History in the making? Senator Barack Obama and Former Governor Mike Huckabee
became the unconvention winners in the Iowa caucuses. Over two hundred thousand
people came out to caucus, twice as many Democratics as Republicans.
Senator Obama won more young people, women and first time caucus goers ,than the
other two contenders for the democratic nomination. The final count was Obama 38%,
Edwards 30% and Hillary 29%, an amazing feat for a first time candidate to win over a
former first lady with the last name of Clinton.
Governor Huckabee garnered the favor of most of the people concerned with religion.
He won 35% to 28% over Former Governor Romney , with all his money and staff.
This occurance on both sides of the aisle in Washington, D. C. seems to represent a repudiation
of status quo politics. The race is not over by any stretch of the imagination, but for a first
time presidential candidate to win over a former first lady, and to win among her base, which
is women, is quite spectacular. Senator Obama's acceptance speech was very impressive,
probably the best of the evening, inspirational and exceptional.
Governor Huckabee was out spent, twenty to one, by Governor Romney, yet he managed
to win 35% to 29% over a well heeled campaign. Money couldn't buy Mr. Romney love
in Iowa. The choice was the humorous, charismatic candidate from Hope Arkansas. He
must now organize and keep the momentum going. The fight for the nomination will more
than likely be between Senator McCain and Governor Huckabee, with Senator McCain
becoming the Republican nominee with the best chance of beating Senator Obama or Senator
Clinton.
Senator Obama may just win in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada, and Florida. This
may well be a revolution, a sea change, where the voters are tired of the same old political
hide-de-ho, where they want real change in the country, the young people spoke in Iowa. We
have to wait and see where we go from here. Don't count the Clintons out yet, but they have
been given a very tough blow. It's on to New Hampshire for the next round.
