HUCK-OBAMA, IT’S CATCHING
You’ve got to love the Iowa caucus. This first-in-the-nation test of the presidential candidates should be cherished, for good reason. It can give a relative unknown, like Mike Huckabee a chance to come from the bottom to the top in a matter of weeks and it can give a novice, like Barak Obama an opportunity to take down what used to be the most formidable political machine in America.
The caucus format allows each candidate to literally speak directly to nearly every cacus voter. This “retail politics” as its called de-values the media and the king making political machines and enhances the power of the individual. Which gives us Mike Huckabee, winner wtih 34% and Barak Obama, winner with 38%.
Their victory is testimony to the power of their personalities. Think about it. Obama has virtually no executive experience, public or private, and Huckabee is reviled by the conservative establishment, and yet the both won in Iowa where their message and their personalities cannot be filtered by the media or opposing campaigns.
Obama is a very likable guy and, more so than any candidate, his Iowa victory gives him real momentum. But I will never, ever, not ever vote for him or any Democrat currently running for President. I just disagree with them on to many issues.
As for Huckabee, I’m not sure if he is the best Republican candidate for president, but I think he can be and I certainly prefer him over any Democrat.
I would also offer a word of caution to the conservative establishment. Don’t underestimate the power of personality. Huckabee can win the nomination. The same personality traits that make him effective in the one-on-one format can be amplified with the right media, the right machine and enough money. New Hampshire is another small state where nearly every voter get face time with the candidates. Huckabee may not win there, but if he has a decent showing and keeps his momentum, the next stop will be in familiar territory. South Carolina is Iowa with a southern accent and there are plenty of God-fearing evangelical voters there. A Huckabee win there and…who knows.
Congratulations to Huckabee and Obama. They’ve started a frenzy. Call it Huck-Obama, and its catching!
Dan Says: January 6th, 2008 at 4:10 am
I was quite happy with the turn out from both parties on Iowa. I think him and Mitt Romney are great republican candidates who focus on international economic leverage, primarily with China. It’s time our nation steps up and insinuates a stronger presence in the foreign market. I’m very glad that Obama defeated Hillary. I think that is a major victory for him, and a well deserved one.
Dan Says: January 6th, 2008 at 6:12 am
When I said “him” in my previous post, I was referring to Mike Huckabee.
Kolran Says: January 8th, 2008 at 4:46 am
hi, I didn’t read the article (sorry) but I thought I’d throw in here that Romney and Obama are great speakers and get alot of their support from this. THis does not mean they will make good presidents. Track records are entirely debatable as well, I honestly don’t know what to look for in a president anymore. if your looking for looks there’s always edwards… track record- juliani I suppose…
nutslikebush Says: January 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Oh man! I think Fox made a fatal mistake by booting Ron Paul from the Republic candidate debates and pissing off the traditional conservatives. When you unleash the Ron Paul supporters you will pay, and pay, and pay. see this youtube video for a taste of how Ron Paul supporters say “hello” to Sean Hannity. Funny, but I have a feeling that it is just the beginning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMrHorlOB0k
buck Says: January 9th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I agree about Ron Paul. He’s making a better showing that Thompson, but Thompson was on the stage. Ron Paul represents the libertarian wing of the Republican Party and these people will vote for an independent or write-in candidate just because they’re pissed. Besides, Ron Paul is bringing some variety to the political discourse for conservatives.
Kolran Says: January 10th, 2008 at 3:02 am
uh, that video was removed due to terms of use violation? lol, must have had some colorful language.