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Edited on Fri Jan-04-08 03:27 AM by FrenchieCat
In the game of politics, Obama made his move this eve that put his Democratic and Republican opponents in Check. Certainly, it is not Checkmate yet, but it may be soon.
What Obama did tonight was to show his opponents something that most of us hadn't counted on. Obama turned out voters in Iowa in numbers that made his opponents realize that Obama is bound for the history books, one way or another.
The waves of new voters, many of them the (so called undependable) youth, although often discussed by the media, showed up at the right time and stayed on cue. They did not simply show up to vote, they showed up to caucus; something that requires that much more time and determination. The Iowa caucuses have been known for the exclusivity to those who "invest" themselves in their politics. Tonight, thousands showed up to participate for the first time in having their say. This feat, that we will appreciated the more we think about it, and as we see it repeated over and over again in other primary states, has made many finally see the profound effect this articulate quiet warrior could have in our electoral politics, and for the Democratic party.
Not only did Obama showed evidence of his moniker, "The Agent of Change" by changing the landscape of the Iowa caucuses, he showed that he could deliver. Iowa caucus statistics are proof that what Obama did was not simply talk; he inspired to action.
Certainly, the game will go on, and it will be interesting to see just how well Obama does next week, and on from there....but if anyone were to ask, what kind of change is this Obama supposed to be about?...make sure you point to the additional 118,000+ Iowans that turned out on a freezing day in very early January, right after a national holiday, when all of the Football games were on the TeeVee....to come and caucus. And make sure to note that those numbers were almost twice as many as had shown up to caucus just 4 short years ago when we were all raging mad and demanding an end to Bush's unelected term. Reasons to vote against Bush in 2004 were many, but reasons to vote for Obama in 2008 will be even better, cause that is how we can win.
I Can't wait to be able to say, checkmate; game over.
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