so each for Edwards and Clinton and that doesn't make sense.

That Democratic turnout

Sierra,SF — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:36:01 GMT

What a LAME SPEECH by Hillary

It was a 'non concession'
Of course you're going to continue campaigning...
Of course you have a strong chance to win ....

Not even a congratulation for Obama ?
Not even an acknowledgement for his victory ?
Not even a mention ?

What a sore loser !!
A sore loser is a LOSER !!

That Democratic turnout

Lynda R, Washington, DC — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:37:02 GMT

The last time Iowa Caucuses picked a winner in November was Jimmy Carter. Basically..what happens in Iowa stays in Iowa. Go Hillary; your the only Democrat that is electable.

That Democratic turnout

GB Randolph NJ — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:37:39 GMT

I am curious also. Hopefully the numbers represent
thousands. However, my vote is still for Hillary. She
far more experience.

That Democratic turnout

Sierra,SF — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:37:57 GMT

Dodd is dropping out !!

Just in from CNN

Who will he endorse ?
When will he endorse ?
Not before NH...

Who's next to drop out ?

That Democratic turnout

Peter, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:40:21 GMT

I believe the smaller numbers represent the individual caucus precincts. Could somebody on First Read make a post about this?

That Democratic turnout

Biden4President, Edwards4President, Tampa FL — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:41:21 GMT

I'm not sure, but I think the Numbers on the Democratic side represent precincts not votes. The numbers on the Republican side represent votes.

That Democratic turnout

GB Randolph NJ — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:41:23 GMT

Sorry, Isaidso, but not all blacks are voting for Obama
and I know I'm not alone.

That Democratic turnout

Ivan, Dover,DE — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:41:43 GMT

This was the largest turnout in Iowa caucus history for the Dems. 210,000. And Obama won both among men and women...........

That Democratic turnout

Sierra,SF — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:42:42 GMT

George Sears, Cedar City, Utah, Biden4President,

This was an election about change
Washington hasn't been doing a very good job, lately
Time for some new blood
Time for some new ideas

Time for someone who opposed the Iraq war

That Democratic turnout

lindale, tx — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:46:36 GMT

I'm happy Obama won he has the drive, and the ability of a leader, not to mention his views, and thats what we need in a president, someone who is willing to lead, if we have a president that no one will listen too then our country can't move forward no matter what happens, and the thing about Obama is when he talks people actually listen, i hope this means that we will have him running for president.

That Democratic turnout

Stacey, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:47:20 GMT

Dodd to endorse Obama. Hilary had my vote in the beginning, but the games she and her camp plays will end up being the games she plays with us Americans. Go OBAMA!

That Democratic turnout

Sierra,SF — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:48:04 GMT

April Hesperia Ca.: '...I just don't believe Obama has the experience to lead this country in the right direction. I don't think he can win I know beyond a doubt my vote is still for Hillary...'

Sorry but not all knowledge resides in Washington insiders

Abraham Lincoln
Woodrow Wilson
Franklin D Roosevelt (FDR)
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
Bill Clinton

They weren't Washington insiders
Would you have prevented them from running for President ?

Whay was Bill qualified and not Obama ?
What 'experience' did Bill have ?

There is life outside of Washington
There is wisdon outside Washington
There is hope outside Washington

That Democratic turnout

Bill for Obama, New City, NY — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:48:34 GMT

Biden, Dodd and McCain have experience. Hilary does not, not in any meaningful sense. What Obama has going for him is the conviction of many people, including me, that he can break the logjam in Washington and unite people in a way that no other candidate (except possibly McCain) can. I wasn't old enough to vote in 1960, but Obama reminds me of JFK. Go Obama.

That Democratic turnout

Sierra,SF — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:50:28 GMT

Peter, San Francisco, CA, i think 57 is the number of convention delegates

I;m not sure what the other numbers are
But, I think Iowa gets 57 delegates

Carrie, where are you ?

That Democratic turnout

Ken, Cedar rapids Iowa — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:54:14 GMT

The caucus system is so stupid. Richardson had about 14% of our precinct yet goes away with nothing. The republicans can teach us a thing or two about counting votes.

That Democratic turnout

mimi Dixon Charlotte,N.C. — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:04:24 GMT

Hillary is the only democrat that can possibly win-so wake up and choose the best choice for our party or we will be stuck with a republican for the next 4 to 8 yrs.

That Democratic turnout

Mike B St. Louis Mo — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:04:52 GMT

Each preceint is one vote. They all go into a room and stand in different areas according to who they want to vote for. After this is done if anyone is supporting a candidate that has less than 15% of the vote must go to another candidate. So voters can change their minds. I have never understood why such an importance is put on Iowa. Nothing is decided yet.

That Democratic turnout

Sierra,SF — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:12:21 GMT

Lynda R, Washington, DC: '...The last time Iowa Caucuses picked a winner in November was Jimmy Carter. Basically..what happens in Iowa stays in Iowa. Go Hillary; your the only Democrat that is electable....'

If Hillary is so 'electable', why did she lose ?
Obama even beat her among women:
Obama 35% of women
Clinton 30% of women
Edwards 23% of women

So how is Hillary 'electable' ?
She's too divisive
She would unite the Republicans
Obama and Edwards are both more electable than Hillary

Biden, Richardson and Dodd are all more 'experienced' than Hillary

It's not over 'til it's over......
She might still win

PS
The numbers on the Democratic side are State Delegates
A lot more than the 57 national delegates

That Democratic turnout

glenn — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:13:02 GMT

Ken,
The GOP counted REAL well in Florida...and again in Ohio didn't they.

I pull for Edwards, but if he doesn't get there then Go Obama or Roll O'tide. I feel electing Hillary is electing for NO change in DC. She may as well be a Republican.

That Democratic turnout

John S. Neola, IA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:14:08 GMT

Biden has great ideas and a viable plan for getting out of Iraq. To bad he didn't have the money to spend to get his ideas out to more voters.

That Democratic turnout

Tareli, Fuquay Varina NC — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:17:59 GMT

Sierra you must not have seen Senator Clinton's speech because she did in fact congratulate Senator Obama, Senator Edwards, and thanked Biden, Dodd, Richardson, and Kucinich.
On the other hand, I just listened to Obama's victory speech and he did not congratulate or even acknowledge his running mates at all.
All he is doing is talking about how wonderful he is. What an ego!

That Democratic turnout

Mark Thieme — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:20:32 GMT

Never one to tell anyone "I told you so."

BUT

I called (3 days in advance and tonight) both the Republican and Democratic top three in order here on First Read and I predicted a Democratic turnout of 150,000 + earlier this week.

All I can say to the folks who were mesmerized by the commercial polls and those who piddled with their Palm Pilots up to the last minute...

33, 28, and 23. Those (or some other ridiculous numbers) were "predicted" by one of our more colorful bean counters... without telling us who would win, place, or show.

In other words, a total discrediting of the Poll Poopers. Dare they show their smirks here again... probably.

Now that the pinball wizard has been unmasked... it is time to go back to Kansas and see Auntie Em.

Go Obama!

Pass the Cristal...

That Democratic turnout

Ken Cedar rapids Iowa — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:22:07 GMT

Iowa gets 45 delegates to the national convention.

That Democratic turnout

Cathy A Kenton, OH — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:22:13 GMT

I do not see the great importance of Iowa caucus. Bill Clinton did not even go to Iowa. Reagan did not win in Iowa. I feel that caucuses are not really very accurate. Seems like the accountability is not there to prevent fraud. The primaries seem a little more structured and concrete and more accessible to a larger majority of voters. At any rate...I have always been a devout Democrat and would love to see a Democrat win in 2008, but i honestly do not believe that person to be Obama, and quite frankly if, by some chance he wins the nomination, I may vote for the other side for the first time in 40 years.

That Democratic turnout

Ruth, Seabrook, NH — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:24:39 GMT

I am thrilled Obama came in first. He truly offers us a new promise for tomorrow. Another Clinton presidency......been there, done that. And for those you believe Obama can not win the election, please check the recent gallop polls. Obama is just as electable (in some cases more electable) against all the Republicans as Hilary. And don't forget - he should pull a lot of votes from the South.

That Democratic turnout

ll Minneapolis Mn — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:30:04 GMT

Congratulations to Iowa voters for doing your civic duty and going to the caucus. You set records on the Democratic side, and I hope the lesson resonates across the nation.

Obama gave an excellent speech, while I would still prefer Biden, will not hesitate to vote for Obama if given the chance.

That Democratic turnout

John S, Pensacola, Fla — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:35:15 GMT

I don't know but the outcome seems to me like some "protest" vote from both sides.
Basically people are going to the caucuses to reject all the shame our country has been through since we won the cold war on the late 80's. Since then, white house occupant after white house occupant has dilapidated our country to the point that we lost our military mighty, we lost our economic power (Chinese Federal Reserve officers are dictating our economy policies now, read the news today) and the worse we lost our self respect and the respect of the world as we are trashing our own liberties and our constitution because of the paranoia of half-dozen of corrupt leaders that got to DC on a wave of electoral fraud (I still smell the ballots burning here in Florida...). So, today's outcome seems more like a way of our agonizing democracy to "protest"...

That Democratic turnout

kenn — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:39:26 GMT

jerry from corpis christi your wish came true, hilliary lost.What has you packing your bags should be a more liberal democratic party womping the puckers 2 tp 1

That Democratic turnout

Mentol Smith — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:40:29 GMT

Lots of Dems had time on their hands. The next big pig slaughter isn't for two weeks.

That Democratic turnout

krnn — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:42:26 GMT

Unfortunate for you the capitol is in washington and thats is where we agreed to run things from.Even billy Carter became an insider.

That Democratic turnout

Tareli, Fuquay Varina NC — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:45:57 GMT

Hillary will regroup and come back stronger to win in New Hampshire, plus there is a debate before the primary and the debates are where she really shines.

Now that Obama has won Iowa people are really going to start looking at him, and also scrutinizing and questioning, and that might not be such a good thing for him when people start questioning exactly what has he done, how is exactly is he going to bring about change, and does he have the experience to do it.

Iowa only has 45 delegates which is nothing. What happens in Iowa stays in Iowa.

That Democratic turnout

bwc Solon, Iowa — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:47:42 GMT

If I was going to interview someone for a job, I'd sure as heck take experience into consideration. The two most experienced people have now dropped out of the race. On what Democrats and Republicans alike feel is a "foreign policy election", this is huge. A message to Democrats who always seem to vote from their hearts: Everything can't be based on hopes and dreams, they're important, don't get me wrong, but if you don't have a foundation in experience, those hopes and dreams will never come to fruition.
Just voted in the Iowa Caucas. We ended up with a viable uncommitted group and we would have sent a delegate in for Joe Biden, if he could have stayed in the race. Too bad this campaign is all about money and not the best man for the job.

That Democratic turnout

Scott — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:48:43 GMT

April (& all others still playing the "experience" card):

Experience in a broken system is itself broken.

Iowans were smart enough to realize this and they rebuked (on both sides of the aisle) the old game of spin politics.

Cheers to Iowa. You saw through the noise of the machine and made a courageous and brilliant decision. On both sides, you sent America a new day. We all must thank you.

That Democratic turnout

Rufus Gibbons, DC — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:50:20 GMT

Congratulations Obama supporters if he goes all the way I will vote for him in November if he doesn't go all the way I urge all of you to support whoever the nominee chances to be. That is what being a good democrat means.

That Democratic turnout

William, New York — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:51:45 GMT

To all Dems who buy into the spin that "it was Independents that gave Obama the win":

That's precisely why you should be so excited (unless you're part of the HRC Democratic establishment). You cannot win simply with the "pure" Democrats. You need Independents. There's no question after tonight. Independents went with Barack by over a 3:1 margin over Hillary.

That Democratic turnout

MN — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:13:04 GMT

As I see it the top three Edwards, Clinton and Obama are not even Democrates. They are Liberals at best and socialists at worst. They all scare the heck out of me. Sorry but i'm jumping ship!! The changes this country needs is to put more power and responsibility back into the hands of its people, "for the people by the people"! All these big Government, scoial programs, are the problem not the solution. I owe you nothing and you owe me nothing. We are entitled only to an opportunity to try and be the best we can with in the rules of mutual respect and personel responsability. I still beleave in America, where anything is posible, where farm kids can become scientists, where skin color holds no advantage nor disadvantage, and where a truck drivers daughter can build a company from an idea in her head. We need to start looking at these problems as AMERICANS! Not white-, African-, gay-, Christian-, or any other "...-Americans" but AMERICANS! In 2006 Democrates said they would bring an end to polotics as usual and out of control spending, they have not, in fact have done just the oppisite. Americas future does not lie with the likes of these.

That Democratic turnout

Pazuzu's Petals — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:13:41 GMT

Sierra@9: "What a sore loser !! A sore loser is a LOSER !!"

I agree. It's hard work to imagine a sore loser winning a presidential election.

That Democratic turnout

Che, Altadena, CA — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:19:41 GMT

If I hear one more person use the "experience" card in relation to Obama I'll slit my wrist with a voter registration card.

I like Edwards, only cuzz Kucinich is un-electable. I'll definitely take Obama over Hillary however, as she's full of it. She's a Rep in Dem's clothing.

That Democratic turnout

Gary — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:21:36 GMT

I'm not going to get excited over Barack Obama winning in Iowa. Well, someone has to say it, and that someone is going to be me. No first term, African-American is going to get the nomination from the power, and party politic in Washington. It just isn't going to happen. So Barack can celebrate his victory tonight, and I am happy for him, but in the end, the forces who do not want to see Obama win, and going to chew him up and spit him out.

That Democratic turnout

Kato in Des Moines — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:22:12 GMT

The republican and democratic caucuses are run differently. Democrats must meet a threshold viability requirement in order for their candidate to get any delegates in their precinct. The viability requirement varies from precinct to precinct based on the number of delegates at stake in each precinct. Typically the viability requirement is 15% of the total people in attendance, but this is not a steadfast rule. Republicans have no viability requirement. They run a typical election where every vote is counted.

So the democratic poll numbers you are seeing represent the democratic party's estimate of the number of DELEGATES each candidate won. These delegates will go on to the STATE and COUNTY conventions to be held later this spring. These delegates will then select the state's 57 delegates to the democratic party's national convention held in the summer.

The republican numbers are actual vote totals for all precincts. So these are statewide totals.

The viability requirement (typically 15%) would explain the poor showing of the secind tier candidates. For instance in my preceinct 468 people showed up (200 plus more than in 2004). Each candidate needed 70 supporters to be viable and be in the delegate hunt. My prefered candidate was Joe Biden. We had only 43 supporters (roughly 10% of the poeople in attendance) and therefore were not viable. So Joe unfortunately got no delegates in my precinct despite getting 10% of the vote. The Biden supporters either left the caucus or realigned with another candidate.

Hope that helps explain things.

That Democratic turnout

Beto Negreal, Santa Barbara, California — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:50:20 GMT

People. First compare the Republicans and the Democrats. Irrespective of which of the latter you prefer, give me a break: Huckabee? Romney? Shoutin/spoutin John McCain? And Rudolph was a red-nosed no show. For the first time in a long time, the Demos are giving you choices. Be happy for the controversy. It is a long battle and one shout or scream can ruin a candidate. But for now at least there is some quality on the left. Check them out. Let them run. Make an intelligent decision.

That Democratic turnout

Philip Scott, Dallas, Texas — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:59:45 GMT

I lived in Iowa for over a dozen years and participated in the Democratic caucuses every two years. (Yes, Virginia, even in off years.) Those who complain about the structure and rules forget that it is a party function, not a state run primary. Politics is tough business and if you can't garner enough support for your candidate, he is eliminated and you go with your second choice, as you should. The fact that this process goes on in over 1700 individual precincts makes it pretty representative to my view. I like Biden, Dodd and Richardson. They are outstanding men who will continue to offer great service to our republic, but if they weren't able to muster enough support anywhere across the state, then they probably wouldn't have done much better in a straight ahead primary-style vote. I am most impressed with the turnout. For over a third of the registered Democrats in Iowa to turn out on a FRIGID winter night is fabulous and I salute their dedication to Democracy.

That Democratic turnout

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 06:31:01 GMT

The Iowa Caucus is not far from a Native American way of choosing a leader, hence the term 'Caucus'. Just one more thing they gave us, they don't get credit for. Free Leonard Peltier.

That Democratic turnout

Dave Williams — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 06:57:05 GMT

Hope is a good thing; maybe the best of things.

Experience? Balderdash. The Republicans took the Whitehouse in 2000 with the mantra 'thank goodness the adults are in charge again'. I would suggest you examine how well *that's* all worked out for the country.

Obama is most certainly, prima facia, more competent than the guy who's currently President. So, I think the 'experience' argument is kind of moot. Anybody we elect will be a step up.

I'm interested in candidates for this office that a) display sound judgment on matters of policy b) understand public service and are in to it and c) are knowledgeable about damned near everything under the sun. Believe it or not, you can have attained all of those things by the time you're 46.

That Democratic turnout

Rich N — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:21:32 GMT

The purpose of the Iowa caucuses?

1. The claim-to-fame for the Iowa Visitor Bureau. They're first because they need to be. Kind of like having the biggest ball of twine west of the Mississippi.

2. Tells the msm who to who to start covering more until something changes. Like the more important states' primaries.

Not much to recommend it.

That Democratic turnout

Lawrence Wise Yuma Arizona — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:26:58 GMT

I believe this is the greatest thing that has happened in our history since JFK. Our children have shown the interest to get invovled in their future. They actually understand that the US is in a Dilema and their Future is at stake. We need change!!

That Democratic turnout

Gabriel — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:12:07 GMT

Hi April in Hesperia, over 70% percent of Iowa voters just repudiated Hillary Clinton and her experience, perhaps they are looking for better judgement?

That Democratic turnout

Gabe — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:16:20 GMT

LOL this is Hillarious. It is amazing how many clinton supporters who I have read for months in these comments, are now saying that Iowa doesnt matter, what happens in Iowa stays in iowa, shes still going to win. Just a few nights ago, you were going to lock this whole thing up starting in Iowa. Well, theres nothing like hedging your bets, no wonder you support the Clintons (former one myself)

That Democratic turnout

J Clark; NY, NY. — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:43:58 GMT

Fantastic turnout for the Iowa Democratic caucus.

And I don't understand how Hillary supporters can wave the "experience" banner when: a) the vast majority of that experience belongs to her husband, and b) candidates like Joe Biden have far more experience than Hillary.

That Democratic turnout

Brian Baehr, Columbia, Missouri — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:10:02 GMT

Obama will be the Democratic nominee. This country is tired of the political legacies of the Bush and Clinton families. If Hillary were to get the nomination, it would be just because of her last name. The same thing happened with W. There has been either a Bush or Clinton on the national presidential ticket in every election since 1980. Iowa shows that people are finally waking up to the fact that this country needs a new direction. Obama is the new direction.