The Iowa Caucus

"Hi ho, hi ho. It's off to vote we go"





"It's Obama-and Edwards too!"



I guess I had better write something fast about the Iowa Caucus since the New Hampshire primary is fast on its heels. I followed the events in Iowa with more interest on the Democratic side than Republican, mainly because I was itching to see Mrs Clinton come in third-as she did. Interesting how the candidate with the biggest organization in the field couldn't overcome even John Edwards, who is rapidly running out of resources to continue.

A comment about the caucus itself. While the Republicans did it the traditional way-going to a voting site, voting and going home, the Democrats have their own customized version. As I understand it, they proceed to someones home or other public venue, then separate into groups according to candidate preference. If one candidate doesn't have 15% of the crowd, then those voters choose a second choice candidate. I watched a clip of one such gathering at a public facility last night. It looked like a giant cattle auction (whatever that looks like.)

Anyway, as the whole world knows by now (at least according to the hysterical Chris Matthews, who painted the Obama victory as the most significant political event since the Reagan defeat of Carter), Obama was the clear winner with 38% of the vote (Edwards 30%)and Hillary at 29%. My question is; what went wrong with Hillary? In the last 24 hours prior to the voting, it was reported that her organization had hundreds of snow plows, snow shovels and drivers to get voters to the polls. I would hate to think that would have been the difference had she won. Apparently, all the queen's snowplows and all the queen's men were not enough to overcome her phoniness, obnoxiousness and lies about her "unique experience". Interestingly enough, the two most experienced Democratic candidates, Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, immediately announced that they are dropping out. Does that now make Hillary the "most experienced" Democratic candidate? Well, there is still Dennis Kucinich, but he is also out of the running-he just doesn't know it yet.

I also watched the three top Democrats give their post-caucus speeches. Hillary, pretending that she hadn't lost anything, talked about what a great night it was for Democrats. While her erstwhile husband, Bill, and the hapless Madeline Albright stood behind her, Hillary never even bothered to congratulate Obama for his victory-never even mentioned him. Bill, for his part, looked like he had spent the last 24 hours doing what Bill does best, while Albright looked like she usually does-lost.

Edwards' speech was typical Edwards-the whole country is starving to death while Bush, the evil Republicans and their corporate cronies are gorging themselves on prime rib breakfasts. Edwards is a gifted public speaker, honed by years in the courtroom buffaloing jurors into bringing huge financial verdicts against doctors and hospitals. This is the same guy who, 4 years ago, was claiming that once he and John Kerry were elected, Christopher Reeve was going to get out of his wheelchair and walk again. (Of course, Kerry-Edwards were defeated, so Reeve died instead.) Folks, remember one thing: Edwards is a PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER.

Obama's speech was classical Obama. Also a gifted speaker, he gave one of his typical stemwinders-great oratory-nothing said. No specifics, no substance. Watching him walk onto the stage with his family, I realized he has one great thing going for him- you see those beautiful kids and you want to vote for Obama. But that is emotion-not reason. I must say that his wife, Michelle, is also attractive and a talented speaker in her own right. It is just that every time I have heard her speak, her tone is pretty negative about the state of things in America. It seems that's what Democrats like to hear, however. The glass is always empty.

One thing should be noted, however. That Obama would win in a state like Iowa, with a white population over 90% is encouraging in itself. There was virtually no black voting block that won it for him.

On the Republican side, since I have been largely turned off by Huckabee, I was somewhat disappointed he won. Yet, aside from the Evangelical support he garnered in Iowa, I must say that the man expresses himself pretty well, comes across as a regular guy-and is willing to subject himself to questions from all sides. That has to be counting for something.

According to the news analysts (who, of course, are smarter than me), Romney took a major blow in Iowa with his second place finish, while McCain kept his hopes alive as he finished below Romney and about even with Thompson. Speaking of Thompson, who will apparently live to fight another day, I am starting to agree with the pundits who say his wife, Jeri, wants this White House gig more than Fred. No question, she is young, attractive and intelligent, but in her interviews, she comes across as a professional spin doctor as she tells the interviewer that "Fred Thompson is the only one who....."

The reporters have also told us that the Democratic voters seemed much more energized than their Republican counterparts. That may be. Will it continue throughout the election process? Possibly, but if Hillary is the eventual nominee, that situation will change immediately.