OBAMA and HUCKABEE

Come on gigantic meteor!!!

I'd never have thought I'd be this excited about the Iowa caucuses. Never followed them much before, but with a wide open and tight race it's been really exciting to see how the process has played out.

CSPAN has had excellent coverage of speeches, and so I'm very familiar with all the candidates for the first time this early in a race.

Feel like a kid laying in bed on Christmas Eve night right now. America's a great country. This wide open race is the first since 1968. We're more engaged (based on all the people I meet) than we've been in in decades.

ROB

Who are you supporting this year?

Like many, I'm looking forward to hearing the results of this.


Iowans: try not to fuck this up.

I'm excited that we'll be getting some clarity on this election, which has been a mess for the past month with the attacks, counterattacks and relentless trumped-up controversies in the media.

My predictions: Obama, Edwards, Clinton, Biden in that order for the Dems; Romney, Huckabee, McCain, Paul for the Repubs.

Who are you supporting this year?

Posted by AMERICANUNITY

I don't know... At first I thought Giuliani was the way to go, but he's really not all that inspiring. I was really hoping Clark would run for the DNC cuz I could have easily voted for him given this pack, but I guess that's over. I can't vote for Obama, I just disagree with damn near everything he says. Huckabee seemed okay at first but seems more and more like an evangelical christians...

I really would have preferred someone with real military experience in this race... not someone who served for a couple years 40 years ago in some stupid war, but a career military man... Gen Clark, Gen Franks, Gen Myers...

I'm just overall completely disappointed and truly believe the next president if selected from this group will be mediocre at best.

As we enter the 3rd year of the '08 Presidential Campaign, its nice to contemplate actually getting some results! LOL!

RCade - I just posted an article about Thompson dropping out if he doesn't finish at least a solid 3rd. Based on your predictions looks like it might be bye bye Freddie.

Rob,

I'd agree with your meteor idea except for the fact that any such cosmic event would probably kill the rest of us in the bargain.

On another note, you've got to take your wife to Amata for dinner some time. It's on Chestnut between 2nd and 3rd. The food is just amazing and that's something I don't say often.

Rob - depending on who the Dem. nominee is, you may see Wes Clark or Jim Webb in the #2 spot.

ROB

I hope whoever wins the presidency inspires us and unites us. God, could be use that.

Did you know that a large percentate of 3 and 4 star generals think Obama is the right man to be CiC?

My question about all this is....is Huckabee REALLY as ignorant and oblivious as he appears or is it an act to woo Shrub supporters?

(I need to start proofing my posts before hitting 'Publish' Misbehaving fingers will be punished LOL)

Dawnglo,

He's a Talibaptist minister, nuff said.

My question about all this is....is Huckabee REALLY as ignorant and oblivious as he appears or is it an act to woo Shrub supporters?

Posted by DawnGlo

In depth articles I've read about Huckabee describe him as petty and vindictive to those who buck his wishes. It is cool he plays bass guitar, but not enough to get him the WH.

As we enter the 3rd year of the '08 Presidential Campaign, its nice to contemplate actually getting some results! LOL!


LOL, right! Who do like for '12? Obama? Osteen? Putin?


I might as well make some predictions, seeing that they are meaningless anyway:

Democrats: (a squeaker though i have a funny feeling Edwards by a nose)


Edwards 25
Obama 24
Clinton 20
Biden 10

Republicans (will tighten up, Paul will make a good show and Thompson will rebound):

Huckabee 28
Romney 25
Paul 18
Thompson 12

"Huckabee REALLY as ignorant and oblivious as he appears"

You mean like crossing the picket lines to appear on Jay Leno, then saying he supports the strikers and that they shouldn't be mad at him?

On another note, you've got to take your wife to Amata for dinner some time.

Just went there for the first time about 2 months ago... phenominal.

BEEKEEPER

That's one possible scenario on the Dem side. If that happens, I think Clinton's voters break away with Obama winning NH and SC.

Edwards has put 2 years and untold hours in Iowa. He could very well win Iowa.

I am in no way a Paul supporter--but given the extremely limited numbers of individuals who participate in the Iowa caucuses and the seemingly large numbers fairly fervant supporters of RP--i think RP will take second place.

If he doesn't--he's done, IMO. He needs a 2nd place finish in both Iowa and NH (both possible).

My predictions: Obama, Edwards, Clinton, Biden in that order for the Dems; Romney, Huckabee, McCain, Paul for the Repubs.

Posted by rcade at 2008-01-03 09:10 AM |

RCade - I just posted an article about Thompson dropping out if he doesn't finish at least a solid 3rd. Based on your predictions looks like it might be bye bye Freddie.

Posted by SanAntonioRogue at 2008-01-03 09:15 AM |


Neither of you has a clue.

The thing about Thompson dropping is pure bullshit. The media has to hit the guy cause he messes up their plan to have a liberal republican running against a liberal dem.

I live in corn country, right next door to Iowa.

Thompson will do well and you'll all be shocked that your little bubble here on the internet shows its complete disconnet with reality.

Get out/off line from time to time and talk with real folk, if you can remember how.

We'll see, Kris. I think a guy named Bacon should recognize toast when he sees it.

If he doesn't--he's done, IMO.

Of all the candidates, Paul is the least likely to drop out because of a poor showing in Iowa. He's raised more money than anyone but Clinton the past quarter, and isn't spending it wildly. I think he'll run to the end.

Rob - depending on who the Dem. nominee is, you may see Wes Clark or Jim Webb in the #2 spot.

Posted by SanAntonioRogue


Pass...

A vice president has two jobs: step in if the President is unable, break ties in the senate. To base my vote off of those two responsibilities would be silly...

I think if Obama wins the Democratic nomination then the Repubs will win the White House. Nothing will motivate the morons to vote more than a black man running for president. Also, a large percentage of the pinheads actually believe he's a muslim. They'll be out in droves to vote for whichever drone the Repubs throw up there. And I mean "throw up" in the digestive sense.

He's raised more money than anyone but Clinton the past quarter, and isn't spending it wildly. I think he'll run to the end.

With all his money and die hard support I wouldn't be shocked if one of the candidates tried to bring him onto their ticket... I also wouldn't be surprised if the old codger refused and ended up with nothing.

Washington Journal on CSPAN is a lot like Drudge Retort with a much smaller percentage of polarized partisans.

Audio blog if you will. I enjoy the coverage CSPAN offers on our government. PBS for news.

. Also, a large percentage of the pinheads actually believe he's a muslim

Plus the massive numbers of people who will begin to believe it after some shady political ads and work by some PACs...

so we are getting all worked up over 3% of one little state in the midwest where supporters HaVE to get to a place and then stay there for an hour or longer standing on one side of the room and if their candidate doesnt have a certain percentage, they move to a different part of the room......with music or without?...and there is no absente or mail ins or the like...
is that about the way it works.....
and we are supposed to believe that this is going to tell us who will win in 08?

okay......

rommny and clinton........ but not by much.

Zogby Tracking 12/30 - 01/02 905 LV 31 24 27 7 5 Obama +4.0
Strategic Vision (R) 12/28 - 12/30 600 LV 32 27 29 2 5 Obama +3.0
Des Moines Register 12/27 - 12/30 800 LV 32 25 24 6 4 Obama +7.0

See a trend?

The thing about Thompson dropping is pure bullshit. The media has to hit the guy cause he messes up their plan to have a liberal republican running against a liberal dem.

Posted by Kris_P_Bacon

Hehe, it's fun to watch a fossil drag out the old "liberal media" canard now and then. Do you still wear leg warmers and moon boots, too?

liberal republican

There is no such thing...

same with Conservative Democrat...

I have to agree with A_HOLE, it always annoyed me when they called Herr Giuliani "liberal".

How about there are lots of moderate Republicans and Democrats? Especially the voters.

"Neither of you has a clue.

The thing about Thompson dropping is pure bullshit."

Uh, hate to break it to you Krisp, but I didn't make up the story nor did I declare it to be gospel. Go to the link and read the article, then take it for what its worth. If you don't agree its no skin off my ass.

I would not be surprised to see Ron Paul do better than expected in Iowa. Our son, who has never been particularly political, went to a Ron Paul speech and came away VERY impressed with what the man had to say and is a strong supporter of Paul now.

I would like to see Edwards take Iowa and after the final TV spot his campaign delivered last night I think he has a good shot. That man who had worked for Maytag and was laid off was a very powerful voice and one, I think, that will reach right into the middle-class voters in Iowa and resonate.

it always annoyed me when they called Herr Giuliani "liberal".

Posted by RastaCyborg


That annoys me too... Moderate Republican, or Moderate Democrat is fine with me. Because to me, the words, Liberal and Conservative mean the extremes of both parties. They are in lock step with every talking point that comes from their party leadership. So you couldn't be from one party and in lock step with the positions of the other.

I'm against the death penalty in 99% of cases, and I'm not going to force my beliefs on when life is created on other people... those are very liberal positions... but if someone ever called me a liberal republican I would be extremely annoyed...

ROB

I think most Americans are moderates. The far left and far right just have the loudest megaphones.

I would like to see Edwards take Iowa and after the final TV spot his campaign delivered last night I think he has a good shot.

i get douchechills when my mom tries to talk to me about politics, but last night when she mentioned off hand she was thinking about voting for Edwards I went a little nuts on her (as much as I can with mom)... Reminder her of what her daughter-in-law does for a living and how Edwards made millions off of bogus cases against doctors... scratch one Edwards supporter off the list.

yeah here is what edwards said just the other day in iowa.........he was railing against all the corporate greed and stuff and said something about how they were all in this together against them and such.......and all this from one of the richest people around.......typical shit.......


again....its 3% of one state.....the only reason any of you are even on here now is because its the FIRST one........
BUT NOW that the first one is here.......WHEN DOES THE 2012 campaign START..........

and oh yeah....I guess with this being a political blog.....that might also be why you are all getting worked up.........duh

Again, Zogby most recent and largest sample.

(I need to start proofing my posts before hitting 'Publish' Misbehaving fingers will be punished LOL)

Posted by AMERICANUNITY

Mozilla's Firefox has a great inline spell checker... and unlike IE isn't an obvious magnet for viruses.

At one point I was holding my nose for Hillary... now I'm hoping she goes quietly into the woodwork, and the sooner the better.

Of all the polls, I think the Register has the best track record of accuracy.

Mozilla's Firefox has a great inline spell checker... and unlike IE isn't an obvious magnet for viruses.

YOMELIB

Thanks. I use Safari on my Mac and do have Firefox too. I'd just have to be awake enough to use their functions LOL I've been up all night - thus all the types LOL (no 'help' used)

again....its 3% of one state.....the only reason any of you are even on here now is because its the FIRST one........
BUT NOW that the first one is here.......WHEN DOES THE 2012 campaign START..........

Posted by bushlovertwo

Really BLT!!! The only reason Iowa is important is because it's the first one?? Well, I'm sure the 4 people on the planet who didn't know that will appreciate that information.

Of all the polls, I think the Register has the best track record of accuracy.

Posted by SanAntonioRogue

They called #'s 1-4 correctly in 2000 and 2004.

Why wait?

I think the primary system needs to be completely overhauled. Iowa has far too big an influence on who wins the primaries, because people love to gravitate towards a winner. It's unfair to ride your success from a state that isn't representative of the union as a whole, and let's face it - no state is representative of the union as a whole. That's why primaries for all states should all be on the same day.

Someone recently suggested the primaries be in the order of voter turnout the last time, with the highest percentage going first. That sounds fair.

CORKY

If Hillary wins it's by 2% at the most. With NH 40% independents, Obama would be favored to win it even if he comes in 2nd in Iowa tonight.

Neither my wife or I and our friends like Hillary, although we agree she's qualifed to be presiden and we'll vote for hert if she wins the nomination. For that reason I think you could see an upset either in Iowa or NH and then SC with Obama winning.

Have you looked at the faces of tehs huge standing-room-only crowds that come to hear Obama? He's got something special that really connects with people.

Gonna be interesting for sure.

Corky, your link provides some good spin that I'm sure you'll take advantage of when the Beast comes in third.

I think the primary system needs to be completely overhauled.

Why not just all on one day? Then instead of people, like you say, gravitating towards a winner, they are making up their own minds and not base their vote off simply wanting to vote for the guy who is gonna win...

That's what I said at the end of my post, Rob. It's the only sensible way to run a primary. You wouldn't have half the real election on one day and half on another, so why should the primaries be any different?

OMG - even Huckabee *hearts* Obama!

From last night's Leno:

"I have a great respect for Barack Obama," Huckabee said. "I think he's a person who's trying to do ... what I hope I'm trying to do, and that is to say let's quit what I call 'horizontal politics.' Everything in this country is not left/right, liberal/conservative, Democrat/Republican. I think the country's looking for somebody who's vertical, who's thinking let's take America up and not down, and people will forgive you for being left or right, if you go up."

"Why not just all on one day?"

That's what I'd like to see Rob. A national primary day... and campaigning limited to 6 months prior.

SANANTON

The disadvantage a 'single day' primary would have to US as citizens is the candidate with the most money would win everytime.

The way it is, candidates who have no name recognition nationally wouldn't stand a chance of winning. We'd have all status quo's with the most money and a TV campaign only.

This way, the field can be narrowed and the candidates have a little more time to concentrate on individual states in getting up close to people. That connect would disappear with a single day primary don't you think?

That's what I said at the end of my post, Rob.

LMAO!! Whoops... I'm sorry, I'm on about 3 hours of total sleep here and it was in 20 minute intervals at best...

All on one day, I agree with you Joe.

I say we just throw out the whole party system completely. It creates too much of an "I'm on this team, you're on that team" attitude.

An idea would be that we get 10 - 15 nominees, we have a vote. If someone gets 50% of the vote they win. If not we knock out everyone in the single digits. We hold another vote. If someone gets 50% of the vote they win. If not we knock out all but the top 3 or so. We hold another vote. If someone gets 50% of the vote they win. If not we leave the top 2. The winner is elected.

and truly believe the next president if selected from this group will be mediocre at best.

Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole


a thousand percent better than what we have now.

Limiting the campaigns to 6 months would be a great start.

Limiting the campaign to six months would be unconstitutional as a violation of freedom of speech. How could new ideas be presented to the people if the amount of time that a candidate has to present them is limited??? We need to make some changes but we don't want to just insure that the status quo remains as is. Limiting the amount of time would do just that.

I like that idea on paper Plum, but I just have a feeling there would be low voter turnout in the middle elections which would mean the fringes of either the left or the right would still end up deciding the election.

What I would like to see is a 4 party system. Liberals, Democrats, Republicans and Conservatives. That way the far left and right can nominate their guy, while republicans and democrats can nominate people who are more to the center and they don't have to submit to the fringes of the party to stay in office.

****By the way, Hillary is #17 on The Beast's 50 Most Loathsome Americans of 2007. It's quite humorous as usual.
Posted by RastaCyborg *****

THAT LIST IS RIGHT ON.......HERE'S THE NUMBER ONE....

1. George Bush

Charges: Is it a civil rights milestone to have a retarded president? Maybe it would be, if he were ever legitimately elected. You can practically hear the whole nation holding its breath, hoping this guy will just fucking leave come January '09 and not declare martial law. Only supporters left are the ones who would worship a fucking turnip if it promised to kill foreigners. Is so clearly not in charge of his own White House that his feeble attempts to define himself as "decider" or "commander guy" are the equivalent of a five-year-old kid sitting on his dad's Harley and saying "vroom vroom!" Has lost so many disgusted staffers that all he's left with are the kids from Jesus Camp. The first president who is so visibly stupid he can say "I didn't know what was in the National Intelligence Estimate until last week" and sound plausible. Inarguably a major criminal and a much greater threat to the future of America than any Muslim terrorist.

How could new ideas be presented to the people if the amount of time that a candidate has to present them is limited???

Obama's been damn near campaigning since before the 2004 election... what new ideas has he thrown out? Universal health care, and nukes off the table...

WOW!!! glad he had 4 years to come up with that...

How could new ideas be presented to the people if the amount of time that a candidate has to present them is limited???
Posted by danni

If a candidate can't articulate their idea's and policies in 6 months, how in the world can they run the country?

ROB

Obama sponsored the largest ethics reform since Watergate among other things. Ethics reform is the biggest legislation that's quietly passed the last 2 years. No more jets, meals, and all 'bundled money' has to identify the source.

I know you're not an Obama fan, but if you read his life since graduating undergrad you'd be impressed. Son of a single teenaged mom from Kansas he's risen to this point on sheer brains and integrity. No one opened doors for him as they did for you - and he's a highly successful man who won the reddest counties in Illinois during the 2004 campaign.

"the candidate with the most money would win everytime."

AU - I should have added public funding of campaigns to my wish list there.

"Limiting the campaign to six months would be unconstitutional as a violation of freedom of speech. How could new ideas be presented to the people if the amount of time that a candidate has to present them is limited??? "

Danni - I don't think so. Campaigns are already governed by laws in other aspects. Setting a time frame would be no different. And how many ideas presented by any of the candidates could not have been presented thoroughly and completely in 6 months?

And ethics reform is the toughest thing to pass as you have parties on both sides of the aisle who don't want to give up perks.

No one opened doors for him as they did for you

huh? Someone opened doors for me? I'd love to know who since you seem to know...

and he's a highly successful man who won the reddest counties in Illinois during the 2004 campaign.


Because he was running against Alan Keyes... I could run against Alan Keyes with a platform of how its great to punch old ladies in the face and beat him.

Obama sponsored the largest ethics reform since Watergate among other things. Ethics reform is the biggest legislation that's quietly passed the last 2 years. No more jets, meals, and all 'bundled money' has to identify the source.

Again not imprssive... after the Abramoff nonsense and other scandals like bridges to no where, this was no brainer legislation...

4 parties would be fine by me, Rob. My problem is mainly with the 2 party system. It makes the general election feel like a football game with too many people refusing to vote for anyone who isn't on their team. It takes the issues out of the election and replaces them with the question "is this guy in the same party as I am"? It might still be that way with a true 4 party system, but at least their is a better chance that you don't have to choose between a douche and a terd sandwhich. You'll also have a prick and an asshole to choose from. But in reality, I doubt we can get a true 4 party system without changing to a parliamentary system in which the number of legislators with a given party affiliation are chosen based on the percentage of people who voted for that party. That way the smaller parties aren't overly tyrannized by the majority and actually get some voice.

standing on one side of the room and if their candidate doesnt have a certain percentage, they move to a different part of the room......with music or without?...

Posted by bushlovertwo at 2008-01-03 09:58 AM | Reply


And at the end of the night one lucky caucus-goer goes home with a cake!

And ethics reform is the toughest thing to pass as you have parties on both sides of the aisle who don't want to give up perks.

Posted by AMERICANUNITY


Not after all the people getting in trouble over the past few years...

ROB

Having spent quite a lot of time in D.C. around politicians after hours I can tell you that lobbyists are the great scourage of America - for both sides of the aisle.

They've been writing the friggin' legislation. That shouldn't happen in America. Obama's efforts have done more to level the playing field in the 'US" vs "Congressmen" battle of wills.

Gotta give a little credit to him don't ya? Personal perks are the thrid rail of politics within the halls of Congress.

Gotta give a little credit to him don't ya?

No... not for that... after the Abramoff and Delay scandals and all the other stuff, it was not hard at all to get that legislation passed...

And at the end of the night one lucky caucus-goer goes home with a cake!

Posted by vernon

How about a calculator!!??

OK ROB

You have a comeback for everything. I'm gonna get some sleep. Wife's got the con around the household.

How's the little one doing? Bet you've been beaming as bright as the sun ever since the birth. Even through the feedings and long sleepless nights like last night. Proud dad I'll bet you are.

Later man. Have a good time watching the results tonight (if you haven't passed out from exaustion (which would be understandable and probably well deserved)

AU

From Corky's link:

Here's another post-spin to expect from Clinton if Obama wins on the backs of independent and GOP support: Look for Clinton surrogates to feed the notion that the voice of rank-and-file Democrats is being drowned out by outside influences. The blogs have picked up on this, and despite not being big Clinton fans, one could envision how the campaign could pivot with "We've been in these fights with Democrats in the trenches; it's important for Democrats to have a greater voice" etc.


If Clinton does go that route there is no way I vote for her in the election.

and truly believe the next president if selected from this group will be mediocre at best.

Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole

a thousand percent better than what we have now.

Posted by geezer1 at 2008-01-03 10:49 AM | Reply

Most presidents are mediocre at best. We only get a Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK or a Reagan once in a generation.

You have a comeback for everything

Almost...

Thanks AU... I'm sure we'll have things to discuss tomorrow

We only get a Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK or a Reagan once in a generation.



Posted by vernon


Let's replace JFK with FDR

Iowans: try not to fuck this up.

Posted by RevDarko at 2008-01-03 09:10 AM

FF for the Rev ;o)

It's on c-span tonight starting 7 pm EST--they are taping live at the Dem caucus on CS 1 and the Repubs on CS 2.

Romney
Hucka hee-haw
Thompson or McCain

Obama
Edwards
Clinton

6 months is too short to interview candidates with the current debate system set up.

Hillary would not have made her driver license blunder--the candidates would hide and not answer questions and a true disservice to the American People.

Murphy

Thanks AU... I'm sure we'll have things to discuss tomorrow

Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole

You're very welcome. I hope whatever we discuss can be done via a new tone in American politics. We don't have to hate each other because we have differing views in this country. I remember when it was that way. We worked together and compromised and did a good job of making sure America was left better for our kids than it was for us.

GOATMAN was just in town visiting his sister in my town. We got together 3 times and hung out. He voted for Bush. We really had a great time. Goes to show ya that the things we may disagree on in politics are trivial compared to the many other things we share in common. He's a really great person, and it was a pleasure to make his aquiantence here late one night over a discussion about Apollo and the space program - which we were both terribly interested in when we were young and America was inspired.

OK. That's all I can post. I've GOT to hit the sack and rest up for tonight. Have a good one (and get some sleep if you can)

AU :-)

Let's replace JFK with FDR

Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole

Rob, they were both presidents who had Americans looking on in awe. Wish you'd experienced a little of 1961-1963, and the terrible loss every American felt the day they killed JFK.

"or a Reagan once in a generation."

Thank God.

ROB - as to 'accomplishments' in the U.S. Senate for Obama:

Obama sponsored 152 bills and resolutions brought before the 109th Congress in 2005 and 2006, and cosponsored another 427

For example...

Washington Post: Obama Deserved Credit For Assembling And Passing "Strongest Ethics Legislation To Emerge From Congress Yet." The Washington Post wrote in an editorial, "The final package is the strongest ethics legislation to emerge from Congress yet...Mr. Reid, along with Sens. Russell Feingold (D--Wis.) and Barack Obama (D--Ill.), deserves credit for assembling and passing this package."

Obama co-sponsored the "Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act" introduced by Sen. John McCain

Partnering first with Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN), and then with Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), Obama successfully introduced two initiatives bearing his name. "Lugar-Obama" expands the Nunn-Lugar cooperative threat reduction concept to conventional weapons, including shoulder-fired missiles and anti-personnel mines

He joined Chuck Hagel (R-NE) in introducing legislation to reduce risks of nuclear terrorism. A provision from the Obama-Hagel bill was passed by Congress in December 2007 as an amendment to the State-Foreign Operations appropriations bill.

Posted by SanAntonioRogue

Rob, they were both presidents who had Americans looking on in awe.

Its just on a list of greatest presidents, I don't see JFK in a top 10 list... maybe would have been if he weren't killed. That's how I was looking at that list.

I understand ROB

JFK had America buzzing with excitement.

He said, "Let's go to the moon in 10 years". We were so excited we did it in less time.

God knows how this country would have turned out had he not been killed. One thing's for sure, Vietnam would have been a footnote in history. JFK was about to pull our 'advisors' out of Vietnam after finding out he'd been duped into sending more by hawks.

Anyway, I hope you get to experience a president we all many not agree with on everything, but like and respect nonetheless. Enough of this polarization in American politics. We're supposed to be on the same side vs the rest of the world and in acheiving our aspirations to always get better as a nation.

Bed in 3.........2............1 ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Have a good one

Boy this thread sure died suddenly...

Boy this thread sure died suddenly...

Posted by Rob_The_A_Hole

Maybe the rest fainted seeing a Dem leaner and a solid Republican actually carrying on a civil conversation without a single name called.

*grin*

I applaud the civility. I agree, AU, that we are all American's and we all want what we think is best. Both the right and the left make good points, and nobody is stupid just because they follow either philosophy. Hell, I'm a libertarian, and yet, I believe the best government you could possibly have would be a dictatorship with the most intelligent, thoughtful, and caring person in the world as the dictator. Of course, I don't believe we should become authoritarian, but that argument can certainly be made and is not invalid. Likewise, perhaps a peaceful society can be created from either right or left ideology if implemented correctly. People seem to think there is only one road to peace and prosperity. Perhaps some ways are easier than others, but maybe there is more than one ideology that can successfully move our country in the right direction. Either way, hatred of people for thinking differently is ridiculous, and is not far off from the way terrorists think.

Hell, I'm a libertarian, and yet, I believe the best government you could possibly have would be a dictatorship with the most intelligent, thoughtful, and caring person in the world as the dictator. Of course, I don't believe we should become authoritarian,

Huh?

"What I would like to see is a 4 party system. Liberals, Democrats, Republicans and Conservatives. That way the far left and right can nominate their guy, while republicans and democrats can nominate people who are more to the center and they don't have to submit to the fringes of the party to stay in office."

Good idea actually; the electoral college would become more of a parlimentarian type vote as well as often no candidate would have a majority and compromises and coalitions would have to be made.

However, NY State already has a 4 party system, if I remember correctly. The problem is that the Liberal party usually nominates the Dem nominee for their ticket and the Conservatives usually nominate the Rep candidate. It's essentially pointless.

PLUM

I just hung out with Drudge's own GOATMAN, a solid Republican, when he was just in town visiting his sister over New Year's.

We had a great time. He's the nicest person you could meet. We never talked politics once except to agree W is a horrible president.

There is so much more that we as Americans have in common than separates us politically. The pundits have the loudest megaphones, but they don't represent the HUGE center of the U.S. electorate.

"Huh?" -Bowa

A government is as good as the people running it. If you took the very best person in a society and had him/her rule over the country you would get the very best results. It's impossible and subjective to select such a person, and once the person dies where does that power go? For that reason authoritarianism is dangerous, and is not a great long term government. I believe the most consistent and easiest of governments to control is one that is libertarian, so I am libertarian.

AU, well said. Much respect.

CORKY

RE: The 'FreakinNews' link....

Giving up your anonymity? Why now? LOL

AU - why aren't you in bed? Just can't stay away, can you!? LOL!

I just had a little session with tiny Johnson over on the Obama/Kenya thread. Can you believe he's still trying to push the Obama Wahabbi Madrassa school story? He also picked up Bowa's bad habit on the racist/separtist church issue. Haven't seen him since I debunked both (again).

SANANTON

I'm like a kid at Christmas. Nothing stronger than a Winston Ultra Light and Diet Mountain Dew. I've always been a huge political observer. This is more fun for me than the Super Bowl. LOL

On the people who will say anything about Obama (or anyone else they don't prefer :

If they don't know they're full of shit wait 'til someone hugs them one day...... M E S S Y M E S S !!

I just had a little session with tiny Johnson over on the Obama/Kenya thread.

Seeing as he is such a "tiny" Johnson the only kind of "session" one could haff with him would be a "little" one.

Hell, even the local rub and tug gives him a discount.

Can you believe he's still trying to push the Obama Wahabbi Madrassa school story?

From the sense that "why would anybody in their right mind do such a thing?" No, it's pretty unbelieveable.

From the "I've read his racist, divisive KKK postage" perspective?

Believable albeit still egregious behaviour.

He also picked up Bowa's bad habit on the racist/separtist church issue.

They picked uyp that bad habit from FOX and Rush.

Haven't seen him since I debunked both (again).

Prolly late fer his Ku Klux ass-Klown rally or sommat.

Good on ya, SAR. You fight the good fight and ya do it making style points all the way.

Be Well.

Spud's predictions?

Unless Edwards rural stumping does more fer him in terms of delegates than Spud originally estimated Spud scores it...

Obama 28
Edwards 24
Clinton 22
Biden 17

Fer the GOPhers...

Huckabee 25
Romney 22
Paul 20
Rudy 16
Thompson 14

Anybody else wanna try playing the Sylvia Brown card?

Thanks Spudinater! I'm looking out my window across Lake Erie toward Canada right now and sending you a big SA-LUTE!

Thanks Spudinater! I'm looking out my window across Lake Erie toward Canada right now and sending you a big SA-LUTE!

Yer most Welcome oh Roguish one!

SA-LUTE right back at cha!

"Lake Erie"?

That name always bothers Spud.

Too close to "eerie" fer Spud's taste.

Why not just call it Lake Creepy" or re-name it after Steven King or sommat?

Sheesh!

You feeling the cold yet?

Apparently, the east coast is all snowy and meanwhile here on the wet coast it's just raining as usual.

Spud loathes all the rain we get here but appreciates the fact that it's much, much easier to shovel than the white stuff.

Happy Caucus Day to you, Sirrah!

Being a political junkie Spud lives fer these days.

Woo Hoo!

Be Well.

SPUD

If the prediction I made weeks ago of an Obama-Huckabee general election come true, I want to get hired for $250,000 a year with off years on a retainer of half that amount wired to my offshore account.

If it's only one or the other, I want $125,000 a year and $75,000 on off years.

I made that when both were down by high double digits. Am I psychic? We'ell see.

Here's another prediction: The candiate from each party who gets the most votes tonight will win the Iowa caucus.

Friggin' amazing innit? (Twilight Zone music ON)

"You feeling the cold yet?"

Its colder than the proverbial witch's teat here!

12 degrees here last night SANANTON. I put a black sweatshirt on my dog to take him for fun. He looked really cool. All that was missing was some bling.

The candiate from each party who gets the most votes tonight will win the Iowa caucus

And the candidates with the least votes will be the most depressd!

Funny how that works out.

Its colder than the proverbial witch's teat here!

Spud uses that one all the time.

Spud usually sez it as... "colder than a witch's left tit"

Spud aint surprised by the rise in Huckabees numbers.

He's likable, he thick as the proverbial brick, he doesn't believe in evolution, he lost over 100 pounds of fat but none that was in his head.

In short he's the perfect GOPher candidate fer the brain dead, immoral, RT fundie set.

Be Well.

Paul has moved past RudiG into second last place in Iowa, based on RCP. Let's say he's on top of the cross-dresser but still under the dead guy.
Talk about individual freedom!

"he lost over 100 pounds of fat"

He need only look at his sons to see where it went. Moo!

Anybody else wanna try playing the Sylvia Brown card?

Dems:

Clinton 28
Obama 26
Edwards 25
Biden 10

Repubs:

Huckleberry 29
Romney 26
McCain 20
Paul 13

As far as the Dem race goes, I hope I'm wrong but, I am somewhat skeptical that young Iowans will defy history and show up at the caucuses for Obama. I think Hillary's supporters are more likely to show up to the caucuses.

Dems:

Clinton 28
Obama 26
Edwards 25
Biden 10

Spud also hopes yer wrong but knows that Clintons machine is massive and merciless and that the MSM have got her back.

A third place showing fer Edwards would be a disaster fer Edwards this time out. Four years ago he came in second to Kerry there.

He's already hyping the fact that he's being outspent 4 to 1 by both the Clinton and Obama campaigns and if he does get the bronze medal in Iowa he will no doubt note this in his post-caucus speech.

Be Well.

PS: Trippy day today on the newschannels.

Spud at one point went from BBC to CBC to CNN and all three were talkin' Iowa.

He's already hyping the fact that he's being outspent 4 to 1 by both the Clinton and Obama campaigns and if he does get the bronze medal in Iowa he will no doubt note this in his post-caucus speech.

All candidates will put their spin on the outcomes. One thing missing from Edwards point about being outspent is that he has spent the better part of the last four years campaigning in Iowa. If his message had been resonating with Iowans he should be enjoying a substantial lead right now.

My hope is that Iowans will embrace the opportunity to launch Obama's candidacy toward the Presidency. This country needs a leader with intelligence, integrity and a strong feel for the American middle-class experience.

We'll all know in several hours if this country is ready to embrace positive change!!

RealPatriot,

Spud agrees with yer points on Edwards and the post causcus spin.

My hope is that Iowans will embrace the opportunity to launch Obama's candidacy toward the Presidency. This country needs a leader with intelligence, integrity and a strong feel for the American middle-class experience.

We'll all know in several hours if this country is ready to embrace positive change!!

Spud's got his fingers crossed and is hoping fer the same thing.

Wot do you think of Spud's idear fer an Obama/ Biden ticket?

Obama's youth and energy plus his kinder, gentler, more inclusive political strategy combined with the savvy and connectiveness of the only other non-millionaire with a sense of Middle Class expectations?

Spud thinks they will take DC by storm.

The Bastards won't know wot hit 'em!

Be Well.

PS: Spud is already cooking up batches of popcorn and awaiting the results whilst scanning the various news channel and on-line resouces.

Also Spud is finishing off the last of the Christmas cookies, Turtles, After 8s, Almond Roca, Jelly Beans and a snowman made outta rice krispee squares.

That's all the food groups represented right there!

Spud,

You're idea of an Obama/Biden ticket is exactly the ticket I would hope for. I really like Joe Biden and wish he had become a viable candidate. He was my first choice back when everyone was throwing their hats in the ring.

Right after the '06 mid-terms, I was calling for a Joe Biden/Chuck Hagel ticket!

But, I am totally on-board with an Obama/Biden ticket!!!

Spud on ClintCo: -the MSM have got her back.

Corky's rebuttal: Funny that! Tell us another

Corky's link:

Just five candidates have been the focus of more than half of all the coverage. Hillary Clinton received the most

It does suggest that Hill gets more "negative" coverage but fails to note a couple of things.

Such as?

If a RT ass-wipe like Rush Disses Hill it doesn't turn a Dem off of her it in fact works as a sort of reverse positive fer the candidate.

Beyond that the criteria fer "negative" is inadequately explored and explained.

Here's a quote fer yas Corkster...

"The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about"

~Oscar Wilde

Beyond that? Thanx fer proving Spud's point fer Spud.

Awful kind of ya Corky! ^_^

Hillary Clinton is the Washongton Insider and the pre-approved corporate candidate who presents herself as an outsider and an element of change.

She also has a massive and merciless machine that now apparently even encompasses folk like FluffPo on the net that she uses to bash the other candidates particularily Obama, leaving her free to play the "victim" card.

Even Karl Rove is taking notes on that little manoevre.

Be Well.

But, I am totally on-board with an Obama/Biden ticket!!!

Obama and Biden--hmmmmm--That would be very interesting.

ABH!! or is it ABC!!!??

They have c-span running--and folks are there yet..
They aren't doing anything--

Get the show on the road!

Oh yeah--the doors close at what 7:00 and then they start..

Murphy

Personally I like Ron Paul. Jeffersonian-like views.

Does anyone every get the feeling that politicians could care less what anyone thinks or believes in?

Politics.... They want everyone not to think!

Come on Obama

Woo Hoo! It Begins.

Coupla things before we get going here.

First, Iowa after the last elections in 2006 became a blue state fer the first time in 42 years.

Spud wonders if this is just a statewide trend or will it continue in '08 in other states as well.

Second, there are more Lou Dobb's Independants in Iowa than either Dems or GOPhers.

Wot does that tell ya?

Spud finds the caucus procedures fer both paries to be kinda interesting and indicative.

The Dems procedures is more complicated but open.

The GOPhers procedures are simpler and secret.

Sez it all, don't it?

Now, let's get this show on the road.

Popcorns a'popping!

The Corporate News Network seems to be promoting a Hillary/Huckabee finish.

Uh-huh sez Spud.

Be Well.

I'm watching the Dems on CSPAN

Very interesting. Based on the crowds theyre showing on CSPAN 1 and CSPAN 2 (Rep) turnout is very strong.

AU they --someone just said that Hillary got third place


The Dems are much more interesting than the Repubs--they do a secret ballot..

Murphy

Biden 10
Richardson 45


Murphy

I heard that MURPHY

This is really neat to watch.

I also learned how the 1988 Dem candidate was chosen:

Staff: "Are you fere for da caucus?"
Voter: "Yes".
Staff: "Over there".

Thus Michael Dukakis won.

Biden started with 26 and then people started bailing to other candidates..

Now they are peeling off the remainder of Biden's group..

This is only one precinct..



Murphy

WHOOOOOOO!

as of only a few minutes ago with 10% of the votes now in (per CNN)

34% to JOHN EDWARDS!!!! Hooray!

32% for Hillary

31% for Obama

3% for Richardson

"34% to JOHN EDWARDS!!!! Hooray! "

Amen, Chris.

They need 57 votes to be a viable candidate--

Biden has 47--

They are trying to talk the Dodd and Kuchinich folks over to them...

Now the Repubs are getting their chairman person and passing the buck bag?? They are taking up a collection?? I hate switching back and forth..

Murphy

If Ron Paul isn't cheated, he'll take at least second place.

Are they using Diabold computers?

Go Obama, go Edwards! Go Thompson!

Murphy

No need to switch channels pr to watch for the Republican winner in Iowa. The globalist/corporate boys have already annointed Mitt Romney as the next president/CEO corporate successor to their boy Bush.

The real action is in watching the Democrat caucus.

Go Huckabee!

10%--still early--the Dems will go for another three hours..

But with the rural areas--with less people and ability to get to the nuts and bolts--that would be Edwards areas--he concentrated really hard in these rural precincts.--per the Sleeper article..

Who is the froup being counted on the Dems over 129?

Murphy

Are they using Diabold computers?

Posted by JeffnDenmark at 2008-

If the Republicans can get away with it again -- you can bet your bottom dollar they will use those rigged, paperless trail Diebold machines again.

"34% to JOHN EDWARDS!!!! Hooray! "

My main fear with Edwards is that he's the same type of person that Gore and Kerry were, and we know how they fared. He doesn't feel Presidential, he doesn't feel like a leader, he's not going to sway independents and he's going to lose the general election.

I'm convinced that Edwards will lose.

Give it a rest CC--

They are using paper ballots--duh!

So the repubs are having a person talk onthe candidates behalf--no one spoke for Hunter or Hucka-hee-haw..saving time I guess..

Should have a total for the Dem precinct--here soon..

WOW--Obama--186---Edwards 116 and poor HIllary got 74--

Sorry Corky ;o(

Murphy

They just announced the CSPAN covered precinct.

Obama wins by a wide margin over 2-1 over Clinton and 3-2 over Edwards.

If Ron Paul isn't cheated, he'll take at least second place.


Who?

Obama won 3-1 over Clinton at a large precinct in Des Moines.

Rural precincts will probably go more Edwards.

This large one they're carrying on CSPAN:

3 delegates for Obama
2 delegates for Edwards
1 delegate for Clinton

Lose in November that is.
Obama has the best chance to pull in independents.

And I don't really buy Edwards populist message. I think he's simply telling people what they want to hear.

OK--Delegates for this 53 precinct--

HIllary ---1

Edwards--2

Obama---3

Very interesting--

Murphy

Why aren't the American people up in arms about the rigged no paper trail machines?
They're stealing elections!
You're not a free society if they are stealing the elections.
I think a Ron Paul organization is going to be polling voters after the vote to check the difference?

"I'm convinced that Edwards will lose."

I'm not. And I can't get excited about some corporate centrist Democrat like Hillary or Obama. After decades of class warfare being waged by corporate America against Americans, it's about time to turn the tables.

Ron Paul at 11%

CNN projects: Huckabee wins!

Yeah!

Paper ballots! That's good to hear!

CNN projects: Huckabee wins!

Yeah!

Posted by Bill_OReilly

PeeeeeeeeeU!

Spud found the generation gap on Obama and Hill supporters to instructive if a bit predictable.

If yer 65 or older then Hills yer gal.

If yer not on the Geritol then it's Obama all the way.

Hill better hope the blue rinse lasts till November!

Okay, Spud takes that back. Bad joke!

Still... GO OBAMA!

Woo Hoo!

Spud luffs the way the blog-god keeps changing the headline to this thread.

Too funny!

Wot no dancing banana?!

Awww Spud is seriously disapointed!!

^_^

Be Well.

They only have 45% of the precincts reporting--for the Dems and 25% for the Repubs..too early...


Hmmmm--Obama swapping votes to Richardson in some county precincts--

Maybe it's a Obama/Richardson ticket.

Everyone knows--no one will pick Hillary for the VP on their ticket.

Murphy

They're reporting that Biden and Richardson are asking their supports to go with Obama. That should piss off Hillary.

Dems: 45% reporting

Obama 34
Edwards 32
Clinton 31

Go Barack!

Huckabee?

This election cycle's answer to Pat Robertson takes it fer the Iowan GOPhers?

How many evDEVILical wing-nutZ they got in the Hawkeye state?

That aint gonna play so good in NH.

Be Well.

What do you have against Huckabee, Wisgod?

He'd make a great Republican nominee :)

They're reporting that Biden and Richardson are asking their supports to go with Obama. That should piss off Hillary.

Both Biden and Richardson know that they're shooting fer a Veep nod at best.

Obama/ Biden '08!

Woo Hoo!

Be Well.

PS: FF fer AU fer "Clingon"

Huck-a-hee-haw--

He is pulling a Pat in Iowa--if he holds the win.

He won't win after that--sorry to disappoint Billo--

Surprise about Thompson--in 3rd.

And the MSM will pump up McCain even if he comes in 4th.

Murphy

I'm not. And I can't get excited about some corporate centrist Democrat like Hillary or Obama. After decades of class warfare being waged by corporate America against Americans, it's about time to turn the tables.

Well I don't think Obama is a corporate lacky.
But I also don't think Edwards can back up his campaign promises. Edwards promises alot, but he has to get Congress to give it to him, and I don't see him as a strong enough leader to bend Congress to his will.

I also don't think Edwards will stand up to corporations like he says he will.

What do you have against Huckabee, Wisgod?

He'd make a great Republican nominee :)

Posted by Bill_OReilly

It sure as heck better be a wake-up call for the repubs. He's lucky the bible thumpers turned out tonight.

I'm convinced that Edwards will lose.

The guy who couldn't even carry his own state in '04?

Geez, why would you think that?

That sed, Spud appreciates Edward's tough talk on the erosion of the middle class as the class warfare from the ruling elites gets meaner as being a good and neccessary conversation to be having.

Spud wants Obama to utilise Edwards to cleaning up the mess at the DOJ.

Be Well.

Obama 35%
Edwards 31%
Clinton 31%

Obama is leading because the turnout of young energized voters is very large.

For a dem Obama is a good choice. Edwards's two americas talk is a lot of crap. And I think clinton would outspend Bush. IMO

It sure as heck better be a wake-up call for the repubs. He's lucky the bible thumpers turned out tonight

~Wisgod

Don't worry Wizkid, Huckster aint taking NH.

Spud'd betcha dollars to donutZ on that one.

Be Well.

I third (or fourth) an Obama/Biden ticket. That would be the epitome of bad-ass-ed-ness; something to actually be enthusiastic about in an election after all these years.

Norm

Obama isnt a corporate lacky but both he and Hillary are all for the corporate boy's agenda of open open-borders and a North American Union -- the ultimate corporate wetdream.

At least Edwards cares about what happens to the American worker. Not so Obama and Hillary.

I'd like to borrow from SPUD

WOO HOO !!!!!!

Man, I need to get paid. I predicted Obama-Huckabee many weeks ago when they were both down by double digits.

boy's = boys'

AU

This is fun on here. Kinda like being right there at the caucuses ourselves!

Rudolph the 9-11 reindeer got, what, 6th?

Bwahahahaha.

At least Edwards cares about what happens to the American worker. Not so Obama and Hillary.

CHRIS

Only Obama worked for 12K for 3 years WITH recently laid off steel workers.

Thought I was reading BOWA for a sec LOL

Stirsumup

There are two Americas. Bush saw to that. I don't consider republicans to be Americans. They seem to have no comprehension of freedom or American values. They need their own country with their own Bible thumping ruler. I don't want a President that hears voices telling him to invade countries.

For a dem Obama is a good choice.

Correct!

Edwards's two americas talk is a lot of crap.

Incorrect. It's merely the sad truth.

And I think clinton would outspend Bush. IMO

Impossible. Nobody will EVER outspend BushCo.

First off, there's nobody left in the world who would lend the US that kinda money again and secondly, Hillary even if she won (she won't, just sayin') wouldn't be dumb enuff to start a two front war replete with no-bid, costs-plus corporate crony contracts plus an over-paid (and underly accountable) corporate mercenary class.

Be Well.

At least Edwards cares about what happens to the American worker. Not so Obama and Hillary.

Edwards concern is real and so is Obama's.

Be Well.

"I also don't think Edwards will stand up to corporations like he says he will."

At least he is talking about corporate power, which is more than one can say for Hillary or Obama.

CNN projets Obama the winner!!!!

Obama/Biden '08

At least Edwards cares about what happens to the American worker. Not so Obama and Hillary.

Yes, and still America has not figured this out yet.

I wonder how many more will have to go work for walmart before they start taking who they elect seriously.

Obama will do nothing to help the American worker and their wage.

Hillary is widely known as the corporate shrub.

CNN projets Obama the winner!!!!

Obama/Biden '08

Obama wins!

Corporate power is projected on the federal government via lobbyists. No one has fought harder on the Dem side than Obama in the Senate the last 2 years in successfully co-authoring and passing a bipartisan ethics reform.

Obama: "I will NOT have lobbyists in the White House or writing our legislation if I am elected President of The United States!".

Just found out the primary in my county won't even have Obama, Edwards, Biden, or Richardson.

And write-ins won't count for them either. You have to vote "uncommitted" and hope the delegates don't fuck you over. What a bunch of bullshit! I might stay home...last thing I want is my Uncommitted vote to go to hillary. UGH.

Here are our choices:

Hillary Clinton
Christopher Dodd
Mike Gravel
Dennis Kucinich
Uncommitted

Barf.

"A vote for "uncommitted" is a vote to send delegates to the Democratic National Convention who are not committed or pledged to any candidate. Those delegates can vote for any candidate they choose at the Convention."

Fuck you!

Congrats on your early picks, AU!!!!

Hey!

The blog-god has changed the headline fer like the umpteenth time.

IOWA WINNERS, HUCKABEE-OBAMA

IT's OFFICIAL.

IT'S OBAMA!!!

As Socrates was fond of saying from tinme to time...

WOO FLIPPIN' HOO!

Hey! How come the blog-god gave Huckster top billing there.

Change it one more time to...

IOWA WINNERS, OBAMA-HUCKABEE

And bring back the dancing banana!

Spud feels like celebrating!

Spud is sooooooo crackin' a beer fer THAT!

Obama-Biden '08

Be Well.

MONEYWAR

Where do you come up with such ridiculous statements? "Obama will do nothing to help he American worker"

Good God man, he spent 3 years after graduating with an Ivy League University HELPING workers. He's been an advocate for workers and the disenfranchised his whole life.

Only Obama worked for 12K for 3 years WITH recently laid off steel workers.

Thought I was reading BOWA for a sec LOL

Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2008-01-03 09:24 PM |

You don't think plan for a NAU isn't going to lay off a ton of our workers? Obama, Hillary and Huckabee are all for it. However, I do think that of the group Obama much closer to Edwards in really caring about what happens to American workers than any of the other candidates (except for Ron Paul).

Huckabee can "aw shucks" his way into office but he has a very pro-corporate agenda -- right down to wanting open borders and massive importing of cheap labor no matter what Huckabee says about it now in order to get elected.

There's a lot riding on this election and we need to get past the folksy personality show and look at their past records - imho *grin*

Thanks REALPATRIOT !!

I had a gut feeling people wanted to vote for who they considered the most genuine candidates of their respective parties this year.

Let's take back our country !!!!!!!

America wins tonight !!

Obama -- pro North American Union and open borders.
Goodbye America. Huckabee is even worse.

Don't worry Wizkid, Huckster aint taking NH.
Posted by dethspud

Yeah, McCain will win N.H. Same moderate, different wife.

THANK YOU GOD -- Hillary lost!

Obama: "I will NOT have lobbyists in the White House or writing our legislation if I am elected President of The United States!"

Wow, it must be difficult to be 1/2 a step above the Bush administration.

Just found out the primary in my county won't even have Obama, Edwards, Biden, or Richardson.

And write-ins won't count for them either. You have to vote "uncommitted" and hope the delegates don't fuck you over. What a bunch of bullshit! I might stay home...last thing I want is my Uncommitted vote to go to hillary. UGH.

Here are our choices:

Hillary Clinton
Christopher Dodd
Mike Gravel
Dennis Kucinich
Uncommitted

"He's been an advocate for workers and the disenfranchised his whole life."

Really? What has he done in Congress? What's he saying on the campaign trail other than glittering generalities, i.e., mush?

I'll vote for him if he's the nominee, but without much enthusiasm.

WISGOD

I agree McCain will most likely win NH. Too many independent voters there. Huckabee may win SC if McCain doesn't win by a landslide in NH.

THANK YOU GOD -- Hillary lost!

Romney too.

If Obama wins the nomination he is going to be tough to stop -- but at least the Clinton era will finally be over for good.

I'd rather see Obama win the Presidency than Romeny or Hillary any day of the week.

At least he is talking about corporate power, which is more than one can say for Hillary or Obama.
Obama will do nothing to help the American worker and their wage.

What do you have to point to that Obama will harm the middle class? Edwards is talking a good game, but I think it's just talk.

I don't believe that Obama will support the NAU. If you have proof, please post it.

The winners tonight - Obama and Huckleberry - get it! America is desparately seeking out candidates that are looking to unite this country and to put an end to the divisiveness that has paralyzed the greatest nation on earth!

Romeney = Romney

Good God man, he spent 3 years after graduating with an Ivy League University HELPING workers. He's been an advocate for workers and the disenfranchised his whole life.

Let's see, when was the last IVY league graduate out to really help the American worker?

Yes, all harvard and yale graduates and their families did an honest days work and really know what it takes.

Really!

Bob, in my neck of the woods most people are much better off financially than they were 10 years ago. Bush is not my buddy but you can't blame everything bad that happens in this country on him. He's not a king. There are other people in other branches of the gov that are just as responsible for your issues. I know Edwards. It's all an act. That was why he was such a good lawyer. He will tell you anything to get what he wants. It's a show. He's good at it but it's not real. I'm a registered Dem. Only because of the local politics in NC.

Bill O

Why don't you check out BarackObama.com. Sounds like you don't know too much about him. For me, I haven't seen a candidate in my lifetime since Kennedy who has WORKED more for average Americans at the sacrifice of his own wealth, etc. than Obama. He put his Columbia and Harvard Law degrees to good use.

Me? I've been watching the candidates on CSPAN for weeks and reading up. I'm pretty familiar with most of their positions.

Obama is hands down the most 'regular' of any presidential candidate we've had in decades. He's not even a millionaire. Paid off his student loans only 2 years ago. I think he 'gets' us more than any of the other lead candidates. Edwards understands, but his years of being very wealthy have, I'm sure, somewhat disconnected him from the reality of the lives most of us live.

"I don't believe that Obama will support the NAU. If you have proof, please post it."

I don't believe that either, and didn't say that. Chris did. There will be no serious NAU proposal before Congress, despite the rantings of a few who predicted that it would be introduced last fall.

Congrats to rudy on his great performance in Iowa.

This is fun on here. Kinda like being right there at the caucuses ourselves!

Plus you can drink beer here.

None of them Causcus folk seemed to be enjoying no nicely cooled bevies.

Poor bastards!

Do we have any Drudgies in the Hawkeye state?

Spud cannae remember.

Be Well.

Man, the Des Moines Register poll was spot on about Obama's 7 point win.

AU - just wanted to pop in for a cyber HIGH FIVE!

That's one under our belt and some nice momentum heading to NH. Great nite!

Man, the Des Moines Register poll was spot on about Obama's 7 point win.

"Why don't you check out BarackObama.com. Sounds like you don't know too much about him."

I know enough. Like I said, I'll vote for him if he's the nominee, but without the delusions of some people who think he is some kind of knight in shining armor.

I'm glad that America has said loud and clear they do NOT want to continue the Bush/Clinton dynasties anymore.

SANTON

Ya, great night !!

I'm sure there will be sour grapes around here, but hey, the people voted and they picked Obama. That's democracy.

As Obama has said, at least the names George W Bush and Dick Cheney won't be on the ballot in 2008. THAT makes me happiest of all!

"Yes, all harvard and yale graduates and their families did an honest days work and really know what it takes.

Really!

Posted by moneywar"

Good God man, read a book, newspaper, or magazine article sometime and you might not look quite so clueless.

Do you really think Obama came from some spoiled rich entitlement background?

I'm glad that America has said loud and clear they do NOT want to continue the Bush/Clinton dynasties anymore.

Posted by CalifChris

Well said!

Ha! The Blog-god is change the headline fer the nth time this time giving Obama the top billing!

That'll teach them Bastards who try to insist that the mighty, mighty DR aint a lefty leaning site!

"Iowa Winners, Obama, Huckabee"

All praise the Drudge Gerbil and the blog-god.

We gif you thanx and praise.

Hell, Spud would even buy the blog-god a beer at this point.

Be Well.

PS: If (and When) Obama does become POTUS Spud wants to see the dancing banana brought back fer the celebrations!

What's wrong with John Edwards? Are Iowans idiots? He deserved way more than to only tie with Hillary.

Why are only 26,000 plus Iowans -- the number that voted for Huckabee -- picking the presidential nominees for the rest of the USA? Why Iowa?

'

We only get a Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK or a Reagan once in a generation.

Posted by vernon

Reagan? Give me a break-committed treason with the Iranians, made payoffs to dozens of terrorists and surrendered in Beirut. Oh yeah, ran up huge deficits doing that. Would have been impeached if his brain hadn't turned to mush.

Congrats to the Obamites.


What it means is by no means sure yet, but the turn-out at twice that of the Repubs is what Howard Dean emphasized; that we have good enough candidates to set new turnout records in Iowa.

I said early and often that I wished I were wrong about Obama's chances in a general election, and though liberal Iowa isn't exactly an acid test, maybe I am.

I hope so.

In the mean time, I still know that the only Dems that have won the WH twice in a row since the FDR Dems are the Clinton Dems.


We'll see, won't we?

"We only get a Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK or a Reagan once in a generation.

Posted by vernon"

If that's true, then we're due again, aren't we?

I know enough. Like I said, I'll vote for him if he's the nominee, but without the delusions of some people who think he is some kind of knight in shining armor.

Posted by Bill_OReilly

Having voted for well over 30 years I recognized Obama as a special type of politician: One who chose public service because he wanted to serve the public and not himself.

"Knight in shining armor"? Come on man. Who said that? I'm just glad that his life has been lived in service and not to enrich himself with money and power at every turn. He has that JFK quality about him. He can unite us - black, white, Christian, Muslim - and do a lot to restore our image to the rest of the world.

PS He was born when his mom was a teen, raised as a child of a white single parent from Kansas and her parents. He had to borrow the money to go to school, yet didn't choose the Ivory tower. How many can you say that of?

I guess your guy/gal didn't win. I'm sorry you're pissed. This is a good night for America.

PS MONEYWAR

I didn't vote in tonight's Iowa caucus. The people who got to hear all the candidates for months and ask them tough questions picked Obama and Huckabee.

PS MONEYWAR

I didn't vote in tonight's Iowa caucus. The people who got to hear all the candidates for months and ask them tough questions picked Obama and Huckabee.

We only get a Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK or a Reagan once in a generation.

The most popular presidents are the ones that are elected when the "Time" was right for them. The all have their faults, but if they accomplish one important thing that changes the world for the better they will be remembered.

Huckleberry is the surprise headliner, dunking non-Evangelicals and hitting 3-pointers with his eyes closed.

Bowa is going to have to 'splain to me again 'bout how the moderate wing of the Repub Party doesn't need Evangels anymore.

AU

As a registered independent -- the largest growing class of registered voters -- I would choose Obama as President over Romney or Huckabee in a NY minute. I did hope that Edwards would have won though. Does this now mean that Edwards isn't in the running anymore?

According to Michael Savage, the Iowa caucus picked the winner once out of 14 times, Bush Sr. The outcome is meaningless.

CC

It's gonna be tough for him to raise the kind of money for what amounts to a national campaign in a month. He put most of his eggs in the iowa basket.

I don't doubt if Obama wins the presidency he'd pass up the chance to have Edwards as part of his administration. I admire Edwards a lot BTW.

"Does this now mean that Edwards isn't in the running anymore?"

Absolutely not! He's in a tie with, or slightly ahead of Clinton and I think he remains a contender for NH, SC and probably through Super Gargantuan Ginormous Tuesday.

SANANTON

I've heard it referred to 'Tsunami Tuesday'. LOL

"Having voted for well over 30 years I recognized Obama as a special type of politician:"

Well, I've voted for over 35 years and I don't recognize anything particularly special about Obama. Sure, he's a good talker and charismatic, but if you listen to his speeches, he doesn't really say anything except feel-good mush.

"I guess your guy/gal didn't win. I'm sorry you're pissed."

No, I'm not pissed. I'm just trying to bring some reality to those of you who gush like teenage girls whenever Obama's name is mentioned.

Obama, Huckabee and McCain are the big winners.

I think Edwards and Thompson are done.

Huge loss for Romney.

Bad news for Hillary especially if she comes in 3rd.

The Old Sarge Said Obama Would Win. He A Black Man Won In A State That Is 97% White.

Good Job Iowa !!!

The American Heartland Has Spoken !!

-Sarge

BILL

Excuse me if I finally have a politician running for president who I feel really gives a shit about most of us.

Gushing? Hardly. There were those like you who were JFK naysayers too, yet in his short time in office he awed America into doing great things. Our whole generation benefitted from his youth and call to service.

According to Michael Savage, the Iowa caucus picked the winner once out of 14 times, Bush Sr. The outcome is meaningless.

I don't believe Savage quite has it right. Iowa has picked the nominees correctly 70% of the time. Since it's a primary, what they pick has little to do with who wins the Presidency. He's mixing statistics if he's alluded otherwise.

Welcome back, Bill!

(Warning: You have just become a NeoCon Corporate Whore with your totally politically incorrect behavior!)

Just sayin'.

"Well, I've voted for over 35 years and I don't recognize anything particularly special about Obama."

Well I've voted for over 36 years now and this will be my 10th Presidential election. And I most definitely see something special about Obama and am not ashamed to be excited about his candidacy.

"but if you listen to his speeches, he doesn't really say anything except feel-good mush."

I'm sorry that's what you hear, or choose to hear, but there is a whole lot more going on than "feel-good mush".

If you vote your pocket book then you don't want to be forced to buy health insurance, and if you are informed then you're tired of having people rotating from government to private industry and back and forth, etc.

So you do not vote Hillary.

Everyone knows that Obama represents a subtle but definite change that reduces the influence of corporations and lobbyists, while offering a conciliatory approach to the Middle East.

Well, the Jihadis most be contained or killed, but I don't want to kill someone just because they are Muslim. Or sitting on a big pool of oil. We have reserves so let's exploit them and nationalize the consumption but not the price.

By doing this our resources could be used to advance technologies that utilize solar radiation. If the summer are going to be 90 days of 100+ in Missourah those swamp rats down south are going to be drowning in their own sweat.

Not that I feel we own them any consideration, but either they drill the Gulf or they bear the worst of the climate change.

Wow, the "inevitable" Hillary must be pissed that she didn't get her coronation tonight and might even be beat by Edwards.

Obama, Huckabee and McCain are the big winners.

McCain? at 13% and below Thompson? He barely beat Ron Paul.

I'm not clear what you mean by McCain being a big winner.

"The man has promissed to end poverty by 2036!!!"

No, Norm. Let's not misrepresent his views. He stated that should be a national goal. And that is an extremely conservative timeline, by the way.

Why are only 26,000 plus Iowans -- the number that voted for Huckabee -- picking the presidential nominees for the rest of the USA? Why Iowa?

The presidential nominees were not chosen by Iowa tonight. The results tonight only serve to send an initial message that the country is ready for change. As much as I am energized by Obama's victory tonight, he has a long way to go to defeat Hillary Clinton. And I don't think that Mike Huckleberry in any way can feel as though he has the GOP nomination sewn up. McCain is surging and Guiliani is sitting on the beach in Florida waiting for the race to come to him.

I think Iowa serves as a very important vetting role in the way that candidates have to sell themselves face-to-face. I might prefer a small, state with a more diverse population than Iowa but, I believe the people in Iowa take their role very seriously and provide a valuable service to the electorate as a whole!

...but without the delusions of some people who think he is some kind of knight in shining armor.

Edwards doesn't have the charisma needed to lead.

He couldn't even carry North Carolina in 2004 when he ran with Kerry.

Seriously, think about THAT fer a sec and then come talk to Spud about delusions.

Spud has listened to Edwards stump-speak fer a while now and luffs wot he's saying but Spud realises that only Obama has the ability to build the typa following that will allow any of that stuff to actually happen.

Dethspud, despite being a largely imaginary talking 8 1/2 inch tall potato, is a realist.

Eyes. Wide. Open.

Obama '08.

Be Well.

PS: Spud wants Edwards involved in Obama's cabinet.

Quite frankly, Obama's gonna need someone like John Edwards around and if he can get the man himself that would save a lot of time looking around fer someone just like him.

All I can say again is the VERY white people, young and old, picked Obama as their choice tonight.

Again, I didn't vote tonight. Seems the people of Iowa who heard all the candidates multiple times in gatherings large and small the last several months picked Obama. The specifics of what his presidency would look like were made clear in the smaller meetings earlier on in the campaign in Q and A sessions. If he accomplishes his goal of ridding corporate influence on our government and nothing else America will be better off for decades. He did it in the Illionis legislature and in the Senate with Chuck Hagel too - the most comprehensive ethics reform since Watergate.

I haven't been enthusiastic about a presidential candidate since 1968, and he got killed. Am I excited? Sure. Gushing? Not with my education and age, thank you.

what a great night. Obama and Edwards bring it home. The hillary juggernaut stubs its toe. Rudy sucks, and the reps want HUCKABEE! Ahahahahaha!

Good stuff.

america is doomed

And I love the fact that shitt romney outspent suckabeet 15 to 1 and still lost.

Since it's a primary, what they pick has little to do with who wins the Presidency. He's mixing statistics if he's alluded otherwise.

Yav
I think he meant presidency. One loser I remember he mentioned who won Iowa was Mondale. We know he ran against Reagan.

IMO, this race is rigged in favor of Hillary to become president.

Is Bowa on suicide watch?

Predict the Clinton spin:

Well, the vast right wing conspiracy obviously influenced the results.

Not exactly Lisa. Bowa is brain dead.

I'm not clear what you mean by McCain being a big winner.

Like Rudy he skipped the straw poll...and like Rudy had written off the State -- so a 13% showing is a big win. I think he gets a good boost going into NH.

I think we need to look at the real message behind tonight's vote.

It was a CLEAR statement by Iowans -- and reflective of the rest of America -- that they no longer want the Bush/Clinton dynasty -- nor the same corporate toadys such Romney who is Bush-lite.

Obama beat Edwards tonight because he had a lot more millions behind him. Either way, the top winners tonight -- Obama, Edwards, Huckabee -- showed that America was yelling out for a change away from the past 20 years of Bush and Clinton rule.

Is Bowa on suicide watch?

Posted by Lisa at 2008-01-03 10:14

hahahaha -- FF for that one.

it's official..Edwards 2nd, and Hillary 3rd.

Where's Corky?

Is Bowa on suicide watch?

Posted by Lisa at 2008-01-03 10:14

Thief!

"The man has promissed to end poverty by 2036!!!"


How long has the war on poverty going on. The so called poor today are rich compaired to the poor 50 years ago. If you have a cell phone or a TV you are not poor! I know people who didn't have running water in the 1970s. They were poor. Unless you "choose" to live on the street you can do more in this country than in any other.

PS: Spud wants Edwards involved in Obama's cabinet.

Yeah that's fine. Make Edwards HUD secretary.

"Corporate greed has a stranglehold on America".

John Edwards tonight in Iowa.

Strewth!

When will Obama say something so obviously true?

Dethspud, despite being a largely imaginary talking 8 1/2 inch tall potato, is a realist.

A human who describes himself as an 8.5" talking potato is a realist.

Interesting indeed.

It's gonna be a very exciting month until we know who the nominees will be.

My wife and I were both glad to see Obama and Edwards do so well.

Mitt Romney is a spoiled rich boy born on third base. His dad was CEO of American Motors and then 3 term governor of Michigan. He doesn't have a clue about US.

Either way, I think this election will be good for the American people. We're showing that we DO have a voice and don't want people telling us who our nominees will be based on their name recognition or campaign warchest.

The American Heartland Has Spoken !!

-Sarge

Sir, Yes Sir!

Woo Hoo!!

Sarge is back in blog-town!!

Howsit going there, Sarge?

Spud is enjoyin' a victory beer whilst drudgin' over a hot retort.

Not too shabby fer the guy from Chicago, eh?

The Geritol set can't abide Obama but everyone not on the prune juice seems to luff 'em and are responding well to his words.

His is a hopeful and thoughtful campaign.

After almost eight eight years of a hopeless and thoughtless BushCo it makes a nice change.

Real nice, in fact. ^_^

Hope yer keeping out of trouble.

Be Well.

Women were 57 to 43 of the vote, but split 35 - 30 -30 for Obama, almost the same as the general vote.

Which is scientific proof of what was once black male mythology.

Matthews noted that black men got the vote (theoretically anyway) decades before white women did. Misogyny being just another myth, one supposes.


btw, when will Chris Matthews and Obama finally "get a room"?

Where the heck is Bowa?

Posted by coyote at 2007-12-15 10:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

On suicide watch.

Posted by Alexandrite at 2007-12-15 10:38 PM | Reply | Flag:

"On suicide watch."

LOL

FF for Alex

Posted by Lisa at 2007-12-15 10:41 PM | Reply | Flag

: p

It's gonna be a very exciting month until we know who the nominees will be.

My wife and I were both glad to see Obama and Edwards do so well.

Mitt Romney is a spoiled rich boy born on third base. His dad was CEO of American Motors and then 3 term governor of Michigan. He doesn't have a clue about US.

Either way, I think this election will be good for the American people. We're showing that we DO have a voice and don't want people telling us who our nominees will be based on their name recognition or campaign warchest.

Is Bowa on suicide watch?

Posted by Lisa


No, but I am listening to Edwards on Fox now and it's so depressing that if I continue liestening, I'll be on suicide watch.

Oy vey! I know things are not great, but this guy is depressing!

"Thief!"

HUH??

10:20 PM Lisa. = P

Obama would make a great VP candidate for Edwards.

"Oy vey! I know things are not great, but this guy is depressing!"

Yeah, it's so depressing that there is at least one candidate that talks about the pink elephant in the room, the most important issue, the domination of the economy, culture, and politics by corporate America.

According to Michael Savage, the Iowa caucus picked the winner once out of 14 times, Bush Sr. The outcome is meaningless.

Posted by Ray at 2008-01-03 10:01 PM

Correctamundo Ray--

I give thumbs up to Obama--this could get him the momemtum he needs to beat the Clinton machine. I woulnd't count her out.

Now for the Repubs--they are all over the place--Huckaheehaw is not going to win NH--not MI or SC--or FL. Pick a candidate--because each state will likely be a different winner on the Repub side..

And now that depressing Edwards is giving his speech--claiming 2nd place. Gosh he is depressing..

Edwards is likely done..

I would love to hear Hillary--screeching and slamming something to the ground...

She is not the agent of change--Obama is--even though she is a woman--she is a Clinton first and there is no change in Clinton..

Murphy

"On suicide watch."

Posted by Alexandrite

I'm sorry. I didn't read any posts...just started to smart off.

RCADE can delete my comment.

Bill O

You're doing a great job emulating your namesake!!

Obama's been talking for years about eliminating the stranglehold corporations have had on our national agenda and government.

He's the only candidate who actually PASSED reform - twice.

Edwards and Obama have very similar views.

THIS night, I'm not getting into these kind of arguments. I'm just glad SO many people showed up - a record number - to make their voices heard in Iowa.

I'm curious about Caucus delegates?

Can anyone give me a brief explanation of the precincts and how the delegates are assigned?

Hi Spud !
Thanks, I hope all is going well for you. Well O see it is finally time for CHANGE !!!

-Sarge

RCADE can delete my comment.

Posted by Lisa at 2008-01-03 10:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

I was joking! If I start flagging somebody it aint gonna be you, lisa.

Here is Hillary with Billy and is that Madeline Albright behind Hillary???





Murphy

GUS

They voted for delegates to go to the state convention based on the voting results in each precinct after the vote was over.

"Edwards doesn't have the charisma needed to lead."

In your opinion. I just watched him. He's got plenty of charisma, and unlike Obama, he doesn't spout feel-good glittering generalities.

What the hell is she talking about.

"Wow, the "inevitable" Hillary must be pissed that she didn't get her coronation tonight and might even be beat by Edwards."

Wheeeeerrrrreeeeeesssss Rrrrruuuuuudddddyyyyy???

One thing is certain. Come November, Americans will have elected another complete moron for president.

Get ready for it Murph...


EDWARDS FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

Bill O

If I was as full of sour grapes as you are I could say something about Edwards like, 'He talks like every other garden variety populist", but I won't. He obviously feels impassioned about his stances.

Man, did you eat lemons for dinner or something?

Geez Bowa, whatcha gonna do with all those Rudy thongs??

One thing is certain. Come November, Americans will have elected another complete moron for president.

Posted by Ray


Amen to that...

One thing is certain. Come November, Americans will have elected another complete moron for president.

Posted by Ray


Amen to that...

so each precinct elects its own "winner", and the state convention is what assigns delegates for the national event?

Or are delegates assigned by overall percentages of the entire state?

is it different between republicans and democrats?

Does huckabee winning with 34% give him 15 delegates and the three RNC delegates, all 37 delegates and the 3 RNC delegates, or are the 3 RNC delegates independent voters no matter what?

IS it possible to get 34% of the vote and still coem out with less delegates depending on precinct breakdown?

I probably should have researched this before tonight, I was just never that interested in Iowas Caucuses....

She is not the change for the country--SHe lists her pandering--she doesn't care..

And Mitt is in real trouble...

Murphy

Never mind that Obama voted to re-authorize the repressive PATRIOT Act.

Never mind that Obama voted for a business-friendly "tort reform" bill that rolls back working peoples' ability to obtain reasonable redress and compensation from misbehaving corporations

Never mind that Obama (consistent with Brooks's description of him) has lent his support to the aptly named Hamilton Project, formed by corporate-neoliberal Citigroup chair Robert Rubin and "other Wall Street Democrats" to counter populist rebellion against corporatist tendencies within the Democratic Party

so each precinct elects its own "winner", and the state convention is what assigns delegates for the national event?

Or are delegates assigned by overall percentages of the entire state?

is it different between republicans and democrats?

Does huckabee winning with 34% give him 15 delegates and the three RNC delegates, all 37 delegates and the 3 RNC delegates, or are the 3 RNC delegates independent voters no matter what?

IS it possible to get 34% of the vote and still coem out with less delegates depending on precinct breakdown?

I probably should have researched this before tonight, I was just never that interested in Iowas Caucuses....

I love hearing these also-rans like Hillary and Edwards make "victory" speeches and spin like crazy to try to deflect their loss.

Can't wait to hear Romney.

Apparently Dodd is out.

Ron Paul beat Rudy... now that is cool!

And Obama beat Clinton and Edwards. I think we have a race gentle people!

OZARK

Love the idea of AG!! Or the VP slot.

He'd take on everyone like RFK did. Gloves off with the people behind him.

What happened to Ron Paul?

One thing is certain. Come November, Americans will have elected another complete moron for president.

Posted by Ray

It's kind of an american tradition.

"Ron Paul beat Rudy... now that is cool!"

To be fair, Rudy did not campaign in Iowa.

I am glad RP is getting 10%, but I thought he would do better. Damn, he can't even beat Thompson.

IS it possible to get 34% of the vote and still coem out with less delegates depending on precinct breakdown?

I don't think the actual delegate count matters -- Iowa doesn't have that many anyway-- it's all about building momentum into NH, SC, and then all the bigger states.

GUS

Delegates are appropriated based on what percentage their candidate won in that precinct. Only candidates who got 15% or more got delegates.

Thanks American :)

One thing is certain. Come November, Americans will have elected another complete moron for president.

RAY

The COMPLETE moron won in 2000 and 2004. You voted for him didn't you? Shame on you. What a mess he's left to clean up - as usual.

Huckaheehaw giving his speech--look there's Chuck--the answer to securing the borders!

Mitt didn't stand a chance being Mormon I guess. And those negative ads just don't work.

And they are not working in NH against McCain either--he's going to lose there too.



Murphy

"Ron Paul beat Rudy... now that is cool!"

That's embarrassing for Rudy ...I'm sure he would have liked McCain's numbers tonight.

But Huckabee's win at least plays into his overall strategy...a Romney win would have really hurt.

zmag.org? Who the fuck are they? Last mag in the phone book?

And now that depressing Edwards is giving his speech--claiming 2nd place. Gosh he is depressing..

~Murphy

Oy vey! I know things are not great, but this guy is depressing!

~Member

Spud just caught Edwards talking to the Carpenters Union.

Spud didn't find it depressing in the least.

Edwards speaks important truths that America really needs to hear.

The difference between the "don't worry be happy" spin from the right, the MSM's rose colored view of things and the realities on the ground as most people see and experience them have gotten too large.

America is having it's Matrix Moment.

It's Saul on the Road to Damascus epiphany.

Real change is desperately needed like YESTERDAY.

That sed, Edwards does not project the kind of "Morning in America" optimism that is also needed to lead the country.

Obama does.

Obama recognises the real need for change and he is ready, willing and able to do something about it.

Something good!

Edwards and Obama are on the same page and they will both work together to get things done when Obama is elected POTUS.

Spud appreciates Bill and Hillaries contribution both to America and the Democratic party.

That sed, Hillary represent the past and Obama represents the future.

THAT came through loud and clear tonight.

Hi Spud !
Thanks, I hope all is going well for you. Well O see it is finally time for CHANGE !!!

-Sarge

Damn straight!

Obama is the much needed agent for change that many in America have been hoping and praying for.

Michelle is a wonderment!

Even the kids is cute as button.

Hope is the one thing the human soul cannot do without.

Obama brings that hope and soon.

Is Spud well?

Spud is better than well right now!

Ta fer askin'.

Be Well.

zmag.org? Who the fuck are they? Last mag in the phone book? German?

Unity he won't run VP. Richardson better.

Atty Gen

Let him rape the corporations for every misdeed while Obama smiles and asks everyone to be good hereafter and evermore. But...

You have to cut out the banks. And the only one I see who is willing to that is Ron Paul.

I'll take a bandaid when I need stitches if that's the best I can do.

About the border:

Legislation was passed in Congress appropriating the money to build a fence across the entire southern U.S. border. Ask W why only 70 miles have been built. He's had control of those purse strings, but decided Homeland Security would arm Wyomingians against a potential Al Qaeda attack instead.

"zmag.org? Who the fuck are they? Last mag in the phone book?"

Well, you're certainly not going to read there what you read on barackobama.com. But if you're only interested in points of view that conform to your own, better stay away from Zmag.

Bill O

I'll stick to sources I've at least heard of before. I would have read it had you been less sour grapes about Obama. He DID win tonight in one of the whitest states in the U.S. didn't he?

Well, I have to admit...Huckabee is a very likeable guy. It will be interesting to see what happens in NH.

UPDATE

Per CNN - Obama to speak on tv in just a few minutes from his headquarters.

To be fair, Rudy did not campaign in Iowa.


Yes, he did. He just stopped when his numbers kept plummeting.

Oy Gott.

Obama vs. Huckabee- the ONE combination of candidates that would assure a Republican win.

By the time Rove gets through with Obama (you think ol' Karl really gave a flyin' fuck about his family like he said when he left the White House?), Obama's gonna think John Kerry got off light.

I am glad RP is getting 10%, but I thought he would do better. Damn, he can't even beat Thompson.

Posted by member2586 at 2008-01-03 10:38 PM

I think Ron Paul will do better as more folks listen to his message and compare that with what Thompson has said and done.


Now the real race begins and I like the starting positions. There are real lessons in there for all the candidates.

I like it that Edwards beat Clinton too. If she really wants to be President she best get that stick out her butt and get real...real fast.

So what does it mean that Rudy didn't "campaign" in Iowa? Don't they have the internet in Iowa?

Does that mean he is not running for President in Iowa?

Thats funny to me cause he sucks whether he campaigns or not!

Go Obama! Obama gonna make Hillary a real girl again! If she can figure out how to shrink her nose back down to normal size!

Ron Paul will have to get used to that number 10%--because that will his share at each and every primary--10%.

He has a message and loads of money--but only 10%.

That is his ceiling..


If Obama is real--he'll win NH. We'll have to see..


Murphy

Dodd dropped out.

Edwards 30%, Clinton 29% with 97% reporting.

According to MSNBC.

CNN is still reporting Richardson with 2% and Biden with 1%. Don't those votes have to go to one of the top 3 still?

Edwards is a real progressive Dem who has lots to give to his country and his Party, as do all the the Dems candidates, not just the top three.

Richardson could be on any one's ticket/Cabinet, or he could be the next Sen from NM, if he wants.

Isn't this the place all the pundits said Hillary wanted to be?

This way she can remove the "appointed from on high" crown that has seemed to turn away many potential voters?

Obama 38% Edwards 30%, Clinton 29% with 97% reporting.

My wife and I are relieved Hillary's getting a run for her money. Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton woudl just be a tad too much. But, if she wins we'll vote for her. Either way we'll have competent leadership in the WH. I can't see how a GOP candidate is going to win this year. Besides the usual 'change' feelings after 8 years of one party, there's the egregious and inept 'rule' of W.

Our memories are at least as long as an elephants.

Norm,

No. If a candidate wins more than 15% at a district level, the delegate/vote is awarded.

Repub numbs:

Romney
25%
Thompson
13%
McCain
13%
Paul
10%
Giuliani
4%
Hunter
1%

Alright boys and girlZ, lads and lasses time fer the braggin rights portion of the programme to commence.

First off Shoutout to AU fer calling the winners right off the bat.

Here's the top 5 in both camps

Obama 38
Edwards 30
Clinton 29
Richardson 2
Biden 1

Huckster 34
Romulan 25
McWalnutZ 14
Thompscum 13
Ron Paul 10

Now... who sed wot let's start wif the blog-god precictions shall we?

My predictions: Obama, Edwards, Clinton, Biden in that order for the Dems; Romney, Huckabee, McCain, Paul for the Repubs

Damn that guy is gooood.

Note fer note except fer Richardson 2% on the Dem side.

Got Mittens and Huckster reversed but other than that he was pretty good except fer fergittin' about Thompson the Trophy wife hunter.

Spud finds Well Fed Fred eminently fergetable too so that's understandable.

Wot did the Cagey Apiarist say?

Edwards 25
Obama 24
Clinton 20
Biden 10

Huckabee 28
Romney 25
Paul 18
Thompson 12

Pretty respectable, got Edwards and Obama reversed but nailed Huck and Romney. A little overly optimistic on RP though.

Wot was Murphy's take again?...

Romney
Hucka hee-haw
Thompson or McCain

Obama
Edwards
Clinton

Reversed Romney and Huckster.

Nailed the Dems. Good eye Murph!

Now fer Spud...

Obama 28
Edwards 24
Clinton 22
Biden 17

Huckabee 25
Romney 22
Paul 20
Rudy 16
Thompson 14

Okay Spud nailed the Dems with the exception of fergittin about Richardson.

Spud was overly optimistic about Paul and Rudeboy and gave waaay too little credit to McCain's machine.

Other than that?

Damn we're good!

Drudge Retort in the mutha fuggin' Hiz-ouse all you pro pundit peoples.

Believe!

Be Well.

PS: Obama/Biden '08!

PPS: WOO HOO!!!

-Isn't this the place all the pundits said Hillary wanted to be?

Oh damn! Someone noticed.

CNN is still reporting Richardson with 2% and Biden with 1%. Don't those votes have to go to one of the top 3 still?

Posted by Norm

No. They got those delegates by winning at least 15% in one or more caucuses. The 'winnowing out' of candidates below 15% is done on a precinct by precinct level.
This is the first time I've ever followed the Iowa caucus myself. Had to figure it out too LOL

CNN is still reporting Richardson with 2% and Biden with 1%. Don't those votes have to go to one of the top 3 still?

Posted by Norm

No. They got those delegates by winning at least 15% in one or more caucuses. The 'winnowing out' of candidates below 15% is done on a precinct by precinct level.
This is the first time I've ever followed the Iowa caucus myself. Had to figure it out too LOL

Be Back Barack on now.

PS Michelle Obama is incredibly smart and as good an orator as Barack. Princeton undergrad and Harvard Law Degree.

He dad had MS and worked in a factory. Another unlikely success story.

PS Michelle Obama is incredibly smart and as good an orator as Barack. Princeton undergrad and Harvard Law Degree.


Well, at least she is not annoying like Elizabeth Edwards.

Obama's speech is at least not depressing like Edward's.

"I'll stick to sources I've at least heard of before. I would have read it had you been less sour grapes about Obama. "

Again, what sour grapes? All I point out is that Obama isn't a saint and you true believers get all upset. Sheesh.

rethuglicans the walls are closing in and the democrats will remain in power for the next millennium.

Well, it could be worse, at least I am not a Hunter supporter LOL!

Drudge Retort in the mutha fuggin' Hiz-ouse all you pro pundit peoples.

FF! Spud you mashed it taterman! I expected nothing less from RCADE but it takes bravery to put yourslef out there and you all had it!

Good job!

You had a little wishful thinking going on there for Ron Paul I see.


and remember even though Obama done good according to Wiki

Although only about one percent of the nation's delegates are chosen by the Iowa state convention, the initial caucus has served as an early indication of which candidates for President might win the nomination of their political party at that party's national convention.

Hillary is a tough gal so never count her out and remember she has Bill in her pocket ...hopefully.

Thing is I don't think we can take anymore of either the Clinton's or Bush's.

We'll see. Let's hope Obama don't fumble the ball now.

Geez Obama is good on platitudes--""This was the moment when it all began""

I like his wife.

I don't agree with much of anything he wants--


Murphy

Fair enough

Rudy beats Hunter!
Rudy beats Hunter!
Rudy beats Hunter!

Bowa

Again, what sour grapes? All I point out is that Obama isn't a saint and you true believers get all upset

BILL O

You were kinda snarky. "Gushing" etc.

Come one man. I'm gonna be happy for one night at least. Even you can't ruin it LOL

Biden's dropped out.

Sorry, Rogers.

Well, it could be worse, at least I am not a Hunter supporter LOL!

Posted by member2586

Ya. On my side all the Gravel (who?) supporters are crushed. LOL

FF

NG!

Well, it could be worse, at least I am not a Hunter supporter LOL!

Posted by member2586

Ya. On my side all the Gravel (who?) supporters are crushed. LOL

Well, it could be worse, at least I am not a Hunter supporter LOL!

Posted by member2586

Ya. On my side all the Gravel (who?) supporters are crushed. LOL

Reports are over 230,000 turned out for the Democratic caucus alone. Twice the number of the whole caucus in 2000 and 2004. We DO care. That's the best part no matter which side of the aisle.

AMERICANUNITY LOL!

FF!

OZ--

Yeah--I do like Hunter--and this was his first time running. His son is going to win his Dad's seat in the Fall. Maybe leading to his son to run for President someday.

I like Hunter because he's a straight talker. And because he is my Congressman.

I went with my daughter on the 8th grade trip to Wash DC and NY a couple of years ago.

I got volunteered to try and get us into the WH tour. They had been closed and this was the first year they would reopen.

I called and called and emailed and emailed folks--Boxer--Feinstein--no help--got the voice mail and no return calls.

So I turned to Hunter--and his office came through--The tour was full for the time we were going--and this was 7 months ahead of the date! We have 110 people going.

Hunter's office got 97 of us in the WH when another group(s) dropped out. We learned the schedule about one month before we left. Made many people very happy..

That's why I like him.

Murphy

Holy Mother of God!

If you just missed Obama's speech in Iowa then you better hope you know someone who taped it cos it was good.

Spud means REALLY FUGGIN' GOOD!

Spud is a realist.
Spud is a clear eyed optimist.
Spud know all the terrible things that need fixing.

Obama's speech just lifted Spud up to a place where Spud could see those much needed changes not as an abstract "maybe one of these day's" typa thing.

But. As. Reality.

It made Reagan's "Morning in America" speech look like a fucking cigarette commercial by a b-list actor.

It was a Zeitgeist Moment.

It was Important.

Ordinarily, when Spud is listen to a political speech, part of Spud's brain is countering it or sneering at selected parts of it or questioning it at the very least.

Not. This. Time.

Unless someone assasinates him, Barack Obama IS gonna be the next President of the United States of America.

And Spud couldn't be happier.

That purely rawked.

Not one wrong note was struck.

He's the real deal.

He's the Man!

He's the Tiger Woods of Politics.

Now watch him as he hits this drive!

Woo Hoo!

Believe.

Obama/ Biden '08.

Be Well.

PS: Damn it! Now Spud is pissed he didn't tape it.

Spud could feel the Hope pouring out of that room in Iowa in waves, in solid sheets.

Felt good.

"Come one man. I'm gonna be happy for one night at least. Even you can't ruin it LOL"

I'm not trying to ruin it. Enjoy your victory. And you can keep gushing.:) And I'll keep trying to toss cold water in your face. Deal?

Thanks Member. Gravel provided some comic relief on the Dem side didn't he?

it's gonna be an exciting year. No matter who is elected at least we'll have a president who can put a cohesive sentence together and doesn't start wars not knowing the difference between Shiite and Sunni in a country he's going to invade - even after over a year in office with Iraq as a primary topic of discussion since day one.

Coupled with the fact he didn't know which of our allies had presidents or prime ministers, how the rightie tighties throw "he doesn't have foreign policy experience' around regarding Edwards and Obama, or Huckabee for that matter, leaves me shaking my head at how gullible and blindsighted some people are.

Completely enjoyed Obama's speech. One of the best I've heard in a while.

I think our government is dead. With oil reaching $100/barrel and Exxon etc posting record profits-yet again, and the common wo/man being able say "One trillion dollars" in regards to war monies ... well, that money-power-greed and smallness isn't going to go away too easy. "Go and have your Caucus, we'll tell you who's filling our coffers in Novemeber."-so to speak.

So, who will be the anti-Huckabee? Will it be McCain?

340,000 turned out. A massive record in Iowa.

We REALLY do care about our democracy!!

Isn't this the place all the pundits said Hillary wanted to be?

~Gusto Gus

Oh damn! Someone noticed.

~Corky.

I meant to do that!

~Pee Wee Herman.

Catch that speech, Corky?

Hill is done.

Be Well.

Murphy

I liked Duncan Hunter a lot too. He's a good man. Just didn't have the $$$$$ behind him. He's a Congressman here in Southern California so I'd heard a lot about him prior to his running for prez.

The only one good thing about Huck winning is that he can continue to talking abou the fairtax.

If he had lost, you can bet people would be saying that it was a vote against the fairtax.

Mccains problem is more then likely RP in NH. Paul took the majority of the independent vote in Iowa, Mccain came in 2nd. This plays big in NH where if your splitting the independent vote, your giving someone like Romney a much bigger jump.


NH will be interesting...

So, who will be the anti-Huckabee? Will it be McCain?

Posted by member2586

Probably so I think.

340,000 turned out. A massive record in Iowa.

We REALLY do care about our democracy!!

~American Unity

Damn straight!

Not Blue States.

Not Red States.

But the United States of America.

Brick by Brick.

Time to build America up.

Time to stop tearing each other down.

Time to reject the politics of fear and divisiveness.

Time to embrace the politics of Hope and Unity.

Has Spud ever stopped to tell ya wot a supa-cool nom de blog you haff chosen fer yerself, American Unity?

Cos Spud thinks it's pretty swell!

Be Well.

Nightline reports Obama won all catagories by a wide margin: Women, seniors, hispanics, independents, and first time voters.

That's why I like him.

Murphy

Fair Enough.


I don't agree with Paul at 10% in NH.

Had Family in Vermont. Flinty Folks who like what he has to say. It's that crisp air that invigorates the spirit. I liked Connecticut. Home to the Yankee Millworks. SubBase New London and Electric Boat. Lobster and Cherry Stone Clams on the wharf.

NH Granite. I was quite taken with it. Same for Hampton Beach. Ron Paul might just win New Hampshire, or second to McCain.

Record numbers on both sides--

Obama gets a huge thumbs up--he beat HIllary in every category--Women, Independants, People under 30--Wow!

Hillary is not the agent of change--her vote in Iraq was the losing pill and her last name..

As for the Repubs--they are all over the place and no "winner" in sight until Feb 5th super duper primary. I think there are 20 or 29 states voting that day.

McCain in NH, Thompson in SC, Rudy in FL, Mitt might get MI, and Who knows about NV?? Have to check the polls..

Mitt is the big loser--millions of dollars and second place to show for it.

I don't see Huck winning anywhere else. I could be wrong--been there before. He does have the "change" lingo like Obama does. He is not a conservative though--not fiscally. He bugs me and I don't know what it is.

Murphy

Funny thing, check out the vote percentages of people angry with Bush....

Over 50% of Ron Paul voters are angry with Bush while over a third of Huckster fanatics are "enthusiastic" about the shit-heel.

Sad but hardly surprising.

If yer not upset at teh shitstorm of fuckups that has been the BushCo presidency then you aint paying attention.

Ron Paul's people are obviously paying attention.