The results are in… In the first step of America’s presidential selection process in 2008, two candidates have turned their unlikely stories into meaningful victories: Barack Obama, the Democratic winner, and Mike Huckabee, the Republican.
Obama has been a favorite of the media for months, but his victory over Hillary Clinton seems partly to be a result of a massive increase in turn-out in Iowa (nearly double that of 2004), especially by young voters. Four in ten first-time voters (among the Democrats) apparently favored him. Obama claimed 37.6% of the vote, to Clinton’s 29.5%. She even trailed John Edwards, who drew 29.8% support. Obama also did well by scooping a large chunk of independents, and a small number of Republicans who came to the Democratic caucus to vote for him. He even beat her among women. Clinton will say that she nearly tied him among real Democrats, but Obama’s campaign will sensibly retort that Iowa proved the crossover appeal needed to win a general election. Change was the theme of the night, and Iowans who want it strongly preferred Obama.
Obama’s Victory Speech
Clinton’s third-place finish is deeply disappointing for her, even though she retains lots of money, strong organization and a well-recognized name and can expect to improve her performance. She has quickly turned to New Hampshire, where polls have shown her tying with (or leading) Obama, and then on to South Carolina. Edwards’s future looks cloudier, given the gap with Obama. The Democrats appear to be heading for a two-horse race, which either can win.
For the Republicans, Iowa featured a winner and loser in the state, and a winner who did not even bother to campaign there seriously, nor to show up on caucus night. Mike Huckabee’s improbable rise was confirmed with a nine-percentage-point win over Mitt Romney: Huckabee got just over 34% of the vote, Romney’s 25%, with Fred Thompson and John McCain each taking just over 13%. Rudy Giuliani, who has not bothered to campaign in Iowa, scored just 3.5% support.
Huckabee’s Victory Speech
Romney will be particularly disappointed. He had poured money, including much of his own, into the state. But Huckabee, the former Baptist preacher, appealed to evangelical Republicans, who turned against Romney’s Mormon religion and his perceived recent conversion to social conservatism. Romney called this just the first round, and promised to bounce back.
The winner who stayed away from Iowa was McCain. He came in fourth, but just a few hundred votes behind Thompson, a former senator, despite barely visiting the state. Recent newspaper endorsements and media coverage have revived the Arizona senator’s fortunes. He now looks like he can move past Romney in New Hampshire and perhaps win the state, which borders Romney’s Massachusetts.
Not everyone was a winner, though. Two Democratic senators from the Northeast — Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and Joseph Biden Jr. of Delaware — became the first casualties of the Iowa caucuses. After both failed to get a single percentage point, they issued statements saying they would drop out of the race. The candidacy of Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico seemed imperiled as well; he came in fourth with only 2 percent of the delegate count.
The most exciting race in decades would not be complete without its unexpected twists, and New Hampshire offers one on Tuesday. The state’s independents may vote in either primary. Both Obama and McCain court them ambitiously. But they may only vote once; if they break for Obama’s hope and optimism, they abandon McCain to Romney. And if they break for McCain’s maverick streak, they may help the Democratic machine’s candidate, Clinton.
Go Obama
We need an experienced leader!
HILLARY 08!!
I’m on the fence between Hillary and Obama..I have reviewed Obama’s page I check out Hillary’s this weekend.
J. Dakar is so going to help me get through my Political Science class this semester. CL rocks!
We might see someone other than a white male in the White House in our lifetime. I’m still on the fence… but excited to see that Obama won the first caucus!!
we need to look at things that these people are trying to change for us in AMERICA. Obama has changes for health care and bringing the troops home….A CHANGE IS GONNA COME!!!!!
Oh and I think it will be between Obama and Huckabee.
I’m happy because this will be the first presidential election I can participate in now that i’m 19 but i’m still between Hilary and Barack I think both of them would make good presidents but Hilary does have more experience either way America is gonna have a change this time around because it seems to me that America is too fed up with the Republicans and so we will probably end up having the first black president or the first woman president.
@ 6, sure he has a plan to change health care but his change would mean we would pay MUCH more in taxes, I don’t know about you nut I need that money when I get my paycheck. We would also be paying for things we don’t need.
I actually think Ron Paul also has some very great ideas and plans that are also realistic (compared to Obamas’ idealistic “changes”) so now I’m on the fence between Clinton and Paul.
It is time for change and sometimes experienced leaders don’t know how to change. Have been stuck in the same way of doing things over & over again until it becomes rote. New ideas, new energy, new passion and new commitment is the only way we can move forward as a nation. I believe Barack Obama is the person who can lead us into a new way of thinking, of acting, and a new way of seeing ourselves… Obama ’08!!!
DUDE!!!!!!… What the EFFFF is wrong with this website??? NO matter where I am..or what computer I use.. .. I ALWAYS get an ‘OPERATION ABORTED’ warning and the webpage closes…..
DUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so excited when I heard that Obama had won the Democratic Iowa caucus but I think Hilary might make a comeback in New Hampshire….. anyways OBAMA ’08
@ 13 Obama is NOT the person who can lead us to change he is way too inexperienced he has about one year in the senate and spent even less time in Washington, his “change” plans are unrealistic.
Clinton has the experience to be president, here are her qualifications:
-In 1995 Hillary addressed the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, inspiring democracy globally
-she was a trailblazer during the Clinton Administration, introducing international measures on Human Trafficking
-she is the only First Lady to have addressed The U.N.; the World Bank; the Council on Foreign Relations; the World Economic Forum
-she has visited over 80 countries, personally intervening in getting women a vote in Kuwait, in human rights violations in Slovakia, the Baltic States
-she was a potent player in Northern Ireland, hastening peace there
-in South Africa she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Nelson Mandela
-through her joint initiative Vital Voices, she has helped US mentors train women from new democracies for leadership roles
-Her Healthcare Plan is for everyone, unlike Obama which is one reason why Dr Susan Lynch, pediatrician/ NH First Lady endorses her.
-She listens to her supporters spending hours with supporters answering questions
That was meant for #11 sorry
@12 ME TOO!!!!!!
I thought I was the only one!
I’m shocked…I think Hillary has good goals for the white house…oh well…
OK! OK!…I WAS A LIL ON DA FENCE ABOUT YOU J. DAKAR, BUT YOUR PROVING TO BE A BENEFIT TO THIS SITE! ANYWAYS IM HAPPY THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO VOTE IN THIS ELECTION NOW THAT IM 18!! I FINALLY GET TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE….LOL
I am happy that the young people are so involved. I am not sure of whom I will be voting for, I will be watching each candidate like a hawk. Hillary was upset after Iowa defeat I’m surprised that she lost the women vote. Now on to New Hampshire.
OBAMA All the WAY! Listen to Obama speak, check out his web-site and read his books. The brotha is intelligent and has great ideas for the country. The so-called lack of experience some people talk about may be better than the “super ” experienced politicians who have run the country into shambles (i.e. poor housing conditions, terrible education system, IRAQ, billions being sent to Afghanistan, IRAQ, etc.) As far as expanding health care goes increasing taxes does not have to be the case. If the government puts less money into foreign countries like China and reappropriates the funds to Americans, healthcare can be offered to everyone. More monies can also be placed into schools and other services for the working class majority. It’s important to understand the facts and not make unsubstantiated comments. A time for change is now, and his name is OBAMA. Not to mention, it will be great for my grandparents to see a black person run the country in their lifetime, ours too for that matter! Peace.
#12 use firefox internet explorer always messes up and people can hack your info easier on it
If Hilary can give a complete and straightforward answer to a question she’s asked, maybe I’ll consider giving her my vote, but she has no charisma, that’s what I like about Obama. I really haven’t paid too much attention to Ron Paul besides those loonies on the side of the road, maybe I’ll check out his page
charisma does not = great president
Obama flip flops WAAAYYYY to much and changes his ideas and plans based on who we is trying to cater to. His plans on health care have changed at least six times over the years and will not cover everyone.
I agree that Clinton is the best for the job, as she said during the debate, Obama TALKS about change but Hillary has been MAKING change happen for 35 years, especially in health care.
Obama is all talk and charisma but no proof. Clinton Has already made changes and will continue to make changes.
Didn’t Hillary have some plan for “managed health care” when her husband was in office that NEVER worked! The Clintons are corrupt and Washington doesn’t need more lobbyists and people making politicians weathier! There needs to be someone without all that baggage that can bring a new perspective!
Without Bill, there would be no Hilary. Hilary who?
Obama very little experience dealing and working with international policies and leaders, Hillary has been working with international leaders since she was the first lady, she has connections and experience.
The win for Obama in Iowa was definitely a good start.
I think he will definitely have to build on his “hope and change” campaign with some substance.
OBAMA IS INCONSISTENT AND FLIP FLOPS…….HILLARY IS THE BEST CHOICE.
Great recap J.D. It’s sad that if this topic was about some celebrity scandal or sex tape there would be 100′s of comments……..wake up people and realize what this election is going to do to or for America. This is one of the most symbolic elections in history. ….keep up!
off to a great start! I still think obama and hillary should have ran together
I am watching the debate right now on ABC and everyone sounds good to me but I have to hear more.
Latane shut the hell up ol cheap rabbit ass
Obama offers intelligent solutions to our nation’s problems on foreign policy, health care, education, security and energy. He is well-respected internationally. His national support base embodies America’s desire for intelligent leadership and change republicans, independents, democrats, young voters, minority voters, the middle class, and the poor. Experience doesn’t mean a damn thing these days
Try picking up a book, one of Obama’s books as a matter of fact
First of all Hilary’s experience is a joke…35 years of what, being Bill Clinton’s wife, she has only a few years more experience than either Barack or Edwards who both have the same amount of experience in the Senate. Big ups to Dakar for doing this because I am actually amazed and very dismayed at the level of ignorance I read in some of these comments…People this is one of the most important presidential elections in the past 50 years it is certainly the most important in my lifetime…Get out and listen to these candidates speak, maybe take five minutes away from your time on ConcreteLoop and visit these candidates websites and read their positions on various issues, or turn on your television set the New Hampshire debates just ended and CNN, MSNBC or even FoxNews will be covering these elections nonstop as will other national networks and perhaps even more importantly if you feel strongly enough go volunteer for your chosen candidate. Lastly while I appreciate what ConcreteLoop is doing and the fact that they are stepping their game up above the gossip blogosphere fray it should not be up to them to educate you, you should want to take the initiative to take advantage of the opportunity presented to us to for, the opportunity that so many of our ancestors fought, and protested and died to ensure that we have the chance to vote. So please be informed, inform others, and VOTE
Oh and I didn’t realize my comment was that long I probably should have broken it up into paragraphs but it came out as one long stream of consciousness, my apologies.
@ Aikes Hillary has 6 years in the senate and participated in senate votes, before that she participated in politics when she was first lady something many first ladies never do, even before she married Bill Clinton she was involved in politics. Obama has been in the senate for about a year and rarely spends time at the senate or votes at the senate and when he did, he supported controversial plans.
go barack and huckabee!!
@ brittanybeauty there is no need for personal attacks because of who I support, I don’t personally attack you for what you believe, that was an ignorant comment.
Also I have read Obama’s books I have done research before I chose my position and as I have said he is all talk, he is a man that had a lot of charisma and is great with words but that doesn’t make for a great leader. Hillary has better plans than Obama.
To BrittanyBeauty: experience has everything to do with it, would you want an inexperienced doctor operating on you? Would you wan an inexperienced teacher teaching you or your children? So why would you want an inexperienced president leader the COUNTRY, in which you live?
So J. Dakar said, “a small number of Republicans who came to the Democratic caucus to vote for him (Obama).” Was this more of an underhanded thing to hurt Hilary? I mean, I think the Republicans are thinking Hilary is gonna get the Democratic nod, so they are gunning for her more than anyone else. Could this be why she came in third instead of second?
Hillary is to devisive. we need a president who will bring everyone together. We are already divided as a nation. the most divided we have been in quite some time. I think if hillary is elected she won’t have a snowballs chance of getting legislation passed. People hate her with a passion we need a president who is going to bring together everyone. Obama may not have alot of experience but he would have advisors to help him. I think the man can do it. It is time for the representatives of status quo and the old guard of politics to get with the program or get walked all over as change marches through washington..
You called me a nut being a little hypocritical aren’t you and your on here baggering everybody elses opinions on who they support or who they want to vote for so don’t sit there and tell me what the hell i’m doing now that’s bullshit
brittanybeauty I have never called you a nut, please show me the post where I said this I didn’t attack anyone personally for what they believe. I am also not baggering anyone else, I stated who I support and gave my reasons as to why I support her and why I don’t support Obama.
a doctor and a senator are two different things that’s like saying you going to college to compete with other students but what da hell do I look like being a Criminal Justice major competing with a Business Major????? That’s so damn STUPID
@ 6, sure he has a plan to change health care but his change would mean we would pay MUCH more in taxes, I don’t know about you nut I need that money when I get my paycheck. We would also be paying for things we don’t need.
Back to Rick shit like that experience doesnt even matter these days they have High School Coaches teaching History and Math don’t have a bit of experience im pretty sure people from Texas have had a Coach teach at least one of their classes in high school I had this coach for my class he tells read the book answer the questions and turn in the work these days people are about getting students out of school the easy way and it’s a shame
That was a typo it was supposed to say BUT. I think the point of the comparison Rick was not show a comparison between jobs it was to show that experience is needed in jobs, and leading an entire country needs experience.
Well I apologize damn but still thats my opinion respect it
I respect your opinion I hope you respect mine, I didn’t mean to offend just to inform, I’m sorry if I offended.
Your fine.
I apologize for calling you cheap 2 Lol
Go ahead Obama! Sounding like Martin Luther King, Jr. in that speech. He is the definitely the great debater, when he speaks everybody listens!
Thanks for the recap, great job!!
I really like what Ron Paul is talking about. I saw him in the debate on ABC and he was the only republican making sense to me. On the democratic side, I’m pulling for Obama. Hillary is so full of it. How the hell can she claim to have so much experience as First Lady? Her hubby was getting head in the Oval office on the regular, so apparently she was following him that closely.
@ 11 MEEEEEEEEEEEE TOOOOOOOOOOOOOO i dont understand that either, i can get it to work after a few tries but it really pisses me off.
About the caucuses, i feel that at first, Hillary had it, and Obama was gonna be turned away because he was black, but now, with Obama winning in an almost complete white state, he could definately do this. in New Hampshire, i thnk that the independents will swing his way, which will definately hurt moderate republicans in the race. if Obama wins New Hampshire, there is no doubt that he has a strong chance of being the democratic presidential candidate and even become our next president in 2009.
I just don’t know. I have done extensive research on both and in my opinion Hillary is the better of the two. I actually like John Edwards! I am really on the fence because no matter which way you flip it; it’s either vote for the woman or the black man. I like the idea of Obama being in office, but I would’ve preferred if he had run for VP with Hillary…I especially like that a vote for Hillary is a vote for Bill. However, I’m going to keep listening, watching, and reading. I am so happy to have this convo here. Thanks CL!
Regardless of where your position is, it’s great that there is this type of debate. I am well aware of Clinton’s resume and her experience does make me feel confident, however, it just sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. Does she have so much experience that it immobilizes her ability to think outside of the box? Will her many years as a political cohort mean more of the same swindling and government waste that’s been going on for years? Will Obama’s lack of experience make him less able to see the trappings of politics, especially on an international level? Will Obama provide real solutions for babies to baby boomers? What are we really looking at here? They both have broken ground and have impressive legal and politcal backgrounds, but I want to know who is thinking most about my needs? There’s more to read and see in the next few months…
@Latane…While I agree that Hillary has a few years over Barack I think she is overstating her experience when she keeps on talking about her “35 years of experience”…experience at what because it certainly isn’t legislating and her only significant political effort as first lady was an unmitigated failure. Also first ladies have been playing strong roles in politics since the 1940s with Eleanor Roosevelt, although Laura Bush has not done much if anything politically the fact remains that many first ladies have been active politically and Hilary’s major effort was a failure. You do make good points of Barack’s lack of participation in the Senate and failure to establish a voting record, but IMO that was more to give him more room for his presidential push which I would guess he has been planning for some time after 2004
@ Aikes
I cosign everything you said about Hillary. She has experience being a first lady her husband was POTUS. She has never had any experience holding an executive position., i.e. Governor, mayor etc. As far as flip flopping let’s see there was the whole incident with illegals getting drivers licenses. At first she was for it, then she was against it, then she was for it again, then she was against it depending on what audience she was in front of. Then there was the war on terror, she was for it when she voted to support Bush, then she was against it. Clinton has 35 years of listening to polls and going whichever way the wind blew. Obama voted against the war from the jump and never wavered. Obama makes a statement and doesn’t change his opinion or statement. For the past 16 years we have had “experience” in the white house. During that time we have had trade agreements that have sold the middle class down the river and out-sourced our manufactering jobs, we are in a war to protect Iraq from insurgents but our borders are wide open, our currency is basically tanking, and the economy sucks. Let’s get some new blood in there and shake things up. After Bush I don’t think anyone could mess it up even more.
Big ups to Concrete Loop for providing an opportunity for intellectual convo on the site! While Hollyweird gossip is all fine and great, it’s still nice to talk about things relevant to us.
With that being said, I’m pulling for Obama. Hillary–the fact that she’s married to Bill is going to hurt her. If we elect her into office, we’re essentially recycling political machines, because trust and believe it will be a de facto 3rd term for Bill…she’ll just be the puppet strings. I also like what Edwards stands for, I do.
I’d be content with an Obama/Edwards or an Edwards/Obama ticket.
On the republican side, I’m not quite sure. I’m not feeling Giuliani because I think he’s is trying to ride that 9/11 ticket to the White House. I need to know more! Huckabee, while he’s likable, and he is steadfast to his faith, I think there’d be more of a blurring of the separation between church and state lines with him. It would essentially trickle down to some of the scientific advances that we as a county could make. (In other words, I could see this dude vetoing bills providing funds for stem cell research and things like that) The only 2 dudes on the Republican side that I can deal with is McCain and Paul.
I’ll end with this: If Obama gets elected, I plan on having my behind in DC on 1/20/09!! That will be such a historic day!!