CNN

It means the people are rejecting the "same old politics" and hungry for something new. Obama is that candidate and will restore our standing in the world while bringing our own country together. His win of the presidency would be a win for all of America and the world. Yesterday's caucus result was the first step.

Jack:

Obama's historic win in Iowa means that America has turned a corner. We have finally begun to put the issue of race in politics behind us. For Obama to win in Iowa is no small victory. They have one of the smallest black populations of any state in the union.

While I am very excited for Barrack Obama for his victory and his new found Bo-Mentum as a blackman, I must say it doesn't really mean a lot yet. The most powerful divisive force in America is not from within the democratic party, it is the dictatorial nucleus of the neo-conservative re-fumbling-can (excuse me, the republican) party who pay lip service to the united America. Americans are not divided!!! Why are the republican helping to destroy Clintons at the primaries: could it be they are afraid of payback on 8 years of Bush? Why are they helping Obama who is pandering away to forces outside the Democratic party? I foresee a President Obama who spend his years giving in to the republicans in the name of unity. I l'll eave you to judge it if it's really worth it or not.

It can mean only one thing. Voters, even mostly white voters in middle America, want a change. And what could be more of a change than a black man who runs on a populist agenda. Not even Clinton or Edwards can beat that. In my short life of 60 years, I've seen the Civil Rights demonstrations in the 1960s and now I've seen this. Whatta country! I love it!
Mitzi in Easton, PA

Loggins and Messina sang about the same old wine in a brand new bottle, Obama's win says folks are ready to try a new drink.

Amnesty: n. 1.(The act or an instance of forgiving) pardon, remission, absolution, forgiveness!

Treason: n. 1. (willful violation of allegiance to one's country) sedition, seditiousness, traitorousness!

just want to point out what the democrats stand for!

It sets him up as not only the candidate to beat but the candidate to catch-up to as well.Smart money says that the Republicans would like Senator Obama to be the Democrat nominee because they can attack him with the same ruthlessness as they have done to others in the past.Remember,attack ads don't have to be correct or true,they just have to plant doubt.The Republicans can't do that to Senator Clinton because it has all been done before and beaten back effectively. Senator Obama gives the Republicans a beatable candidate,Senator Clinton or even Senator Edwards would have had a better chance.Makes for a very exciting race.

It means the voters in Iowa care more about image than real issues. I haven't heard any plans from Obama except for "change." He sounds like Rudy with "9/11." It's unbelievable that someone with next to no policy plans laid out can win an election like that.

Jack, the overwhelming victory of Mr. Obama in Iowa is a screaming statement by the American people to declare their enthusiasm for someone who is so far from the black hole of the King George regime and his hateful and deceitful ways. The reason this election year is so predominant in the news is the fact that the vast majority of people wish the election was final yesterday, so King George could be sent packing asap. Oh, and Jack, please tell CNN to quit trying to paint the low energy lightbulbs as evil creatures. Those with migraines and epileptic tendencies can just pass them up on their shopping list. Please bring CNN back to what it was meant to be-Honest and balanced news.

It means that we all need to be worried. History is full of genuine, well meaning, passionate idealists who are great at connecting with people and inspiring the young to action like Barak Obama. Unfortunately, 9 times out of 10 (or more) when they come to power, they find their idealism fails in the reality of their systems and the promised change proves elusive (see Jimmy Carter). People need to wake up and stop dreaming of an instantaneous revolution and start realizing that the only way to bring change in our system is to work within it, step by step. Talk (and ideology) is cheap and what this country needs is results from a proven and practical if ideologically compromising Hillary-type.

It means that we all need to be worried. History is full of genuine, well meaning, passionate idealists who are great at connecting with people and inspiring the young to action like Barak Obama. Unfortunately, 9 times out of 10 (or more) when they come to power, they find their idealism fails in the reality of their systems and the promised change proves elusive (see Jimmy Carter). People need to wake up and stop dreaming of an instantaneous revolution and start realizing that the only way to bring change in our system is to work within it, step by step. Talk (and ideology) is cheap and what this country needs is results from a proven and practical if ideologically compromising Hillary-type.

-Brian F.

Arlington, VA

thanks

"My vote is not, however, a vote for any new doctrine of pre-emption, or for uni-lateralism, or for the arrogance of American power or purpose - all of which carry grave dangers for our nation, for the rule of international law and for the peace and security of people throughout the world.

Over eleven years have passed since the UN called on Saddam Hussein to rid himself of weapons of mass destruction as a condition of returning to the world community. Time and time again he has frustrated and denied these conditions. This matter cannot be left hanging forever with consequences we would all live to regret. War can yet be avoided, but our responsibility to global security and to the integrity of United Nations resolutions protecting it cannot. I urge the President to spare no effort to secure a clear, unambiguous demand by the United Nations for unlimited inspections."

The two paragraphs above are excerpts from a speech given by Senator Clinton on October 10, 2002, before casting a "yes" vote on S.J. Res. 45, A Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq.

Senator Clinton clearly did not support the action eventually taken by Bush. For Senator Obama and the media to continue to mislead the American public about this vote is scandolous. If Obama or any president will need the support of congress before going to the UN to ask for support to use the military when we are not under direct attack. If the congress and the American people cannot trust the president to prudently use that support, the burden rest solely on the president. Indeed, Senator Clinton and most Democrats in congress, except Joe Lieberman and Zell Miller, spoke out against the "rush to war" by the president and the Republican party.

Hopefully not a lot. I find it totally asinine that the media is ruling out the other candidates based on the votes of 320,000 people in Iowa. What about the votes of over 300 million other people in the US. None of the candidates should be ruled out until all the primaries are over. It's time for the US to have a fair vote for all the candidates – 1 day for the whole country to vote in primary elections and then the regular election date. While Obama is a a bright light for the future of this country – he lacking in the experience needed at this time in the history of the US with all of the problems created during the last 7 years by the current administration. We need someone who can hit the ground running and hope it isn't too late to repair the damage done.

It means that if Obama does not suffer a politcal assasination at the hands of the GOP swiftboaters, and he does not suffer a real assasination at the hands of those with the most to lose when we, the people, try take our country back, and if elected, he does not succumb to the pressures of the monied interests of our shadow government, the WTO, The World Bank,The International Monetary Fund, The Israel Lobby, and the Oil Oligarchy......well maybe, just maybe, if he can overcome all those hurdles, we might have just a little change for the better. I don't expect more; the odds are against it.

ANY win in Iowa is meaningless, especially on the democratic side because the process is flawed. As a lifetime Iowa native, I attended my first and LAST Iowa Democratic caucus last night. I never liked the caucus process in principle and now no exactly why. It is a mess where all of the village idiots (and there were a bunch of them) come to gather. Seriously, name another process where you can change your vote mid-stream because your vote may not count? It is simply a circus abundus and the Iowa democrats ought to be ashamed. It does not reflect accurate voter totals because of the viability nonsense. This begs for the question, what is viability? It isn’t Iowa. All candidates and MEDIA should skip Iowa because the data is meaningless; they are getting little (if not swindled) out of their money! As for me, I am moving out of state in a few years and hope to never see such an ill-begotten embarrassing process again. It’s the next best thing to a shell game.

Well considering that over 90 percent of all Iowa residents are white it may indicate that times are changing. Maybe not for the better though. Obama has nothing to offer but his slogan of change. He has no experience, is young and talks black around black crowds and white around white crowds which tells me he is not genuine. If I were a black voter I would not vote for him simply because he is demeaning with his black jargon when he speaks publicly to blacks making it seem that all they can comprehend is black jargon. That is an insult to everyone.
Watch some of his tapes when he speaks publicly and look at the crowds. Obama speaks up to whites but down to blacks and that is a major turn off. Obama is no more of an option then Hillary. Being married to a president does not qualify her to run a country and Obama has not passed any legislation ever of note. Promises of change mean nothing when you have no history or background of change to back it up. It all sounds good but it is another NO SALE. But then again look at who Iowa had to choose from? Henny Penny the sky is falling and it is all the republicans fault even though I voted to go to war in Iraq Hillary Clinton. Or John sue em and screw em Edwards who has no earth shattering anything but nice hair. The pickings in Iowa on the Democratic side were slim and they had to pick someone why not the lesser of 3 evils.

Jack,
In the past former President Bush called coming out of the Iowa caucues with a win the big Mo... This unequivocal victory for Sen. Obama can and should be given to the star power of the American media queen Ms. Oprah Winfrey. So this Iowa win for Mr. Obama shows he has the big O behind him and she is going to be a major factor in the future...

Vinnie

It means that people don't want to think, they want someone (like Oprah) to tell them what to do. That is how we got into this mess to begin with, Karl Rove's recipe for herding the American people worked! It enabled Bush et el. to lead the American people over a cliff, just like Cavemen herding Mammoths to their death. We are people, NOT SHEEP, so let's start thinking for ourselves.

It also means many people only know Hillary from sound bytes. If they read her books and studied her work they would know her as a caring advocate for woman to the best senator I have had in my lifetime. People would know that she honestly cares about people, her country and her world. She is my senator and she is the only elected official who's office answers every one of her constituent's concerns...even when they are a "nobody" like me. I am amazed at her work ethic, her intelligence, how much she cares about people and her strength. She is the only one of the "crop" that I trust to bring about real change in this mess that we call government. She has the tenacity, ability, plus experience fighting the right wing neo cons that want to force their religious beliefs down our throats and steal our freedom. Hillary doesn't get the half the credit she so rightfully deserves.

Folks: It is Obama on the wire. There is a plot here to help Barack Obama win the Democratic nomination so that he can become an easy beat in the November election. I love these Republicans. What do you think?

Jack,

After the caucus I woke up this morning and the air smelled sweeter (regardless of the brown cloud). I have been reading some of the negative blogs about Obama prior to his win and after. The comforting thing is that Iowans out number the negative blogs and they have nothing but good things to say. Jack, is it true? Are Americans finally ready for CHANGE? Let's HOPE so.

Happy Kitty

Jack,it means that America wants change no matter what the color of the candidates skin is. Senator Barack Obama is a breathe of fresh air! God knows we need a candidate who is honest and has integrity .He brings an honest appraisal of the hard work we all must do in order to take back our"Broken Government."

Does this mean we will use a Koran or the Holy Bible? The standards by which built this Great Nation of ours is so disfuntional and useless. It all got started in Washington and that is where it needs to be corrected. Term limits on Representatives and Senators just like the President. Then it's a trickle down from the Federal to State and local levels. The Pledge of Allegiance, Ten Commandments, One Nation under God, and the English Language would be a great starting point. Better get in gear Fred Thompson.

Rod Sculley

Jack,it means that among some Americans race is not a factor in choosing some one for President.Senator Barack Obama is a breathe of fresh air! God knows we need a candidate who is honest and has integrity.He brings an honest appraisal of the work we all must do in order to take back our"Broken Government."

Impressive. But Hillary has the machine(plus Bill). In the next half dozen states the tale(tail?) will grow...

just wait if or when he gets to the White House.....It will then be business as usual.
No matter who is elected, he/she will still be a puppet of corporate interests.....
No wonder the US has lost face around the world. Slowly but surely people have realized that it ( the US) is ALL about itself, forget about democracy and values.....

The Iowa Caucus results are not a surprise, and definitly are not a indication of who will be our next president. So all of you Hillary haters, delay your celebration untill we hear from the other 99% of the country.

Jerry Wilson

I agree with Tomas here, Obama has shown no real issues to support or deny, just showing his message of "change". Change what, Mr. Obama?

Johnny also makes a good point, Clinton obviously did not support the action taken, and for them to mislead the public is running that negative campaign that is based off of propaganda and amnesia from Americans to remember the cold, hard facts. It is a fact that we believe what we are told vs. what is really true.

This race is by no means over, it has only begun now. And one win in Iowa does not show that Obama is the nominee...

Obama's win means nothing, the winners of the Iowan caucus rarely go on to win the presidency. Like the earlier blogger, Obama is the republican's dream candidate, they know they can beat him. People are too wrapped up in the media packaging of Obama, like one of Oprah's favorite things.

I am Republican. Hardcore, Conservative, Pro-Life Republican. I am young 20-30 age group. Yet I can feel a very charismatic individual's charm in development here. It is the kind that after a few wins becomes undeniable. It has nothing to do with Obama being Black, or wanting change. He just has charisma, and people when it comes down to it get gut feelings and know when someone is good. Kind of the reason Bill Clinton coasted into the White House.I would definitely consider voting for Obama in general election in November. The only candidate I truly believed would shake things up for the Republicans is too far behind to make a comeback (McCain). I definitely don't want another lying, deceitful, powerhungry dictator in office (Hillary). Time to regroup and find a candidate who is moderate, willing to work with all parties, and willing to heal our relations with the world, but can also defend America if it comes down to it. I honestly believe Obama is those things, as long as he doesn't get corrupted by the very old established political game in D.C. and turns into another lying politician. People are begging for change.

It means that if predominately White Iowa wasn't afraid to vote for Sen. Obama, then Black Americans don't have to be afraid to vote for Sen. Obama either. Nor do they have to feel obligated to vote for Sen. Clinton. But, I wouldn't toss in the towel if I were Sen. Clinton or John Edwards, there's still time for both to make changes in their campaigns, & there are many more votes to count before this is all over.

Obama win means nothing. One down 49 to go...
Republican President will reside in the White House come Jan 20, 2009.

His speech was amazingly inspirational. I was an Obama supporter before last night but WOW! I have watched it 3 times and it is better each time. How nice it would be, after 8 years of illiterate mumbling and ignorant posturing, to have an eloquent, credible speaker. I listen to him and feel the same way I do when I listen to the "I have a dream speech" Moved, proud and inspired. Oh- and in case you're wondering, I am a white jewish girl born in queens, NY

I, too, found O'Bama's speech riveting and brilliant, however, I find it interesting that so many are touting O'Bama as the "winner" in such a close race. It seems with so few caucus goers in such a small state that we are amiss to call anyone a winner. Also, Clinton may have come in 3rd with regard to percentage points, but has anyone noted the number of delegates she garnered in last night's events or compared the delegates gained amongst the top three Democrats in Iowa! The media needs to encourage citizens to look at the entire picture and not just make a quick headline that we can all cling to. I applaud CNN for their coverage and explanation of the process of a caucus in the days and hours prior to it- now you need to work just as hard at explaining why Clinton actually has over 100 total delegates more than O'Bama at this early stage. "Superdelegates" anyone? I look forward to the explanation!

What does Senator Obama's win in the Iowa caucuses? Well, to me it means that people are frustrated with politicos, period! All those candidates for the Presidency of the U.S. do promises... promises, promises, oh come on! Unless a President has a Congress and Senate working with him or her, nothing much can be accomplished! And let's face it, the majority of the members in Congress and Senate are in the hands of big boys, corporations, special interests, and the like... are they going to give the President what he/she needs in order to turn our country around, make it again a country the rest of the world can look up to and say, hey, Americans are honest people, they are believable, they strive for world peace, and so on! Nope, that is not going to be the case... I am of the opinion of Lou Dobbs, get rid of all members of the Congress and the Senate and every person that affects the quality of life of America and the World... this includes the present so-called leadership of our great Country, and start all over again, with people who are not called Republicans or Democrats or Independents, or whatever, but who are called "Americans!" Americans who will have the power to govern this country and make it what it was meant to be... not a nest of bodies that are into special interests and kiss boots of higher ups in order to enjoy some more pleasure in life when they retire or are voted out of their office as they are gobbled up by special interests.
And as a parting gift to all those Representatives and Senators, I would like the new President elected in November 2008 to change the law that permits all these people and everyone else in the government to get a special government retirement pension! I would like to see that everyone, Congress and Senate members alike, all other big shots that are now entitled to huge amounts of pensions... all this for getting our country in a horrible mess... regardless of who they are or were, all of them upon retirement age should get the same amount of monies that retired citizens are drawing social security benefits (and hopefully some kind of retirement they earned by working in various fields), and get the same medical benefits as every person has upon retiring from the workforce, i.e., the Medicare benefits A + B + whatever else they could afford! I think that citizens unfortunately have been hoodwinked too long by all politicos, Republicans, Democrats, What-Have-You... we should start anew... this does not mean that a present member who has not yet been influenced by PACs, and all such greedy interests that include big companies, could not make it back to a cushy seat in Washington D.C.
Now Senator Obama has only been a Senator for a couple of years... he may still not be under the "influence" of special interests... and that, is what I feel is the reason for his win in Iowa... and if this is the case, I have a feeling that Americans who do not follow the ritual of voting for one party or another only, will see Senator Obama as a person that can be trusted to do something for our great United States!

Egad, the computer does not recognize the word “Obama” and wants to change it to “Osama” – Hey, Mr. Gates, how about having your people make a change in your spell-check?

I am very excited about Senator Obama's victory in Iowa.

For those who say that the Senator is just "talk," with no ideas, I submit that they haven't listened to his speeches.

The senator is brilliant, articulate, honest and one who, as president, will be an outstanding representative of our country throughout the world. I just can't wait for this to happen!

I'm guessing that Obama's win was driven by naive voters just like himself who are Bushed out after 7 years, not in the mood for inevitable yet unelectable dynasty candidates, and unaware that Edwards is a far more aggressive and accomplished lawyer than any tenement organizer or constitutional law professor.

it means we all want change and are willing to support the best candidate.... i am tired of hearing he is not experienced enough......look where the last 7 years of experience got us. if we are going to try and keep the middle class, we had better let are politicians know the same old same old is gone and we are going to vote in change regardless of the so called norm, it may be are last chance to survive!!!!

I believe Obama's win allows him to finally resonate with those who thought he would never be able to win against the clinton establishment. Those who discounted him on the basis of his electability will now take a second look . People have to really decide whether we want to risk a nominee who will turn off independants, republicans, and a good number of democrats in the namesake of 'experience'. There is no other candidate that will galvanize the people to elect a republican than hillary clinton. Hopefully people will see that there is definately another viable choice who can actually bring hope and real change to the whitehouse.

-Andrew, Ottumwa IA

Regarding the comment about Obama becoming the next Carter (idealism to failed governance), one must remember a few things: Carter was a micromanager who stayed up late into the night pondering policy details, and became lost in the need to press the big themes of his presidency. Does anyone remember how much he aged in his first year in office?

While his election was a reaction and repudiation of Nixon and the Republicans, Carter brought along Jody Powell and Hamilton Jordan to Washington with a Democratic Congress. Unfortunately, these outsiders really had no effective means of dealing with the Congress and getting big things done. By 1980, they had only a few successes to point to (the very best of which was Camp David), and got trounced due to the failure to address, most importantly, the overwhelming sense of national malaise.

In contrast, Obama is one cool customer. He went on a run before his keynote address in 2004 and played hoops on the morning before the caucus. He has enough Washington insider experience not to make the same mistakes as Carter in dealing with Congress – any President's most important challenge in getting things done. Unlike our current President, who has ignored history at his peril, Obama will raise all of us and still be prepared for the back room battles that go along with accomplishing an agenda. Exciting and interesting times indeed.

Jack:

if anyone gives too much weight to this results, it actually means they don't know JACK!!!

Do the research, please... how many democrats have won in Iowa and lost the presidential nomination???? (Howard Dean comes to mind!) and how many have lost Iowa and win the nomination??? (Bill Clinton comes to mind, pun intended!!)

the REAL day is February 5th.... that's the day the MAYORITY and most representative group of states are going to vote for the democratic presidential candidate; the other primaries, like NH, NV and SC are just SAMPLES...(which I believe is an advantage that should be eliminated: we are all equal and as such, we all deserve the priviledge to vote (absentee-votes are not allowed in Iowa) and should be able to do it at the same time!!!

This process just began.... and jumping to conclusion is NEVER healthy....

Yes, It's historic minus the question mark!

As a 29 year old black male who usually votes democrat; I was extremely excited with Senator Obama's win yesterday and even more motivated by one of the greatest speeches that I've seen in the last 30 years. I even started to believe the hype that Senator Obama could actually be President in 2008.......Then when I awoke this morning I immediately came back to my senses. I completely believe that Senator Obama is an agent of change, one of the most honest politicians I've seen in a long time and overall just a good leader. If he wins the democratic nomination he will certainly get my vote next November but this is where I must pause.
Race is still one of the most polarizing and divisive issues in America and although I would love to believe we've made huge strides in race relations. I think I would be kidding myself if I thought that this country is ready to elect a black President with Muslim heritage. Let's be real honest here why do you think the Republicans have made a conscious effort to attack Hillary Clinton since the beginning of her campaign, its not because they think she is unelectable I assure you. The Republicans know that racism is driven by fear and they are masters of using fear to drive American voters. Can you imagine the campaign adds against Obama next October, there would probably be just a 10 second add with Senator Obama's picture and a scrolling caption "The President Of The United States Barack "Hussein" Obama. America is this the type of change you really want?"

Senator Obama's win in Iowa goes to show that Americans are determined to see him follow through with his strategies for change. Should the Senator be elected President, he will be not only be a fresh face with new ideas and concepts, but he'll be a new name. We had 4 yrs of Bush-heavy, 8 yrs of Clinton, and now we've suffered through 8 years of Bush-light. We need change in more than one way!

Love it – and proud of it. Proud that this country has finally decided to set aside the usual factors of decision making in politics – race, money etc., aside and have decided very smartly that the smartest in the pack is the black skinny guy with a funny name. If you cut out the idealism, which inevitably is seen around elections, the one thing that should stick out quite rightly mentioned in this blog – "How he did it". Edwards has been camping in Iowa forever – Hillary comes with the credentials of Bill and yet, somehow Sen Obama manages to break their grip and wrest a win. I am not an expert – but I believe you have to be very smart and dedicated to be able to pull something like that. And thanks to Iowans, they recognized and figured out that we need a smart guy like Mr. Obama with the reigns of this nation.

Jack,

If Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama last night the Democratic campaign for the nomination would have been over. For that simple fact, Obama's victory was enormous. Obama's victory should give him the momentum to win New Hampshire and then the dominoes will begin to fall directley to the nomination. However, if Clinton is able to maintain her lead and win New Hampshire she will have stolen the momentum right back and again be the front runner in this race. Tuesday, January 8th is the day we will find our Democratic nominee for the presidency of the United States of America.

- Chris

It means that after 3 decades of the politics of fear and slander (generated by the republican machine that got Reagan elected and has been setting the political tone ever since)... people are finally so fed up that they are actually willing to risk feeling HOPE again. Obama's win was huge. His speech was like nothing I have ever heard in my lifetime... it brought chills to my spine, tears to my eyes, and an irresistible grin to my face. I kept thinking that he sounds like a Kennedy or an MLK... like a real Leader he rose above the politics and rose above himself and became a true statesman. I have a special place in my heart for both Edwards and Clinton but I have to say.... Obama was so far above the others last night with that speech that I am now allowing myself to climb out on that limb of hope with him. And you know what? It feels good!!

I for one am sick of the whole state of Iowa and what we have had to go thru. If only 6 % participated and I have to live with their choice give me a break!! Let all states go to their primarys same day and shake out the next President more fair for all of us and also the canidates!! I am sure they are as sick of this as I am !!

Jack,It means that no one in Iowa was paying attention. I have been listening to Obama for his positions on anything. He has said absolutely nothing! I have no idea what he stands for. He reminds me of Borat.

Obama and Huckabee are the Democrats' and Republicans' most optimistic candidates, respectively. The fact that these two men's campaign calls for both change and inclusion won out over moneyed interests, slick party advertising schemes, and angry rhetoric shows, above all, that Americans (or at least Iowans) are eager for both new ideas and new attitudes. Bush claimed to be "a uniter, not a divider," but it didn't turn out that way. America is apparently still ready to embrace someone who can make good on that profile. Let's hope Capitol Hill is listening.

It means that america is finally growing up. There are now enough people who can look past insignificant things like race and give a chance to the most deserving candidate.

But now, predictably, CNN is asking "is america ready for a black president". It appears that the american public has matured, but CNN hasn't.

It means that people in IA and elsewhere are buying the (very nice) message of change and hope that Obama gives and are out of touch with reality of what governing requires. Deval Patrick, Obama's friend and supporter from MA, campaigned similarly and won the primary based on his beautiful "hope" and "togetherness" message. When he was elected, he stumbled terribly the first six months, making mistake after mistake, and after his first year in office has accomplished very little. That's exactly what we'll get if Obama gets elected. I didn't support Patrick in the primaries and I won't support Obama, either.

Jack, I now understand what my parents felt when Bobby Kennedy ran for office. Barack Obama has inspired many people my age, and younger, to take that extra step and go that extra mile for what and who we believe in. It pains me that we can't vote for him in the primary here in Michigan on Jan. 15. But, I have a feeling that for the first time in our primaries, the undecided voter percentage will be higher than the percentage of votes for any candidate on the ballot.

It means I smiled for the first time in 7 years.

Jack, Jack, Jack.... Much ado was made about nothing in regards to Hillary's third place finish. Edwards got 29.7481% of the delegates compared to Hillary's 29.4682%. That's a difference of only .279%. The difference between Thompson and McCain was .236%, yet they "tied."

The Iowa caucuses are similar to the electoral college process – meaning a candidate can get more of the "popular vote", yet still not win their precinct. At my particular precinct, one candidate clearly had more people in their corner (62), but obtained the same amount of delegates as a different candidate with fewer people in their corner (39).

Keep in mind, also, that my precinct had an "uncommitted" group that was ONE person short of being viable. At the 11th hour, this entire group shifted to the Edwards corner, putting him over the top. Their rationale? They didn't want a "front-runner" to win, yet not one of them volunteered or was chosen to be a delegate to our county convention, therefore, their voices will still not be heard.

I am not sure what it means for the country; this is only the start.

What it means for me is that for the first time in my voting life, I am not voting for "good enough" or "not the other guy." It means that I awakened this morning in a nation in which the dream may not be deferred all that much longer. It means that a good man with a dream and specific plans to achieve it can be recognized as a leader. It means that more people may be on the precipice of making their voices heard. It means that no amount of politics can hide the real deal when he steps up.

For me, it means hope.

Obama's victory last night is, in reality, the first small step towards finally doing something meaningful in Washington. D.C. But let's remember, it is the first step, and a very small one. It is a long ways to innaguration day and we have a lot of work to do.

What his Iowa victory really means is that the voters have seen past the Washington establishment and the media. When the establishment and the media encounter a politician who does not fit their mold, they want to dismiss that person. But Obama's message has proved irresistable. He has transcended the establishment, and the media is finally coming around. But the voters were there before you, and I have faith that they will be all the way to election day in November.

Hillary's biggest mistake of last night?: Giving her post-caucus speech with Bill on one side an Madeline Albright on the other. She is relying on the past and not looking forward.

I can't wait to cast my vote for Obama in the Ohio primary!! I believe that something is afoot in this country and we are about to make history. Obama is charismatic, and I believe that he has the ability to stir real passion and enthusiasm for his candidacy. His speech was wonderful...very inspiring.

Jack
Nice job by Obama and his staff, however he has a long way to go. Lets see what he does in New Hampshire then the Obama supporters can celebrate. I would think that Hillary has to go back to the drawing board and reevaluate her position.

Great History is written in Iowa yesterday. It is true that nation want honest, trustworth person as their president. What is good is the experience and knowledge with out being honesty and and person with out a character. you know whom i am refering to. anyways no negative campaign , we wish all the candidate the good luck. let us see if you we see the momentum of change in other states.

bye

Dear Jack,

I am 77 years old, voted in every election (independent) since Dwight D. Eisenhower, and cannot remember any time when the sitting president had such low esteem that all of the canditates, of his own party, would not invite him to participate in their campaign for election. Has this ever happened before?

Jack,
You are right on target. Barack's rise as the future president of the US is historic and incredibly inspirational. I have not seen him in person yet, but plan to on his first stop here in New Mexico. I was listening to David Broder on Meet the Press several weeks ago, and he was talking about the energy of the crowds at the Obama rallys. Broder is not known as a liberal/progressive, but even he was impressed by what he saw.

Barack's speech last night in Des Moines gave me chills and really fired me up to get involved. Honestly, I've been on the sidelines in this contest but I now think I'm ready to commit.

Jack it means that politics as usual is coming to it conclusion. It means that America will accept a leader who leads by conviction and not cronyism no matter his or her color. It means that postmoderns are not a sleep at the wheel. And it means that maybe just maybe ML King vision of a nation that judges people by their character and not color is coming to past.

I think it means that Obama will win the nomination and (unfortunately) lose the Whitehouse, but what do I know about American politics? I'm Canadian.

JACK, THE AMAZING THING ABOUT MR. OBAMA'S VICTORY IN IOWA IS THAT HE GIVES OF THE FEELING THAT HE IS ALREADY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND HIS SPEECH MAKES YOU BELIEVE IN THE IDEAS THAT THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED ON! YES JACK I BELIEVE AGAIN AND NOW IM READY TO STAND UP FOR CHANGE!

it means that we the people are mad as hell, the story isn't obama's win, it's the #
of people that participated. jack & Lou have lit a fire in the belly of this country and
were going to put out a lot of Washington lifers out to pasture. enough is enough
were not takeing it any more, this election will produce the largest voter out come ever , that will be nothing short of unbelievable. mark my words.
bowling green , mo.

People will undoubtedly say that Obama's victory doesn't mean much–that it's too early in the game, that he is too young and too inexperienced to be president. But look back in American history at some of our defining moments like the Civil Rights Movement or the Vietnam protests. In both cases, the youth of America decided it was time to get off the couch and into the political arena. People underestimate the ability of the young voters in this country to recognize when the "system" has gone astray, and when it is time for a new direction. Last night people in the media were comparing Obama to MLK Jr. and Bobby Kennedy. These figures were able to captivate young Americans who were discouraged by politics. What's to say Obama can't do the same? After all, MLK Jr. didn't have much experience and Bobby Kennedy was only 42 when he ran. If Obama keeps this up, the youth of America will win this election for him, and we might just seem another epic era in our nation's history.

I think it means that Obama will win the nomination and (unfortunately) lose the Whitehouse. But what do I know about American politics? I'm Canadian. (It does make for pretty entertaining television)

Julie from Toronto

What the win means last night to me is more of a win for the media than the actual candidates. At first, the media declared Clinton unbeatable and then consistently and non stop started tearing her down from that moment on whenever possible. They ignored most of Huckabees gaffs and lack of policies and covered his cutsey jokes and quipps. They fell for his "I am not going to show this attack ad" and then did the work of publicizing and showing it for him all the while he gets free air time and further chances to demonize Romney at the expense of others . Barrack got wall to wall coverage of Oprah's support yet not much else of substance to tear down his credibility. It appears that what Iowa means is whatever the media tells us it should mean and day after day the media decides who they think are the frontrunners and hopefuls making sure by the coverage we are fed that we will fall in line as expected. I am tired of being told what everything means as if I am too ignorant to figure it out for myself. Iowa proves that they get to go first and have the candidates spend inordinate amounts of time there while the rest of the later states may be lucky to get one visit, and others with later primaries may get no visits at all. The whole thing shows this system of choosing candidates is unfair to all and needs some real changes.

What does it mean? It means that people are:
*tired of politics as usual
*1st timers – coming out to vote for change
* judging candidats 'by the content of their character and not the color of thier skin"
OBAMA in '08!!!!!

Obama has always had the ability to connect with an audience due to his background and his intelligence. Oprah was able to bring more people out to listen to him and Obama was able to close the deal. He and Edwards talks about change with the healthcare systems, foreign trade, Iraq and corporate warlords. Clinton doesn’t talk in detail of the changes she plans to make. She had an opportunity to win landside but she refuse to distance herself from the present.. If she states she is willing to bring the troops home within 1 year, refuse to give Bush more funds for the troops, prevent corporations from sending jobs out of the county she will have a closer race. Please let that guy from Texas know that most blacks in the corporate world change their dialects to fit the environment due to being 4% in corporate.

This is historic. Obama has run a decent campaign in the most civil discourse in the history of America. He has brought independents and first time Voters out of their warm homes to vote for him in a cold night. This is an opportunity for Americans to unit behind a president who will use reason in the way he deals with the world. One who would give peace the opportunity; one who is not tell people what they need to hear. one who would tell you where he stand and one who is not afraid to talk to people with different view.

Go Obama GO.....

Obama seeks diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation. America has alienated the world long enough, and needs someone who will work with the world not against or despite it. I hope he keeps it going.

JACK, THIS GUY ROD SCULLEY "DOES THIS MEAN WE WILL USE A KORAN OR THE HOLY BIBLE?" TELL THIS GUY THAT MR. OBAMA IS A CHRISTIAN AND NOT A MUSLIM!!!

Jack, THe people in Iowa must have been in the corn field to long,I do not think this was a good cross section of America there. Look at the few votes cast. Obama will fade like yesterdays news.

Jim, New Jersey

It means that the rhetoric of all campaigns of the last 40 years for the first time has a the chance to come true.

We are no longer able to think for ourselves! Why do we you have a celebrity and religious delegation speaking for you! Do we not have minds anymore?
Personal views are not to be thrust on others but for one self.
It is no longer a matter if he/she is the best person to handle the position, but who has to most celebrity/religion power behind them? If this what it takes, than the country is in trouble.
We are going into more turmoil in the world than ever before,we must think of the future of our elderly, children, the homeless, the sick and most important the men/women overseas fighting a war. The important issues are not who is backing who,but who is CAPABLE and has the EXPERIENCE to handle the position, as they will need all their expierience and know how to handle all the problems we are facing in the world.

The momentum it gives Barack is unbelievable. It has proven that he is able to win and against all odds. In a state where the African American population is very low, Barack has proven that he can still be an effective candidate. This is what is important. He needs to be seen as electable, and this win in Iowa has done just that for him. It makes for an uphill battle for Hillary Clinton. I think the win in Iowa has made Barack the favorite to win New Hampshire and setting him up for a chance to clinch the party nomination. I think he is on pace to win this thing.

American need a president that is not white and realise what they have been missing.YOU get use to the status co and you resisted changes since lord knows when.it is time for the world to realise that we are created equal and that bien a president is not the highest aspiration .bein a human being with Maat as your center is

ZA GaZA

Listen Jack,

We've got one guy in office now that does a lot of talking but doesn't have any solid plans. Why trade him for another like politico? I'm not drinking the Obama Kool-Aide and it's a shame Iowa was because if he's the candidate and he wins, everyone is in for a big shock come January 2009. More of the same-old, same-old will certainly be on the way.

Yhr Iowa caucus was much ado about nothing.
No one believes that winning there will mean anything.
The real nominee will be selected by the vote in the larger states.
Unfortunately, my state, Oregon, will not have any impact on the primaries as the candidate will be selected long before we vote.

I'm in my 20s and watched Obama's victory speech last night. Prior to last night I was really happy with all the options on the Democratic side. I was leaning toward Hillary just b/c she seemed to be the likely winner but was impressed with Obama, Biden and Richardson. Having said that, after watching last night's speech I'm with Obama all the way. He really does represent everything that's great about our country, would be a dedicated agent for change, and would be the perfect symbol to the rest of the world that we're not the nation of Bush, Cheney, Rove, Rumsfeld, etc but instead a nation that respects the rule of law, human rights, the environment and other nation's sovereignty.

Best yet everyone one of my friends and co-workers, other 20 and 30 somethings, that saw Obama's speech said the same thing. People have been throwing around terms like "inspiring" and "goose bumps" when describing their feelings about what they heard. My generation realizes the problems Bush has caused will be solved by us not the baby boomers. We'll be the ones that fix a failing healthcare system that treats people as customers instead of patients. The ones that have had to fight in Iraq and we'll be the one's that will have to mend the broken international relationships that have resulted. The ones that will have to leverage our financial futures against the debts incurred by Bushes over spending (Billions in Iraq alone) and tax cuts for his fat cat friends. The ones that will deal with the reconfiguring of the Supreme Court. Who knows what their rulings will be like in the future but my guess is it won't be in favor of the common citizen's interest. The one's that will try to correct the damage to the environment that unchecked human activity has caused to the planet.

People in my generation have long understood what the problems were, we just didn't know how to address them. Watching Obama's speech last night changed that for me. I saw in Obama a symbol of change, a leader, our FUTURE. I've been in a great mood all day. If this is how I feel after an Iowa caucus win imagine what it will be like when he wins in November 2008. It really will be a fresh start. GO PRESIDENT OBAMA!

I fear for his life.

God Bless Barack Obama and his family.

Jack,

Think of integrity as something that is neither for sale, nor can be purchased. IMHO, Obama has this in spades; Clinton does not. She's also beatable by the Republicans, if for no other reason than she is the most polarizing figure on the Democrat side.

Now think of younger voters right across the country being mobilized en mass. If Obama can do this consistently until the general election, he's a winner.

You cannot buy this.

Yep you better believe it, this black man means business.I think he's one of the best things thats happened for race relations worldwide...at least now bigots will know that they are so mistaken.

It would be a mistake to read this as a sea change in American racial attitudes. It would be a mistake to read this, in fact, in any over broad way, for a number of reasons, not least of which is that Iowa is but one small place of many, and perhaps not coincidentally it borders on Mr Obama's home state. The lesson to be gained, in my estimation, is that the force of Mr Obama's personal magnetism is overwhelming in the face of such things. I am a Richardson guy, but when Mr Obama began to speak last night, in terms so populist as to sound almost Biblical, I must admit I was agog. I have never in my life seen anything like it.

Could a black man have won even one caucus or primary forty years ago? No. But was it any less improbable last night than it would have been ten years ago? Perhaps I am not qualified to answer that, but it seems not. The difference is not in the electorate but in the candidate.

It means that people are hungry to move away from the same old line that we usually get at this time every four years. Young people are coming to the forefront to work for Obama, which means that a new era in American politics is beginning. The Generation Xers have someone that they can relate to and work to elect. Watch out, this should be great TV!

I sincerely hope it means that after seven years of the Bush_v2.0 Experiment the American public has awoken and is paying more attention to the respective candidates and less to campaign rhetoric. Iowa has put the candidates and political process on notice – we are paying attention & we can distinguish truth from disingenuous sounds bites regardless of the volume of money spent.

I judge Iowa to be the first piece of a puzzle that when complete will illustrate America’s willingness and readiness to do that which is required to take back this country & its government from wealthy special interest groups and return it to the people for whom the founders intended it to serve.

I'm from Hawaii, the state of "talk story" and lethargy! Wow! BO must have spent too much time here. He is all style and no substance. BO won't bring change unless a younger Bushian – ego/phony folksy style, or platitudes not substance or rhetoric not action is the change you yearn for. Wake up America! This isn't American Idol.

Wow! Obama's speech last night, not his win, is causing me to re-think my support of Clinton. He may be the leader who brings back the feeling of waking up in the morning when everything about life is good because there is so much optimisim and hope in this country. We have friends, once again, throughout the world. I no longer have to hope that when I travel, I am not asked "what country are you from". I can say USA with pride.

Many of us are seeing dreams realized, those that were created deep within us when we first saw Obama speak at the Democratic Convention a few election cycles ago. I know when I saw Obama speak that first time, I wondered if Martin Luther King express himself this well when he was a young man . Obsma seemed like a natural for a populist presidential candidate then. With his youth, It didn't seem possible then but now it does!! What good did experience do George W. Bush? Here's hoping for a historic moment which provides the change American poitics has needed since well before Nixon.

Jack, we learned in 2004 that Iowa is the key to the nomination. Kerry had been left for dead in November 2003, but voters' doubts about Dean and Kerry's successful portrayal of his war record gave him the victory in Iowa, and he was never challenged again. Say what you will about Obama's lack of experience, or the Democratic field's overall weakness, or even Iowa and New Hampshire's inflated role in choosing the presidential candidates. In four weeks' time, Obama will have virtually swept all the primaries (to that point), Hillary Clinton will be left, head spinning, wondering what exactly happened to her campaign, and it all will have begun in Iowa.

I've been reading some of this stuff & I have to say that I don't think any candidate would please a great many of you.
The reason Sen. Clinton isn't electable is because of the baggage that's been handcuffed to her, the Rose Law Firm, WhiteWater, & ofcourse Pres. Clinton's personal foibles.
But, John Edwards is electable, Sen. Chris Dodd is electable, Sen. Joe Biden is electable & so is Sen. Obama. But, once again I see the "NEO-CON/Religious Rightists" are terrorizing you.
Think it through America & don't let your vote, voice, mind, & soul go to waste.

Obama's win in Iowa is an orchestration of the Republican Party with the connivance of the American media. Am happy for him, but 'am sad for America because come November 2008, a republican will occupy the white house. I am a black man and a democrat, but I know enough to know that when your enemy is rendering you unsolicited help, something must be in the offing. Should he win the nomination, Obama will be easily defeated by the Republican machine in November. He has nothing to run on, and I just don't see how he can survive what is to come.

Please Jack, could you be more clear. You are so impartial I can't tell who you support.
It means the rest of us can stay home, it's obviously over. We have selected something new... a candidate who has charisma and can connect with the people and unite them (Obama? oops, sorry that was Bush). OK we've selected a candidate whose faith defines them (Huckabee? no? that was Bush, my bad). Please don't say the word cocaine. That would be racist. (Oh? that first came on the scene with Bush? again, sorry). Well at least we have selected two candidates who present a new vision by showing personality can overcome substance and demonstrated to the media that we are willing to take the ultimate risk and head in a new direction (what? Bush did the charisma over substance campaign, sigh). OK, I must be correct on this one... the dem choice brings in 'new' politics! (Really? he surrounded himself with 'old' Clinton advisors?) I have really tried to get this right. I read no books on issues, history or politics. I refuse to look at voting records. I watch cable news frequently and am regurgitating everything the political pundits are saying. What am I getting wrong here?

Dear Jack:
I watch your commentary a lot, you have been on the mark
99/44/100% of the time. The old saying throw enough manure
on the wall and something will stick. It is imperative that the
American People regain control of our country again. Keep up
the good work at CNN.

Obama's win in Iowa signals that Democratic voters are realizing that the only way they can win in November is by winning the Independents and moderates; Hillary has long repelled that group of voters, and therefore, she would be the cause of an electoral disaster for the democrats, both with respect to the whithouse and the congress. With Hillary as the nominee you can kiss congressional majorities goodbye for a long long time.

grant

Nashville, tn

I have never been this moved by anyone since Kennedy or Martin Luther King, Jr. We have witnessed history in the making fellow Americans!

Barack Obama's historic victory in Iowa last night means that my faith in the desire of the American people to unite against politics as usual, is beginning to be restored. It means that we are beginning to stir as a nation. It means we will no longer be told what to think and believe empty promises, but that we are willing to stand up for change. It's about time that we have a candidate of this caliber, and it's about time that we wake up and let our voices be heard. Way to go Iowans! Thank you from Georgia! Let's keep this momentum going!

Although Obama's victory is historic I believe that it is still too early to predict how the race will turn out. This is only the beginning of a battle of epic proportions in the Democratic Race. This is gonna be fun watching the Democrats destroying each other in the coming months.

It means that there just might be a light at the end of the tunnel. It means that people are more concerned with electing someone they can trust, and someone they believe will bring this country together to invoke change. It means that people are less interested in who has more experience playing games in Washington, and more interested in electing someone who can work with both sides of the isle to achieve results. I can't wait to cast my vote for Obama.

I am confused. Brian from Arlington blasted Obama for not knowing that real change comes from working within the system step by step. So, he feels that President Obama would not get anything done because he is an outsider. But, Edwards' camp is saying that Obama would sellout to corporate interests by working with them to get things done, and still others are saying he would try to work with Republicans to get things done and betray the desire for change. Which is it? Will he work within the current system and compromise to get things done or is he so far out of the system that he could not get anything done? Seems like his detractors cannot make up their minds.

It means that "We the People" of the United States, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, are going to take back our government from the political elite and the Corporations!

It means that the glass ceiling is still in place with the help of the media miquoting Hilary's statements such as she never said she agreed with the NY governor about drivers licenses for illegal aliens jus. that she understood . Jack, you and Lou Dobbs really wanted to take her down,

It really was a vote against Hillary. In poll after poll, 50% of Americans say that they hate Hillary and would never, ever vote for her. Watch her campaign get really dirty and nasty (a Clinton trademark) while she pretends to be above it all. Obama is a good man but he better be ready for what's coming at him from Hillary. However, no matter who the Democrats nominate, a Republican will win the Presidency in November.

Jack,
Just Ask the the Democratic House and Senate members who are up for reelection this November who they would rather have representing them on the campaign trail: Obama or Hillary? I gurantee they would rather have Obama as their pitch man; She repels independents and moderates; All the republican would have to do is juxtapose his Democratic opponent with a clip of one of Hillary's nails-on-the-chalkboard moments and it will be all over for the Democrats.

grant
nashville,
tn

It doesn't mean very much. Supper Tuesday will mean a lot. One state does NOT pick our president even though the press acts like it does. I don't think 16 delegates will quite cut it. IF Hillary had gotten the good press that obama did, he would not be leaving Iowa with a win. CNN is Hillarys worse enemy. Fox is more fair to her then CNN. At least Wolf is professional and does not let his favoritism show, that's more then I can say for Jack Cafferty and Lou Dobbs. They WERE my two favorites on CNN until they started bashing Hillary. ALL candidates need to be treated fairly and impartially. Referees in football games I'm sure have a favorite but if they would let it interfere with their calls, they wouldn't be a referee very long. The media is suppose to be impartial or at least appear to be. I am so disappointed in Jack and Lou, they are making Hannity and Combs look pretty good right now. Stay tuned, Jack and Lou, it ain't over till the fat lady sings. My vote hasn't been counted yet and I intend for it to be on supper Tuesday....

Hopefully it means that our country can be healed and repaired from the damage inflicted by the current administration over the past several years.

It means nothing, Obama got 1 more deligate than Edwards and 2 more than Hillary. This is more than likely the result of second votes and first timers. It won't happen everywhere. So take it with a grain of salt and move on.

it might mean we are heading to 4 more years of republician govt.

Old white guys aint cutting it anymore. look what this one did to us. Its time for a change. A young president who hasn't been corrupted is exactly what this country needs.

It means that Obama can bull s. the people better than anyone else.

Just means that when Edwards wins the next one that there will be even more to cheer about.

Obama's win in Iowa means that American's identify with his message of change. They have been eagerly awaiting change after the horrific years of the Bush Administration. Hillary Clinton promises change – but if she has been in Washington for over 16 years and hasn't changed anything yet, what makes us so sure she can change things if elected President?

It means that the younger college age voters who support gay marriage and have BIG questions about the war may be the new version of the Clean for Gene McCarthj kids that I was.

It means little. Iowa is not representative of rest of the country. The last few presidents never won Iowa.

Barack Obama's win means its about time. I have not felt so inspired listening to a speech since Dr. Martin Luther King.

Barack Obama is my Senator from Illinois. We have known him here in the State for over two decades. He is a man of commitment, courage and conviction. Obama is resinating because he understands the American people. His amazing run for the White House will be studies for centuries to come.

OBAMA/CLINTON ticket will take back the White House from the unethical Republicans.

hey jack u know what it means it means the amercan people may finally be waking up..o very good sign.

Obama's win shows that America wants to be inspired. We're sick of politicians without vision, who look at everything as a problem to be solved. We want to be reminded that America is a truly great country that can do great things when we try.

It means that America, or at least Iowans have proven they can and will look beyond race to see a person of vision, hope and optimism. Given the choice between judgement and experience, I'll take superior judgement every time.

It means that finally, America is able to look past the color of one skin and judge his knowledge and characteristics. It’s a great day in our great nation!

Despite Senator Obama's impressive win in Iowa, the numbers are deceptive. Obama was able to win in Iowa because he brought out the Youth vote, an impressive feat in itself! There's no denying that he benefited the most from first time caucus goers who showed up in record numbers this year.

However people my age aren't exactly known for coming out in force in a general election...so to count on my Generation to show up at the polls in November, where there's the overwhelming impression that their votes don't really count (especially when compared to how big a difference they can make in the Iowa Caucus) is dangerous.

Also, according to CNNs own exit polls, Edwards is competitive in ALL age groups and WON in Iowa amongst people aged 45-64... BABY BOOMERS! This group of voters made up the largest portion of caucus goers as well as make up the greatest number of our electorate. Edwards is seen as the candidate who CARES the most about people and–more importantly–AS THE MOST ELECTABLE!

There's no doubt Obama showed he's connecting with Americans, young and old, but to take the outcome in Iowa merely at it's face value, well Jack, that would be foolish...and we know you aren't a fool.

Jack, Obama's win means we need no longer worry about global warming because Hell has certainly frozen over...

It means that hope in America is not dead and that politics may never be the same. Thank Obama!

Obama's victory last nite means the coming together of the middle class that has been crushed under republican domination.

Jack,

It's simple!

Once upon a time, a great man had a dream. He died before his dreams came true.

I think this victory means that his dreams may now come true!

God Bless the UNITED states of America!

We are so happy with Barack O'Bama's caucus victory in Iowa yesterday. I had seen him in person when he was in Milwaukee and was really impressed with him. He is what this country needs and hope he goes all the way to become our next President. Whether he is black or not doesn't matter, it's what he can do for this country that matters. Go Barack!!

aama's victory is America's victory this man reminds me of JFK and and that's as good as it get's...when he becomes president,the first thing he should do is make it clear that the united states is once aqgain a nation of laws'of morals no longer a corrupt dictatorship run by dark evil men an women calling themselfs republicans.The republican Party has lost the right to be a political party it no longer servesthe people.heck sen webb from va. is a republican more than a dem but the far right has taken over leaving real republicans out in the cold..this regime will go down as the worst goverment since the Grant adminstration

I am 19 years old, and nearly half of my life has consisted of George Bush in the White House. I was too young to truly remember Bill Clinton, so I cannot say too much about my experiences in that regard, but I can safely say that I have never heard a President talk first-hand until I heard Barack Obama.

I feel like I have awakened from a 7 year dream and I can breathe again. I can feel proud of my country, my race and the American people. It reaffirms that we the people really do want to make America better and we are ready to come together to do it. It's a wonderful feeling.

Zero, nada, nothing! Check out his record. Oh I'm sorry that doesn't matter much now does it. It is the Easter Bunny and "the book by its cover" that counts. He does speak well, has a nice smile and he really 'seems like a nice guy". What else matters? Ok America here are some tips for us all 1] learn Spanish. #2, study for the Locksmith job. #3. Buy Euro Dollars and get rid of your greenbacks. Oh and yes accept what YOU EVIDENTLY WANT!

What it means is Hope and Change are far more important than Hiilliary's supposed experience and attitude

It means a small sampling of the people of Iowa like Barack Obama

Two words: Hillary's finished.
-Tom Vogel
Las Vegas, Nevada

It means that finally the American Dream is alive again. The glass ceiling that has existed against African Americans has finally been lifted. Best of all it happenned in a state that only has 5% of its population belonging to minority groups. This man who came from very modest means is now bringing hope to All Americans. Last night Barack Obama thanked his volunteers. I would like to thank him for running and keeping the American Dream alive.

whats color got to do with it ,.,.it would seem the young arent rascist and,.,. this is good
txtj

I was torn between John Edwards and Barack Obama. Finally, I sent money to Mr. Edwards, figuring he had the better shot at winning a general election. But, when I heard that Barack Obama had won he Iowa vote and then, even more, when I watched and heard his inspiring, joy-inducing speech, I was filled with an almost ecstatic happiness. I realized we were on the brink of a new era, and maybe on the edge of wiping out the ugly stigma of racism from our country forever.

Obama's win means that for the first time in a presidential election in this country, the fulfillment of the wisdom of great documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution have come to fruition. It affirms that every citizen of this country regardless of the color of their skin or the God that they worship, they can run and become the leader of our great nation.

America is Waking Up .............and Growing Up.

It means Jack, that it's Morning in America!

It means hope for change and gives me a reason to be involved. His cause and diplomatic personality may be the very thing we need to become a nation that is looked up to instead of looked down on. He seems to have what it takes to be a president we, as Americans, can be proud of instead of a national and diplomatic embarrassment, which i feel is what we have been chained to for the last seven years.

Be very sure of one thing: Barack Obama is not the "Black "candiadate. If he were, the results in Iowa would have been very different!

Jack,

Why is it always the same? You give the answer to a question, and then ask the American people the question? Don't you think Americans might be able to think for themselves?

Why not ask the question, and then let us answer it before you do?

Rick

As an african woman, I see this as a great moment in history, not only for America but also for Africa. Can you imagine the self-esteem of our children both here is the States and in Africa, to have somebody they can identify with as the first black president. I am sure if Obama wins, things will change both here in the US and in Africa, because he will be seen as role model for many and other nations.

It means the secret service will seriously have to beef up his security if he is to (literally) survive this election year.

OBAMA'S WIN COULD BE THE VERY BEGINNING OF A NEW DEMOCRACY : "GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE"
IT WOULD BE A VERY NOVEL FORM OF DEMOCRACY. OR IS THAT WHAT DEMOCRACY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE FIRST P;ACE ?

Obama's victory is a sign that America is a better nation today. A nation closer to the dream of Martin Luther King and so many others who shed their blood for a United States of America. Thank you Jack for your openmindedness and fairness in this election. Maybe you can help your friend Wolf come to the light. Obama is the best chance for America to be trusted again and American to be united and uplifted. Hope is not blind optimism and Obama knows it.

I sincerely believe we are on the brink of history.

Perhaps Barak Obama's win indicates that even the whites want to fix the problem with race relations. I believe in God and no matter which religion gets into the White House they all speak of honesty, integrity, justice, etc. for all. That is what One Nation Under God means to me. What we have had is a lot of hate mongering in the name of God. I will most likely vote for Obama, but whoever gets in, let's have fairness and peace of mind, knowing that our President is trying to do the best thing for the American people and not merely for those seeking more power.

Baracks victory is a victory for the press. He began as a creation of the press and the press continues to spin his victory. He grew into the image the press gave him and he chose a strategic campaign that worked. Des Moines and Iowa city are full of young impressionable first time voters and minorities where he would be favorably received. This is not a typical slice of the electorate that statistically turn out to vote in a general election.......but anything can happen

It means Americans are tired of a war that's going nowhere. Hillary is probably sorry she voted pro war because that was what her advisers deemed to be the provailing sentiment at the time. She should have voted with her conscience and not the pollsters.

Richard Goscicki
Sarasota, Fl

I see Barack Obama as a potential president who would be the antithesis of George Bush. He will not need to be surrounded by a cabinet and staff of those who would pander to their president's whims. I believe he is without ego and will pursue the greatest minds to fill his cabinet and advise him, even when the information differs with his beliefs. If there is any area where he is less informed, I believe he would listen and learn as opposed to some who tout their experience and stay with the same old formula.

I have always been torn between Hilary Clinton and Barak Obama, but mostly leaning towards Hilary. After Obama's decisive win and wonderful speech yesterday, I have definitely given Obama another look. This win definitely makes him look really viable as a candidate. I was really happy that Obama did not tout the race card last night but put race, class and all aspects of being an American in its in a perspective that all Americans can relate to. Look out Republicans, this will not be as easy a fight as you think!

Jack,

Barack Obama's win in Iowa was incredible. The voters in Iowa cast their ballots for change, but if Barack Obama truly is ready to become the President of the United States, he needs to prove himself not only to the young people, but to those of all ages. He needs to show that he can be the president who will fix our image in the world, while correcting the failed policies of the Bush administration. If Barack wins New Hampshire over Hillary, he may become the nation's first African American president.

It means nothing other than overstated hype.

1% or so of registered Iowa voters even particpated in the caucus because of it archane structure and set-up. Due to the 15% viability rule most candidates were locked out of the caucus as were their supporters who were forced to go for their second choice in order to stop Clinton.

Obama is unelectable and will make an easy target if the remainder of states follow through on this travesty.

Voters in NH, SC, NV and all other leading up to Super Tuesday better think hard and long if they think that this would be a cake-walk for Obama to surge forward and take the nomination. The Republicans are waiting like the wolves they are for him to be the nominee.

Clinton may not be the best choice of change, but she is the best bet to retake the White House from seven years of Republican ruin.

Obama will be nothing but a sheep awaiting slaughter by the Republican operatives waiting in the wings. Remember Karl Rove may no longer be in the White House, but he and his like are prepared to attack the Democratic nominee with everything they have and it will get dirty.

I like Barack. I really do and I think someday he may have some concrete enough ideas to deserve the votes he received last night. But his "winners speech" at his campaign headquarters was nothing more than a good presentation and lofty words. Take a look at the plans & passion that Edwards spoke and the presence and strength that Clinton possessed and you can see that the contest should be between these two candidates! And what about Huckabee? Have we not learned our lesson by voting our religious belief instead of our political belief.

OBAMA is the Change WE NEED. Edwards is NOT electable. Edwards was on the Intelligence Committe which Dick Durbin revealed KNEW that George Bush was lying about the WMD's; yet he still authorized the War. Additionally, his statements that he has NEVER taken PAC money which is untrue. The majority of his last run with Kerry was heavily funded by PAC money. Those untruths will be a problem for him in a national campaign.

"Does this mean we will use the Koran or the Holy Bible?"

This is a ridiculous statement. If you are so compelled to think that this actually matters, one might think that you would already know that Obama is Baptist. If you are going to openly criticize, please at least be informed.

This shows that Iowans are looking past all the political rhetoric and mud slinging to choose who they feel is the best candidate. Even though I am not an Obama supporter, it is nice to see that people voted with their minds and not their preferred news outlet.

What does Barack Obama’s huge win in the Iowa caucuses mean?

It means that HRC is in big trouble.

The long term effects of Senator Obama's win in Iowa will be revealed in South Carolina, where the large African American population has been waiting to see if he is capable of standing up to the Clinton machine.

Jack:

Glad to see you in suit and tie last nite; you really looked presidential! Sen Obama's win last nite was beyond perfect. This means the end of the Clinton machine and we are waiting for the South Carolina VOTE!

I believe the win for Obama shows that the voters of Iowa are out of touch. I like Obama and his lofty ideas, but I do not think he has the depth or experience to provide what we need in the White House. My impression of Iowa voters as they have been focused on during the past month, is that they were looking for a secret to fix the world, and got caught up by Opra and other "Heavy weights" with no depth.

I think we need Bill Clinton back in the White House, with all of his resources.

I think what Obama needs is some scrutiny as the "front runner". He will fade when he meets the reality of what it takes to lead this country with all of its high ideals AND problems.

It means that the Democrats can finally win in the general elections. Sen. Obama will bring hope and heal the country through unity. If he can bring democarts, republicans, and independents together as he did in Iowa, this means that he is finally the "electable" candidate.

More than anything, Barack Obama's victory in Iowa gives proof that this is truly the dawn of a new day in America. For the first time people in the god-fearing plains (and the rest of America I hope) people can see beyond their long held, often inherited, biases to open their minds to someone who is not an older white male to run this country. At this time critically important time it will send a strong signal to the rest of the world that George Bush does not represent America today.

For those who have been behind the Obama train for a while now, last night was validation. Barack is different, he represents a new idea of what leadership can be, what we as American's can be, and what hope really means. For those out there who doubted if he could be the democratic candidate, if he was electable, Iowa has spoken. Now is the time to doubt behind, believe in the message of hope and change, and join the Obama team.

Jack, because we are sick of politics as usual. We have an economy that has gone to the rich and are fast becoming a nation of the rich and the poor. The backbone of this country middle class has been sold out and now we are saying you can't sell us.

Dear Jack-I don't have much to say re: Obama' win other than it's a good thing, but what I would really like to know is why can't ALL the states have their caucauses' on the same day so that all of us have a chance to vote for who we like? We vote for the president on the same day, why can't this work? By having them spread out over days and months, some of us don't have a say on who gets to run because by the time it gets to our state it's pretty well decided and the person I wanted to vote for has already dropped out. So I ask again, why can't all the caucauses' be held on the same day, just like the presidency?

Obama's win in Iowa meant nothing to me. Sure he has the ability to make great speech's but look at his subpar performances in the debates. Despite what he says i think he needs more experience let him sit in the senate for a few more terms then maybe i'll vote for him but for now give me Hillary.

Watching this from outside America it means that the world is paying a great deal of attention now and watching if America can accept an African American for President. It has the potential to greatly change how America is viewed by the world, in a positive way.

Jack,
I think we are all ready for change like many of your other posters have said.
I felt tremendous joy last night when the winners were announced. After 7+ years of gutting the constitution, lies, deaths in Iraq, cronyism, Cowboy politics, I think America is tired of the same old politicians and more of the same.
I felt uplifted and had a new spring in my 54 year old step today as I went out to face the world. I felt hope. Even if Obama does not win the nomination, I think a clear statement was made last night that the average American does not want business as usual.

It means that the media now has a new person to attack and destroy. People complain that the Clintons are too harsh, manipulative, and scandalous. Wouldn’t you expect a couple to be this way after being involved with politics for 35 years? The fact that Hillary is still standing after being scrutinized for 16 years shows how strong and determined she really is. When Bill ran for president in '92, he was perceived as the "new" and "fresh” guy in politics. The same will go for Obama. I would like to see if voters still view Obama as the agent of change and bi-partisanship in a decade. What's worse is that we do not even have any dirt on Obama. If he gets nominated, be sure that Republicans, Rush Limbaugh, and Fox News will eat him alive. I am not a woman who was born before women were allowed to vote, I am an 18 year old student who is realistic.

In one word, everything.

Obama emerges as the true agent of change. It makes New Hampshire an actual fight and makes the the South Carolina primary into the true bell whistle of this primary season. It means the first black president. It means everything.

Obama's victory made me realized when Reagan got elected as president. The moral around the country at the time was so low like now. However, like Reagan, Obama will be able to bring "Morning in America" like Reagan illustrated our country as the, "City on the Hill" meaning that America is the most powerful country that provides hope and change and the country will allow us to live our own American Dream.

Senator Obama's win means finally we have a chance to create the America we all want to be an active part of. Watching him come in so far ahead of Clinton and Edwards was such a fantastic sign of his strength as a candadate, and a leader. Like many people, when I hear Senator Obama speak, I believe him. That's something I have NEVER said about any politician. It's nice to hear a leader speak, and have faith in what he says for a change.

Jack,

Barack Obama’s win in Iowa was incredible. The voters in Iowa cast their ballots for change, but if Barack Obama truly is ready to become the President of the United States, he needs to prove himself not only to the young people, but to those of all ages. He needs to show that he can be the president who will fix our image in the world, while correcting the failed policies of the Bush administration. If Barack wins New Hampshire over Hillary, he may become the nation’s first African American president.

Wow!! How great to see you so enthused over Obama's Iowa win. He is the person who can bring our relationship with the rest of the world back to where it was before it was trashed the last seven years. He will surround himself with experienced non-corporate brains and mend fences around the globe.

Obama AND Huckabee won. And so did America. The big voter turnout bodes well for America. If the trend continues, it will mean that voter apathy is a thing of the past. Iowan Democrats and Republicans alike made it known that they were fed up with the politics of the past. The only way to eliminate the stranglehold that big business and special interest groups have on our government, the only way to get us out of the mess our country is in, is to go to the polls and vote the scoundrels out. Let us pray that we voters are up to the challenge and follow the example of our Iowan brothers and sisters.

This may very well be the beginning. In order to get anything constructive completed though, we may have to go through a few election cycles to get all the "politicians" (inbedded fleas) dumped.

And look at it this way, he/they can't do any worse. We're in an unwinnable war, we're about bankrupt, the economy is about to go south and we're being overrun by illegal immigrants.

Please, would someone do something right?

Mike

I was in one of those democratic caucus rooms last night, and our numbers reflected the state pretty well. And I can tell you that in a room full of white, rural folks, a man said "it's time for a black president" and a murmer of agreement echoed through the room. It was historic for sure – last night the tide turned away from racism and towards hope! I was there, I was part of it, it was real.

It means that playing the race card has never worked and will never work. Other racial minority group leaders need to take notice this and act accordingly from noew on– Gose R. Cavazos - Ballinger, Texas

This has an enormous meaning for our country and the future for our standing within the world community. During the present corrupt administration and more so the useless government that we have in Washington, I hope that future is bright and fulfilled with hope. Wow, what a speech last night. It brought tears to my eyes and as a student of world history and political science, I felt that I was lessoning to a “joint venture/speech” performed by JFK and Dr. King all in one when Obama spoke. As I see it, we have only to gain and to hope that we may rid ourselves of the corrupt and stagnate government that is currently occupying Washington and destroying our country.

I think his win is very reflective of how Americans feel about the current state of affairs. We are tired of the Bush-Clinton-Bush dynasty. WE WANT CHANGE AND WE WANT IT NOW! Only John Edwards and Barack Obama represent any sort of move from the status quo. Thanks to the good people of Iowa for recognizing this.

It means, hopefully, that Obama will be the nominee of the Democratic Party and take this nation through the difficult changes that must happen over the next few years. We must get along and we have to stop the mean and nasty way we treat each other, especially those with whom we disagree. It also means, hopefully, the Hillary Clinton can go back to New York and retire. As a lifelong Democrat, I have not been as excited about a candidate in a very long time. Obama Rocks!

Senator Obama's win in Iowa, at least in my idealistic mind, means that Americans are embracing change and, more specifically, optomistic politics. It is great to see the youth and minorities of this country, groups who are typically apathetic towards politics, turn out in force and voice their opinions. Thanks to Senator Obama's bold optomistic message, Americans are again taking ownership of their government. This is exactly what we need to keep our democracy healthy and strong.

Jack it means Iowaians chose change over expericenece..Big mistake..If Obama were to get in the oval in a few years you'll see brimmed hats and gold medalians standing on the poletium while America freezes. Oh don't forget jack he spent alot of money aka can you say "flash"..just my opinion thanks

Obama's win in Iowa is the first flicker of hope that Americans are ready to do something about the state of our country. He is inspiring people that we can work together to fix problems, we can become a great nation again, and we can travel the globe as proud American citizens as we once did.

He has earned the trust of Americans who believe that he is our way out of a multitude of messes. We listen to his words and feel his vision, his intelligence, and his hope.

Something huge happened in Iowa yesterday, and it is just the beginning.

Obama's win means the demoralized and disillusioned can think again – your voice will be heard and your vote WILL make a difference. Get to rockthevote.com, beavoter.org, or Google "how to register online" – and get ready to be a part of a new and better America.
Marcy
Scottsdale, AZ

Jack,

I usually agree with almost all of your points but not today. What was significant about last night in Iowa was that the people made a decision to vote for two men with little or no experience at the federal level, which means they are willing to give in to experience in exchange for something new.

It is not that Obama's speech was "beyond brilliant", he simply said what everyone who supported him wanted to hear.

In the end, when it comes to pulling the lever for selecting a president, Americans will do what they always do – vote for the candidate that they feel has the most experience to run the country – even at the cost of change.

I was in one of those caucus rooms last night and first – the words white – black – and race were never heard by anyone – this was a colorblind decision! This was purely a "Hope" decision! Hope that finally someone will listen to US – the US Citizen and finally get this country back on track.

Jack, I am a registered republican but that is about to change. In my almost 53 years of life i don't recall ever hearing a more inspirational speech than Baracks'
last night in Iowa. I only hope he becomes the man and president i think he is capable of being and puts this country back to where it should be, and that is with
young political leadership and new ideas

I am filled with hope about our country that I have not have since I was a child. I am a veteran of the U.S. Army and am appauled and confused by President Bush's choices and blunders involving our military. I could not believe that people re-elected Bush in 04 but am finally encouraged with the turnout of the Iowa caucus and hope it continues. People are finally getting mad about what is going on in the world, and I say if you're not angry, you're not paying attention! I am a republican turned independent who hopes that the veterans of the military are properly taken care of when they return home from combat, because funding for the VA is still severely lacking.

jack, please tell me why pres. bush has vetoed most bonuses for reenlistements.
i thought i understood the army is short on recruitments. without any bonuses, how does he expect anyone to enlist or reenlist. i doubt if my son ( who is in iraq) will. please explain this to me.
you're the best

a soldier's mom

This means that American people are fed up with rich white polititions that have been pretending for centuries now to care and understand the strugles of an average American.

Dear Jack, Let me start by saying I"m not unaffected by what happens in America , even though I"m a Canadian. Sometimes I think we follow YOUR elections more than our own. Everyone knows Bush stole 1 election and bought the next. The answer to your question about Obama , and his success in Iowa , there"s still hope .

It means that if the youth of this country wants change, it is to be so! praise god for the parents of this young generation, that is standing up and making a dream reality.

Jack, It means that Americans are ready for change. They want a president who can inspire them, one who can instill hope in them and a president will let them feel like they are Americans. Americans have long felt that the government has long forgotten them. In Obama, they see change, they see hope, they see a new America.
Clinton's presidency is about dynasty, Jack

Good Afternoon Mr. Cafferty, I'm a 50 year old middle income AMERICAN born and raised and am sorry to say this will be only the third time I will have voted in an presidential election ever, but it is obvious to me that if Oprah Winfrey changed her choice of candidates, Mr. Obama would lose all his momentum as well. This is why I don't like being involved publicly with both politics and religion. I try to keep to myself there is to much influence and opinions! Thank You Darryl

Jack,

It’s simple!

Once upon a time, a great man had a dream. He died before his dreams came true.

I think this victory means that his dreams may now come true!

God Bless the UNITED states of America!

Sam Prater

Hershey, PA

It means that the substance of ones character is first over whatever group or race they by chance represent because of their birth or socio-economic state. There is only one race and it's not Nascar. It's time to start thinking our way out of the destruction of greed, fear and ignorance that we have allowed to exist in the people that work for "we the people".

What I hope it means is that young voters are finally taking some responsibility and getting out to vote. Or maybe they never had anyone interesting to vote for before.

P.S. you look nice in a suit.

Obama's win means he ran a good campaign. If he keeps winning the rest of the primaries, it will mean Americans believe in his bright vision for America's future. The American people know that it takes compromise within the political process in order to achieve big goals. Obama is reaching out independents and republicans which people like and see him as the best person to work with all parties in order to make America better.

Dear Jack,
Senator Obama's win means the press has not been doing their job. They have been so busy fawning over him that no one has 'vetted' him. The press will let the Republicans do it and then act surprised. I may have missed it, but has anyone asked Senator Obama why he voted for the Bankruptcy Bill? Maybe because he accepted so much money from the Banking Industry? We won't know because no one has asked. Is it honest to say you don't accept money from Lobbyists but do accept it from the Lobbyists' wives, children and the law partners of the lobbyists? Again, we won't know because the media is not asking. The press is just too excited to see all the positive responses to their gushing. I was initially interested in Senator Obama, but I don't want my President's tongue 'dipped in gold' (Oprah). Yuck. Oh, by the way, what change is he talking about? He talks one way and acts just like any other politician – only maybe with even less honesty. Thanks.

Jack,
It was simply historic. What was seen last night was simply amazing. Mr. Obama may be simply put uniting the democrat party, and possibly the nation. The turnout, the message, the excitement and energy that Mr. Obama has, gets my blood flowing as a Republican. If the GOP doesn't concentrate more on the issues than on each other this Republican will be make a personal change. The GOP better " Fire Me Up, before I'm ready to GO!" Congratulations Mr. Obama, change may finally be here.

Chris G.
30, Garden City, Michigan

Jack, it means that the filling of the Bush, soon to be, void (I think we will notice that the crook is gone) will be a degate with many faces and views. Change is coming and not too soon for most of us. Obama's victory tells all that nothing is a sure thing and this debate over how to return the nation to a level keel is perhaps the most important one facing the country in at least 50 years. I think it would be healthy for both parties to enter their conventions undecided and hold truly open conventions. Perhaps in this way a public debate on and redefination of what each stands for will emerge. Obama brings new oratory to the political scene. Hopfully the debate will go back to what's good for the country and not a select few.

What's Barack Obama's win mean? History is being written in bold print. We saw thoughtful support for a candidate who left negative behind; offered hope and unity, challenged government and politics as usual and kicked the establishment in the tail - all with style and grace. And that's from me, a (previously registered) white Republican in South Carolina who sees hope and change not as slogans but as "it's about damn time."

What happened in Iowa last night was not History, but an usual outcome as a result of a completly lack of interest from the American people.
When you have a state where millions of people can voice their opinions with their voting rights, and you see that less than half a million people voted for the candidates-from both parties-you have to wonder if we care about any one of them any more. It is obvious that the American people are sick and tire of all politicians-from Obama all the way to the end of the list.

America is ready for a new kind of candidate such as Mr. Dobb Lou who has never been in Congress. This is based on the fact that it is hard to believe any one who has been a politician when both parties have been in power for decades and still today they themselves claim that the country is going down. I wonder, who took it down?

I think that Obama's win is good because he isn't really saying he's going to force an agenda he really stresses the importance of doing what needs to get done. In My opinion Obama is liberal but he is not at all socialist like edwards and Clinton especially on healthcare. I also like how he talks about doing what is best for the country and the individual. I am actually a very big Ron Paul but of all the other candidates I like Obama second because he talks about doing what is right.

I think that all of you pundents are afraid to say that Obama cannot be elected in the US at this time. He is an orator and lacks experience for such an undertaking.

I really think that Hillary is best qualified and that Republicans crossing over to vote for Obama is an insult to African Americans for the fact that he always invokes the name of Cheney as his cousin. Think about it Black people. Is that a person in the "big house" on the plantation.

Well Mr. Cafferty It Simply means that for once in a life time America is not voting Because of a mans Skin color But voting for someone who they think well make a change in our country. Last night was history in the making that will be looked at by many upcoming sen. who want to become president. It is not an easy job but, with that speach last night i thnk that america has already mad its choice.

I am a 28 year old white conservative Republican teacher. So it may come as a surprise to some that I will be voting for Obama (when the Texas primary hits in March). I expect his victory in Iowa will spur on wider victory margins and inspire more younger voters to come out in their support for him.

Speaking for many in my generation, we see through rhetoric and empty promises and can spot a politician from a mile away. I think that is what makes Obama so appealing. He breaks the rules of a conventional politician. His campaign is aimed at unifying a country. He is an excellent speaker with great poise and wisdom. I expect him to heal foreign relations and also racial divides within our great country.

It means we are getting the message that presidency is not inherited from husbands to wives and that we are getting smarter by the day.

Jack,
It means that Cliton is not electabe as she may have tought. If Sen. Obama

I’m a new immigrant to this great country, and watching a young African-American man win in a 90% white state, show me that there is no impossible goal for us in the minority communities.

The other two candidates have similar ideals, but the message of hope and the idea of social change is what won last night in IOWA.

Diversity is our strength

It means that I dare to hope that finally a leader has emerged with the will to release us from the choke-hold of special interest groups. I've just joined the Obama campaign because the Iowa caucas shows that he is definitely electable. My personal goal is to get 10 people to register to vote and do so for Barack Obama.

It means that the political machine that has dominated our nation for the past 7 years has come, finally, to an end. It also means, Jack, that the air of inevitability has be cleansed by a work ethic to persuade America to think outside the box and lean towards someone who is for and about the people, not someone who is trying to continue in the family business.

Senator Obama has energized many different people across the state of Iowa and around the country: democrats, republicans and independents; young and old; black and white; male and female. What a concept to be inspired to vote for someone with progessive thought and realistic goals, instead being scared to death into voting for the status quo.

Senator Obama's historic win last night...means simply that the Odacity of Hope is no longer just a powerful title for a book...it means that we can see the Odacity of Hope in action..in progress.

His win means that the staus quo will have to learn very quickly how to surf the wave of change that the Iowa win has generated.

His win means that we truly are ready for a change in every sense of the word. Senator Obama is the new, non-jaded, business as usual face of America. He is both energizing and stimulating not only a new generation of voters but the older generations, too.

He is about to hand this country and the stauts quo a shaken not stirred deliciously made martini of change and hope that has been a long time coming.

This win has begun to answer the question if this nation is ready for an African-American president. It is silencing critics. It is forcing everyone to take notice. The status quo is on notice.

It means he got 57 delegates, Jack.

Yes, there are quite a few interesting, historic aspects to the results in Iowa.
However, due to the 24-hr news cycle, with ALL the networks, pundits, and commentators hyperventilating, we are losing perspective: The race just began and each region and state has its own priorities. As some contestants fall off, the entire dynamics may shift.

More power to Obama and Huckabee. But, please, let's not anoint them just yet.
We should enjoy the process, the issues, and the contestants; and be thankful for our freedoms that enable us to exercise these rights.

Mike

I have one question for Senator Obama. In what situation(s) would he commit U.S. military force? I have an uncomfortable feeling that he thinks that foreign policy problems can be resolved only by negotiation. Obviously, talking with an enemy should always be tried first before committing U.S. forces but negotiation alone might not work in protecting our society and worldwide political interests..

It means four more years of a republican president if McCain wins the republican primaries.

It means the media’s tendency to feather glove minority issues or politicians can have a dramatic impact on voters (at no charge to the candidate). Your question alone describing the win as huge is misleading. The huge win you describe is only 8 points higher than Edwards (38% vs 30%) and 9 points over Clinton at 29%, while the Huckabee win was greater at 9 points over Romney (34% vs 25%) and an overwhelming 21 points over Thompson and McCain each at 13%. Given the facts, the question suggests Obama was either predisposed to a poor outcome or pandered to in light of a marginal victory. I don’t support either candidate, but I do support balanced journalism!

What does Barack Obama’s huge win in the Iowa caucuses mean? That Americans are finally awake to the putrid state of politics and ready to do something about it - and have ID'd Obama as the ticket to a better America.

Reality: America is a global power like Rome, Spain, the UK have been. Unlike those powers, it conquored economies, not land mass. The ambitious "brains" in this country are sucked up by mega-corps, not government.

Who is Obama? For me he's the guy who manages to be a brilliant speaker and yet not come off as an elitist. And we love that combo: he's the "Lincoln/Roosevelt/Kennedy/Clinton" of this election.

We deserve a smart person as president and until his speech after the Iowa win, for me that was Hilary Clinton. But that speech won me over. I'm sick of our current guy, the BS down-home-boy chewing on a silver spoon - and now I think I've found the cure.

Forget that he's 1/2 black (get over it, the country has!) Barack Obama is just on the outside edge of baby-boomers and while he is 1st generation American on one side (immigrants celebrate!), on the other he could not be more all-American. A mother from Kansas, a grandfather who served in WWII - generations of Americans. Smart enough to go to Harvard law and caring enough to use that degree to help others.

But in the end - it was that speech. I WANT a president capable of delivering that speech. And he's the only one who did.

24 hours ago I wasn't sure - now I am.

What does Senator Obama's Iowa win mean? Maybe it means he knows better than his opponents how to tell people what they want to hear, in just the right way and at the right time? There isn't one thing said by or about Mr. Obama that hasn't been said about candidates in the past. His call for "unity" echoes a promise by President Bush to be "a uniter not a divider." His call to end partisanship also sounds familiar. But let's say he's elected. Would a liberal Democratic president from Chicago with a Democrat-controlled Congress really reach out to Republicans to "build consensus"? Or would he and Congressional Democrats do whatever they wanted? And just what are his proposals? He' not saying. Don't you think we should know this BEFORE he's inaugurated? Being for change is all well and good, but at some point we have to ask "change into what? And how, exactly, do you propose to get us there?"

This win for Obama primarily means that he can win. The most pressing question surrounding Obama's campaign was whether or not America is ready to elect a black man into the White House. This win, in one of the whitest states in America, shows that America is ready to move beyond the racial boundaries that have impeded our country's growth throughout its history. This win shows that Barack Obama is electable, and he is the agent of change that America has been searching for.

I must say, Jack, watching Obama's victory speech last night, which is one of the best I have heard in a long time, I felt as if I was witnessing history in the making. His words so eloquently captured the sense of hope and inspiration that I, and I believe the American people, have been waiting so long to feel.

It means, Jack, that my brother-in-law is right: "Just tell them what they want to hear."
Obama is a politician like the rest of them. He doesn't mean what he says, he only says what he thinks the people want to hear. He has no experience, except his short term in office.
And it means that this country is on its way down the tubes.

Jack—

It means:
* we want a government “…of the people, by the people, for the people—“
* we can look beyond the color of people’s skin to see “…the content of their characters—“
* we can see things as they might be and ask “Why not?”
* we can dare to take a leap based on the “audacity of hope.”

Obama's win in Iowa yesterday shows that America is now ready to embrace a positive change in leadership. His win not only transcends a win for black people or minorities as may be portrayed by the media, it also represents a win for all of America. Listen to him speak and you will be convinced that he is not just another politician seeking votes but this is a man that speaks with passion about bringing a new day to this nation. A day where our children will no longer be shipped out to fight in Iraq, one of vibrant economy, jobs for the masses, responsible foreign policies and yet more positive changes to come.

If Clinton had won in Iowa, it would appear that the inevitable leading candidate was just that, the inevitable candidate to get the democratic nomination. Obama's more than marginal win in Iowa, however, demonstrates that he can in fact win this race, and that his passionate and hopeful claims for progressive change can actually be made into a reality. Obama's win in Iowa was definitely a significant one.

I think it means an awakening of America's voters that have figured out that WE are the deciders. That WE can get rid of dirty politics and special interest crony-run government agencies. It means that as Obama said, "on January 3rd 2008, America voted for real change." Change meaning ousting the stranglehold by special interests on America's business It does this old heart overwhelming joy to be able to say, "WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." and be able to believe it. This is the beginning of the end of old style bribe and payoff style politics that so clearly defines the Bush-Clinton eras.

A little over 2 years ago – I watched and listened to Senator Obama speak in Washington to hundreds of young college students. I was absolutely taken aback by his message and him as a person. He came across to me as sincere, honest, and there was just something about him that I was completely taken by him. I am a small business owner in my mid-40s who has always considered myself an independent. I also have voted Republican in every election since I first voted for Reagan in 1980 except for the last since I was VERY unhappy with Bush at that point. I also voted Democrat in the Senate elections just to register how unhappy I was with our republican senators.

Back 2 years ago, I told my CFO who is a HUGE Democrat that if Obama ever thought about an office – I would seriously consider it then.

Today, I am waiting for the Republicans to get their act together by SuperDupper Tuesday ... I have not decided who I will vote for or if I will vote Democrat or Republican.

If they don't get their act together by November – I will vote for Obama... I really don't have any problems with him running this country. He has the moral and ethical foundation that would do the whitehouse some good. That speech he gave last night – I don't think I've heard one that good since some of the old JFK speeches.

But if Clinton wins – not only would I never ever vote for her, I would join ANY campaign to make sure she didn't win. Based on her speaking in more than one forum, I consider her to be an socialist who is capable of doing a lot more damage to this country than even Bush (as hard to believe as that is) ... and I'm a FEMALE in her target demographic.

It means that Hillary Cliton is not as electable as she thought. Seeing that Sen. Obama won the young voters, the independents, , and even women and some republican voters, how she present herself as he most electable?

If political history has told us anything, especially the history of the 2008 Presidential campaign, it is too early to declare the outcome of this election. That said, Senator Obama's solid victory (8% over Edwards and 9% over Clinton – a victory that would have been significantly larger had the Democratic Caucus been more similar to the Republican "straw poll") is a clear indication that our country is open to and interested in tangible change; a "new cast of characters" as one pundit so eloquently called it. The type of change that Senator Obama represents is personified by his ability to attract novices to the political process to become proactively engaged and invested in the process. Eventually, the outcome of this election will be determined on the issues, and the specific solutions that each candidate has to the daunting challenges facing our country. The more active America becomes in its political process, the more representative our government will become. Ultimately, if Senator Obama emerges victorious, it will be on the strength of his character and conviction, and because he best represents the solution to his constituents. Most important, it will be predicated upon the clarity, candor and feasibility of his vision; a vision birthed from the people, shared with the people and successfully facilitated by the people.

And, as a registered Independent voter, that's my 2-cents...

Senator Obama's win is nothing short of a political earthquake, the aftershocks of which could produce a new historical landscape in America. America for all people. A black president!! Who could have thought. There is hope for this country after all, to get back its place in the world as the land of opportunity, freedom and justice for all. I am proud to be an american. Again. Let's continue to hope....

I think Obama's win means two things:

1) Voters are ready to end the occupation, and restore the Constitution;

2) Obama has a gift that comes along once every few generations.

It means the torch is being passed from one generation to the next. Many campaigns of the past failed because they relied on young people to participate and they were noticably absent on election day. This time around there is a candidate that was so inspiring, the young people he depended on showed up in record numbers and got involved. If that becomes a trend and the youth of America show up on election day in November, then we will see a major change in the world of politics. A change for the better in my view!

Barak Obama's win last night was very, very exciting but I'll admit that it did not surprise me too much, because I've heard many news reports of how popular he is to a lot of 'Iowan's'. But will the majority of voters in the USA choose him to be our next president? Will all the white voter's decide that this African-American 1st yr. senator will do a better job than former Govs handling the country's duties? And will they be strong enough to endure a president with an African name? I'm not brave enough to bet yes on that.

Why must Americans be so lazy when it comes to politics? How is it that with so much information at everyone's fingertips, people can still assert that Obama has no real stance on issues but talks only of hope? Try going to candidates' websites, read some position papers, their books, or look at their voting records before spouting such drivel. There once was another lawyer from Illinois who LOST his Senate race, but went on to become President two years later. Was Abraham Lincoln too inexperienced? Did he have trouble making tough choices? Thoughtful, intelligent people usually make great decisions, and I can vote for that!

The Iowians have indicated the same thing most of America feels. NEW BLOOD. If you noticed in both parties, the do-nothing career political insiders failed to show. The career comsumate politicians failed to sell their shiny sheets to the shrewd folks from Iowa and are going to see this in all the Iowa's of America. "We won't get fooled again."

Jack:

Your bashing of practically all the candidates, with the exception of Obama, is not fair. You have a national bullypulpit to spout off from and others have to pay millions to go out and campaign. Take a break Jack, let us make up our own minds. Your bias is very evident.

Helen in Connecticut

Having played a significant role in John Edwards' first campaign in North Carolina, I made the decision to support Barack Obama because I felt that he better represented my personal views as he exudes a rare combination of competence, integrity, and hope. I believe that Senator Obama symbolizes the dawn of a new day that recognizes the value and contribution of the many of diverse ethnicities in America. Our greatest challenge will be to believe enough in a collective hope to dare to put action to our words.

Mark my words, while most likely any democratic president is needed in the white house, I strongly think that electing someone cause of integrity or honesty as a person is not what we need again or at this time–there is far too much damage done in foreign affairs and within the country. Furthermore, remember that Bush won the white house by representing integrity and change back in 2000 against poor Al Gore who many saw as another washington inseder, but who had the experience and knowledge to be a great president, but instead Bush sold these words and won. And now we are repeating the same thing, but of course within our own democratic party.

Chris Acosta,
Miami

Jack, It means that we as a people are just screaming at the top
of our voices for change. We don't want the clinton machine that
reminds us of the Bush"s. We don't want Edwards the "Bully".
You can fight for us, however, you will get nothing without compromise.
Are Clinton and Edwards watching whats going on in the senate now.
The gridlock, lack of productivity, and the political fighting that just
sickens us. Obama Inspires me. None of them have experience in
the Job of President! I will hang my hat on Obama. I think he can
show the world that we can practice what we preach to them. Giving
us back our standing and respect at home and all over the world

Yolanda, Alabama

It means that Oprah should have run for President in Iowa

The Obama WIN in Iowa last night gives me TRUE HOPE that we are indeed ready to remove the shackels....to really move forward , to achieve what we THOUGHT we were really about and truly believe in the Founding Fathers basic concepts that supposedly we embraced but have unfortunately NOT fully achieved, that of properly assuming that ALL are created equal no matter race/religion or creed. We've embraced that concept too often in but muttering the wordings, but never fully and allowed it be more myth than our true reality . It signals to the WORLD as well that we do have the ability to live up to our promises of such...and gives others great hope that they too can achieve similar and find the greater common good when such is indeed embraced.
(just gotta' insert, am "old", in my sixties, white, female, came of age during the civil rights movement and thought so much HAD been accomplished..went to school and worked side by side with folks from various backgrounds /races/creeds...(uh, employed in the travel industry so that did play a part with worldwide access and interaction ) Really THOUGHT much had been achieved and admittedly , slacked off while getting down to "own" life/etc's , figuring things would continue and were continuing to improve and more..Katrina showed us all up...,yeah, for sure it did and many of others who are in my same age range do have guilt that WE failed on many levels to not stay on top or even make sure the course was being kept and expanded...We KNOW it has to be, in order that OUR children and theirs have an opportunity to enjoy a "greater common good" , where ALL have the OPPORTUNITY, we do KNOW that is needed and neccesary and important and more so than ever in this present world where the global community interacts and touches for good or bad each other in myriad ways and even selfishly, in order for US and ours , for our nation to thrive and survive, well we need to come to grips with our basic precepts and concepts and embrace them for real !!!) Obama offers us an opportunity, Iowa showed us it IS possible , lets hope further tha NH continues the roll out, and we can really jump on this bandwagon for the parade to a future that offers far more possibilities and fullfillments for the greater common good of us all !!!
(AM so THRILLED with Iowa, first time in a long time have actual PRIDE in our nation for real, not just pretend front, but for real !!! )

We are so excited and full of hope with the win of Mr. Obama in Iowa. It recalls a hope we felt in 1968 with the ascension in the primaries of Bobby Kennedy. Can we get Mr. Obama Secret Service protection NOW?

It means we are tired of the lies, the wars, the deceptions. Obama brings a heartfelt passion and love of this country and this world. He wakes us up. Makes us want to get involved. He invites us to take part in the process, rather than pushing us away. He does not do things to us, he does things with us.

If your voting for Barack because of race you have missed the poliitcal boat for sure and have no business in a voting both...But if your voting for him because you see the end to "business as usual' for this country then you are right on target.

Jack
Obama's big win last night indicates what I have been seeing here in Iowa leading up to caucus night. I've attended political rallies for both Democrat & Repuplican. You could really feel a desire for change. The outcome for both Dems.& Reps. was fairly predictable with both change canidates winning in both
parties. But as always in Iowa caucus events it always depends on who gets thier
supporters out ! For many 1rst time attendants they did so with passion.
It will be intresting to see if this trend holds in the rest of the nation.

Mike

After all the years (since JFK anyway) under presidential incapacities and disinterest (especially Bush's) toward the American People, there is finally hope for our nation's future. I can bet five thousand dollars that come in November of this year, Barack Obama will win with a stunning lead over his GOP rival. For one thing, he is very smart, charismatic, and eloquent, a huge plus for the President of the United States. Another plus, is that he can talk the people's language and not some bureaucratic political trash that we have become so used to hearing for all these years. I believe that with his current disgust and embarrassment with the state of our politics today which he shares with us, it is him who will ultimately bring sweeping changes to our nation. And America will once again become a model for the world, not just for its opportunities, but for its political prowess as well. I cannot wait until that day when the dark clouds of Bush's yoke will part and bright sunshine will fill the American map when Obama is inaugurated.

So Obama is the "change" candidate?

"Our nation must rise above a house divided...I know America wants reconciliation and unity." – George W. Bush, December 13, 2000

Senator Obama’s win in the Iowa Caucus means a change for American politics and a change in race relations in the United States. He provides a message of hope and is the epitome of what it means to be an American. After eight years I can finally say that I am proud to be an American citezen again. One politician with a funny first name has inspired this citizen – also with a funny name.

What happen in Iowa was great maybe just maybe this country will have a president with real life experiences
Who is smart enough to know that they don’t know everything.
Have the skills to but a great team together and be a leader.
We say this is the greatest country in the world let’s take the next steep and make it so.
Make it extraordinary.

Jack,
What this means to me is once again the republicans are up to their regular tricks! I felt in 2004 the r's manipulated the dem's primary to put the easiest candidate they could sink the quickest in the general, that was Kerry. I believe once again r's were up to their regular tricks; they were changing their registration to Dem. and voting for Barack Obama, to sink Hillary. The republicans have loved Obama ever since he hit the arena. Why? because they believe they can sink him as quickly as they swiftboated Kerry. Please, when are all of you going to wake up! Lying, cheating, & STEALING elections is the only way republicans can stay in the White House. There is only ONE person the r's are scared of, HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An edit to my earlier posting!

Correction to:

His win means that we truly are ready for a change in every sense of the word. Senator Obama is the new, non-jaded, business as usual face of America. He is both energizing and stimulating not only a new generation of voters but the older generations, too.

This what I meant to post:

His win means that we truly are ready for a change in every sense of the word. Senator Obama is the new, non-jaded, non business as usual, energized, informed and HOPEFUL face of America. He is not only energizing and stimulating a whole new generation of voters but also impressing older generations of voters, too.

It means America is on the verge of finding it's true identity. What I saw in Iowa last night is what I lived through during my 21 years in the Air Force. I lived and worked with the finest people America has to offer. Men and women who truly care about this country . Different races, religions, and political views worked side-by-side to accomplish the goals that were best for America. We are now heading in the right direction. America will become what America is suppose to be if we continue on this track. Thank you Iowa for the BOLD stand you took last night.

Gary

The caucus selections of Senator Obama and Governor Huckabee are only the first of several steps to be taken. One thing is certain.
If these two become the party nominees, this will become the most polarized election in American history. There are many people in the country who won't sit still for more influence from the right and god knows there are many in the country who won't stand for a minority to sit in the oval office. Whether we like it or not, whether they're a great orator or not, even whether they're qualified makes no difference. President Obama? President Huckabee? Either will give huge fodder to comedy writers and political cartoonists alike. Jack, your job is secure. "Four more years, four more years"

After hearing Obama's speech last night and if I believed in reincarnation I would have to say that Lincoln is back to finish his work.

Jack, I agree with the vast majority of your commentary on this issue; however, what's with characterizing black voters in South Carolina as -what- chomping at the bit, waiting to vote for "one of their own"?

When you show up at RTNDA, do all the other hothead anchors who rip their mics off before the fade-to-black consider you "one of their own", or do they just ask, "who's the old bald guy"?

You are a racist, Jack.

Jack, as an international student who likes politics Obama's victory last night means a lot even world wide. It is a prove for other countries that America is ready to see the ability of a person beyond his/her color. It also means that the young generation (majority supporters of Obama) is the one that is ready to no longer judge people by the color of their skin, good for the future of American people. His overall victory will bring love among people from different colors, background, classes, countries, etc. Man, tears came out as I was listening to his speech last night.

I like watching Wolf a lot -say hello to him.

I tutor after school, so most of the day I have the news on. Yes, Obama has taken lines from Bill Clinton, Rev. King, the Kennedy boys, and others. As a teacher, I would give him a "F" in talking with all of his "ahs" and poor sentence structure. I will give him the fact that he can give a speech, but one-on-one he talks down to people. At his rallies, he acts like a football coach getting ready for the big game. He may have the testosterone flowing in the males, and the hormones of love in the females; but in the adults who care about this country he is not experienced enough to be our next president.

Some of you may be to young to remember why the ERA amendment was not passed as a constitutional right. Let me remind you, it was because of women, not men. Too many women thought that they would have to burn their bras and act liberated. Some women like the idea of men taking care of them and making all the decisions. Women still don't have equal rights as a result.

Hillary is the first woman ready, willing and able to be our first female president. Men have been trying to run this country for over 200 years and I think it is time that women unite to back Hillary for president.

So what if Barak got the students behind him. How many were from his state? So what if Barak won in Iowa. How many baby boomers are going to vote for someone taking his speeches from the past?

This win is huge because it answers the question that many voters have been quietly concerned about and that is "Can a person of color win in the states that have a small percentage of minority voters?". A win by Obama in Iowa puts an end to this concern.
Most Democrats believe that this election must be won and they consider electability a major factor in their decision making process. This train is now on the track and may go all the way.

What is really hurting mrs Clinton, is the fact that one woman was given a chance to secure change for this country in the woman majority leader. She doesn't have the back bone, so why do we have faith in another Woman? Women have shown me they are to soft for the job that needs to be done.

What Obama's victory gives to me is a glimmer of hope that THIS election may not be as predictable as once thought. In addition it will cause people like me, a 57 year old woman, to go out to a caucus in two weeks for the first time because I now believe that my vote CAN make a difference.

Jack,

Unfortunately, America isn't ready for a woman president, yet. My concern now is if Barack does indeed win the Democratic nomination, we are doomed--only because the country is also not yet ready for a president 'of color'. If he gets the nomination, the end result next November will be that the Republicans will continue to control the White House. At that point, I'm ready to pack it in. Just sit me on the melting ice pack in Greenland. Sorry this isn't one of the positive emails you just referred to Jack. And no offense Obama, but Edwards is the guy we need in order to keep the yahoos out of the Whitehouse thsi time around!

Bronson, Palm Springs, Ca

Well Jack, it means a lot of things.
It means that he can win in a 94% white state.
It means that he has appeal to women as well as men.
It means he has the ability to attract voters from all parties.
It means he can communicate effectively.
It means he resonates well with the desire for change.
It means he can motivate people who never voted before.
It means he can excite the youth of America to register and vote.
It means his organization is formidable.
It also means that the grass roots will donate heavy again.

Did someone say Barak Obama is not electable?

It shows us that the people of Iowa judge a person for their merits, not the color of their skin or gender ... and that is a refreshing change.

Whoa! You media guys need to take a deep breath. While I am impressed by what Mr. Obama has done, he and the other candidates have a LONG way to go. Honestly, to listen to the media, you'd think he had the moving van headed to 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue this morning. He won 38% of the vote – that means 62% of those who voted chose someone else. Please, the media needs to calm down and let this thing play out. If a week is a month in politics, we have several years until the November election.

I am so darned proud of my fellow Iowans for choosing Obama. It was an honor and a privilege to stand for Barack last night. His community work after graduating Harvard Law School is a testament to his deep concern for his fellow man. He walks the walk.

I've been to several Obama events in Iowa and the energy & enthusiasm is overwhelming. I don't think it came from anti-Clinton or Bush's nightmarish years. I think it comes from finding a true leader. A smart leader. A trusted leader.

There are so many folks in this country who have never felt represented. Obama will represent every one. Equally. And bring this diverse country together like never before.

GoooooooObama!

Obama's significant win last night gives me, a disillusioned Republican, a chance to get excited again for a new direction for our country. Obama's message of hope is like a breath of fresh air and I will eagerly vote for him in the general election if he is the nominee for the Democratic party. His acceptance speech last night was truly inspirational.

Obama's win in Iowa signifies that he has the potential for universal appeal across the country, and not just the Democratic pockets on each coast. He inspires the citizens to do their part to make the country better, because he knows this is a job that he cannot do alone. He inspires saying if we pull our own weight, we can make this country better by our own efforts, and not solely by the actions of the government.

I am the same age as Obama and feel that the nation may be able to finally get past some of the "white guilt" many of us on the liberal side have been made to feel over the past several decades. Individuals such as Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson profess to speak on behalf of the black community but only serve to further divide the country. With Obama, we can now frame the challenges facing our nation in broader "win, win" terms and not rely on pitting one race (or gender or age group) against the other to ensure one winner and one loser.

Sharon S
Harrisburg, PA

It meant a great deal to our family. My husband and I and our two teenage boys watched CNN last night. It was a wonderful moment in history and we wanted to make sure we watched Senator Obama's speech together. It was spectacular and electrifying. We were cheering the whole time!!!!!

I deliberately watched Mr. Obama's announcement in Springfield, Ohio when he announced that he was a candidate for president because I knew then that this was a man of exceptional talent and abilities. His victory speech last night only confirmed my earlier opinion of him. This is a decent , honourable man who possesses what no other candidate of either party posssesess, the abilty to SINCERELY COMMUNICATE AND INSPIRE GENUINE HOPE for the future. Mr. Obama will give America back to its people, an America highjacked by President Bush with the support of his neoconservative supporters, greedy corporations and lobbyists. He will also no doubt restore America's international image. If Mr. Obama wins in New Hampshire and then in South Carolina it will signal that something unique, something historic and something unprecedented in American history is occurring. Americans are speaking up for the first time in decades that they are fed up with the greed, corruption, scandals, lies and erosion of their civil rights that have occurred under the present and recent presidents and are taking their country back. Mr. Obama's quest for the presidency will then be unstoppable. God grant him a safe run.

The weather in Iowa couldn't have been more perfect for that real breath of fresh air that Obama gave America yesterday. This man has injected a new found vitality to American politics.
Up here in Canada we take a lot of interest in your politics.It's of vital interest to us,not only because we're neighbours,but we are your largest trading partner and a large supplier of your energy if not the largest.
Right from the get go Canadians have had a good feeling about Obama.This man has the poise that energizes people around him and people buy into his sincereity.He truly does give people hope.
As for the Clinton's...they're past their best before date.Your point about 'when I'm your President and when I'm in the White House' is typical arrogance.If Hillary loses in New Hampshire she will get a real come down in South Carolina Those voters down there love to jump on a band wagon and Obama will set the stage for Clinton era demise.By Feb 5th Hillary and Bill will have finally gotten their comeupance.And all you people in the media will have smirks on you faces too.

Dear Jack,
Congratulations on the fantastic job by you Wolf and the entire staff of CNN on covering the IOWA caucus. As mother of 5 and grandmother of 8, I care desperately about their future. After listening to Obama, give the keynote address at the Democratic Convention, I felt frozen in time and I said to myself this young man some day will be President of the US. After listening to his wonderful victory speech last night I once more feel hope again for my country. Thanks to you guys I was a former Democrat and now a registered independent, and I feel that Obama is the answer to our prayers.

Even though I am only 11 years of age I think that Senator Obama's win in Iowa made a big difference in closing the gape between age, class, sexes and race. Senator Obama has help bring the hope of change and independence to America. Though I live in Canada and not the United States I feel that if Barrack Obama wins the presidential elections he will transform America to a place where dreams truly come true.

Experience corrupts and too much experience sometimes corrupts compltely,may be that is what happened to Hilary and others,People want a young person with fresh and clear ideas to be their president and Others are too political.A good start for Obama–

This is a great victory for his camp but I think you're counting your chickens before they hatch. This win is just another win in the world of politics. As a black college-aged female, it is great to see Barack Obama win a state with an overwhelming Caucasian population. However, he still has a long way to go until he wins the white house. He still has to win the southern states who, unfortunately, may not share the same fondness of him as Iowa.

Say what you will about the politics of hope, but something different comes to my mind. I think more than anything this win for Obama is evidence that the relationship between the Internet and presidential politics has finally matured. People dismissed the online following that Obama has been growing since early last year as meaningless, but I would be shocked to not see future candidates follow and build on what Obama has done. He is lightyears past what Dean accomplished in the last election. Welcome to the 21st century.

Jack, great job last nite! Well I didn't think that Obama was going to do it. I thought that Caucasian's would stop his roll. I'm glad I was wrong and that Iwoa looked deeper then skin. I am for Hillary or Obama in part because of their views and in part because of gender and race. Change is long over due, but I still don't think Obama would be a good leader. John would be better but it's ok I can handle the change, and let's leave religion where it belongs in the house of prayer NOT the White/Black house.

The first time I heard Barack Obama speak was at the 2004 democratic convention. It brought tears to my eyes and touched me in a very deep place. I have supported and followed him ever since. He may be an idealist, but he is an idealist with integrity, energy, compassion, and an ability to bring this broken country back together.

It means that people like me are tired of the same old political talk and is ready for a change in this country. It means that for a person like me, who is afraid to trust anything that the government says has something to finally believe me. It means that maybe I don't have to move to Canada to make sure that my future children get a great education and universal healthcare and will not need to be afraid to leave their homes after dark because of something negative that could happen to them. It means that I may not need to experience the pain I felt when my mother lost her home to foreclosure in 2007 anymore. I cried when she lost her home because I had to say goodbye to all of my childhood memories. It means that maybe one day when I go to a hospital in the USA that maybe I will not have to wait 20 minutes to get ice on my sprained ankle and sit alone crying in pain. It means that it is possible that one day I can actually afford prescription medication. It means that one day, one day, our troops will come home and that our domestic issues that deserve attention will get attention.

As an African American female living in the USA I am ready to hear somebody, anybody, speak to my issues. I am tired of so many people who look like me die of diabetes and heart disease because they don't have proper medical care. I am so tired of walking around and seeing my people live in poverty. So many of my people have potential to succeed but just need the right support.

It is sad to see so many people of all different races complain about not having enough money to spend on their children due to rising gas prices.

I have a lot of respect for Hillary Clinton but the bottom line is that she is not really speaking to the needs and the wants of American people and she is the status quo. I am so so tired of hearing about Democrats and Republicans and is simply looking for a leader that is willing to fight for what is right. I believe that Barack Obama is that leader. I am not naive to believe that he doesn't have his own hidden agenda but I do believe that he will do the best that he can to make this country a cleaner, healthier, and safer place for all people.

Peace to you all!

Buffalo, NY

Your statement about black voters from South Carolina having a chance to "vote for one of their own" indicates that you presuppose that black voters either are oblivious to or diminish the larger issues that face Americans today. Surely you misspoke! I trust and anticipate that each of the South Carolina voters will vote for the candidate they believe will best lead us through this troubled time and into a better one. The 2008 presidential election will be this historic election which will decide the direction of our nation, our people an dour world, to suggest that any American voters will marginalize is insulting and dismissive.

Barack Obama's win means that this country is finally starting to wake up to the problems this country has been going through and are finally standing up and saying "We want better, We deserve better" and the person that can bring that to us is Barack Obama

In the context of history, yes we have a woman and a black man as the two top Democratic Party contenders, so I suppose that is historical.

Our country is once again at record deficits, we are waging wars on two fronts, we have lost respect and credibility around the world.

We need experience to again get our financial house in order and experience to restore our respect and crediblity.

The next election is just too important for experimentation. I will not buy in to the mantra for change, which is just a euphemism for inexperience. I'm voting for the fiscally responsible candidate who will restore our worldwide standing. I am voting for the candidate with EXPERIENCE.

Jack,i don't know what this means exactly,but something tells me a pleasant political breeze is blowing acrcoss the country and people are starting to look beyond a certain aspect that has plaqued this country for years, it a nice feeling, stay tuned to this jack cos i will.

JACK,
IT AIN'T OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS.... OOPS, SORRY ABOUT THAT OPRAH

KEN IN VIRGINIA

As a young black woman who often dreams of pursuing public office Obama's win in Iowa has shown me that no longer do I have to be afraid of being rejected by a state or national electorate, simply because I happen to be black.

But instead, like Obama,I will truly be judged on my beliefts, the issues and my ability to effectively communicate and articulate my positions and that race will no longer be an achilles' heel to any qualified black person seeking national public office.

Obama

Means: one major step close to peace in the middle east and many othe spots aroune the world.

Regards,

An american

This victory means that Obama is an exciting candidate with charisma, character and conviction. His message of "hope and togetherness" do resonate with Americans who are tired of hearing about gloom and doom and bad guys–here and abroad–and general meanness.I have LITERALLY felt like Dorothy waking from the black and white of Kansas to the color of Oz during this process, and while I do not anticipate that ANY President can, in short order, fix the ridiculous mess we've allowed wacky ole W. and his cohorts to get us into, I am THRILLED to hear someone talk about working in that direction in a POSITIVE manner. I'm not idiot–politics is nasty and policy-making is even worse, but if all we EVER do is continue to focus on how much we hate each other and everybody else, then what the HECK is going to become of us. Mr. Obama's victory last night (and the excitement in his literal corners here in Iowa last night) would indicate that I am not the ONLY American interested in more positive leadership and direction.

Jack -

Obama's win is the result of a popularity contest especially among young voters. If you get any more gleeful over his win – folks are going to begin to wonder if you're not on his payroll. In my opinion Senator Obama is neither qualified or experienced enough to lead this great country, especially in foreign affairs. I'm a federal government retiree and I know it takes a lot of maturity and experience to begin to know how to organize and implement the affairs of the government of our great nation. You need to report the news and let the voters decide who gets elected.

Jack,

From a purely logical perspective, if Obama wins the nomination, then we will have a republican president in 2009. I cannot see how he could get 270 delegates. If anything, his total would be lower than Kerry’s. If Rudy were the nominee, New York would go to the republicans. If McCain wins, then California and New Mexico would be added to the Bush 2004 delegate total. Romney would take several New England states. The only state that voted for Bush that Obama would have a chance in is Ohio.

If you listen to any of the right wing nuts (Like Rush Linbaugh), they are on cloud nine. They know that Obama would be an easy candidate for them. You can just see the campaign ads with Obama’s photo being morphed into Osama Bin Ladin.

I myself a registered democrat could not vote for Obama because he seems so disingenuous. To me he is all talk and no action. Although he complains about particular Senate votes, when he has a chance to make a vote, he is MIA. I suspect that if he had been a Senator during the Iraq war resolution, he would have found a way to avoid that vote too.

Change ......Get a new younger, not white , casual , easy going out sider ,as a president.Younger people showed that they donot care for the color of the skinand the rest want to be politically correct.The repablican pandits are kinder and gentle to Obama.....may be he will be easier to beat in general election.
For me it was a disappointment. Even a conservative Pakistan had a woman leader.
Chinnu

Everyone seems to be jumping the gun and giving him the nomination. He is only e deligates ahead of the third place finisher in Iowa. Lets wait until after Super Tuesday in February then see who's in front.

Has anyone stop to think that Obama's win in prodominately white Iowa, may make black voter's shun Obama. Obama is not gauranteed the black vote. No one is more skeptical of a black man than another black person..

Jack, I do believe the votes in Iowa speak loudly for the American people! What Obama's win proved is the Boomers kids are speaking up because they are completely fed up with the way our Nation is being "handled"..... It also shows,your sex, color of skin or finances do NOT play into it. What does play into it is "CHANGE!" NO MORE "HANDLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Jack, I hate to throw cold water on everyone's enthusiasm, but Barack's win is taken out of context and hype by the media. When Barack speaks of change , and that he is an agent for change, he does not describe "how" is is going to make the change. His argument that he will work with all parties and invite Republicans into his administration is contradictory of his stated campaign polictical views. Working with others mean compromise – it means acceptance to some degree of opposing ideas and desires and sacrificing to some degree of own's ideas and desires. Barack's polictical platform has been that of left of center and that is where his he is getting support. I do not believe that these supporters will be willing to compromise on issues like Iraq, Healthcare, pro-choice/pro-lfe, Social Security, and the other major issues that are now dividing our society. Unless Barack speaks out on the need for both left and right to make the necessary adjustments in the moderation of their polictical and social views, Barack's talk of change for unity and coming to together is just the same old polictical stump speech in campaign mode.

Roy
Florida

You are so full of it Jack. I turned on the news to hear you speak of how many positive comments there were about Obama' only to come here and read different. You and some others make him sound like the next coming of Christ....................for God sake get over yourself and start reporting the news and quit making it. I think for every panel of so-called political experts you and your spin doctor news commendators have on the shows, there should be ordinary, everyday people who don't have rating speak their minds. Or maybe we should just forget the primaries and have the news media pick the next president. But then who would you blame for the mess we would be in??

I cannot see that Iowa has made that much of an impact on "politics as usual".
Mr. Obama speaks elequantly . . . but do speechs make a good leader? I think not.
I much prefer someone that will fight for my rights against lobbyists and corporate interests. John Edwards is that person. I truly hope that he can continue with the primaries. He does not have the funds that Clinton or Obama has and that will hurt him tremendously.

What does Barack Obama's win in Iowa mean? It is a proud moment in our Nation's history, when a black man can win a Presidential Caucus in a primarily white state. With the birth of our nation came the influx of immigrants and we have long been known as a 'melting pot' isn't it time that we show the rest of the world that we are not governed by our color differences any longer, rather we embrace them? Doesn't his speech and his subsequent win, mark a significant turning point for Civil Rights albeit in the most indirect way? Barack Obama did not enter this race to conquer our country's racial divide and yet his first win indirectly may have opened the door for just that. I am elated that perhaps my unborn grandchildren will read about January 3, 2008, the day one state changed the course of our Country.

He represents all that America is: "diverse" A black man with a Kenyan father, a mother from Kansas, raised in Hawaii, who learned to thrive even though he looked different than others, his name was different than others, he faultered along the way as we all have, he overcame the odds to make it through College, to Graduate from Harvard University, to win a Senate seat, and now to harness a marginal win over the largest names in the Democratic party.

What the win really means is that "Iowans" are not a scared people, that Iowans are not governed by fear or the status quo, that Iowans can look beyond rhetoric, what we will soon find out is, will the rest of the Country follow suit? No one knows. Yet. But we should all rejoice for we just witnessed a monumental historical event.

Obama winning the Iowa caucuses dosn't mean anything. The whole caucuse style is the stubidest thing I've ever heard of. It's nothing more then a straw poll, & the only good thing that came out of it was to thin the herd a bit. I can not understand why so much importance is place on this. You have 1% of a small state (population wise), & people treat it like a crowning. Let's wait for Feb. 5th, "super-tuesday", & hope that the voters vote for who they truely think would be the best President, & just vote in lemming style, I.E whom ever won earlier states.
Why can't we just have ONE Primary day, nationwide???

Adam
Harrington, DE
Primary date 02/12/08, at which time it could be meaningless.

Jack, i don't know what this means, but something tells me pleasant political breeze is blowing across the country and people are looking a perspective that has plaqued this country for generations(in this race they call it "electability"), stay tuned Jack,cos i think we have seen the last of it.

If Obama wins the primaries he will be attacked Mercilessly by the republicans. We know this, we expect this, because this is the ONE thing republicans are good at. I hope that Americans see thru the attacks and vote with intelligence. If they dont and they fall for the same BS they fell for in the past two elections... then this counrty DESERVES what ever president it end up with instead. Sad to say but this country deserved to have Bush as president for being soooo freaking stupid to have voted for him in the first place.

If Dems and YOUNG PEOPLE dont get out and vote, they deserve to have to deal with the fallout that will follow.

As you have mentioned, an Obama win means that he is inspiring and invigorating a nation. His rally in Santa Babara City College attracted a wide cross section of our population. I myself have changed from the Republican Party to Democratic so that I can cast my vote for him on Super Tuesday.

In addition to his natural appeal, critisizm of him falls flat while other candidates have some glaring conserns. John Edwards wants to make mandetory health care a law when most of the country cannot afford health care, Huckabee wants to "tinker" with the tax code... ("tinker? Really?). I see Barak enlisting the greatest minds our country has to offer if this becomes an issue. I don't see him "tinkering" with such huge issues.

The media's decision to annoit the new black president was surely evident in Iowa last night. The shameless bias of the political coverage and commentary is astounding. The media elite decided they hate Sen. Clinton and continue the assault. Jack, you are getting ugly out there. Your obvious contempt for Mrs. Clinton is despicable. Who the heck died and left you the decider. Obama's speech last night was 'beyond billiant'. My god! The man love just oozes. He didn't write that speech, his speech writer did. Here we go again..... the media annoits the next president and we have to live with it. The media has been wrong on everything for the last 8 years...... what makes voters think they are any smarter now. They want change? What kind of change? Mr. Obama is 2 years out of a state legislature, never actually voted on the Iraq resolution, never voted at all on the Kyl Lieberman ammendment, voted 'present' (otherwise, 'nevermind') on a majority of votes in the Illinois legislature. My point! Let Americans determine who the best person for president is. My choice is Hillary Clinton. She has worked tirelessly with senators from both parties on important legislation, is, without a doubt, the most ready for working in washington's framework to get government to work, ready to hit the ground running witha slew of advisors to pick from to get us out the multiple messes you, the media and incompetent government have gotten us into. The audacity of the media excoration of Senator Clinton is astounding, you have no right to annoint our next president. Give amercans the facts. Your opinions have been wrong! You have lost any CREDIBILITY!

Jack,

Growing up in the 1980's as a young African American male my Father would often play a vinyl (yes vinyl) LP of Dr. King's historic "I have a dream speech" after Church on Sunday afternoon. This was not in South Carolina or rural Georgia, but in suburban New York where the dream was taking on new meaning everyday. My friends and I have quoted that speech verbatim throughout the years, because we consider it a generational gift, a grand piece of Americana that was meant to inspire and unite. Last night we watched Obama’s speech with the stunned realization that we'd just been given our Dr. King, our great moment, a gift to pass on to our children. I adore Barack Obama for transcending and uniting generations. I believe that the youth support of Obama represents a silent promise made by Gen X and Y to our Baby Boom parents. I recall my father surrendering to the fact that we would never see a Black President in his lifetime. I'm sure I'll weep with joy if my old man is proven wrong.

Oh what can i say.......The die is cast.
Right now hope has got me

Jack,
If you listen to real carefully you will hear that "We the People" of this great nation will not go back to the same old politics that has crippled our country. We are ready for new leadership, and new ways of handling critical issues that must be address here at home and abroad. Yesteryears issues of black and white are just played out. Can Obama win? Is he electable? These are not the question that one should be asking. Is America ready for the change that he brings to Washington and our country? Is the only question one should be asking. The good old boys can stay but, the game will never be the same.

It means we are a state and hopefully a country ready for change. As a 22 year old graduate student, I have only gotten the chance to live in a divided country where every comment and policy is used to attack an opponent and not address the important issues and problems we face. Never in my life have I seen a person who can combine the charisma, independence and drive necessary to break past the partisan politics of today and lead us into the unity of tomorrow.

As a registered-independent, I changed my registration yesterday to caucus for Barack Obama. I feel that if we all listen to what this man is saying on the issues and the potential he and we all have, the decision will be easy to make who should be elected president.

Bret Ulery, Nevada, Iowa

Mr. Obama's speech was extremely well written, but probably days prior to his victory. I'm certain that Ms. Clinton had a nice victory speech penned and ready to be spoken as well. However, Mr. Obama's charisma and enormous talent for public speaking are just two of many important qualities necessary for a successful presidential candidate – and one for whom I would cast my own vote. Time alone will tell whether he has the stamina to go the distance. This was just the starting block.

However, at this point, it would appear that he would bring an energy of youth and joy of life to the office which has been missing since the Kennedy years. Perhaps that's a quality which has not only been missing, but needed as well.

It means change. It also means washington lobbyist will not have their hands in the political process. It means not voting for the leftovers. It means scaring the crap out of Hillary and her so called entitlement.

obama has not spoke of race,why did he say his ppl was ready for change,then he said that is the reason they marched in selma,and montgomery Alabama,yes that was change,white ppl are ready for change too. OR did i take that the wrong way,or hear it the wrong way. I hope we get a good,careing person,

Thank you Iowa! You just rocked our world!

Jack,

Each democratic candidate has some outstanding qualification for the office of president. One has what is required in intelligence, values and life history to begin the formidable task of restoring respect and trust in the United States around the world, which have been destroyed by the current administration. That candidate is Barak Obama. So let's all learn how to spell his name correctly and cancel the Fox, et al, smears that began about a year ago about his religion. He is a member of the United Church of Christ!

It means the elites will still be in power. He is a member of the CFR, along with Edwards, Clinton, Bush, Dodd, Romney, McCain, Rudy, shall I go on. The only way this country is going to survive the onslaught of the power hungry elites is to vote someone into office that is NOT CFR or TLC or any other elitist group. Wake up America!

Jack,

Obama is a symbol of hope the world has not seen in any politician since JFK. His goodness and humanity are as apparent and resolute as is his oratorical skill. He represents ideals of promise and optimism on which America was founded. Osama Bin Laden must himself be terrified at the prospect of "President Obama". How difficult it will be to inculcate in disillusioned young Muslims hatred towards a country whose leader is named Barack Husseein Obama, a man who seeks to extend an olive branch to both the mighty and the meek the world over.

Jack, regarding that person who answered your question about Barack Obama by saying he would take Hillary, implying that she has greater experience; remind him that sleeping with the President of the United States doesn't constitute experience in this context.

Jack,

Obama's win means that the American people are tired of politics. This is a common man with a common goal. Taking the words Democrate, Republican
and war out of the English language, and putting enphasis on words like gas prices, medical insurance, homeless, housing, jobs: words that mean something to the common man: words that will make Americans enjoy life much more than the words of the last eight years.

Jack, I have watched you on CNN with great devotion, however, your spin on Hillary (and Bill) has that pious attitude of "we are better than them". Americians
memories are as small as their brains.... remember the balanced buget, or should I say the budget surplus, no war, a decent economy, and being respected
as a world leader? Was that really just 8 years ago before we were "am-Bushed?"
Yes, Obama is a bright young man, but wisdom and knowledge and experience is
what our country is dying for lack of. Try putting a little balance to your remarks,
Obama is not Saint Barack!

I think the theme: TIME FOR A CHANGE is correct. It is a time for a change of last name. We do not need a Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton dynasty. It is time for new ideas, new people in the staff offices, new ways of thinking on a problem.

I am surprise to see that the Political Blocs are not being more vocal over last night's Caucuses. I think they were surprised by the outcomes. It might be nice to see how they respond POSITIVELY.

A 50year old voter who believes that negative ads really do hurt a candidate, ESPECIALLY AFTER they win.

Jack

I watched the live coverage of the Iowa caucus. It was incredibly disorganized, and a million miles away from an accurate pulse of the voters. Iowa turned into a beauty contest and not a political event. After 7 years of George W. Bush, voters should not take another chance on inexperience and slogans. America needs proven leadership and like them or not, the Clinton's have a track record of restoring our economy, creating jobs and turning around what a Bush Presidency always does to take America off track.

It means that we can expect to see 4 more years of a Republican idelog working as President! Obama's nice smile and "I'm a uniter not a divider" rhetoric won't pass muster against the Republican War Machine chomping at the bit for a 10 pound, smiling weakling like Obama. We need someone who can stand up to the Republican nonsense that's coming after the Democratic candidate in the Fall. Sorry Barak, but a smile from you and a wave from Oprah just won't win it against the Republicans, perhaps that's why the Republicans are so happy and supportive of you at these events where "independents" and the like can meddle in the Democratic Party's nomination.

Obama's win is immaterial to the whole scope of the
Presidential election. The Republicans will take him to the
cleaners and pull out all the stops to try to keep Obama from
getting elected. Obama is not a leader and it will show
up as the elections progress. The Democrats may think
he is a good candidate for the 2008 election but he will not
be electable. We need and experienced leader for this
country now and Obama does not fit this description.

Jack,

Good question... it doesn't mean anything other than it's amazing how no one picked up on the fact that the Republican (e.g. Independent) vote crossing over in the Democratic caucases is what made the difference for Obama in an archiac process. The Republicans believe they can beat Obama and know they don't have a shot against Hilary which is why they're working so hard against her. We (Democrats) are going to throw another golden opportunity away by voting for someone (Obama) that only knows how to give a good speech (although after seven years of Bush.. I can see why people miss someone that can string a sentence together) and can't beat the Republicans.

Thanks!

Chuck

Obama's huge win means that I can't vote for my homie Dennis Kucinich and have to vote for Barack because Iowa said so.

FINALLY!!!!! .....The country now stands a chance to get off the merry-go-round its been riding on for years and move forward.....FINALLY!!!

jack,
i missed the opening of the barak effect. to paraphrase the old burger king slogan, "where's the substance"? i keep hearing the candidate of hope but hope what. where are obama's proposals. i hope i win the megamillions lottery but better plan for my retirement rather than just 'hoping' i hit the big one. obama needs to do the same thing. i hear and see no plans!!!
lt

It means that someone other than God fearing Americans attended the Caucuses because it is beyond the belief of any true American that any Muslim should be the most powerful man in the United States especially when the Grey men that really run the country must be of the same religous persuasion.

An earlier person said that Obama is the candidate of choice for the Republicans, as they know they can beat him. Well I'm a Republican but want Obama to win because he is the best candidate for the job. And many more Republicans will swing over to vote for Obama. Because I've allready had enough of the same. The last president that did a good job was Ronald! Obama may be the next!

It means that I am once again proud to be an American! I woke up this morning very excited and encouraged to know that we will be getting our country back on track. I join the many, many other Americans that are currently so happy that he will be our next President. I am inspired.

People are dog sick of constant spin, division, and triangulation. Thats why she (Hillary) emploded in Iowa and whats more, they caucused FOR something this time. They caucused for pragmatic thinking, honesty, and charisma by the bucketloads. They caucused for someone who is not driven primarily by the ambition of power but a will to serve. They caucused for the Robert Kennedy/Martin Luther King-esque voice that brought me to tears last night when I heard his victory speech. America is ready.

Come on Jack and you people! This is a first of many, many states and the road to the nomination can have very BIG bumps. Plus the caucus system is so convuluted and Carron hit the nail on the head. It is similar to a popular vote and you know Jack, what happened in the 2004 election.

I have been voting since 1968 and my vote would have been for Bobby Kennedy. Now, there was a c charismatic person with experience and Barack is no Bobby Kennedy. Barack's "win" is predicated on change? I haven't heard any details about how he is going to change Washington. I have listened to his health care propositions and as one of the "Black Hole" Baby Boomers (55-65) there is nothing there for me and anyone like me. I fit into the "middle age woman' bracket, which there are many and I know Barack is not the candidate for me. I am glad that more young people are coming out, but there are a huge number of Baby Boomers and I don't think a majority of them are going for someone who doesn't understand the nuances of politics and how to make the nuances work. Barack is refreshing and hopefully, after some additional time in the Senate, will make a wonderful esperienced President, say in 2016.

Barak Obama's victory last night told us that we are finally free as a nation, finally free as a people, to embrace our differences, to welcome our diversity, and to rise to the challenge of Lincoln, King and RFK. We are finally, gratefully, thankfully, one nation under God. Whether he wins or loses, America has already won.

Trust Obama, no way.... he has a white parent but instead of being multicultural he is only refering to himself as an African American......And having Oprah support him.....she made the statement that she doesn't owe white people anything....ya right these are the people i want leading my country.....give me Hillary or John any day, at least they know who they are....

I believe what we need is not someone seducing us with beautiful preaching on unity etc. even if well intended. No wonder so many young folks voted for Obama. They are still in the dreaming stage in their lives. It takes experience to not be swayed by beautiful words. We have so many things to fix in our country, we need someone who knows what to do and how to do it. Jack, have you seen the Royal
Bank of Scotland commercials>

Jack,
I was truly moved by what the people in Iowa signaled to the rest of America last night. I was equally inspired by Sen Obama's victory speech. I am however unclear why someone with a white mother and black father is labeled black as opposed to mixed heritage. Isn't he just as white as he is black in decent? Unfortunately the color of someone is seen first by too many Americans even in today's society. This will be a key factor when the voting booth curtains are drawn – unless people in public positions such as yours speak out as too how backward and wrong those feelings are. Does anyone doubt that if he looked white and had a more familiar sounding name that he would hands down become our next president?

I sincerely hope that the folks in Iowa have shown the rest of America what we should consider in choosing our next president: leadership, intelligence and judgment.

Barak Obama's victory means that at least for one night, last night, the people in one place, Iowa, realized one part of Dr. King's dream for us 45 years later: that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

The best president I have ever know is Bill clinton but another history might be on the way because if AMERICANS (IOWANS) should choose Obama over Hilary and Edwards, then AMERICA IS about to send a very strong positive message to the World that they have gone beyound colour but trying to give the person they think that have the better chance to unite America that have been so much divided by the conflict in Iraq.
Iowans thank you all for putting your votes the right place.

The media should stop hyping Obama as inspirational. We don't need his fluff to feel hopeful. Only idiots would think Obama's dreams coming true in Iowa means theirs will, too.

It would be far better if the media discussed Obama's endorsement of ethanol, which, by the way, helped him win in Iowa. Contrary to what Obama says ethanol kills the environment because corn requires huge amounts of fertilizer. The run-off of fertilizer pollutes the water and harms plant and animal life. In addition, the production of ethanol requires the use of energy.

THAT HE IS THE WINNER .... IF THE NEWS MEDIA, YOURSELF AND MR. OBAMA would have their way he would be given the honor of being our next president because of his 38.7% win. This was a three-way tie; Edwards at 30.2% and Clinton at 30.0% . What it did give him was 16 delegates, to Clinton's 15, and Edwards'14. To date Clinton leads with 175 delegates, Obama 75 and Edwards with 46.

The story here is you and the news media. "Its Getting Ugly Out There", and you are one of the leaders in making this race an ugly one.

A new day is needed in American News Coverage and American politics.

It was the proudest moment I have had as an American citizen in the past few decades. He represents the "melting pot" of America. For my family, and my kids, this was a defining moment in our history as a nation.

Absolutely Nothing Mr Cafferty.Obama probably received most of his support from the Des Moine area from voters who were not truely native Iowan,s.Iowa is right next door to Illinois right?Sorry no repeat for Obama in New Hampshire, different world than Iowa.While here in my home state of Michigan,us hard working,struggling auto workers don,t see much what he can do since both HE ! and Hillary had turned their backs on Michigan and any state that has suffered from all the DISASTER,s that have fallen on American Auto Manufacturing in recent years.This country is in serious trouble right now internally and externally.
The majority of struggling ,working middleclass American citizens weather Black or White, doesn,t want or have time for a Oprah Winfrey White House Show or the Hillary Clinton Comedy Hour!We need Colin Powell.

Jack

Obama's win in Iowa and especially his speech last night has started to remove the cyncism that has encrusted my view of politics for the last 25 years. If this is what change feels like, then I want more of it! Truly historic!

It means that the youth and the Independents have a brain and are ticked off. It means that the people are tired of the same old same old and want someone who won't pander to everybody like Hillary does. It means that people recognize a dynamic, charismatic individual that is intelligent. Hopefully, it also means that we are becoming more color-blind. What scares me, though, is that he reminds me of MLK and Bobby Kennedy, and we all know what happened to them.

Obama's win to me means that the voters in Iowa have short memories. The last time I head someone say he could bring Republicans and Democrats together was in 2000. And ol' W sure did bring everybody together.

Barak Obama's victory in Iowa is historic. But another issue looms: can we get past the bromides and touch-feely stuff with him, right now? He has no time to waste on this. Otherwise, Bloomberg will ace the entire field. Now, that's another matter. If you think getting a person of mixed race to the forefront of American politics is historic, just think what it will mean if this "short, Jewish, divorced man" named MIchael Bloomberg makes it through the entire process and is actually elected as President. That would not just be historic; it would be miraculous. Sad to say, the even greater miracle would be if he isn't killed in the attempt. We as a people are proud of our ignorance and medacity. Our history is steeped in the blood of slaves and other forms of genocide, such as the one our energy policy is enforcing now in Iraq. We have so much shame in our history. We are capable of any obscenity. If I were Mike, I'd stay out. But he is too brave to quit now.

It means that, yes, you can fool some of the people some of the time... I may be a stick in the mud because I have yet to be swept up by "Obama mania", but I'm not at all of the belief that he is the one to lead this country for the next 4-8 years.
He is great at speeches and on the stump, but under the pressure of candidate forums (so called debates) he has trouble with direct questions. He stutters and stammers, rarely giving satisfactory answers with substance. Unless it is something that allows for prepared answers, he wilts and gets the deer in the headlights look.
Hillary Clinton is much more poised and, though the experience card is overplayed, she really is good at thinking on her feet, and with the world being as it is, seems to me to be far more capable of coping with the unexpected.
I'm getting annoyed with the Jack Kennedy references, that he, like Obama might have to do, had to work it out as he went. Kennedy had much more experience than Obama. He had served in Congress before being elected to the Senate, and if one were to examine history, may have gone along with the war hawks during the Cuban/Russian crisis and allowed us to go to Nuclear War. It was his brother Bobby Kennedy who helped steady him and allow time for the deal to be brokered which prevented our mutual destruction.
Who would be Obama's Bobby Kennedy if such a crisis were to occur. He has already stated that "all options are on the table"
If this guy gets the Democratic nomination, and McCain is his opponent, I might have to do something I have never done in nearly 30 years of voting, I might have to vote Republican

I was on the fence as to who I would like to win the democratic nomination. Yes, I am African American. One of the reasons for my hesitation is I DO NOT want anyone to assume I am for Obama because he is black AND I do not want to hear racist comments.

A few moments ago a co-worker called me and said " I see YOUR BOY won last night". I have never indicated if I was for Obama, Clinton OR Edwards!! I vote in every election and no one has ever said "YOUR BOY" won – THIS IS SO INSULTING.

I am now for Obama because of his speech last night. We really need a change and I believe he is person that could unite our country.

Historic win for an African American. Even though Obama may not win the Democratic Presidential nomination or the Presidency if nominated, the Iowa victory is a significant step for the African American people. The day shall come when Americans truly accept and believes their founding fathers that all men are created equally even though they may have different sounding names.

It will be the day when America politically matures.

Toronto

I pray that it means that the hate that turns Islam against the US may soon be turned to reconciliation. I hope that it means it’s time to beat our swords into plowshares. I’d be satisfied if it means that the world is finally glimpsing the long buried heart of our great country.

I'm a Barack Obama supporter that switched parties so that I can vote in the Florida primaries. I made the change because of Barack's leadership qualities, traits and principles.

It is not about details! Ronald Reagan was never a details man but was an excellent visionary that could be trusted for his word. I agree that he was certainly the last great American President and that Barack Obama will be our next.

"Leadership is the process of influencing other is such as manner as to accomplish the task."

Obama '08

I don't understand something. I remember there was an uproar when JFK was running for president... because he was Catholic.
How can we possibly consider Obama as a presidential candidate who has a Muslin background?
I just don't understand it. We are questioning a candidate Mormanism... yet there seems to be no mention of Obama being Muslim.

Hi Jack:

I am too late for this question at 4 pm but I think that last night the people of Iowa gave all of us in the USA something to "cheer" about! EXCELLENT job, Iowa!

I think that the wins of both Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee are the MOST clear signal from the people of this country that "Politics as Usual" will no longer be tolerated. Those presently elected in Washington on BOTH sides of the aisle need to take notice & listen to what the "voters" are saying and in record numbers.

There is a genuine hunger from most of us, regardless of our political affiliations, to have candidates who say what they mean and more importantly, mean what they say. Partisanism & diviseness which presently exists in both parties AND which have paralyzed them from getting the work of the country done for the sake of adhering to their "party" lines have left us with one choice ~ something vastly different.

I believe that the good folks in Iowa did an excellent job in vetting all of the candidates. The results from Iowa last night, I believe are indicative of the national feeling that many people believe that it is time to "stand up" for candidates who have the vision, courage and backbone to re-write the present (mis)direction of both parties.

We, the people, want those we elect to represent us and will settle for nothing less.

I don't believe I am alone in tiring of "pretzel" politicans & politics. Some of those still running from both parties who are so invested in acquiring power that they will 'twist & turn' their platform and convictions according to whatever polls suggest will assist them to get elected. I was willing to cross party lines instead of voting for another Pretzel Politician from my own party.

I believed before the Iowa caucas and especially after the "We, not 'me" speech of Senator Obama last night, that he was the person who had the greatest capacity to restore balance, civility and honor to both our country and to our politics.

Thanks Jack for remaining, as always, a voice of reason in times of such sensationalism and unreasonableness.

Everyone was chanting "Obama!" after last night's win. I thought they were saying "GOBama!" I like that.

GOBama!!!!

Dear Jack .... I am a 76 year old great grandmother following Barack Obama with interest since his speech in 2004. Last night while watching his winning speech in Iowa a cry from deep within my being came out and I sobbed and sobbed. Then came the feeling/knowing that we are now on the right track for the first time in many decades and nothing will stop Barack now. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before.

Many blessings, Joline Stone of New Mexico.

I would have never thought [many years ago] that I would be saying that my favorite news source is CNN. I absolutely love Jack Cafferty, Lou Dobbs & Wolf Blitzer...they are the TRUE "Fair & Balanced" news gods, my knights in shining armour! Thank you for being fair & balanced to Ron Paul unlike the immoral liars & the tool of NWO who think they are "foxy". I love most about Ron Paul is that he can't be bought, is honest & have the ethics that is rarely seen in politics. He speaks his mind wether you like it or not...we need more of this. Whoever in the future is running for president , I will only vote for whomever has Ron Paul traits or Ron Paul himself. You can be sure I would NEVER vote for Huckabee, Hillary, Romney, Giuliani, McCain.
I am so excited to have changed, it just proves we never stop growing. It is so important to never stop learning!
Thank you CNN for Cafferty, Dobbs & Blitzer!
A Grandma

To Rich From Texas:

Actually, most of us "black" Americans understand Obama when he speaks white in front of white crowds, and "acts" black in front of black crowds. Why? Because those of us who work in corporate America, those of us who have actually jobs, not government jobs, have to perform the same song and dance on a daily basis.

And, for your information... the Dems are quiet happy with their candidates, unlike the Republicans who could barely muster 100,000 people to participate vs. the Dems who had over 100% increase from participation of 4 years ago. The Dems had over 230,000 people who voted yesterday in a RED state.

Jack, does the answer from college students who drink count?

Jack,
if ever there was a time when maybe a chance for change existed, now would be it. I remain inspired by Mr. Obama's speech, as much as the one at the last Democractic Convention.
However, there are several factors that will allow such an event:
- the rhetoric of those behind in polls
- the relatively low voter turnout (~50% voting in general elections – a disgrace for a country professing democracy in the rest of the world)
- mud-slinging campaigning still to start,
- in summary – politics-as-usual

The UNITED STATES OF America would finally see, after so many years, a leader in office who truly would be admired worldwide, and throughout the country.

Regards,

BP, Illinois

This win for Obama in Iowa, has created a new surge of support for him. This win has made those who belived that Obama could not win, base on his experince, age, and race, reconsider what he is fighting for and that he may just be the one that can bring change to the nation.

why is Obama referred to as a blackman or afro-american if his father is black and his mother is white?

I think it means the average middle class American is tired of being overlooked by "The Man"...in this case "the man" is a woman.

Jack is Hillary entilted to run for president? Doesnt the constitution prohibit a person from being president for more than 2 terms because we didnt want one person to have too much power. Wouldnt the letter of the constitution prohibit her as the presidents wife from also running. I havnt heard anybody mention this and I think its important somebody does.

It wasn't Obama who takes down Hillary. It was the media and the republicans.

When you choose CEO of the company, who would you choose between experienced executive who has couple decades of management skills or some foot soldier/entry level employee without any experiences.
People need to wake up, especially young people who vote for Obama.
Managing big country like USA is not a job for a rookie who think he can tackle the job but has nothing to back it up.
Don't make a big mistake and elect Obama. That action is equal to electing Bush as president.
Obama said he'll bring change. What change he's talkign about. Change to the worst? I watch his interview. He's not very smart. He lost debates time and time again. While Hillary can answer questions in an articulate way. She's very intelligent. I would take Hillary over Obama any time of day.

Jack and All:

For Obama to take Iowa is a foreshadowing of other victories in the primary season to come. His campaign stategy is brilliant- he is winning the votors at the grassroots, and they don't seem to be interested in the Waahington Spon Machine that the other candidates expouse.

Obama is the only politician I have seen in decades who is able to project his sincerity and genuine concern. Barack said it best when he said that his rivals wanted him to be seasoned in Washington for a few more years to "bleed the hope" from him.

Barack Obama is the spiritual heir to Martin Luther King, Robert and John Kennedy. And the American voters know it.........finally!

Obama is not going to bring change, any more than Clinton would. Both are as tied to Wall St. and the corporate elite as George W. Bush. Clinton loves Monsanto and every outsourcer she meets. Obama is much the same. Tell me, what kind of activist feels that the solution to our problems is the same as GW Bush's? You have to be an idiot to think that way. If you're listening to Oprah, well she voted for Bush twice because all she cared about was paying less taxes.

Obama voted with the right wing on the bankruptcy reform legislation. He voted with them to deny citizens the right to sue against corporations that sold dangerous products. He and his wife reel in millions from hedge funds and other sleazy investments.

I'm voting Edwards, and will NEVER vote for Obama or Clinton.

I don't know about other Americans but I'm not interested in who is more "likeable", or going to bring a so called "change" or who is an "insider" or an "outsider". Americans are hiring (voting for) the next President of the United States. We need to look at their resumes/qualifications to determine which candiate should be hired (elected). When interviewing candidates for a job in the private sector, qualifications are most important. Don't you think the United States of Amercia deserves the most qualified applicant (candidate) for the position of President of the United States?

Jill
Myrtle Beach, SC

Jack: I have talked to many people here in the great Northwest and everyone has related to me their fear of Sen. Clinton getting the nomination. They believe that we all Americans and our beautiful USA is doomed if she gets into office. They feel that it will be a co-presidency and who wants to go through that again. She seems to be unlikeable, dishonest (telling you what she thinks you want she to hear), and acts superior to all other candidates and the common people like me a 71 year old widow. She is abrasive, cold and calculating. Not someone I'd be proud to say "there is my president".

Is anyone else struck by the fact that the comments detracting from Senator Obama , particularly the ones obviously from Republicans, are full of misspellings and grammatical errors?

Obama is attacked for being "too philosophical" and "academic," but it seems to me that he just appeals to people who have both hearts AND brains.

Hmm, electing a president that appeals to our highest values (freedom, equality, etc.) and asserts secular moral leadership...historic indeed.

Yeah right the Iowans want change but dont know that their agent of change will be eaten for breakfast by McCain. Republicans have got the gift they wanted from Santa Clause. Iowans overwhelmingly wanted change but that change is coming to their way in the form of loose change but not the policy change when they go to work on january 2009.

It means Oprah Winfrey is more popular than Hillary Clinton.
Honestly, to me, that's all it means. White women loooove Oprah.
Why, I am not quite sure, since I don't share their enthusiasm.
She's okay, but I certainly don't take her word for gospel.
She's promoted frauds before.

Personally, I have nothing against O'Bama, but Hillary is far more
qualified for the job, and with Bill along we would be getting two
for the price of one. A bargain anyway you slice it.
After Hillary, my choice would be Joe Biden. He has the experience,
especially with foreign affairs, he's smart, funny, and his hearts in the right
place.
I'm a Joe Biden fan.
But O'Bama...uh uh. He just doesn't have the experience for the job.
I feel like he was shoved down our throat and Oprah was their secret
shoving weapon.
sorry.

What's up with you people? How come everybody is against Hillary? I don't think she lost in Iowa, I think John Edwards is the one that should be concerned, he thought he had it in Iowa. He work for a year the state and lost it. Left Hillary and your misogynistic feelings alone. Remember Iowa is only the first link on a long chain of events.

I would like to add that I wouldn't be surprised if there was a lot of
well disguised Republican money behind O'bama.
You can fool some of the people some of the time, but after reading the comments
here I am happy to see they all haven't been fooled this time.
I think Oprah is misguided.
Or maybe she's a closet republican.

If International experience were a prerequisite for becoming President, we would have had a President Gore and/or a President Kerry. Obama has more International experience than Bush had (has).

But most importantly, finally we would have someone with a working knowledge of the English Language. It was so refreshing last night to not hear...uhhhhh....mmmmm, and then see a s–t eating grin.

I pray he makes it...but I don't think the Political establishment will allow it.

I think it is historic, but as with most historic events it doesn't matter much in the present. What does matter right now is the implications for this election.

The panelists on the show today are so wrapped up in their own support for Clinton that they continue to ignore the point that Carl Bernstein made last night: over 70% of DEMOCRATS in Iowa don't want Clinton as their candidate. It doesn't matter how much money she spends or where she goes –she represents a betrayal of the interests of the Democratic constituency and people know it. That's a fact that the party leadership, pundits, and journalists continue to discount and they will continue to be surprised that their candidate doesn't resonate with the actual Democratic constituency.

Obama did not win by a landslide (50%) or over. It is virtually a 3-way tie for the Dems.The nature of how the caucus conducted is one that puts individuals up for PUBLIC SCRUTINEY. WHAT PEOPLE VOTE ON IN THE PRIVACY OF THE BOOTH OR VIA ABSENTEE will be quite differant than what happened in Iowa.
We have more votes ih the power states no matter what they say in Iowa or New Hampshire. The nature of the voters in PRIVACY has yet to be mentioned on whether this nation is REALLY READY for an Obama for President.

As repeatedly mentioned by others, a win in IA is meaningless to the nomination for either party and the general election.

"Barry" Obama (as he called himself before he finally realized it's cool to be ethnic; I found the post about talking black and talking white interesting) is all about a lot of hot air expended for self-promotion. Once faced with the reality of governance, he'll have little to show for his time in office (what significant legislative agenda does/did he have as a Senator? nothing significant or visible since he was too busy preparing to run for the next office, which turns out to be President?).

The real change I want are politicians who want to do things while in office rather than talk and talk and talk about doing things just to get elected and then point fingers at everyone else except themselves.

Let's see he loses all the states Bush won plus Pennsylvania do I hear a sigh of relief from the republicans. Not only are democrats showing they don't have a backbone now they are acting just dumb.

it shows that the people in iowa haven't talk their kids very much about life. are they even thinking about the troops in IRAQ fightingfor them? No of course not. didn't we go to war to take down (husein)? is obamas real name barack (husein) obama? is obama a MUSLIM? I wander what our TROOPS think abpout this.I talk to one of our brave troops the other day he said CLINTON was the only one to get them out of iraq. take a poll from them, it seems like the MEDIA has forgot them anymore. the media uses peoples lives to get what they want. NOW THATS WHAT I CALL DIRTY WORK. CLINTON08....

THE REPUBLICANS ARE IN FOR A SURPRISE LET THEM CONTINUE TO
THINK THAT THEY ARE THE ROUGH, TOUGH AND UNBEATABLE. THEY ARE
LIVING IN A FOOLS PARADISE AND THIS VERY VAIN ATTITUDE IS SICKENING. I JUST CAN'T WAIT UNTIL THOSE SMILES AND GIGGLES ARE WIPED
FROM THEIR FACES, BECAUSE OBAMA IS GOING TO STRIPPED THEM OF
EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF PRIDE AND SHOW THEM UP FOR WHAT THEY REALLY ARE AND HE IS GOING TO DO IT WITH SO MUCH GRACE AND SKILL THEY WILL NOT KNOW WHAT HIT THEM. THEY ARE SO BLIND. ITS A SHAME
THEY CAN'T RECONIZE A GREAT LEADER MUST LESS KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH ONE. I FEEL THAT THEY WILL TRY THEIR DIRTY, GUTTER-LIKE TRICKS
BUT, IT WILL BACK FIRE ON THEM. YOU SEE, OBAMA WORKED IN AND WITH
CHICAGO, HA, HA "YOU GO PRESIDENT OBAMA"

I wish the news media would report the news and not make it. You put a question mark to the title of this story: “Obama’s historic win?”. But you insist it is a “huge” win. The last time I checked if 38 – 100 = 62. To me that means a “HUGE” majority did not vote for him. 29%, 30% 38% are to me too close, they are practically tied by a third for each candidate.
Your statements not only tell us that this is a huge win but 20 years from now, children that have not been born yet, will be told that this was a huge win whether they agree or not. Maybe we should wait until they are born before we tell them what to think. Maybe we should be allowed to make our own opinion. The race has barely begun lets wait before the press puts Obama in the White House.

Obama represents "change" in every form of the word.
When he speaks I feel that every word is coming from him, in contrast to the current president who seems to be given his speech 2 minutes before it is to be read.
He is to be taken seriously. If Clinton has all the experience, why does she feel the need to morph into a character, depending on whom she is speaking to?
She absolutely expected to breeze thru this process, and has no clue how to adjust this time.
Obama has proven, as Tony Dungie did in winning the Super Bowl last year, It is OK to be consistent, Ok to command rather than demand respect, OK to be humble, and OK to be yourself and let people decide to follow your lead. He is doing just that, and they are right behind him. Last night was a great night for this country. It has been a long, long time.

I didn't want to believe that the Iowa caucuses were irrelevant but now I feel let down. We now have someone finishing first that can't possibly win a national election. Very disappointed on the Democratic side. Guess they really are irrelevant.

What does Barack Obama's Iowa win mean? It means that this country is finally, glacially but finally, inching toward the day when, as Dr. Martin Luther King hoped, men would be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

It means that America is finally, glacially but finally, seeing ia man of color as a complete, competent and caring human being, not merely the caricature so often painted by the media's sad focus on criminals' misdeeds and athletes' accomplishments.

It means that Americans want to be represented on the world's stage by a President who physically embodies the reality that we are not alone in this world, that we share the playground with countires full of yellow, tan, browna nd black people and we MUST all learn how to play in the sandbox together.

Sadly, it also means that if there IS a President Obama, his Secret Service detail will need to be doubled –or tripled-and will likely have to work harder than any other detail in history to protect him from harm.

The comments made by Mr. Cafferty seem to be out of line for a newsperson. Since when should news commentators make their personal preferences known, most often by their negative coments, for or against any candidate running for office. The stabs taken at Hilary Clinton, time and again, by Mr. Cafferty leave this CNN watcher wondering how this newsperson has so strong an opinion and makes sure the public is aware of it.

Allow the candidate to sway the public – not the newspeople.

I have made no decision yet on who is going to get my vote – I'm not sure whether OBama has enough background to do the job of president.

I have watched countless hours of political news during these past few months, from both the conservative and liberal views, but have yet to be provided with real reasons why Rudy Giuliani "America's Mayor", is supposed to be the strongest candidate against terrorism. Mr. Giuliani did not prevent 9/11, not that anyone could have, but he was only in office for about 3 1/2 months after that tragic event and did what would have been expected of ANY other mayor, with the exception that he very shamelessly used all the media exposure for his immediate financial gains in millions of dollars from speaking engagements and then through his firm, Giugliani Partners.

I lived in NY for many years and while I do give him all the credit in the world for cleaning up the City of crime and bringing about the financial resurgence of Times Square, the man is so full of bagagge, all contrary to the Republican conservative "beliefs", I'm surprised he is able to make it through airport screenings: Three times married, extramarrital affairs, messy divorce (announcing it during a press conference!), pro-choice, pro-gay rights, poor judgment in appointees like disgraced former Police Commisioner Bernard Kerik, who pleaded guilty to State corruption charges dating back to his days of Comm. of the Dept. of Corrections and is now awaiting trail on Federal charges of conspiracy, tax fraud and obstruction of justice; Russell Harding, former head of NYC Housing Development Corp., who pleaded guilty to defrauding said agency and possession of child pornography and Richard Roberts, former Housing Commisioner and Chairman of the Health & Hospitals Corp., who pleaded guilty to perjury after lying to a grand jury. Then there was Giuliani’s lying about and trying to place the blame on locating the HQ's of the Office of Emergency Management in one of the World Trade Center buildings on its' former Director, Jerome M. Hauer, when Mr. Hauer had recommended to him in February 1996 that Brooklyn would make a more secure location and not a visible target as buildings in lower Manhattan – he actually laughed at all this when Chris Wallace interviewed him in May 2007, until Chris provided him with a copy of the aforementioned 1996 memorandum. I really wish the media would scrutinize these extremely serious issues more than waste time on debating which candidate is more "likable".

By the way, I am a lifelong Democrat and though I would like to support Obama, he is just not experienced enough right now, leaving me to vote for another major "change", the first female President. Yes, she is far from perfect, but for me as for many Americans, we will have two Presidents for the price of one, simple. I would rather have a “calculating” but intelligent President than one who has deceived and outright lied countless of times to the American people and the world, abusing the powers of the Executive Branch unlike any other President in history, but above all, one who has sent thousands to die and injured, costing us billions and billions of dollars. As for her vote on Iraq, let’s not forget that many Democrat and Republican Senators and Congressmen voted for this war, again, based on faulty and misleading “intelligence” information. I also clearly remember how people were labeled un-American and their patriotism questioned for not supporting President Bush in getting approval for this war. Finally, let's not forget that our economy was one of the best during Clinton's years and he left billions in surplus for Bush to squander. Hillary Clinton is the strongest candidate to beat any Republican candidate!

Whether Obama wins the nomination and the general election or not, It means the era of the republican good old boy right winger is soon to fade into history. Thank God

Obama's speech was good but Edwards' was more compelling. I believe he is the real "Change" candidate, not Obama, so look out for Edwards. By the way, out of the trio Obama-Edwards-Richarson the Democratic Party should be able to choose an unbeatable ticket.

Meh. I think George W. Bush is a better speaker.

In a recent Time article, Obama said he had the ability to "make politics cool again." As I sat with my friends (we're all in our early twenty's) last night and watched his victory speech I realized not only does he have that ability, but it goes far beyond that....this guy is the JFK of our generation. He inspires, he challenges, and he makes you remember what a true president stands for and sounds like. Obama in 08.

To the post "amnesty is treason"

You say that's what the democrats stand for.

But please note, it was the republicans who granted "amnesty" to Scooter Libby.
Was 'that' amnesty an act of treason? if not that, then how about covering up the outing of a U.S. agent?

(just wanted to point out what YOU stand for)

Amnesty is Treason has it right!! The Dems do not stand up for Americans and do not uphold the constitution or our laws. They have chosen not to enforce our immigration laws, leaving US to pay the illegals' health care and foot the bill for their education.

What else are our reps going to choose to ignore?

ALL of our reps must take a stand and mandate the illegals come here the legal way, just like everybody else, including the ones LEGALLY waiting their turn outside this country. NO MORE EXCUSES.

After a very one sided media exposure over a two day period the people of Iowa carefully voted for the mainline media selection of candidates that would be the least likely to maintain a Constitutional Republic. The higher ranked candidates will proceed to New Hampshire and there will be affirmed as the leaders least likely to maintain a Constitutional Republic.

Jack,
It means that America is ready for a change and the hope for unity and it doesn't take big name like the Clinton to do it, but Wisdom and honesty. As an Iowan I voted for Obamba because he has the wisdom and the ability to bring all American together once again especially in this time where we are face with hatred all over the world.This is the message I hope all American will considered beyond race and gender to follow the Iowan lead.

Thanks for your invitation to comment on the Obama/Huckabee wins in Iowa. Please note the following:

1. Mr. Obama's exhortation was indeed masterful and inspiring. However, I am disturbed the the apparent unwillingness for Mr. Obama to openly discuss his early muslim teachings. In view of a Grandson "overseas" and the oft-repeated hate expressed toward America by muslims, this is extremely important to every citizen and I believe it is up to Mr. Ogama to air this issue and deal with the many prospective voters for whom this is of utmost concern. His race is immaterial; this is vital.

2. I readily admit Mike Huckabee sometimes appears as a "loose cannon". Yet, one does not sense a hidden agenda in him, unless it is a tendancy toward socialism.

3. Off-the-cuff observations:

Romney - too smooth - too much a politician - positions unknown on several issues listed below.

Edwards - too pretty - needs to lose the accent - not toubh enough for Eashington DC and rest of the world.

McCain - Too old, too compromising.

Thompson - Too sleepy

Paul - Too little information to make a decision.

Clinton - Shallow, devious, too dependent on husband - no dual president, please

Giuliani - Experience too thin, character issues?

Richardson - Unknown

4. Key Issues –

War - Voter distate for congress and most politicians - Economy - Health Care (too hard to get a physician who will accept Medicare primary - iIlegal immigration - Lobbyists - Crooks in places of power - Laws passed and never implemented - Taxes (Federal plus state equals ~50% with no reduction in either federal or state and too many hidden taxes)

Please note - above frustrations not necessarily in order of importance.

5. Thanks - it feels good to put this in writing to hopefully fair thinkers.

Dot Farrand
386 Snapdragon Lane
Lincoln, Calif. 95468

Your in depth analysis of the Iowa Caucuses was a display of your inability to separate your self from you own self ingratiation. Probably because you get so excited telling yourself how intellectual you perceive yourself.

My recommendation is to remove your head from where the sun don't shine, dummy.

Didn't we vote in Democrats for change in 2006 and end up with the same BS? YES, we did! They came in and blocked Republicans from weighing in on numerous bills, submitting amendments or limiting amendments, that happened to them and said that was one of the things they would not do, but obviously DID ANYWAY. Representatives need to do what they were put there to do-REPRESENT THE PEOPLE, NOT CORPORATIONS, ILLEGALS OR FOREIGN COUNTRIES!

They said then and now they would be for the American people, that sure is NOT the case if they continue on the amnesty path for illegals and not enhance and enforce employment laws. Illegals are driving up health care costs and too many of them and too many guest workers are sinking our economy. When they send the majority of their money out of this country, it is does not go into the earn and spend cycle that fuels OUR economy. What about the millions that are unemployed, meaning they are looking for work?

Illegal is illegal. If you allow the illegals here to stay under any amnesty deal, then you are putting them ahead of those that are legally waiting their turn outside this country. There are millions more wanting to come in and the reality is that we cannot take care of everybody, compassion and charity starts at home. We have our own hard-working families that run out of food before their next paycheck, our elderly have to choose between, food, medicine or heating their home. We have to draw the line and start taking care of our own right here in the U.S. first!

To a 62 year old African American woman, born in Alabama, who has fought hard to be objective about ethnicity and to separate my life in 2008 from that of my forefathers, Obama's win means a change may be even more possible than any of us could have imagined.

Obama's win means hope is alive . . . possibilities are endless. We are not stuck in old ways. We can see people for who they are. We do not have to shoot first and ask questions later. We can actually consider the culture of others and put ourselves insomeone elses shoes. Perhaps we can learn to negotiate and war can become the last resort. Health care and education for all! What a novel idea! Perhaps now we may not just look at providing health care, we may even consider that a week's stay in the hospital just might be too expensive. Perhaps the CEO's of insurance companies and big business can be satisfied with just being filthy rich. We may even get out of debt with China! But I am getting ahead of myself.

Obama's win means we have turned a corner. We now see people for who they are. We vote with integrity. African Americans who thought they might have to settle, because the best man was not electable, can vote their conscience. It's a great day to be an American. United we stand!

Anybody want to ask Senator Obama what he will do, as president, and how he will do it? We only have the touchy-feely stuff so far.

Now I know what it must have been like when Jack Kennedy started his love fest with the nation!!! Go Obama!

There you again! I just turned on CNN to get an update on the Iowa caucuses. You know, that stuff about the presidency? I'll bet you'd like to know what I saw.

Britney! Freakin'! Spears!

You're violating rules number 3 and 4 of the laws I suggested so I'll have to send Cheney over to take you into custody. Be careful, he might be armed.

Dear Mr.Tony Cordileone

i know a lot of Anthonys or Tonys who are atheists. A well known atheist is Christopher Hitchins of Vanity Fair magazine.

Do you know that the name Barak is Jewish? Check out the name Barak in the book of Judges in the old testament (Barak & Deborah the judge).

Hussein is an Arabic name not a moslem name.
And lastly, Mr. Obama is a Christian.

Evening......so impressed with CNN coverage.....and so very excited with the success of Obama in Iowa...BUT memories of Bobby Kennedy are on my mind.....after watching Obama greet the crowds, I am so fearful that the hope and change Obama offer will be cut short! Obama is way too exposed to harm....Is anyone else concerned about this?

I have seen passionate speakers and some times Edwards does not remind me of one. Whenever he gives his speeches, he seems to smile everytime he gets an applause from the crowd, even when the topic is serious; reminds me of the incumbent who smiles whenever he makes a complete sentence.

Watch Obama, most times when he give a passionate speech he maintains a serious expression throughout. People study these mannerisms and can tell who is phoney and who is not.

Jack,
You are part of the problem called The Media. I believe it will be the downfall of this country.
When will you all do what the late Peter Jennings did, deliver the news and stop changing our perception of it.
Night-after-night CNN does it's best to bash Hillary. I'm amazed the contempt Jack and company have shown. If you knew Senator Clinton, you all would have a change of heart about her. Why is it in the 21st Century, woman have to still fight the fight? If men were more comfortable in their skin and not intimidated by strong powerful woman we would have elected one by now. Third world countries have done it. The Brit's were fine with it, but the US is way behind thanks to the bias from the Jack Cafferty's out there. I still recall Lou Dobbs referring to Hillary as Bill Clinton's wife. She will not catch a break on CNN.
I turned CNN off tonight after the Edwards bashing Hillary. I am tuning out.

The Republicans tried in past and present elections to scare the country with comments of terror attacks. Hillary is trying to scare the Democrates with the "Republican attack machine" to come.

Hillary, If you can't handle Obama and Edwards, how are you going to handle the Republicans. Change your tune and folks might give you a second look.

Don't worry about Obama and Edwards, the people have faith in them to fight their battles when the time comes. And by the way, when are you going to stop fighting and start reconciling?

Historic Win?

What a joke! 62% of participating Iowa Democrats voted in a "non-election" for somebody else and this is a historic win?

Americans on the whole and Democrats in particular are smarter than the news media gives us credit. Senator Obama is all smoke and no fire and too Liberal to win the general election. When this election moves into the larger, tougher states of Super Tuesday "Dr. Feelgood" will be left out in the cold. And, former Senator Edwards can forget picking up additional support. On Super Tuesday only the serious, real leaders need apply.

The next Democratic nominee and the next President of the United States will be Hillary Clinton.

Barack Obama's Iowa caucus victory is only the beginning of AWESOME possibilites for America. We are at a crossroad that has been a long time coming! I have no doubt in my mind that Barack WILL win New Hampshire and South Carolina, and go on to WIN the primary election! I will be so proud to be an American the day he is sworn in as the President of the United States of America. I truly believe this is the beginning of an American unity that will echo around the world. It will also reestablish our good reputation in the world. We have lived under the "political machine of Washington" for far too long. It will be a welcome relief to dismiss the so called "power machines", of the past four elections, along with all of the deception, lies, corruption, and failed policies that went right along with their day-to-day routine of Washington. Barack's victory means to me that America will be GREAT AGAIN!! America will have HOPE again!! America will be CHANGED just as a caterpillar is turned into a butterfly!! I thank God, that I have been blessed to live at this time of the 21st century and to be able to witness this historic event.

And finally, I salute you, CNN, for your excellent coverage of the Iowa caucus, the primary election in general and all of the candidates. You have been fair and unbiased in your interviews, in your remarks, and in your coverage of this history-making event of the 21st century. Thank you, Jack Cafferty, Lou Dobbs, Wolf Blitzer, and ALL of you that report the news to us. You are the best!!

Rich, Texas January 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Well considering that over 90 percent of all Iowa residents are white it may indicate that times are changing. Maybe not for the better though. Obama has nothing to offer but his slogan of change. He has no experience, is young and talks black around black crowds and white around white crowds which tells me he is not genuine. If I were a black voter I would not vote for him simply because he is demeaning with his black jargon when he speaks publicly to blacks making it seem that all they can comprehend is black jargon. That is an insult to everyone.
Watch some of his tapes when he speaks publicly and look at the crowds. Obama speaks up to whites but down to blacks and that is a major turn off. Obama is no more of an option then Hillary. Being married to a president does not qualify her to run a country and Obama has not passed any legislation ever of note. Promises of change mean nothing when you have no history or background of change to back it up. It all sounds good but it is another NO SALE. But then again look at who Iowa had to choose from? Henny Penny the sky is falling and it is all the republicans fault even though I voted to go to war in Iraq Hillary Clinton. Or John sue em and screw em Edwards who has no earth shattering anything but nice hair. The pickings in Iowa on the Democratic side were slim and they had to pick someone why not the lesser of 3 evils.

please stop insulting blacks with this type of nonsenses of course the man is black and i have no problem with what ever lingo obama uses.its like saying bill richardson should not speak spanish in front of his fellow hispanic. its nice to have a leader who understand all types of people samething that you seem to be scared of yourself get over it .

It is a Revolutin taking place. Let's not stop it.

Ridiculous , everybody saying "Hillary was rejected by 2/3 of democrats in Iowa"
Well, so did Barack and Edwards, they all got about the same percentage. What's this gang-up against Hillary attitude?

I keep hearing that Obama is black. Isn't he biracial? his mom was french and his father was african. Why don't they just start out by calling him french? or french/african or african/french. He is an American. Biracial is a mix of 2~and how he is related to Cheney baffles me~does that mean he is more french/white than African? no offense, Obama is a cool guy and all. Maybe Cheney is biracial or african/american/french!

Amnesty is Treason: What the Bush Administration stands for.

Amnesty: n. 1.(The act or an instance of forgiving) pardon for felonious acts, remission, absolution, forgiveness!

Treason: n. 1. (willful violation of allegiance to one’s country) sedition, seditiousness, traitorously!

Record numbers of Iowans attended the Iowa Caucus to vote for more than one candidate. The media gave us so much hype and the candidates so much attention (and $$$$spent) that we didn't want to let everyone down.
Besides we are well informed and quite able to think for ourselves. Ewards won our caucus site. Obama has the young people tuned in....Kids we need a leader not a rock star. I like the man.....but at this point as an elected senator he is best at campaigning.

It is a long way from Iowa to the White House, Jimmy Carter was the last to do it. If we want really change in this country, we need to elect a man to the White House he can do it. Mrs Clinton has had many kicks at the cane.

Another thing......why is Obama always referred to as black.....he is bi-racial.
Maybe some day everyone will be spoken of as "this person or that person" instead of the gender/race thing.
When cows or pigs fly I suppose. Oh yeah, for those of you who are really urban....cows and pigs don't fly.

iowa elections have prove to me why americans wants democracy to go to the hole world

Senator Obama will make positive history in 2008. I sense that there are many ideologues who are full of doubt, tradition, and pessimism that feel he is inadequate. There has never been a president who was fully 'qualified' before entering the role. However, Obama seems to be an ideal fit for what is truly needed for the U.S. beyond the umbrella of fear and terror that has been spoon fed to us over the past few years. He has enormous potential. He is very intelligent, (whip sharp), an active Christian that is not an extremist, and a progressive 'thinker'. He has diplomacy and an allegiance to our nation as a whole. His multicultural background (like my own) inspires him to embrace people from all walks of life without reservations. And his openness to the Republican Party and others besides just Democrats proves that he is willing to address problems and issues in a consultative manner (opposed to dictatorial). To those who doubt what he 'stands for' should visit his website and click on issues. Pessimists, doubters, and those with senseless prejudices should visit his website and 'think' about what truly motivates you.

I think Obama's victory speech last night was truly the most inspiring moment I have ever witnessed in American politics. It is time for change and if anyone thinks that he lacks experience then look at where experience has taken us this past seven years. Maybe what we need is someone who hasn't yet buddied up in washington, someone who will take with him only the interests of the American people. He's Got my vote for Damn sure.

Iowa means that we Americans are looking for true change from top down. From the President on down. Business as usual, old faces, "experienced" politicians from Washington DC won't cut it anymore.

Change means out with the old and in with the new or at least new faces. Hillary would have had a better chance if she ran under her maiden name, Rodham rather than Clinton.

It means that the American public is voting for OPRAH !! Have you all been ordered to not mention her name ? As soon as she stepped up to support Obama his numbers started to rise - what a surprise !!

This caucus was historical. Please do not think that it is unfair for Iowa to be first in the Nation in the Nominating process for President. Think about what these candidates had to do to win in Iowa. They had to visit every county, look at the voters eye to eye and answer their questions. They had to go back several times so the people could really size them up and determine if they really meant what they were saying.

They would not have to do that if lots of states voted first on the same day, or if the first states are the large states. We the people of the United States will lose. They will get away with running all of their attack adds and will not have to answer any questions.

The people of Iowa and New Hampshire take their politics very seriously. That is much more than the rest of America does. I am sorry, but think about it. I do not and have never lived in either state, but I do truly appreciate what they do for all Americans.

The media, and the Politicians do not like this process, but please, do not let their bias deny you the ability to follow these candidates when they have to answer to normal everyday citizens all of hard questions that they would never do if this process changes.

Watch the elections in your own state, and see how many times any of them take the time to answer questions when they come for the big rallies. They will only visit the largest cities that will draw large crowds.

How many of those that complain actually have taken the time to really check out the candidates themselves–their websites, their voting records, etc.? There will be no contact with them. That is what they want. The political elite would tell you who to vote for and you would have no way of knowing if it was right.

The barrel price of oil hits a $100, home foreclosures continue apace at record levels and New Orleans' Ninth Ward is still a wasteland. What happened in Iowa wasn't even a vote, it was a caucus that has no real validity, except for the politicians who spent hundreds of dollars in TV ad time for each "vote" and the Iowa TV stations that raked in the ad shekels.

Obama has no chance of winning the Presidency, even though he is the shapest pencil in this pack of Democratic contenders. Billary Clinton is in the same position as former talk show host Kathie Lee Gifford: people either love her or hate her. If either of these two, or Edwards, did much as US Senators it is a well kept secret.

And I am getting sick of Wolf Blitzer describing his co-workers as the best political reporters in the business. All the political reporters I have seen on TV are just plain dull, as interesting as watching the wind kick up dust on the Iowa prairie.

......it means that the GOP party is FINALLY over and in come the sweepers pushing out the trash and debris left behind.

It's HOUSE CLEANING TIME!

The party is over.....the exit is that-a-way...keep the line moving towards the door.

We're getting ready for another party. The Democratic Party.

And this time we're keeping it simple....and keeping it REAL!

Obama has been in the process of becoming a leader and now America can clearly see this man is not just a flash in the pan. However, he is clearly in a position to lead this nation to a new level of responsibility for all of us. His becoming president is not a matter of race, culture, and class. It's a matter of this is the way the country is growing and we need to respect why Iowa the state that has the lowest amount of black voters to give him this victory is very important.

With his knowledge and commitment to all of us;however we need to be clear that god has his hand on him and what we need to do if we really care about this country is to support the movement this country in going into. The problem is the media, the newspaper writers, and the very people who report the news will try to defeat him through tv ads, negative press, and of course the down right leakages of wrong information to paint him in the wrong light just so their candidate can get some points over on the America we know. In the end we will see if the country will elect a man with his own mind and own convictions. In this country we are so scared of change whether from the left or the right.

OK, Jack, This Obama is a US Senator. This Blarney as sure as anything. Is he not part of Washinton, D.C.? Senator Obama is not that great. What has Obama done that was, is so great? Not one dane thing. Obama & Clinton are still part of the Senate. Oh, yea. Now I know what's so great about him. He's a man & he's black. Big deal. Its time for a Woman to be President. The men in our country have been running our country into the ground long enough. Now it time for women. All time Obama has been in the Senate, (still is) he's part of the problem just like the rest of them. Obama is no better. If Obama truly wanted change, then why wasn't he out spoken, about Washington a long time ago. I hope the press tears Obama a part, just like the press does with Hilary.

Senator Obama and the State of Iowa made history last night. This is very encouraging and inspiring on a number of levels, whatever the eventual election outcome.

Senator Obama has ideas/plans to get this country back on track and they are laid out fairly well on his website. Well, they are laid out as well as they can be on a website. He couldn't possibly exhaust the possibilities in a brief speech, debate, interview or website. He will not accomplish these plans on his own, and anyone who thinks any of the candidates can do this is not very wise.

Later this year, we are going to elect a president (presider), not a dictator (ruler). We need someone who can bring the best and the brightest together to work towards the common good of our country and improve/secure our position on the world stage. Since no single individual has all the answers, they need to be able to identify, organize, motivate and mobilize people with the right expertise for the particular issue being addressed. This is the only way we are going to be able to work towards resolving the numerous challenges facing our nation.

Based on comments that have been appearing in blogs, etc. over the course of the past months, there are lots of folks out there who could benefit from brushing up on how our government works and those characteristics that make for an effective leader/president. Then, commit to the candidate that best fits the mold for you. Also, a reading comprehension refresher might be helpful for many and especially those who are still commenting on Senator Obama being a Muslim (sorry to go negative, I hated to have to do this). All of this will be extremely helpful as we move full throttle into the presidential election process.

I will not suggest how others should vote. But do vote and make as informed a decision as possible, based on your own convictions. Remember, you don't have to talk down or make unnecessary negative comparisons to support your candidate. Simply support them based on their own merits.

As for me, it's Obama 08!

Jack,

Obama courts teenagers for Iowa:
Its all nice to sign commitment cards when in a Obama-Oprah rally but to spare a few hours in caucus on a freezing night is not a teenager task but they did IT!!

Many may have agreed and they came after New Year celebrations. Its all a open question as CNN's Candy asked? Will they come? They came!

People, pollsters, pundits give undue importance to the Iowa caucus. Isn’t it time to break the back of this myth of Iowa’s importance? They haven’t picked a winner since 1976. Next 31 days will tell the story / myth. And Bill Clinton and John Kerry won the Democratic nominations without winning in Iowa. Enough with the rural pandering.

What has happened to Analysis at CNN TV CNN.com. Can somebody tell the public that the 2008 primary season / cycle is DIFFERENT from yesteryears! We are talking New Hampshire in 4 days, then South Carolina THEN: SUPER DUPER TUESDAY, February 5th 2008. Its going to be "different" this time around. The early states voters may as well stay warm at home.

The IOWA message: "It's the War," Says Iowa to Hillary Clinton - And a "Happy Blue Year" To All!

Super Tuesday, February 5th 2008, will decide the Nominee. That needs money and organization which the fringe candidates do not have! Two have already dropped. Bill Richardson has laid off staff from IOWA. Not keeping as much for New Hampshire or New Mexico even!!

1. SENATOR BARACK OBAMA :☼ 37.58%
2. FORMER SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS : 29.75%
3. SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON :☼ 29.47%

(00.28% difference not even half a percent or one percent!)

4. GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON : 2.11%
Note: Bill do not layoff your staff from IOWA, till New Mexico Primary. You may be offered the VP/Cabinet position in an Obama Administration now that you have thrown your lot with Obama. Don't expect anything from Hillary though!

5. SENATOR JOE BIDEN :☼ 0.93%
(not thowing their lot to anyone else yet?)
6. UNCOMMITTED : 0.14%
7. SENATOR CHRIS DODD :☼ 0.02%
(not thowing their lot to anyone else yet?)

PRECINCTS REPORTING: 1781 OF 1781
(PERCENTAGES ARE STATE DELEGATE EQUIVALENTS.)

I still am betting on the come-back-kid McCain now that DIRTY TRICKS Dubya G. W. Bush Jr. and Karl Rove is no more!!!!

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/ http://facts.hillaryhub.com/ http://www.hillaryhub.com/
For a little election snapshot: http://uselectionatlas.org/2008.php

Can Barak Obama show competence as well as inspiraration? Were he to become President, much of the free world would look to him to re-establish America's relations with its allies. We know little about his vision of global politics beyond Iraq. Perhaps his first test will come in the week ahead, when hopefully someone asks for his views on how to handle the current crisis in Kenya, the land of his father.

The comment that we'll be listening to the speech 20 years from now bothers me! Apparantly, we haven't come as far as I'd personally hoped in this country. Isn't this comment a bit racist? These comments should have stopped OVER 20 years ago. We are all red-blooded Americans, correct?

Obama's victory is a sign that America has chosen a pathway to Restoration of Lost Glory. This Obama is full of energy, Full of idea, Fresh in spirit to make America what it should be.....I salute Americans for their courage to give Hope a chance regardless of Colur or Race. I respects Americans!!. By what happened in IOWA Americans has further consolidate its position and has proved to the world again that America is truely democratic with no sentiment when it comes to electing their Leaders. I think if the remaining States can maintain the same stand, and put Obama in white house come Jan 2009, then American can begin to stand strong in its campaign for democracy across the world. Then the rest of the World can begin to listen to the voice of America as a Nation.....

Go on Obama ...Go on Obama...Go on Obama...You the Child with BLACK FATHER FROM KENYA AND WHITE MOTHER FROM KANSAS....A CHRISTAIN BUT WITH MOSLEM BACKGROUND.....Hmmm THIS OBAMA IS A RARE BREED IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN POLITICS .....YOU – OBAMA, AN EMBLEM OF UNITY ...Hope for the young Americans....What a hope u have brought to the despised....what a light you have shed to show that American can still be great again. RIDE ON ....RIDE ON...RIDE ON.......SOAR HIGH ........TO MAKE AMERICA WHAT IT SHOULD BE......

I CONGRATULATE AMERICA FOR THIS BOLD STEP.....

I live in Iowa and did caucus last night but I firmly believe that Iowa & New Hampshire should be replaced as the first 2 states to start off the nomination process. Neither of the states is diversified or populated enough to give a fair idea to the rest of the country as to which candidate is more qualified. We need to re-think the process and "CHANGE" the way it starts out. I'm also very disappointed in CNN's coverage of the candidates. It was very biased. I held CNN to a higher standard. It was always my first choice of news stations but you have put a damper on that. Even if you don't care for a candidate you should be fair and not put them down. You carry a lot of weight & influence and I think you need to put it to better use. You used to be above the bashing but this time you failed miserably. Clean it up, please.

Obama will make a wonderful President. After watching his speech at the Democratic convention, I knew he would be the first African-American President. I believe that he will learn everything he needs to know to run this country from President Hillary Clinton and First Husband Bill Clinton.

This is what the country needs and requires at this point in history. No time to learn on the job. We need someone who can hit the ground running. The Iowa win means he won't hurt Hillary's chances. In fact, he might help her win over the fence sitters who are not sure she can win, think she is too polorizing, etc., etc. Obama will make an amazing Vice-President. He is warm and energizing. He makes me feel relaxed and confident the country can and will move in the right, or excuse me, "left" direction.

Congrats to the Democratic party. You finally have a winning team in Hillary, Obama and of course, Bill( He'll teach fill them in on anything they might not know)!

Johnny -
You seem like a very smart person. Those statements by Mrs. Clinton concerning her vote to go to war is what one would call political cover. Had Ms. Clinton had good "judgement" she would have been able to perceive and recognize this was inherently a wrong vote to make. She used bad "judgement" period.

Just because someone gives advice about the perils about drinking and driving then turns around and drinks and drives their previous admonitions doesn't give them cover for using bad "judgement" for driving while drunk.

Jack,
This is one of those defining times in our nations history. What took place last night in Iowa was one of this countrys fineist moments. To watch the ill sen give that speech, was powerful. America has been waiting for this hour. Once the shock and awe factor wares off, america will see the true blessing in the form of one ill senator, soon to be one of this nations best presidents.

Dear Mr. Cafferty:

Leaders inspire.

To be the "Leader of the Free World", you in the United States of America must choose a leader who not only inspires YOU, but also brings HOPE to the rest of us in this, our Planet Earth.

May Barack Obama inspire each of you to make the right choice. DO the right thing.

Canadians are longing for the day when the United States of America is once again deeply respected around the world – in all countries – in all continents.

We have high regard for you, The People. Please choose a leader, who is worthy of your standing.

P.S. I do not /cannot understand how so many of the above writers believe that in complimenting Senator Obama, we are also "Hilary Haters", "Enemies of Edwards", or "McCain Maligners". Hmmm... Where have we heard that before, "You are either for us, or against us"?

It really IS OK to acknowledge the eloquence of Senator Obama’s oration (which he delivered following the Iowa Democratic Caucuses), and to still admire the excellent qualities which other candidates possess.

"The whole world is watching".

Fellow American's, this is one of Hillary's latest comments in New Hampshire:

I'm tested and I'm proven, I've been through the fires. Anyone that we nominate is going to be thrown into that blazing inferno...the general election.".

blazing = burning brightly
inferno = hell; resembling or suggesting hell

And this woman wants to be President of the United States? Her arrogance and ego go beyond the pale; this comment, among others, tells us how she really feels about the political process for electing our president. She has absolutely NO RESPECT FOR ANYTHING OR ANYBODY. Please, New Hampshire, it's time to vote this woman out of the Presidential race. She is a disgrace to our country!

While listening to Barack Obama's victory speech it struck me that I did not hear him either congratulate, thank or even acknowledge his rivals in the Iowa primary. Maybe I did not hear him fully or accurately, but I am quite certain that he did not address the others. If in fact he did not, why haven't any journalists taken him to task on this issue of disrespect, and lack of political etiquette and savvy? If I am incorrect, I accept my irresponsibility for not hearing correctly. If I am indeed correct, I hope that one of CNN's journalist like you, Larry King, Anderson Cooper or Wolf Blitzer ask this question and bring this matter to the forefront. Senator Obama has been on the political stage for several years now, and there is no excuse for this grave error and major faux pas. My perception of him has changed, and see him now as an inexperienced, possibly arrogant politician. All of the other candidates that I heard, Clinton, Edwards, and Huckabee all acknowledged their rivals. I thank you for this opportunity to stand on your online soapbox. Cheers!

To all of you who are so fearful Mr. Obama will not fare well in the general elections (I hope he will be the nominee!!) will not be able to handle the republicans, I think you are underestimating him. He is exceptionally intelligent and he has a very strong core within him, he will do great!!

Let's let go of our fears and go with hope and change. NOTHING gets accomplished when we are afraid. Am sure each of us has been afraid of something at one time or another, some of us have missed out on some wonderful things because we were afraid to experience something different. I remember being afraid to drive on the interstate for fear I'd miss the correct offramp and get lost. But I braved getting out there and did get lost a few times, but you know what? I soon enjoyed those side trips, got to see a lot of places and things I would have missed had I stayed at home. I conquered that fear a long time ago. Just giving you a small illustration that if you don't make the leap, you'll miss something big.

Obama's win represents a generational change. He will be the next President and mark a turn away from the past 2 generations of political warfare, not that politics will cease. Iowa caucuses 2008 were just the beginning of a tidal wave that is going to overwhelm and likely spell the end of the modern Republican party. That will be a very good thing.

It is time for you, Young Americans to register and vote and get involve in politics! Not only for your own well being, but also for us, the rest of the world. You now have the power to change not only the ways politicians do things in the United States of America but the way politicians do things around the world. You have to understand that this world has become flat with all this technology at hand and what ever happens in your country by one way or another affects the rest of the world, you are not choosing just a president of the United States of America, You will put in the White House one of the most (if not “the most “ ) important person of the World.
You are the most amazing people; you are the most incredible melting pot of this world!! So don’t let me down, get up, go register, vote and change the world.
By the way, I am from Chiavari in Italy.

Obama is the candidate of "Hope". When I came from Panama in 1982 to study English as a Second Language Martin Luther King Jr"s, speech brought me to tiers. I strongly believe this might be the Luther King Jr. of the 21st Century. Experience means nothing in politics, the passion and desire to deliver change in the USA soil and in the world, is more powerfull than anything else. The people from Iowa spoke and so will the rest of the Country. Ask Bush, ask John Kerry and ask Hillary, they did not deliver despite their long experience. In case you wonder I am a Hispanic American living in MO. Run Barack, run full speed please!

Alvaro!

Obama is an inspiring speaker and that is a good thing. People will soon want to know how he plans to use the inspiration in his leadership. The media has a habit of moving into thier own , small, watercooler world where they all say the same thing with a different accent.Small side issues and juicy tidbits of gossip replace real analysis of the important issues. I did not support Obama in the caucuses but his political style is refreshing and upbeat. It remains to be seen whether that can be turned into substanative plans for change. Super Tuesday will be the true vetting process and my crystal ball is on the blink at the moment.
If your day job tanks come on back and anchor the news here Jack. I always enjoyed the Cafferty is segments .

Edwards talks of change. Obama talks of change. Clinton talks of change. What are the changes we desire? We can all agree we want to live better, have more money, etc. What are our priorities? What does it mean to live better? It is true that the middle class is being marginalized but should we not look for the causes and address them in a rational manner? The affordability of advanced education along with retraining programs open to all should be one of our top priorities. Why?... because the lack thereof increases poverty and shrinks the middle class.
Venture capital needs to be focused not on just $30 Million deals and up, but on financing small businesses with seed capital all across the country. This can only happen if you have the right incentives for investors to take the risk. Hillary Rodham Clinton is the candidate that has addressed these issues and has worked on them for years. She established a tangible plan and has executed such in the private sector. Personally, I vote for freedom first, and then my pocketbook. Why?...because without freedom what do you have that is worth having? Without financial security you have no freedom. If you are voting on foreign policy then vote for Dodd as he is the most knowledgeable and capable in that arena. If you are concerned with the financial future of the country and your family, you owe it to dig into Clinton’s policy papers and into her personal history of accomplishment. In this day of 30 second sound bites it’s all about projecting an image. Packaging is nice but did you marry for beauty or did you marry for love?

We can see from the fast facts listed below, that she has practical experience in education, in healthcare, and business. She has not promised hope but delivered hope to many. This has been her life’s work. No other candidate is as credible as she is, on these issues nor have they done it.

Clinton was a Wal-Mart's Board member.
She was also on the Board of TCBY.
She has also served on the boards of the Children’s Defense fund which she also chaired. Additionally she was on the Arkansas Children’s hospital board.
She co-founded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and families.
She chaired the Arkansas Educational Standards Committee.
She also served as congressional legal counsel.

Listening to Obama's speeches I get the impression that he will correct all of our
many, many, problems facing this country.C'mon Jack, you and I are old enough to know that any change he will be able to make if he is president will take time and the cooperation of those time tested loyal Democrats who have worked hard for the American working class. He will also need the help of the Republican party which has thus far been unwilling to budge an inch in passing bills supported by the Democrats. Your recent comments regarding Senator Clinton seem harsh, demeaning, and at times a bit angry. She has spoken well of you!

Now I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but it seems to me that Senator Obama is the best candidate not because he is black or idealistic but because he seems to genuinely care about the direction of the country. Has anyone stopped to think that maybe the inexperience every one keeps talking about just might be a good thing!!! After all the putts that’s in charge now had a great deal of experience and we have had to witness fumble after fumble of the affairs of this countries economy and foreign policy. So maybe someone who hasn’t been in Washington long enough to pick up bad habits just might be a good thing. Besides I just can't seem to move past that big "FOR SALE" sign on Senator Clintons forehead. She has taken more money from major corporations then anyone. So that naturally begs the question, If we put her in office where will her loyalty’s lie? With people whose votes got her the White House or the people whose money got her to the White House.

Just a thought

Will

Chicago, Ill

It's a long way to November. Obama, Clinton and Edwards are all smart and capable. I would take any one of them as the next president. I hope they will not do too much to weaken each other before the election in November, who ever is the nominee.

Obama makes a speech like he believes it. Edwards connection with the poor and middle class is palpable. Clinton doesn't seem to connect very easily. It isn't enough to be smart, a leader must also be someone who inspires. I have talked to a lot of women who are interested in the upcoming election because Clinton is in it. Apart from her gender, Clinton doesn't inspire much.

Obama and Edwards are both people who can inspire people.

Ron Brown and Vince Foster are watching. Please vote wisely.

Hillarea will win the nomination. At that point, the truth will come out in all directions. Hsu will go on 20/20 or 60 Minutes. Marc and Denise Rich will slip up and do something. Newt will tell us who was really in charge from 1994-2000. Hillarea's records will be made public. The media will have no choice but to ask her the tough questions. She will begin making promises, lying, etc...

Jack:

The traditional disrespect by politicians for people's intelligence is backfiring big time.The people are fed up with the diresepect and the lies.

For example,Mitt Romney has been trying to recreate himself from the concoction that he made himself out to be so that he could fool the people of Massachusetts to become their Governor into a new persona seeking acceptability nationwide to become the next President.

From his hiring of illegal aliens and trying to dance around that,to his claim that his father marched with Martin Luther King, and his puerile assault on good old 'Huckaberry ' it is clear that America's richest fooler has confused himself into certain defeat, and has become America's richest fool.

Then on the other side( although I wonder), there is Hillary who keeps saying how much experience she has.

The people of Iowa have now shown, and others will do likewise, that they understand her experience to be that of a first lady whose essential experience is that she saw little of her husband and heard much about him.THAT does not qualify her to be President.

Indeed, it must be for her a bitter, painful memory, which America cannot allow her to relive.She might just want to get in the White House to get even or to try to recreate history.Too dangerous.

Now Hillary is aying that she represents change.In the one breath she is experience, then in the other she is change.In the one breath she is an old, sesasoned and steady hand, while in the other, she is the freshest, newest wind to blow across the US.

Too many snaky, disingenuous contortions, Hillary.Enough rebranding.Enough of the dynasties.

And the people have seen the light.

Lord, I hope so.

Gerry

Senator Obama had the best line to Senator Clinton in a recent debate, looks as if she'll be advising him. He has genuine speeches that go straight to the heart, others in our party seem to struggle with compassionate life giving speeches in our nation where the damage from the old guard has crippled and destroyed.
Washington insiders are loosing grip, two people of different parties may hold the keys to enact change from within the White House itself.Senator Obama can count me in, I will not vote if anyone else.

Iowa is interesting becuase if you go there wanting to vote for Dodd, you are asked to choose again. What the Obama win means to me is that Clinton is not a second coice type of person, people like her or they don't. Obama can be an easily accepted second choice, which also means he would have a better chance in the general election.

Jack, while we are engrossed in new season of "presidential idol" the Kenyan government is playing "are you smarter than a 5th grader". CNN just reported that the unrest in Kenya has displaced 250,000 Kenyans and that the Kenyan Red Cross was requesting $15.4B in aid to help them. If you do the math, this is where the 5th grader comes in, this comes out to $61,600 per person. It would be cheaper to fly them all to Vegas for a month on an all expense paid vacation until this thing blows over? The all you can eat buffets, entertainment, and "cultural" exchange that will occur will provide a great return on our investment to boot! We can even ask Mr. Buffett to fund the trip.

Maybe after the winner of our Idol contest is announced my neighbors will get upset and threaten me with violence so I can move out and ask the Red Cross for $61,600. I wouldn't want the Vegas trip. Maybe Kenya...

Mitt Romney is trying to say 2 things at the same time: (1) he's THE CONSERVATIVE candidate and (2) he's the CHANGE candidate. Last time I looked up the meaning of CONSERVATIVE it was "disposed to preserve existing conditions." So I guess that makes Romney the confused, or inconsistent, or flip flopping say anything embrace any position candidate.

Jack when are we going to stop referring Sen. Obama as one of them?

Can we get on with inclusiveness. Actually he is one of US and pity for you he:you're
too. Folks in Iowa are saying change is wanted and this politician is suggesting he has some ideas that this Country after the BUSH boys need help. This is my second comment, I didn't quite make the cut off, I sent it to the wrong blog. Jack keep talking.

Yes, it was a big win for Barack Obama and it signals an immense change in the thinking of the white midwestern majority where the color of his skin meant less than the content of his public discourse. Nonetheless, the race question remains an unknown within the confines of the voting booth across the rest of the south, large parts of the north, and the rest of the nation. Iowa does not our nation make. Beyond the race issue, the populist philosophy has failed us and new light must be given to genuine personal liberty, less federal government intrusion in our daily life, and big brother's watch as our God-given rights are obliterated by a powerful military compound, grabbing more and more power as days turn, vested in large, sustained wars across the globe, for the fascist enrichment of the very large corporations whose lobbies purchase our elected officials. But that is not the subject of this blog for congratulations are at hand.

Why is it not CLEAR that the big winner in Iowa was Ron Paul? He came in with 10% of the votes without advertising while the top four get FREE campaigning on television when every talking head pushes their candidacy. Dr. Paul received 10% of the vote where the media has consistently ignored his existence and denied his grassroots appeal. He accomplished it with little money and almost no name recognition, facing derision and scorn at every turn from every talking head. No one mentions Ron Paul’s performance or his name while they discuss Giuliani who last night in Iowa bombed out with a meager 4% despite every talking head’s push over the last ten months to turn a LOSER into the next failed Bush in the White House.

Wake up talking heads! You live in this country too! It behooves you to analyze the news, not repeat copy line like a parrot! THINK or you will no longer be!

It means the fickleness of "majority" of American voters is real. Obama's nomination in Iowa reminds me of how a cabal was deft at convincing an unsuspecting ill-informed electorates that Bush was the best man for the job about 4 years ago despite his glaring incompetence prior to. I like Obama a lot but something tells me he's just a pun that is being used by this republican cabal. Sad to say this : even Obama doesn't realise this.

I HEARD JACK KENNEDY SPEAK AT THE CONVENTION IN 1956 AND I SAID"THIS MAN WILL BE PRESIDENT".I HEARD RONALD REGAN SPEAK AT THE CONVENTION IN 1964 AND I SAID,"THIS MAN WILL BE PRESIDENT".I HEARD BARACK OBAMA SPEAK IT THE CONVENTION IN 2004 AND I SAID,"THIS MAN WILL BE PRESIDENT".

I am not an American but I am a proud Canadian. Over the past couple of months I have been observing the election campaign. I must say that if America really wants change, they have to look at the way these candidates ran there campaign. For example, I don't know if the American public add notice but the Clinton campaign had planted people in the crowd to ask Hillary questions, to me that is a sign of deceitfulness, another is her attacks on other candidates. I think if the pressure is turned up she would sell her soul to get what she wants, regardless of the people she leads. I think that as candidates one should work hard to prove to the American people the change they can bring, how they can bring about these changes and back it up by outlining the steps they will take. They can be honest because you can not please everyone in bringing change but for the majority who wants change will be please. When a candidate can stand on their method of change with out being vague, then the American people will see that you have the back bone to stand up for other things and not be controlled by the cooperate world....I think that Washington and other political candidates sees Obama as a treat because his mentality and way of thinking is different from theirs, it is not corrupted. They say that experience counts and I agree, but what kind of experience. There are negative experience as well. A person who wants to engage there enemy by talking rather than war means that they are thinking of his soldiers first before putting there life at risk. As for Obama if he wins I think it would be a wonderful thing but he him self as to be serious about bringing change and not loose focus. He must understand that bringing change will not be easy, people may not like it, but in the end they will love it....he can not be vague on his method of change and he as to make sure that the change he brings is fair for the majority of the American people. I think the American people would love him more if he his honest in saying what he can and can not do. Like the previous President they all say what they can do but when they got to the white house its a different storey..all of a sudden things change....Remember this, the American people is not naive.

Jack... I am troubled by how the major media players in the U.S. (including CNN) are assigning valuable air time and print to the likes of Britney Spears. Are Americans really that fascinated with her pathetic life in the face of IMPORTANT issues currently facing your country? Frankly I`m embarrassed for y`all! Perhaps your economic and political quagmire is caused in part by what appears to be a collective cerebral deficit. Come on folks...get a life!!

Perhaps the American people are waking up to the fact that the sequel is never as good as the original. I mean, just take a look at the present administration. Bush #2 has proven to be a failure compared to Bush #1, and that wasn't that good, except for the coalition put together for Gulf War #1.

Do the American people really believe that Hillary Clinton version is going to be as good as the Bill Clinton version. I think not.

But then I never was a fan of these family Dynasties forever soaking up political seats in Washington.

Obama is just a trained monkey. He knows how to entertain a crowd and how to get everybody excited, but so do clowns in circuses. I don't think he has a clue how to solve America's problems, much less the world's. He would be a worse disaster than Bush and we would all be looking on his presidency with shock and awe. I'm afraid, at that point, that everybody would be wishing for 'the good old days' of Bush and Cheney. What is America going to become when its people vote for hope and dreams, smoke and mirrors, rather than reality and pragmatism? All I can say is, "Look at the last two elections and imagine how different the world would be now if Americans had used their brains to vote."

Hope or Hype? I have seen NOTHING from this man except that he has hired the former Clinton Machine to write his speeches for him and he's got Oprah Winfrey to stump for him (unfortunate situation for her as I was happy she stayed out of politics and will never look at her the same). If you look closely at his voting record in congress, he was absent SO MANY TIMES on SO MANY VITAL ISSUES that you can NOT tell where he stands and he's not telling us, folks. There is something very wrong with the Barack Obama picture and I'm not buying it. Ideas? Ron Paul has fantastic ideas. Experience? Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden have experience. Tough enough? Once again, Hillary Clinton has got to be the toughest person in the group. Uniter? Michael Bloomberg does a much better job at that (even though he's not running). In second on that, however, has to be Hillary Clinton. She can bring men AND women together in a historic journey towards a great economic future as well as to get the United States' great international reputation back. Healthcare? HILLARY. (by the way, Obama was absent during the children's healthcare vote this past year...hmmm). All I ask is that everyone do the research. Think with your brains AND your heart. Jimmy Carter had an awful lot of hope in his campaign and, although a fantastic former president, he was NOT what we needed in office. Let's get it right the first time here!

Jack,Obama's Iowa night victory sheds some light into our political darkness.This guy is real.We need to put judgement ahead of experience.He will be our Abraham Lincoln in the 21st Century.Absolutely NO DOUBTS

jack, Barak obama's win in iowa doesn't mean a thing to me. he has been trailing the entire time and i think that he should embrace this little win because it's the only one he's gonna get. Hillary is a strong, independant woman and she is the one i believe will lead this country out of the crater Bush has left us in. Barak changes his story too much and i'm tired of politician's who make promises they can't keep. Hillary has experience in the White House and knows how to talk to people. Barak only started to speak up when he started his campaign for the White House.
Hillary all the way!!!

I am a "Yellow-dog" democrat and was suprized yet thrilled with the outcome of the Iowa caucuses. I have followed Obama from the beginning and have been a supporter until yesterday when I read the tenets of his church. I don't believe in mixing religion and politics but these tenets are scary. Please look into it and get it in the news. I will vote for whichever democrat wins the convention over any republican, but this needs to be looked at.

Jack...why is everybody so driven to assign significance to this man`s skin color? He`s just another politician....No big deal. Your electoral system is already complicated enough.

The vote for Obama on Thursday night means that out of all the eligible voters in Iowa who opted to go out to the Democratic caucus on that particular night, that particular percentage chose him. Period. It's a nonbinding resolution, a straw vote. And yet all the pundits are making it out to be the be-all, end-all. What if the vote in NH next week gives the nod to Clinton? All the predictions about BA's inevitability will be shot to hell. By the way, how many decades has it been since the party's candidate was chosen at the national convention? Wouldn't a floor fight to choose the candidate, televised live in prime time, make for great ratings???

If you folks have to and therefore will be spending hour after hour in discussion, in order to fill up the 24-hour news cycle, then how about spending at least some of that time discussing the feasibility of some of the candidates' plans, such as their stated timelines for withdrawal of troops from Iraq and those plans' possible impacts on the stability of the region; or Huckabee's vow to abolish the Federal Reserve – could he really do that, yes or no? What would be the impact on the average American's life, if it were possible? That kind of discussion would probably/possibly prove helpful to voters in helping them make up their minds as to who they want to elect to lead the US.

Watch the third season of 'The West Wing' again – Josiah Bartlett (popular with thinking TV viewers as 'the wish fulfillment' of the real White House) ran for re-election on the platform of being SMART, rather than likeable. That's what the US, or any country for that matter, needs, first and foremost, in its leader.

Jack,
There's something about this guy that is truly inspiring!! But the race is not over, and the sharpest knives are still sheathed. I would vote for him, as there is grave danger in continuing the 'politics as usual'. His relative lack of Washington experience is meaningless, and may in fact be a net positive. And the idea that the Republicans want him to be their target is misleading (see how they are dismayed by Huckabee's emergence!!). The complaint that the Iowa caucus is unfair fails to recognize the fact that all the candidates understood the process, prepared an entire year for it, were all subject to the rules, and that the population of that state had the best and longest opportunity to get to know the candidates. If Hillary can't win New Hampshire I see him winning both the Democratic nomination and the Presidency, unless something catastrophic happens to his person.

Sen. Obama's Iowa win means that Sen. Clinton cannot take the nomination for granted. She is going to have to earn it. Why is this a surprise? Because Mrs. Clinton seems to believe that she is entitled to the nomination.

I was watching CNN's covaerage of the caucus results, which included some of your observations, but was surprised to hear Jeffrey Toobin accuse Obama of "flip flopping" on the issues and colluding with lobbyist to produce "watered-down" legislation. I don't recall hearing any of the other candidates or their campaign staff making such accusations and was surprised and more than concerned that a "news analyst", who is supposed to be REPORTING events, would be the first to make this an issue in the campaign.

I watch CNN with some expectation of objectivity and fairness; unlike some of the other "news" organizations. I would hope that Mr. Toobin, if he is reporting these allegations as comments of one of the candidates, he would identify his source, otherwise STOP slinging mud at a candidate who has brought a breath of fresh air to American politics.

I expected better of Mr. Toobin and CNN.

obama is the best
we love you OBAMA
GBU

Gooday,

I woke up this morning to TV clips of the Obama victory speech on Australian TV channels. I listened to the whole speech and was filled with joy and HOPE, for the first time in 7 years. In the world that we live in today, we need a leader like Obama who can inspire people and give them some hope. From the beginning of time, mankind has evolved and grown to the state it is in today based on Hope and belief. Obama has been the talk all over Australia today and so many people in this country are finally hoping that things will change if this man is elected to lead the free world.

I am a well travelled businessman and have been to almost every part of the world. I can tell you that I have never seen so much hatred for America in every part of the world including here in Australia and Americans have Bush to thank for this hatred. The vast majority of people in the world see Americans and particularly Republicans as Ignorant, God fearing, Gun weilding lunatics who are destroying the world with their narrow minded views and lack of total understanding of the world issues today.

In the past few months of my travel, I have seen so many people talking about Barack Obama and being inspired by this man and are warming up to the thought that America may once again regain its respect in the world if this man becomes the President. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, American Foreign policy determines the course of the world and the future.

At different crucial times in world history, there were true and inspirational leaders who have taken charge and thus changed the course of history like Jesus, George Washington, Gandhi, JFK, MLK, etc One may even argue that Hitler and Bin Laden also were inspirational leaders except that they chose destruction and violence to change the course of history for the worse. But when the world comes together and challenges such common threats as one people, like Obama pointed out, good will always win over evil because this is the law of nature.

The world needs Obama NOW so that we can collectively look to the future with hope and change the course of history for the better. Hope Americans and particularly ignorant Americans will realise what goes on outside their own country because American foreign policy dictates the course of the world and thus America itself in the end. The world needs an inspirational leader like Barack Obama who has the potential to bring people together like he has proven in Iowa.

We do not need the old candidates like Clinton because we dont want to go back to the old days anymore. We dont want a trial attorney like Edwards who made his money by suing doctors, the very people who work so hard for our society to eliminate disease and pain. From what I gather talking to people around the world during my travels, they DEFINETLY DO NOT want any God fearing, gun weilding Republican lunatics dictating foreign policy this time around.

Jack it means that all your hyping of obama on your show has worked.
collect your check from the RNC.
Next time remember a Reporters job is to REPORT the News, not make it.
All the talking heads are drooling over Obama, and can't wait to hug him.
What a bunch of tripe!
The man has no substance , he has not detailed any of his claims of knowing
how or who he would need to address the serious problems the country is
facing. We don't need a Stupid President, we've got one of those now.
We need someone who knows who can be put in the important positions in
government to actually get something done and not be directed by the special interests. Not like Obama who can't find time since he took his oath to vote when the time comes like everyone else. That's why he was elected, he's failed there
already. He's still a beginner as far as Illinois is concerned. All he's done since taking his oath is to run for President.
Talk about SLICK WILLY !!
Seriously, we need someone who knows how Washington works, someone who would have a fighting chance to run the govt. not sell it.

How come this is not front page news?

I hope that tis is asked about at the debate tonight ? I hope they dig below the surface on this one; and also take a group of individuals across the country and ask them if they feel it fits with the Obama image he is projecting.

Obama wants to leave religion out of race is because of the scrutiny TUCC-Chicago may be under soon. Black racist agenda "Black Values System", allegiance to Africa (no mention of US), pastor's ties to Louis Farakkhan, scandalous murder on 12/23/07 of long-standing (gay) choir director that went unreported by MSM, Chicago PD and Obama camp, should be looked into. Huge double standard – MSM afraid of Jesse & Al boycott? Emails and calls today to KTRH-Houston concerning Obama's "Christian" church – fair question. Why not "White Values System" in other candidates churches? Are you kidding! This exclusive black racist agenda at TUCC and Obama's "no red states, no blue states-just the United State" rings hollow and doesn't square with his church affiliation

All u folks which disagrees with Sen. Obama's platform, just don't get it. Are u watching to what's happening to our political caucuses across this nation. Or, u must have ur head in the sand or must be plain deaf n blind.
U are now witnessing a phenomenon in US politics. Never in the history of this nation did an ordinary colored man blow away his white democratic opposition in Iowa. All across this country and the world, people are totally disgusted with what's happening to this nation.
TWO SIMPLE WORDS AS "HOPE N BELIEVING" IN SOMETHING IS ENSHRINED WITHIN OBAMA'S INNER SOUL.
That's why people of different skin color; political stripe; gender; religious beliefs and background are starting to agree with his dream. All across this nation in townhalls and stadiums Barack's visions and wisdom are stirring the audience's consience. Don't take my word for it, listen to what the political pundits; media and ordinary people are saying. Or go to his political rallies and experience what's happening.
AGAIN, I SAY I'LL GUARANTEE THAT SEN. OBAMA WILL BE THE OVERWHELMING WINNER AT NH AND BECOME THE NEXT PRES. OF THIS USA.

What is the "hope of change" Obama brings?
Eight years ago, there was a new sheriff in town. With a six shooter on each hip and the arrogance and ego to go with it. Obama and his dream of hope for this nation is that he could be the new sheriff in town and he doesn't wear a gun at all. It is his intelligence, education, integrity and passion that sets him apart from all the others. With Obama there is no white, no black, no red, no blue, no greedy pockets to be served. No bureaucratic business as usual. That is the hope of change that Obama brings.

Would someone please explain to the unimformed that Obama actually stands a far better chance at winning a general election than Hillary. He's a far less polerizing figure and will be able to attract independents and republicans. Imagine an election between him and Huckabee, it would be a joke, Obama would destroy him and sway a lot of the disgruntled republicans to join his camp. That is something Hillary could never accomplish. There is no overwhelmingly strong and appealing Republican candidate, but no republican in there right mind would be vote for Hillary. Look at the Iowa results, Obama received far more independent and converted republican votes than any other democrat. In a general election those votes matter and he's the only candidate capable of winning votes from all camps. The idea that there is a republican cover up to nominate Obama is ridiculous, if anything the conservative right is terrified of the possibility of facing him in a general election. He's the hope of the nation and of my generation, and there is no stopping him.

The future of our children, and our childrens children doesn't seem so cloudy. I might try and procreate.

So now that Obama won in Iowa, the "experience" factor that the former first lady, Mrs Clinton uses as her number one qualification just got thrown out the window. Obviously the peope of Iowa were smart enough to figure out that being first lady does not make a president....go Obama all theway to the White House!

Obama's win in Iowa say's very little for the intelligence of the american voter. This guy is a wonderful man, but that does not make him the best choice for president. Jimmy Carter was very much like Obama. Jimmy made a terrible president and his dealings with the arab world, almost done us in. We need a president who has experience to deal in Washington. Everyone wants change. CHANGE- like we have never heard that before. Money and Power Rules, it always had always will. As citizens of the greatest country on earth, we should count our blessings. Letting George W. into the white house once was bad. Letting this idiot in twice was our own fault. This jerk had a lot of democrats vote for him, because they said John Kerry was to intellectual,(meaning he was smart.) Unfortunately, I think to many voters cast thier ballot with reference to thier wallets. Us, liberals do that at times. I didn't, not the 1st time ,or the second time. This country is in dire straits and this is no time to think that some nice man with a good heart and not enough experience will fix it. It is time to be pragmatic. Hillary is our best bet. Our 2nd choice could be Edwards. Because lawyers that are successful do not fight battles that they can't win. You don't walk into a court room with hope and a prayer. Only the people in the movies believe that. OBAMA could be the most cosliest mistake some of us well meaning democrats can make. Vote for Hillary.
Pat R. Payson AZ.

obama is no change ...i can't believe people actually believe that . on c-span a caller was cut off in mid-sentence because he was exposing the lobbyists support of him and the medias bias ...i could expect that in north korea. when the media and big business support a candidate you can bet it is not in the interest of "the people" . my vote went to ron paul and i support edwards for the democrats ...the only two without being in the lobbyists back pocket.

i am an indepedant for ron paul ...while obama is all talk ...ron actually introduces bills ...paul has NEVER voted to raise taxes ...can obama say that? he has never voted to raise congressional pay ...can obama say that ? ron is for smaller govt. , more power to states and people....can obama say that with his lobbyists support ....ron wants to end federal income tax and rid us of the inflation tax he also wants to secure the borders and no welfare for illegal aliens ...do realize the billions of dollars that would save we would not have to deport illegal aliens ...,they would self deport....obama has a reform plan that would help throw us into a third world country and after half of illegals go on welfare...we are already in an econmic crisis and obama is no change from bush ....what in the world are people thinking ? oh yeah i forgot ...the wolf in sheeps clothing is a good motivational speaker so he deserves red riding hoods goodies. WAKE UP AMERICA OBAMA IS FOR CORPORATE AMERICA

We will all choose who we think is the best person. So lets do so without stoopin g to a dirty politition level. I started out wanting Mrs. Clinton as our next president for many reasons. But as I listened to her more and more, I did not like the constant flip flop of her standing on subjects. She began to say what she thought WE wanted to hear and got caught in a lot of bad Flipping. That scares me. I really never thought of Obama much. I liked Mccain. But listing to Mccain, his views were to close to BUSH"S , and that ruled him out. I disliked huckabee from the start. I don't think a Mormon can win over a Demacrate..I want change in Washington. Especially in our dead, non corperateing congress..I was surprised when I finally took a close look at Obama, and really listened. For you who say he's saying he wants a change and nothing mor with no follow up, needs to open your ears and stop playing political side games. You than will hear the whole message with out Bias. Don't listen to the Media. Listen to himm. 16 months and our boys will be home from Iraq.(with Gov coperation) , Look close at out sourceing jobs and set a commitee to keeping jobs at home, Look at Strick rules for Items from other countrys sold here and etc. Ya , I heard a lot more I liked. You would to if you opened up, with no Bias. Promise you that from a old white lady of 53, who thought I'd be voteing for a lady of my oun age for President.

Why is the news media NOT talking about John Edwards not being the best for both Democrats and Republicans to vote for in November? AS a person who has voted Republican or Independent since 1980, I caucused for John Edwards. I spoke with other caucus goers who also have been Independent for years. They see John Edwards as a good choice. IF he is not the Democratic candidate, more than likely I will return to vote Republican. John is the best for BOTH parties. Talk about that on your news. Hillary polarizes and can not win the general election. Barack does not have the experience and there will be other 'problems' brought up by the Republicans if he is the Democratic candidate. John Edwards was checked out already in 2004. HE would win in November if he is the Democratic candidate. Talk about that! Give him – this country – a chance!

Economists and financial people are talking openly about recession and quietly about depression. That is change! That is when one in three is out of work!

Your enthusiasm is scarey. In a depression the President must get agreements on many changes and concensus on many issues. His record is not good. During his years in the Senate I don't believe the Senator has got one change or one concensus. I hope I'm wrong. .

Find about the 1929 to 1940s depression as I have done and see if your enthusiasm still sees Senator Obama as one who could lead us out of a depression. Some candidates would do better but it will still be Hell on Earth!

CAN WE BE SERIOUS.....WHY IS A VICTORY WHERE YOU ONLY SECURED 38 PERCENT OF THE VOTE A HUGE HISTORY MAKING EVENT. WHEN 62 PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE WHO WERE AT THE CAUCUS VOTED FOR SOMEONE OTHER THAN OBAMA I HARDLY THINK THAT IS A HUGE VICTORY. HAD HE GARNERED 60 PERCENT OF THE VOTE OR HECK ILL EVEN GIVE IM 51% OF THE VOTE THEN..AND ONLY THEN CAN IT BE CALLED A VICTORY. WHAT I SEE IS THE PRESS TRYING TO DECIDE WHO OUR NOMINEE IS. I LIKE OBAMA...I THINK HE IS EXCITING, BUT THE REPUBLICAN MACHINE WILL VILLIFY THIS GUY DURING THE GENERAL ELECTION. I DONT THINK THE REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO BE IN THE MOOD TO WORK ACROSS THE AISLE. THEY ARE GOING TO BE TRYING AS HARD AS THEY CAN TO KEEP THE WHITE HOUSE. IF HE DOES GET ELECTED PRESIDENT DO YOU FOLKS ACTUALLY THINK THE REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO WORK WITH HIM SO HE CAN BE REELECTED IN 4 YEARS?????????????????? GROW UP FOLKS. THIS IS NOT FANTASY ISLAND.

It means we want a poet-president.

Each of us is right no matter what. The negativity that pervades after the trouncing of the designated democratic canditate is expected. To remain viable and competitive such reaction give an aura of the will to fight. Yet, our failure to see that facts are different from our individual truths will leave the cynics unchanged and the beaten emotionally shattered. If this is any consolation for both democrats and republicans in this race, the timing you chose to be President of the United States of America is wrong.

I think that the ticket should be Clinton-Obama since Obama doenst have the experience on International issues this would be his hands on training and then we can see what he is really capable of doing. At this point I havent he hasnt demostrated or said what he would do except for sayng that he wouls meet with the leadears of other parties. After being in the VP position for 8 years he would have the knowledge that a presidential canidate should have….. Young people dont lose sight of the big picture……..It’s a crazy world we are living in and we need experience not a persone that needs on the job training. Let’s get it right this time and let’s stop waisting time on the whole CHANGE if there’s no exprerience to go along with it…..

Jack,

In light of all the political events in Iowa, I would like to call your attention to a media typo that has been repeated over and over much to my dismay. If the plural of cactus is cacti and the plural of octopus is octopi, wouldn't the plural of caucus be cauci ? (prounounced "cockeye"). Even if I'm not gramattically correct, I believe all American voters will agree that the electoral process is "cockeyed" and desperately needs to to be fixed. Perhaps the people's interests would be best served if we eliminated the current electoral process and implemented a lottery system for senators and congressmen similar to the draft. At worst, we may not get the brightest lawmakers but there is a greater chance that the interests of the people would be best-served. At present, we have nothing but gridlock in Washington. Let's all vote to change the "cockeyed" system for one that is more effective.

I admit I am a Clinton lover (i.e. Bill Clinton), and i know his wife – Hillary Clinton had a very good hand in making him what he became, and still think he was good for America.
However Barrack Obama has made it quite clear to me why i liked Bill Clinton in the first place, and why I prefer Obama over Bill Clinton's wife.

Barrack and Billy both have great charisma, but above all they have great vision and natural timing.
To make it worse for Hillary all the experience or money in the world cannot out do anyone with Charisma, and has a knack for natural or God given timing.
Bill Clinton knows this, but he is not in a position to tell his wife, naturally.

Greg (London, UK)

Obama's win scares me because it was based on Obama's organization, good consultants and advisors with a msg that appealed to those who do not understand what "change" really means. It was not based on Obama's experience. Where in his experience has he been a true conduit of change.... certainly not in his TWO years in the Senate! If you look at his record he did very little.
Most Americans want CHANGE because of disaster of the Bush Presidency where has failed domestically and internationally. It's an insult to call Hillary the "incumbent" as you did the other night. Don't dump the nightmare of the past 6 yrs on her plate. Put it where it deserves to be – on George W. Bush"s plate and the republicans that continue to support him.
Please... Please... don't allow Obama togo unchecked as you did with Bush. Look at his history...
The reason we are in the mess we are in is because TWICE people like you voted for Bush. (You admitted it on the "View".) Don't just get caught up in the Obama mood without examining closely this candidate. You did not do it with Bush. You are damaging our country because you have so much influence unfortunately.
Finally – one last qt - Why do you rarely read negative emails on your show?
Also your ego along with Lou Dobb's is getting on my last nerve. Please think before you speak.

I am a long time cynic of either of the political parties. Promises and promising elected officials soon fall prey to the Washington political game of I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine. Whether it's winning the White House, The Senate, The House, The Supreme Court, a key vote, or changing a red state to a blue state, the good of the people always sucumbs to winning. Could this be the time, the place and the person/people? Dare I hope? I fear two possibilities: 1. The seduction of any new idealistic president by "The System" of lobbyists, political bosses and backroom deals afterthe "honeymoon" is over. 2. The assisination of anyone who will upset the status quo. (Kennedy, Kennedy, King, Sadat, Bhutto, etc.). I fear for Senator Obama's life. I'll probably earn a file with our "Homeland Security" for that comment while our government supports oppium producers in Pakistan.

In reference to (Christiaan;) could it possibly be that; it is because you have not encountered Alan Keyes supporters. We do not attack; we debate, individually, with 'mind' and heart.. I believe the word "president" (in your comment) should be Capitalized.

By the way, is that really Christiaan or Christian? ( I am just curious, there is no personal attack intended).

An aside to "iThink": I heard "O-Ba-Ma"; "O-Ba-Ma", "O-Ba-Ma".

it means that the american public won't stand for the same old folks with the same old foolishness any longer. I am wondering if Hillary and Richardson didn't cut a deal, because he keeps backing her up on this experience garbage. As far as the american public is concerned, both of those wanna-be are over qualified and they both failed at what they set out to do while Bill Clinton was president, and it is time for them both to step aside and give change a chance. I think the real under dog in all this is the folks who have voted for the same candidates weather they are right or wrong.

IF YOU WATCH barrack obama ON TELEVION WHEN THEY SAY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE HE TURNS HIS BACK TO THE FLAG AND PUTS HIS HANDS TO HIS SIDES, AND PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO VOTE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS SUPPOSED TO RUN THE COUNTRY, BUT YET HE CAN`T EVEN SAY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE? ON TOP OF ALL THIS barrack obama IS A MUSLIM AND WHO ARE WE FIGHTING RIGHT NOW IN THE MIDDLE EAST THE MUSLIMS, SORRY FOR BEING POLLITICALLY INCORRECT BUT IT IS TRUE AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE JUST AREN`T TAKING TO MIND!
THERE HAVE BEEN 43 PRESIDENTS IN AMERICA ALL OF THEM HAVE BEEN MALE AND WHITE AND THAT IS THE WAY IT SHOULD STAY NOW I DO THINK THAT IT WOULD BE NICE FOR A WOMAN TO BE ELECTED PRESIDENT BUT JUST NOT HILLIARY! THIS MESSAGE WAS TYPED IN CAPITAL LETTERS TO SHOW MY TOTAL LACK OF RESPECT FOR barrak obama!

I am Canadian who passionately watches your politics. You are our Big brother.
WAKE UP AMERICANS!!!
Why don't you choose your president based on substance and proven abilities, not based on "likability" for example.
Are you planning to marry Mrs.Clinton, or you want an iron lady to fix the big domestic and international bubo that the "likable " guy has done. (By the way chosen by you)
Did you really forget what was America during Clintons? 5 trillions surplus??!!
Everybody works, international respect...Everybody was envying you.
As an Canadian I was trying very hard to get a green cart those days.
Please do not be silly, give you country and yourself a brake. At list 4 years, then B. Hussein Obama is still here. Do not experiment again, because the suite talkers cost you ... how many billion up to know??...5-6..

The next President can not afford to have even a "Haney Day"!

What a statesman, Obama is very likable and makes great sense. This nation need a new voice for the people. If we get Ron Paul and Barack Obama in the General we'll have a win-win situation! As an independent voter though, Ron Paul is my man!! RP '08!

Jack. It was historic. I saw it and thought to myself, "What in the world is going on here?!"

But, regardles of if Obama wins the nomination, and eventually the election, or Hilliary, or Edwards, or Huckabee, or whomever, there are two facts that can never be changed: 1. Even if they are for "change,' as they are touting, they will hit the Iron Wall of Washington Corporate Lobbies. Make no mistake, an average person has been shut out of the process, and it has been that way for some time. I think it dates back to the days of Andrew Jackson, and the creation of a Central Bank. Since that time, the American people got shut out of US politics. And 2. The Council on Foreign Relations is the only group that will win in 2008. Ronald Reagan, whom everyone likes to tout as being the last great President (Whom I didn't think he was all that great, but Republicans sure like to latch on to his coat tails) ran his Campaign with the promise not to stack his Cabinet with CFR and Trilateral Commission Members. Yet, upon his election, he did exactly the opposite, and over 98% of his Cabinet was CFR and TC Members.

So, I made a statement some time back that, "The only people winning in 2008 will be the Council on Foreign Relations." I stand by that statement.

Luke Nichols
Princeton, WV

Even though he won in Iowa he lacks experience, thus it means we are one step closer to a "President Romney". Biden could have beaten the republicans, I see no one else that can.

If Barak Obama wins the nomination I will have to hold my nose and Vote
republican or not at all in November elections. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and over zealous idealists. I want a candidate who talks to the crowd not a televangelist who is always yelling and shouting and making promises they cannot keep. Obama and Oprah belong together. They are both noisey blowhards! Hillary is our only hope and after 40 years of voting I find it very sad if there will be nothing but worthless candidates out there. i was shocked that John Edwards jumped on Obama's bandwagon last nite in the debates. Is there a little play there for setup of Dems ticket? Prez and VICE? He would have been my second choice but no more. Jerk!! Neither has the guts to stand up and fight for all their CHANGE talk crap

Disgusted in New Hampshire

"Give me Liberty or Give me Deah" and "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" ........... great and true words from past years when America had leadership,
to-day and 2008 is a make or break year for America, this is your last kick at the can to find a leader who will instill change. Only one Republican has the backbone to re-build America "Ron Paul" fire the rest, save the Democratic's and tell them to save America first. Y'all have the skills and talent but you let a hand full of Neo Conseratives use 9/11 to fill their families pocketbooks taking countless lives and the future of America's children with them. Obama may be one shinny hope, Ron Paul is the other. If any educated person on the face of this earth can stand in front of world on CNN's Situation Room in front of Wolf Blitzer, Jack Cafferty and Lou Dobbs stating what has been accomplished in Iraq and Afghanistan that is worth an added Nation Debt of 5 Tillion dollars 4000 plus lives lost, 50,000 wounded and perhaps another 100,000 with mental stress that will last a lifetime.......and another 2 Trillion in equipment replacement and long term health care (if they get it and do not die or committ suide first) on top of the 1 Trillion already spend.........I will eat my hat!

Jack, Wolf and Lou, America has one last vote for each person to save a country that in many eyes around the world is worth saving if Americans want to. For God sakes quit telling and defending other countrie and look after your own first!

For Lou Dobbs, tear down the fences clean up desert of trash by bringing the troops home and hold empoyers responsible. Immigration by accepted aplication ony.......inforce the law heaven know they inforce the law on hard working middle class people without even batting an eyelash!

Good Luck, y'all are going to need it as the rich and powerful will not go easy.

I hope OBama gets the nomination and Huckabee gets the REPUGNANT nod. They get what they deserve – 8 more years of hatred and racism. I am a Black female and live in Tennessee and know exactly what RACISM is. There will be those who will say that I am a racist (RACISM = RACE PREJUDICE + POWER). I don't have any power to change anything, but I can be a bigot and accept it. I have bigotry towards those who look in face and just because they don't use the N word – it means they are not racist. Listen when Harold Ford ran for the senate in TN – all the stops were pulled out and IT showed us one thing. Jim Crow went underground and became JAMES CROW, ESQ. ask George Bush and his following. A part of me want you to get another REPUGNICAN. Gas will be $4.00 and more poor people will die for the rich man's war (Mark my word).

I have been hearing all morning from the news pundits (co-workers of your in the industry) and the news media lobbyists that McCain and Obama will be the Presidential nominees. Since everything the pundits and the news media says is absolute truth (haha) and since they have decided the two people that I have to decide upon who will be the next President, I have a suggestion. Do away with all remaining primaries,etc., the Republican and Democratic conventions and forget the November election. The new pundits and news lobbyists should decide which of these 2 men will be the next President. Then we can take all the money that the country will save and help the poor. I am tired of being told who is winning and who I should vote for. Remember – in 2000 the new media and pundits thought Bush was the greatest thing since peanut butter and would almost never talk about his failing, drug use, dwi and drunkenness and by the time ya'll woke up the Country was already going down the tubes. You are doing the same thing with Obama! Dig into why he voted "present" so many times in the Illinois State Senate and why he would not even show up to put his words on the record when US Senate voted the Iranian group as terrorists because he was "running for President". This sounds like a man who is undecisive and only ran for the US Senate so he could immediately start running for President. He also DOES NOT live on the "south side" of Chicago. He lives in a very affluent suburb called Highland Park. If he is not truthful on these minor, trivial things, what will he cover up as President? I urge all the news pundits and news media to dig deep and look hard at his background. The news media and the pundits should shut and let us decide on our own who should be President.

Carol
Ft. Worth, TX

If this movement goes on and Obama gets elected for president, and if he stops torture and wiretapping and this narrow-minded, ruthless foreign policy that we visited over the last years – then the wall between America and Europe may disappear within seconds. Just like the Berlin wall came down when the people began to march for their civil reights, you have got to march for your rights to determine your countries future!
THIS is the America the world is waiting for! Don't dare to hesitate now!

Am I the only one who suspects that Barack Obama has no real message to convey to the American public. Every other word he utters is one of three words – change, believe, and hope. So far, there is no real message to back up his three-word marketing ploy. Allow me to paraphrase the usual Obama interview:

OBAMA: If we have hope and belief that change can be brought about by believing in hope, then change can happen. I hope that the American people want change because I believe that they believe that change is what we all hope for and believe in. Hope brings about belief, and belief feeds hope until it becomes change.

INTERVIEWER: Uh, Senator...I asked you what your stance on illegal immigration is.

This guy says absolutely nothing of relevance. It's all a marketing ploy that is playing on the concerns of the American people. America needs to vote for a President who talks about the issues and has a definite stance on them. We can't afford to elect a man based on a clever marketing ploy who has no real message.

Watching the reaction of the pundits since the Obama victory in the Iowa Primary ,
one point stands out .

Something special happened in that farm state on Tuesday , January 8th . Even the republican strategists agree on that concern .

With Obama going into the Granite State on the high road , Hillary is taking the low road and resorting to Turdblossom Tactic's 101 ............. calling the Illinois Senator a flip – flopper .

Hello Ms. Rodham ............... if farmers in Iowa can recognize a swiftboat , you can bet the folks in New Hampshire won't need any assistance .

Obama's pledge to end the War of Enduring Freedom is making the Military and
Industrial Complex develop a complex ...................... it might become neccessary
to tighten the belt and cut bonuses .

R. McIntyre

Jack,

If the American people understands what changes we are hoping to see in the near future of our next President of the United States, The people should vote for Barack Obama.

Myrtle
Milwaukee

Jack,

If the American people understands what changes we are hoping to see in the near future of our next President of the United States, The people should vote for Barack Obama. Obama vs Osama how about that.

Myrtle
Milwaukee

I am worried that we are going to end up with another 8 years of Republican "leadership" and maybe even worse than that if we do not nominate a Democratic candidate that can actually stand up to whoever the Republican nominee is in the election. The Republicans are saying they like Barack Obama, but I think this is because they believe that Obama cannot hold up to a Republican in the national election. The Republicans do not like Hillary Clinton as much and I think that is very telling because it seems they understand that they will have a much tougher time winning the White House against her because of her experience and because, when she is President, she will be bringing another experienced and much-liked President to the White House with her: Bill Clinton – a President who served two terms for our country because he did a great job for us and a prior President who will undoubtedly have significant input into what road this country will take over the next four to eight years.

So much is at stake for us right now. I truly feel gravely concerned about what China is suddenly doing in starting in recent weeks to aggressively build up its weapons stock and demonstrating its newfound ability to block U.S. satellites – satellites we use for virtually all of our country's communication during any kind of a war and for other purposes. And, it has been reported that the current administration is not doing anything about it. China, Pakistan, North Korea, Russia, and others all have nuclear capability and can easily come together against one country should they decide to do so. Iran does not have nuclear weapons as yet, but it is obviously willing to do what it can to help others to hurt us. Then, there is the Al Quaeda who are willing to give their own lives to do what they can to hurt us as we saw on 9/11. All of these countries do not feel well about our own country.

I have never felt so strongly about who would become President because I have never before felt our country and our people were in this much jeopardy. I think that this current administration has destroyed so much and it will take two great presidents to repair all of the damage. We need experienced diplomats, emissaries, and envoys; a President who is ready to begin work on repairing all of the damage and the relationships between our country and the rest of the world. And, we need a President that has been around, knows the truth of what is happening and identifies and comes up with a valid plan to deal with it. We need a president who knows which people would best make up the team that would fill our country's needs in every category based on experience and skill and demonstrated capability based on experience. We need a President that knows how to make us safer in the world and who also knows how to stand our ground in a way that does not put us even more at risk. We need a president that knows how to make our economy sound once again, to bring a system of healthcare that covers ALL people, to make education a top priority so that we are able to keep up with the rest of the world in science, math, and other areas in which our country is #27 or worse in comparison with the rest of the world! We need a president with a history and a track record of making the good changes for our people and who has continued to work hard for us.

I do not think it is wise for us to dive in headlong without thinking and vote for a person because the person is charismatic and reaches us on an emotional level to where we are thinking with our hearts and our emotions instead of thinking with our heads about what is actually best for us. There has to be substance and a history and the very real experience needed in a president to do what really needs to be done to put our country back together.

I truly believe that this election is as serious a turning point as we have ever faced. If we do not take the needs of our country (not our emotions) very, very seriously at this moment in time, we will have no future. I think that while we have been over here watching celebrities walk down red carpets and learning how to cook the best Thanksgiving dinner and discovering which fashions qualify as the latest trend, other countries have been working on their weapons buildup and building their power bases.

I do not think we can afford to vote for a president based on ANYTHING but real experience and capability to get done what needs to be done. We need people who are tried and true who can think on their feet in the top levels of our government. Let's be smart about this - FOR ONCE! I remember 2000 all too well – Ralph Nader taking votes away from Al Gore and GW Bush becoming President...and we have been paying ever since! We should not succumb to our emotions, but rather let our intelligence be our guide in bringing the experience and skill we need back to the White House.

My vote and the votes of my family and friends are going to Hillary Clinton who will also be bringing with her Bill Clinton - because we think it will take two great presidents get us out of this mess.

The rest of the world continues to laugh at you Americans.

You are morally and financially bankrupt, your military is overextended and you now seem to want elect “babe in the woods” Obama to “nice your way” through your continued denial.

To our amazement you elected Bush twice and now with Mr. Popularity as the Iowa Democratic choice – also the choice of the Republican machine that will chew him up – America will be on its way to completing 12 or maybe 16 straight years of Republican rule. Your nation will be finished, the Chinese and Russians will eat your lunch to say nothing of the field day that unsavory players will have.

You Americans are in denial and can’t face the truth that you have ahead of you at least a decade of very tough policy choices and sacrifices to make. It’s going to be very far from cotton candy and that box of chocolates Hollywood ending.

And don’t embarrass yourselves further with those Obama comparisons to the Kennedy’s. Jack had gone to war and was well tested while Bobby had been hardened by years of fighting the mob and other establishment forces – neither one was wet behind the ears and they confronted the realities of the day head on. Do you really think your country can survive another 4 years of on the job training?

You can hope and dream all you want but your Country’s mortgage is held by the Chinese, your Country doesn’t have sufficient natural resources or educated human resources to sustain your current pace of self indulgent consumption and your economy is on the brink of recession.

The truth is that you Americans are soft, naive and simply don’t have the guts or brains to make the right choice to elect a President capable of dealing with the realities confronting you. You’re caught up in a media frenzy and fooled into thinking that this is a popularity contest rather than a matter of the survival of your country as a viable world power.

You continue to embarrass yourselves – when are you going to send us a leader of substance who actually knows what she or he is doing rather than the same fluff ball lightweight (but popular) type you’ve had up front for the past 8 years? Take a good look in the mirror.

And don’t tell me to buzz off because it’s ‘your’ election – every world citizen has a stake in this. You’re consuming 25% of the world’s oil with 4.6% of the planet’s population and polluting the hell out of my environment. The rest of the world is going to be in your face like never before so get used to it since the heat will just get worse for you in direct proportion to the inexperience of your next President.

Jack, Two points need making.

First, listen to Obama's victory speech versus Hillary's. He gave to credit to "you," to his listeners and voters, "You did it!" Hillary on the other hand, began nearly every sentence with "I." Obviously, voters respond to being told that a candidate is out there working for THEIR goals, instead of being beat over the head with a resume in a way that seems defensive and self-important. I haven't heard reporters noting this important difference: Obama's "YOUR Agenda:" versus Hillary's "MY Agenda."

A second point is that however much we may like Bill Clinton's intelligence and personality now, his years as president were marked with conflict, confusion, false starts, wrong directions, polarization and eventully disgust at how he squandered his and our potential. The Clinton bashing was partly justified, partly not, but it was always exhausting. The dread of a return of those days is a real factor in my choice– Bill hovering over Hillary's shoulder, Bill acting out embarrassingly, the attacks on "co-presidents," the defensive decisions and actions that might be taken as a result–NO MORE! We can't afford any of that at this point in history. We must focus on the challenges of our time, not be drawn once more into the Clintons' personal dramas or agendas.

Obama offers a real chance at the fresh start Americans yearn for–Hillary, for all her intelligence and preparation, simply does not.

Come on Jack, let's not mistake the type of "change" involved, nor forget the comparison needed re change vs inexperience, v s what is needed in the White House. Someone who can at least start untangleing the mess and also stand up to world leaders while being respected!! The "niceness" of Obama is really not needed for this. Just have to encourage the those who think "change" is everything–it is NOT judging by how we treated Jimmy Carter when we all wanted "change" & elected him.

Hillary has more experience in the White House; moreover, she has always pushed change for health care and other programs which were being ignored, etc. She has the best of many worlds,including the understanding of other "experienced" seniors, disabled, and those who also want HER tough change.

Remember, the crowd momentum in Iowa is consistent with psychological mass hysteria–that mass behavior is what makes crowds conform to the crowd pressure at a time many people get carried away with the momentum.

This too shall pass!

I, and many others, still vote for Hillary!

Thanks for listening,

Sue Smith

As someone watching America "from above" I can't speak for all Canadians but I can't help wondering what Americans are going to do the day after the elections where Obama is now the President and they realize they have a Muslim ruling the country. He will be Commander in Chief of an army fighting Muslims. Can you imagine what the Al Quaeda Muslims will be thinking on that day ???

Jack,
I was watching Wolfe Blitzer the other night, and you and he were talking about how Obama won the Iowa Caucus because of his likability. I had a bear dog once that had a lot of likability. When I bought him, he was supposed to be the best. He had a good bark; but he sure wasn't a bear dog! Barking without experience, likability doesn't count for much.
John in West Virginia

Why doesn't some investigative reporter look into the church Obama is a member of. You will find a racist organization that is tied to Africa and only people of African descent can be a mamber. He is a dangerous man for the US!

Jack – I watched in astonishment when you said it didn't matter what Barracks voting record was. That's when I changed the channel and have not watched since. Unfortunately for months the media darling has been Obama. Didn't really understand why and still don't. I cannot vote for a man that has been running for president since he took office for the Senate. If you really feel people should vote for someone because of a feel good speech instead of where they stand on real issues then shame on you. We have serious issues to deal with in this country and we need someone that is serious and experienced.

We came home from the Edwards event in Portsmouth (Frank Jones Center with Bonnie Raitt) with Edwards signs. We were all set to work for him.

Then the next day we met Obama at a small gathering of people in our town (North Hampton, NH). That was after we had given $$ to Kusinich and then Biden.

Talk about conflicted... So many choices – what to do?

Something about Obama is so very different, it's not about who has the most experience, who's ready to be president the first day, they all are.

We are blessed with riches this time around in the Democratic Party. We want them all (for my wife and I, even Hillary at times as she would be the first woman president and we need that to happen some day). But.....

We have to ask ourselves, what is most important going forward in 2008 and beyond?

We believe that Obama can make the most significant difference dealing with radical Islamic terrorism. We think that going forward, this is far more important than "taking on the corporations" as much as Edwards has convinced us that needs to be done (media consolidation is most troubling to us).

What threatens to rip us asunder, is this country being turned into a Palestine-like morass. That is what radical Islamists want to do with their asymmetrical warfare. As we did to the British in the Revolutionary War, they are doing to us in Iraq and they may bring the war here whether we leave Iraq or not. BTW, we think the USA staying in Iraq is fueling the violence, Richardson is right on that one.

Is the Iraq War one trillion dollars so far, or 800 million dollars or ? Whatever it is, it's a very bloody fortune and a drain on the US Treasury (actually it's debt to China and other nations and an inflation and recession driver). The financial drain will continue unless we win the ideological war, a war of minds, not of weapons. We can't find and kill all the terrorists, they are being made faster than we can kill them. It's a fools game.

With a new face on America we will win the idealogical conflict and that will defuse the terrorism once and for all.

Will another white Southern man make that face change? No, we don't think so (nor does Andrew Sullivan in his Atlantic Monthly piece (http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama) .

A black man, of mixed parents, raised in multicultural Hawaii (he went to the prestigious school – Punohou–the St. Paul's of Hawaii). He's articulate, not long winded, he speaks softly and carefully, speaks to all Americans, red, blue, black, white, Latino, Asian, Amerindian, Christian, Jew, agnostic, atheist, straight, gay, rich and poor.

A person that can show over one billion Muslims that America is color and faith blind.

That we want peace, that we do not want to take over the world and make it in our image.

Read the Andrew Sullivan piece in the Atlantic Monthly and see if you don't agree.

John Edwards is a good man, a decent man, his wife is a wonderful person. I hope there's a place for him in the Obama Administration as I want him back in government, perhaps as Attorney General?

We really do think that we have got to get Obama elected for reasons he won't speak to. He can't play the "race card" but there it is, and we need to play it, the right way.

BTW, I'm 64, Jewish, raised in San Francisco and knew not a single black person growing up. I was in the Army 1967-69 that's where I met blacks as I lived in Wash DC when I was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I was an Army medic – I hated the Vietnam War and I hated what came after it.

Obama Electability:

On David Letterman’s show on April 10, 2007 Barak Obama uttered the statement “I'm Afraid of my wife.” He also stated on this show that he “has to spend more time in Chicago, because [his] wife is beginning to refer to [him] as her first husband.” [I went to Letterman’s website to hear again Obama’s comment, but the section of video referred to above had been curiously cut out of the interview.]

On Jay Leno’s show on April 17, 2007 Obama said [he’s] “reminded every day ..., then by my wife, that I’m not a perfect man.”

On the April 27, 2007 Democratic debate, Obama said “My wife, who is here, may have a longer list” [of his mistakes].

On Meet the Press on December 30, 2007, Obama was asked if he does not win this time, will he run again. Obama's first response was “ My wife has already said ‘We aren't doing this again!’"

All the Republican/Rove Reaper would have to do would be to run that Letterman clip over and over and over again: I’m Afraid of my wife. I’m Afraid of my wife. I’m Afraid of my wife.’ And the Dems would lose again.

His win doesn'nt mean much at this time. He doesn't have the experience yet for the job. It's time that the media, blogs, newspapers, et al stop harping on the LIKEABILITY FACTOR OF OBAMA. Bush ran against Al Gore with NO EXPERIENCE and won because people said he was likeable and you could sit down and have a beer with him. He was a good 'ol boy and friendly, back slapper. He ran against another intelligent, qualifed candidate, John Kerry, and for a second time after much dirty work and trying to ruin the reputation of a brave American, even as bad as he had governed, he was again elected, and again he continued to totall act like he was King George, not the president.

After the way he has totally screwed up this country , our reputation with the world is in shambles, the debt that he has gotten us into with a so called, unauthorized war that will take our grandchildren to pay of, if ever, an economy that is so bad that many Americans don't have jobs, medical insurance, etc., I'SNT IT ABOUT TIME THAT AMERICANS STARTED TO THINK ABOUT ELECTING A PRESIDENT WITH SOME EXPERIENCE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIKE THE CANDIDATE, YOU DON'T HAVE TO FEEL LIKE YOU COULD BE THEIR FRIEND AND HAVE A BEER WITH THEM, BUT YOU DO NEED TO ELECT SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE ROPES IN WASHINGTON AND HAS THE EXPERIENCE TO LEAD US OUT OF THIS MESS THAT BUSH HAS GOTTEN US INTO.

Obama is a smart, intelligent man who would make a great vice president and hopefully, after gaining experience will one day be the first black president of our great country.

Just look at the picture Jack. It shows that Obama has support NOT by the color of his skin. It is an insult to black people to isinuate ALL of them will vote for him just BECAUSE of the color of his skin. The truth is,,,,, he seems the best of the choices we have at this time. This black and white stuff has got to stop! I am a 50 yr. old white woman in NC. I listen to what he is saying and support him. period

Obama may save the Democratic Party from the clutches of corruption that goes hand in hand with Bill Clinton(when he is not otherwise occupied). Obama's win in Iowa is also a statement being made by all the non baby boomers who came out to vote for him. the boomers have screwed everything up since thier births. thank the Lord for Obama and the internet-the big money power boomers and ill mined and soulless media were counting on abig Rudy-Hillary match-up. the media wanted this not because they care about our country-they just figured it would be what is best for them. Go figure-Rupert Murdock gave Hillary quite a bit of money. the internet though-allowed Obama to rasie money-not the big checks-but from us small guys-bit by bit. He now has enough to fight the evil force of the boomer gang tooth and nail. Hopefully he will win. If not-we may not survive to see the boomers drift out of existence via old age-they'll make sure we all die with them-they are that spoiled.

I am listening to the NH debates, as I have all the debates, after participating in e Iowa caucuses.
On the issue of health care:
There is talk about universal health care vs. free market economy as an answer change in our present status. Rightly so, there is discussion about preventative and chronic disease management. What is missing, is discussion about management of administrative costs of insurance companies where CEO's make millions of dollars. Physicians don't beging to make the money for the expert care they give to patients compared to what CEO's of insurnace companies make to deprive patients of health care.

Why aren't we talking about Ron Paul? Barack Obama is a great speaker and gets you motivated on his style; Ron Paul is a great speaker and gets you motivated on his substance.

Which one do we want leading this country? Someone who provides lip service or someone with a record and has a plan. I choose the latter.

" The only thing that is constant in our present world is change. Obama is the man of the moment that can truely deliver his promises and the republicans are having a sleepless night over his name They know their time is up and can not do anything about it . Thier old ways and so called experiences has led us to no where"

jack, please check this out.

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=79365

bogus!
thanks.

I wonder if crossover votes by republicions could be part of the reason Obama won in Iowa and ahead now in N.H. Surely the republicions wouldn't be sneaky enough to do something like that.I suspect they would rather face Obama than Clintion in the National race.

Dear Jack-
You are on to something about the Iowa results.
Independent voters now see governmental "experience" as just playing wide stance footsie with special interests for campaign contributions. More "experience" means a candidate just needs more special interest fumigation. independent voters see that Obama arrives with less need for a flea collar than the rest of the pack, and are willing to give him a chance. Perhaps the voters realize that George Washington did not arrive with much "experience" and he seems to have done OK.

As a Canadian I am astonished with your direction in nominating presidential candidates. With in a successful corporation promotion to senior jobs is based on experience and demonstrated knowledge in your field. Down there it appears that nominations for the biggest job in the country are based on who looks good and makes grand presidential statements. People seem to vote for the best snake oil salesman.

You have a brilliant lady, who was very much involved in a two term administration that was the most successful economically in recent history. She is a two term senator of the big apple state, the only candidate who has prepared a major report on health care, she has met most of the major world leaders and she is probably the hardest working woman who has ever hit the political scene in your country.

Barack Obama has said the 1st thing he would do if elected president is call the president of Mexico and the president of Canada. That will be a tough job. We do not have a president. He is apparently not aware that we are a parliamentary democracy. Well it’s only Canada. Right! Your nearest northern neighbor, your biggest supplier of energy and your number one customer for American goods and services.

What has Obama ever done? It’s important to the whole world that you have a well prepared experienced hand on the ship of state. If Obama is the nominee, McCain, Romney, or Rudy, are looking good.

why is this not a story?

What is with my Democratic National Committee that won’t allow all citizens to have their votes count? Who are they to deny the citizens of Florida their voice in this most important and controversial of presidential elections. Florida has one of the top five largest delegations, and without the right to be heard as delegates the committee has fundamentally tampered with the democratic process. A Republican governor and legislature passed and signed the bill that changed the date of our primary. The Democrats of Florida should not be punished because of the Republicans quest for power, and to affect the outcome of their primary and potentially the national election.

The importance of this election during a time when other nations deny their citizens a voice, the DNC has chosen to suppress our voice in Florida from being heard. Basically it has put us in the same situation as these third world countries. Our country was founded on the premise that every vote counts.

The DNC must reverse the committee’s decision to not count the delegates of Florida, and uphold the principals of a democracy. Without doing this they have allowed the committee to act as a dictatorial entity that doesn’t belong in these United States.

With the help of the media I look forward to hearing the announcement of the reversal of the committee’s decision allowing Florida to participate in a FREE and OPEN ELECTION that will have my vote count.

Respectively Submitted:

Michael Ann Katovsky
Judy Miller

Barack Obamas win in the Iowa caucus and most likely in New Hampshire means that the the under 30 voters, who don't the tough questions of Obama are ready to endorse a candidate with little to no past experience to qualify himself to be president and a mediocre at best career in goverment. He had been in the Senate for not even two years from my home state of Illinois, when he declared his intention to run for president . He has missed over eighty percent of the Senate votes since last summer and has done nothing for his home state of Illinois. If he is an agent for change, Where is his experience in public life where he has made change? When will the media stop treating this media darling with kid gloves and start examining his record or lack of record more closely? If you are going to talk the talk Mr. Obama, you need to walk the walk and prove to the American people that you are not full of ideas that you have no experience in the past of making and no guarantee in the future of producing!

I do not live in the USA but I truly hope Obama wins-hearing his ideas tell me he will be a people's president-he's inspiring and I hope he can just bring the good out of people again-i think morality is at its lowest point and hopefully Obama can turn the tide

It's a shame for us in the Netherlands Antilles, that IOWA voted for a person who doesn't has that much experience. They let hollywood speeches impressed them. America wake up before it's too late. Jimmy Angel. Aruba, Netherlands Antilles

I can't beleive that american people might vote in majority for two demagoges who don't have anything substantial under their belt except great speeches. Not that I against speeches, but they do not create jobs (except jobs for speechwriters), attracts friends or scary enemies. Word "change" became a mantra but, rephrasing the old proverb, even you say "change" a hundred times, nothing will happen. Are these voters the same people who wanted to send a message in 2000 and voted for ultraleft Nader just to get ultraright Bush to the White House? Are they are the same people who answer that Clinton is the best prepared to be president and deal with multiple issues facing the nations, but – guess what? They like Obama more so they vote for him? Do we ever learn anything?

Obama and Edwards will never get elected as they too much to the left, but if they do, it'd be no better than Bush's administration, just on the opposite part of the spectrum.

If experience means so much then why can't the politicians that have been in Washington for so many years can't seem to get a darn thing done! I welcome Barack Obama....a fresh face, fresh ideas, less rhetoric. He seems to share the same vision of America that I have. His ideas appear to jibe with what I've said for years. When did we become blue states and red states....WE ARE ALL AMERICANS. I wish we could vote all the dead weight out of Washington and start anew. These politician say the same things, " I have experience, experience and more experience....doesn't mean a darn thing. These same politicians have been fighting for decades and nothing is getting done. They succeded in scaring us into Iraq. With all the blunders that have occured, if this were a regular job they would all have been FIRED

I realize this Obama is smooth as silk, however, I can't help but be a little skeptical. He reminds me somewhat of Mike Tyson. There seems to be a similarityr in the pursuit of power. Will the end results be similar?? The big question is when does he bite Hillary's ear.?? It also disturbs me to realize he has a Muslim background (?) Do we genuinely want someone as our Commander and Chief who may be beholding to the Ayatollahs and the Koran ??? I am delighted that young people are embracing the system, however, since they are not taught civics, government and dedication to our counrty and its principles, do they have a clue to what they are swinging their butts and arms for other than celebrity hype.???

It means a big truck is moving down the road and the people want change in the jumbo container. Suddenly the old wine-skins look ancient and anybody who supports George W. Bush looks like a fosil. It sure looks like post-Watergate and here comes Mr. Clean (Jimmy Carter). I worry about a boo-boo, and wonder if Hilary is change enough. Obama's speech after Iowa? Is this guy John Kennedy or what? Wow! But does he know Economics? Carter didn't.

Hello Jack: I am a bystander in your political process so I have nothing to gain from this in your political process.
Can you explain to me why it is if a sports figure faces being banned from their sport, all their feats erased and no election into their hall of fame and even prison time for betting or using steriods even if they are not banned at the time. Yet a candidate who uses COCAINE not just a few tokes and not inhaling but a drug that is killing and destroying almost everything it touches can be elected to the most powerful office in the world. Not only that if someone even mentions it they have to hang their and lose their job. This seems upside down to me. It was cocaine ! Ask law enforcement or a parent that has buried a child if it is important . I am not sure if this is posted in the proper place I hope so Thanks.

How easy we are manipulated. Obama has a double digit lead in New Hampshire. New Hampshire is hardly a big state but when your survey is based on 340 Democrats and 268 Republicans, Mickey Mouse could be show as winning. Can't UNH come up with a better survey than that? Can't CNN report some info that is a little more credible? Hopefully, people in New Hampshire won't vote for someone just because he's winning in a fictitious pole. Hopefully, they will vote their conscience.

Don Giorgi

The cat fight between Clinton and Obama is really dividing the Democrats, what the Republicans want. Why not have either to be vice-president? Let's be real, if they kill the president, either Clinton or Obama can take over. Let's cover ourselves like the bloody republicans did by having Cheney be the vice-president, lets not have another Kennedy with a LBJ sitting on the bench.

I would say that Obama's win in Iowa was significant enough for him to carry the other primaries into the nomination, especially when capped off by an acceptance speech that echoed Bobby Kennedy. Yet we can never count out the Clinton political machinery which is as cunning and ruthless as Rove's. This seems to be borne out by the delegate count currently reported on CNN's Election Center which shows Clinton leading with 169 delegates awarded, far out-pacing Obama with 66 delegates and Edwards with 47 even though she came in 3rd in the one and only primary held thus far. Not sure how that works, but it does seem to show that when it comes to delegating a presidential nominee, just as with the general election, the polls mean less than a small college of political insiders.

It isn't that Hillary is a short old woman. It's that in 35 years of public life
she has never once demonstrated the political wisdon or success of,
oh, say Elizabeth I of England. As honorary U.S. citizen Winston Churchill
observed, "Only the best is good enough." Amen.

am I one of the few that watched a political rally in the summer time where obama had his hands straight down as everyone else had their had on their hearts and said the plege of allegience?? omaba didn't utter one word of it. why?????

When the Iranian warship challenged our Ship in International waters I was scared. Not another war! OMG, what if Obama were President! With his inexperience, could he handle this? He is a fine young man and seems to be genuine, but he is too young for the crazy world we live in. The screaming crowds of young people was insane, they acted like they were going to vote for American Idol, not the Presidency! THAT IS THE SCARIEST PART OF ALL THE MADNESS!

The most significance of Obama's run is that i twill hopefully demonstrate that African Americans have more opportunities than playing baskaetball .

IT was a nice win in IOWA for OBAMA, but the Democrats need a CLINTOn-OBAMA Ticket to win next fall election. The COUNTRY isn't ready yet for a black man in the White House.

Jack -
Will you and your staff do the American voters a favor and check out just what it is that Obama plans to change. He keeps harping on "change" but we've never been told what these changes will be. Voting for him is like buying a pig in a poke and this could prove to be a dangerous path that we're heading down. "Change" can be good or bad. He never discusses the critical issues facing the American people.

IT was a nice win in IOWA For OBAMA, but the democrats need a CLINTON-OBAMA Ticket next fall to win the election.

It shouldn’t mean anything, but the media is giving his win unjustified validity. Iowa is a small state with a non-representative population of the US. The media is giving his win unwarranted momentum based on a ONE state win, instead the media should be leading the fact finding for voters and challenging each candidates on HOW they will bring about change. Obama’s inspirational words of hope make us feel good, but hope alone does not bring about change, a leader needs a plan and so far the only candidate who has articulated details on how they will bring about change is Hillary. Obama is an inspiring speaker but I don’t want to elect a president and HOPE he can change our country better especially when the U.S. is facing particularly trying times.

People let's not lose sight of the BIG picture. We need experience and Obama doesn't have it. YES he has our attention BUT, he doesn't have the EXPERIENCE. Look at what happend to Bush Jr. No experience and look at where we are at...... I would like to see Obama as a VP there he can show what he is able to do and get the EXPERIENCE! that the LEADER of the free world needs. We don't need TALK we've had that from the reoublicans for almost 8 years.

HIlaranias let's get out there and vote for EXPERIENCE not just and IDEA of change.

Iowa hardly a victory: Obama – 16 delegates, Hillary-15 delegates, Edwards-14 delegates. Looks open to me.

Yes, congress is a disgrace to our nation. They should be ashamed of themselves. We started a “Fire Congress Campaign” at Oldworldorder.org months ago and urge everyone to vote out the incumbents.

Larry Harvey
Boston

Who Is Barak Obama? There is very little about him, his accomplishments, etc.
I cannot believe the American people voting for a virtual UNKNOWN. If he gets in as President, it could be very interesting or it could spell disaster. In this day and age that is a pretty big gamble. I am sorry for the American People as you have a very poor field of candidatesto pick from both in the Demacrats and Republicans. A large majority of Canadians look to American for leadership I don't see any here at all.

Jack; just wait til Obama hits the south with this (change message) and no plans in sight .Those voters in Iowa,dont you just love them.

Chris Matthews of MSNBC really nailed it the other day when he said that Barack Obama had better watch himself! This comment came after Barack beat Hillary in Iowa. Chris' comment was that the Democratic Party and the money behind it wouldn't let Barack get too far without leashing him in. It came in New Hampshire yesterday and will continue far beyond in the days ahead. The same type of comment was made about Mike Huckabee by a Republican pundit on Fox News. Neither will be nominated for President. And who says lightening doesn't strike twice in the same place? This show of democracy is just that, "one big show," or as Bill Clinton said about Barack, "it's just a fairy tale." How many times do we have to witness this before something is done about it. And we wonder why countries around the world fight our way of democracy! They do it the simple way and it saves a lot of wear and tear on everyone involved, but, most of all the American people who think we can make a difference. Now that's a dream that turns into a nightmare every four years.

A PRESIDENT IN DENIAL AND A CONGRESS THAT DOESN'T KNOW THE MEANING OF A HARD EARNED DOLLAR

January 9, 2008

Well here we are again! Who shall we elect to lead America? There seems to be no clear cut answer. Each of the candidates on both sides of the aisle has their quirks. Not only are we facing one huge problem but a host of problems.

There is no question that the recession is here. Presidential candidates talk a good game but none have stated their positions in a clear fashion. I am not interested in knowing that a candidate is dynamic or popular. I am interested to know just where each of them stand on the big issues we are facing. Americans know just what issues are important to them. If it is one thing we all have in common is the direction of our financial future.

I am proud to say that I did not vote for “W” either time. Maybe it’s because I am up in age and have learned to read people. I don’t know but I did not like him from the start. He had a look in his eyes that I did not like. In any case, he has been a failure all of his life. From Arbusto Energy to the presidency nothing good has been accomplished. All has been in the negative.

Maybe others see him different but this is my take on the man. He is not a president he is a failure. In my opinion, he will not be successful in the Middle East peace process.

The greed that has been shown by the special interest groups will not only affect the middle class but will eventually hit them between the eyes. When they destroy the middle class they are destroying their own source of revenue. Who are they going to sell to after China takes over and kicks them out?

These new breeds of CEO’s are a bunch of greedy dogs. Take Bill Gates for example. He would rather hire a foreigner than an American to save a few bucks. That is what I call a greedy dog. He acts like scrooge even all of the money that he has. Maybe he plans on taking it with him to the grave.

It is time for a new President and a new Congress. We need people who care about America and not their wallets or how much money they can spend or give away.

Joseph H. Puig

Jack, it is not too late for Hillary no way. She will get support from the women of this country but not from the gutless men. I think the two most gutless people on the sit.room are you and your little pal Wolfie. Why dont both of you go into a corner and eat crow.

Jack, it is not too late for Hillary no way. She will get support from the women of this country but not from the gutless men. I think the two most gutless people on the sit.room are you and your little pal Wolfie. Why dont both of you go into a corner and eat crow.

May I suggest that Al Gore surrender his Oscar toHillary. Not that he didn't deserve it, but after Hillary's performance on Monday, my god, never has there been a better female more deserving of this award, not even Opah for the color purple.

Thanks,
Kilan.

I for one have no idea what changes Obama has in mind for our future. For someone who does nothing but talk "Change" , he is very unclear about what those changes will be and how he plans to bring them about. Is he all talk and no changes???

Jack/ I know it will take a lot of guts to read this. It is a shame that America would vote for Hilary for president. Look where Hilary's 30 years has gotten us. She neither had the conviction or the courage to stand up against the war. Look what Bill Clinton did to the poor with his social progams and the welfare to work program. Mothers who should be at home raising their babies have to work, sometimes two jobs. Look how Bill Clinton slaughtered the Black people of Somalia. Hilary lied on Obama the other night in the debates, trying to start a feud between Obama and Edwards. Then later Bill knowing and willfully lied about Obama and Iraq. The Clintons are the lowest of the lowest and would do anything to win. Our Black children will spit on the graves of all the house negroes supporting the Clintons. Everyday I pray they don't assassinate Obama, for they will do anything to win. How is it the media does not ask Hilary , What do you say to the familes of the soldieras killed and maimed in the war? Remember Obama had a white mother and a Black father. He belong to all of us!

Jahsay
Baltimore Maryland

Dear Jack
Every time Hillary Clinton is ahead in the polls, -she's some-how the "INEVADABLE NOMINEE" When she's down in the polls- Everyone is picking on that "poor woman". I get sick of her when things are not going well for Senator Clinton politically, she uses her favorite trump-card that seems to work wonders for her. THE GENDER-CARD. -What makes matters worse is that pundits like David Gergen, Chris Mathews, Wolfe Blitzer, Karl Bernstein , Norah O’Donnell and you Ed all come together for Hillary's sympathy. To make this case that "ALL OF THE BOYS ARE GETTING ROUGH WITH HILLARY!"
IT'S ELECTABILITY-STUPID!! NOT GENDER STUPID!!! As long as you have a candidate that half the country would not vote for, and people in her party don't think that she's an agent for change, thinking that some how will get a democrat in the Whitehouse if she were to become the nominee is "FALSE HOPE".
To think that a candidate with ties to special interest groups with defense contractors can get us out of Iraq is "FALSE HOPE"
To think that a candidate, with ties to special interest groups with pharmaceutical companies, can reform health-care is "FALSE HOPE"
To think that America can unite again with a candidate that is more interested in the family dynasty than the country itself is "FALSE HOPE"
If anyone that has been given a free pass by the media is no one other than Hillary Rodham Clinton herself. I just hope that you Jack, David Gergen and Chris Mathews would at least challenge Clinton on Electability instead of challenging Obama or Edwards on Gender. It's Iraq Stupid, It's Health-Care- Stupid, It's Corporate Greed Stupid, It's Electability Stupid!

Whether or not she is our next President, I cannot help but feel this would NOT be a clear victory for women. I believe history would look back and say this was the victory for a couple that managed a gain an “extended-stay” in the White House. I thought we had a term limits! A victory for Mrs. Clinton would only be a victory for an aggressively ambitious couple, and not a win for the first female President! Many women will come and I wait for that historical day! I really can’t see how they can claim a victory for women when she is running on the coat tails of her husband, respectfully she has some merits of her own but I believe people (men and women) think, “Well, At least He's There”, clearly not a solid victory for women.

J.Joy
Beverly Hills, California

I wonder if it is possible that the Clintons (the two of them) planted “fake” pollsters… Just a thought and wondering would they, could they… anything is possible.

J.Joy
Beverly Hills, California

I do not thing people in New hampshire had a meeting and decided to vote for Hillary like the media decides to drive the agenda. I think people just went in there and voted their hearts out, hence the results.
Now, you find out that all the media is trying to do is, explain this voting phenomina too. Guys, it does not work like that when it comes to humans. I have never trusted these polls, its rather unfortunate that the media is not allowing people to vote from thier hearts but always try to force the peole to believe their analysis and expect people to vote accordingly. I think what they should do is come and give thier analysis without trying to drive their agenda and I believe its going to be much better. After all, you just dont creat a sample of people and think it will always represent the majority of peoples ideas.

One other thing, why is everybody calling Obama black, I just dont get it, this guy is half white and half black. Or maybe anytime some other color mixes with white it is not capable of being white but black. why dont we call him a molato which is how people with mixed races are called instead of labeling him to be black that is not right. What I am trying to say is we have to get beyond this race thing because it is not going to help anybody. I think the guy is identifying with every body because he seems to be above the race thing, so blacks must stop thinking this one of their own, and so must whites also stop thinking this is one their own and rather listen to peolpe and see what they have to offer. America, lets grow up.

Jack,

I am curious as to why no one in the media presses Obama on the fact that he does not salute our flag. I am also curious as to why no one questions him about his membership in a church that excludes other races??? Oh I forgot he is a liberal and there is a giant double standard.

Reguarding the Georgia Hiker, I aplaud her for getting out, exercising and not being afraid to do something on her own. I am the same way and have mountain biked and hiked on lots of trails in HI, IL, and MO, and WI and there are some scary people hanging out in parks doing all sorts of things from sex in cars, smoking pot, illegal hunting, walking around with shotguns, dumping trash, supsicious characters in vans, I have seen it all. We need more policing of what goes on in these parks to make it less of a safe haven for these crazy people. At least a frequent drive through by the police would be helpful.

MB in Illinois

Eric Howlett January 9th, 2008 7:29 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

There was a very persuasive discussion hosted Jan 9 by the Heritage
Foundation suggesting that the surge might actually be
working.

If that’s true, it would be compounding tragedy to leave too
soon, but it would require a peace-keeping force in Iraq for
many years.

So then — you love irony — only Obama could persuade the
country to “stay the course.”

The people know, or will come to believe during this campaign,
that Obama goes to the heart of any matter and tells the truth.

hi jack thank you for taking stands for just people.we do not see ted cople.it is sad for all those people who are not allaways being heard.see still you have some abillity for free journalism.this is why is america all about. i like wolf blitzer,although he takes care "" corporate"" atleast he brings some information and he admids. and lou dobb,he is loud box, you see,you do not need to say who you are and who do you stand for,it is the people will decide.although ron paul is as much as realistic then the american are yet to be wise enough to understand his massages but fourtunatelly our constitution was writen years ago.only histry reapets itself . from the wright of constitution,we all can bring peace and respect to another,
yes respect to another,
this is fundamental exprassion of the constitution of USA.
all is that media can briing right information,such as media should say that we support dictators and the same time say democracy,
thank you.