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Democracy at work: The Iowa results

One out of two isn't bad...

I told you Mrs. Clinton might be a distant third and she was.

What I missed was more important: a black man won a Presidential preference caucus in a white state. And, by doing so, Barack Obama proved that this process is color-blind and that he is no amateur: he won in the 5 largest precincts and he won on the realignment of supporters of unviable candidates -- precisely where I thought John Edwards would win. Good for Mr. Obama and good for the people of Iowa. The process of major change began today and almost exactly one year from today, we'll inaugurate a new President... one who will, again, make us proud to be Americans.

Tomorrow, the candidates will wake up in New Hampshire and they'll continue this constructive, crucial dialogue. The Republicans will have a real effort by Senator McCain and a desperation play by Mr. Romney to complement the continued effort by Mr. Huckabee. Apparently, among the Democrats, Chris Dodd and Joe Biden will step aside. Mr. Dodd is a very good guy: experienced, articulate, a family man, a true citizen of the world. His presence has improved the quality of the discourse and I'm hopeful he'll continue to speak out in the months and years to come (perhaps as Senate Majority Leader...) Senator Biden is as strong an international presence as there is in either party and he may well have a significant role in the next Democratic administration.

In their absence, Barack, John and Hillary will spend 5 of the most important days of their -- and our -- lives. Pay attention, your future is calling.

Comments

 

John Robbins said:

I think Barack Obama's victory in Iowa was because people see him as the one who can best change things, especially as a uniter.  His victory makes me feel hopeful.  It wouldn't have broken my heart if John Edwards had done better, but his contentiousness and "I'll smack 'em around for you" demeanor puts me off.  He seems to be re-fighting the last election.  

January 4, 2008 6:32 AM
 

Kathryn Herzog said:

Edwards has the unfortunate burden of being a reminder of prior disappointing elections. These elections have been disappointing for most everyone including Republicans because they divided our country and the wounds were deep during this time. He has a well thought out platform and I hope that he figures prominently in the new administration.

However, Barack Obama represent an entirely new face for this country aching to change and separate itself from the mess we have made to our good name across the globe. His lack of experience is less important than the statement we can make to other nations about who we are. I was delighted with last night's results, but see a long road ahead and a little fearful that Huckabee may not be the ideal opposing candidate, and may again help to polarize this country if he is opposite Obama in November.

January 4, 2008 8:53 AM
 

KTrapani said:

... we all also have to love the fact that 239,000 Iowa Democrats braved the cold to declare their preferences, publicly. That's twice the largest previous turnout and, at a time when many of us are afraid to ever talk about politics, these folks advocated in front of friends and family and, in many cases, had to re-assess their positions and commit to a different candidate on the spot. In many ways, I wish the general election required that kind of participative democracy. Often, I think, the anonymity of our voting process allows us to cater to our own most basic biases... having to defend one's self in public might just make a few of us less judgemental and more open to alternate views.

January 4, 2008 11:27 AM
 

D. Paige Holloway said:

I have enjoyed watching the Iowa and New Hampshire Events unfold.  Early yesterday, Barack Obama was my candidate.  The Debate last night finally brought Senator Edwards to a point of passion.  Today, Sunday, I watched Elizabeth Edward and Senator Edwards share the floor with a family, who had lost their daughter, a man in his fiftys,who has lived without speaking, until quite recently, and a mother whose child had servived illness in spite of difficultys with health care.  The Edwards were genuinely and appropriately passionate.

Senator Clinton would be a lovely choice, but trusting her is a difficult issue for me.  

Information tells, stories sell.  I needed to see the passion come from Senator Edwards, Elizabeth has always been able to seem very genuine.  Last night's debate and the meeting this morning did it for me.  I believe in Senator Edwards.  I would like Edwards for President and Oboma as Vice President.

Thank you for letting me share, we are in very exciting times!!!

Paige Holloway--Hillary's age

January 6, 2008 3:21 PM
 

KTrapani said:

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Paige. I've known John and Elizabeth for quite a while and I know them to be absolutely genuine... I'm glad that came across to you. It's unfortunate that our political process makes it so difficult for us to come to know the people behind the packaging. For every one of you -- taking the time to educate yourself on the issues and learn about the candidates -- there are 10 who make their choice from the headlines and spin and 15 more who pay no attention and don't even vote. That's why it's so important for those of us who are engaged in the process to bring others along...

January 7, 2008 1:44 PM
 

ksmith said:

Loved Barack Obama's recent speach on "racism" race perception. Not even sure of the politically correct term...

He has gained alot of respect in my eyes and I'm seriously considering him now as the potnetial candiate with my vote.

As others have said, it is all about peeling back the media persona and getting to the substance.

We need less sound bites and more balanced commentary.

March 20, 2008 10:41 PM
 

ama said:

August 2, 2008 7:46 AM
 

Mack said:

you are missing some important message in this black man won a Presidential preference caucus in a white state.I've known John and Elizabeth for quite a while and I know them to be absolutely genuine... I'm glad that came across to you.That's why it's so important for those of us who are engaged in the process to bring others along...

Mack

<a href="www.treatmentcenters.org/iowa"rel="DoFollow">Iowa Treatment Centers</a>

August 3, 2008 3:48 AM

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