FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Barack Obama's huge win in Iowa last night was characterized this way by Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal this morning: "His takedown of Mrs. Clinton was the softest demolition in the history of falling buildings."
But make no mistake. A demolition it was. What we don't know yet is whether Obama's victory was an anomaly created by the polarizing nature of Hillary Clinton combined with the widespread opposition to President Bush or whether we saw the start of something truly historic last night. I will wager you this: if he wins, students in classrooms around the country will be listening to Obama's victory speech last night 20 years from now. It was beyond brilliant.
It's not just that Obama won, it's how he did it. The huge turnout of voters and first-time caucus-goers. His overwhelming win among young people and independents. He even beat Hillary Clinton among women. This all suggests something very important may have happened last night. Americans may have made the first tiny steps on the road to taking back their country
It's a long way from over. But if Obama can come out of New Hampshire with two wins under his belt and head into South Carolina on January 26 where that state's huge black population will have its first real chance to vote for one of their own... well, watch out.
Here’s my question to you: What does Barack Obama’s huge win in the Iowa caucuses mean?
To see the Cafferty File video click here
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
E. writes:
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 7 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.
Stefanie writes:
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.
Chris writes:
Obama's win in Iowa meant nothing to me. Sure he has the ability to make great speeches, but look at his sub-par 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.
Brian writes:
In one word, everything. Obama emerges as the true agent of change. It makes New Hampshire an actual fight and turns the South Carolina primary into the true bellwether whistle of this primary season. It means the first black president. It means everything.
Jim from Seguin, Texas writes:
Jack, What it means is that when the voters are "hands on" in an election, the result is vastly different than when corporations are in charge of our electronic voting equipment, for instance the 2004 election. And it is obvious the voters want CHANGE! To get change, however, we will have to fight for it rather than just sitting back and hoping for the best–because that bus is never going to get here!
Jim writes:
It means I smiled for the first time in 7 years.