FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Of all the words he could have chosen to hang his campaign on, Barack Obama picked "change." Good choice.
While the rest of the candidates scurry around saying, "Elect me… I have experience," Obama's message has remained simple: Washington's not getting it done, we're in some serious trouble here, and we have to figure out a different approach.
The thing that's stunning is the voters seem to believe him. Stunning because they're so used to being lied to and jerked around you might have trouble convincing some of them the sky is blue. The public seems to be saying, "We've had it. Take us anywhere but here."
Look at the turnout in Iowa, double what it was four years ago. He has young people and independents lining up to support him. His appearances are standing room only and people get hysterical when they see him. We haven't seen anything quite like it in a very long time. Maybe since Bobby Kennedy.
Whether he can go all the way we don't know yet, but he's sure getting everyone's attention. My guess is those incumbent senators and congressmen who have to stand for re-election in November are noticing, too. Because if Obama is right, they are in big, big trouble. As well they should be. Most of them are a disgrace.
Here’s my question to you: What message, if any, does Barack Obama's candidacy send to incumbent office holders?
To see the Cafferty File video click here
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Karl writes:
Their days are numbered. It has taken 7 years of rubbing our noses in incompetent non-leadership to wake Americans up to the fact that if we don't make some drastic changes fast, we are all down the toilet.
Barb writes:
I have not been so excited about a presidential campaign since we used to watch the conventions on black and white television waiting for some state delegates to put some candidate over that magic number. To see such an energized campaign makes me feel as young as some of the new voters Obama's campaign is bringing to the voting booth. It gives me hope that someone, if not Obama, will be able to finally give the people of this country what they want and need–a president who cares about the average American. All you incumbents, watch out!
Matt writes:
The message Barack Obama is sending them is simple: they haven't done their job, and the American people won’t stand by and watch them throw this country to the dirt. He is telling them that the American people are ready for change and they won’t stop until they get it. And you know what? I'm telling them, too.
Kevin from Florida writes:
Jack, I have been a die-hard Republican my entire life, but Obama is offering a chance for change in so many ways. Not just because Washington cannot get it done, but he is offering the American people the opportunity to believe we can be heard and that in itself can make the difference. For me, I respect someone who can transcend race, color, creed, who can make a point to listen and make me feel for the first time in 8 years my vote will count.
Ewen writes:
Barack Obama's message means that the alarm clock has gone off. If the incumbents keep pressing the snooze button, they'll probably sleep past the election train, and will be voted out.