Reply #15: I think that this is a wise decision for a couple of reasons..... [View All]

Getting voters out is an art of leadership.......

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.

so that we can win a large majority......in both houses of congress...

and then he ends the Iraq War
Gives us health Care
appoint rational nominees to the FCC
Close corporate loopholes
investigates what happened that led to war in Iraq
Talk to countries that we are currently not talking to
work to reform our electronic voting system.....to make sure that there is a paper ballot
Appoint progressive Supreme court justices....

and on and on and on........

And so, it is not simply what he's gonna do, it's the fact that he will be able to get it done, instead of shouting about what needs to change from the bleachers!

When you can't get elected, you can't change shit.
Obama showed tonight how he can get that done....

When I compared Obama's and Edwards' speech...... I heard Obama speaking about we the people and how we can change what is broken, and what America could be and should be. He spoke of being the person that could help us find our way, and that he had the wherewithall to get it done (like when he mentioned his work on healthcare in Illinois) solve those issues. He also spent time thanking his many volunteers and recognizing their hard work, noting that he understand what it takes, cause that is where he started (community activism and the vote project). No, he didn't give a policy rundown, but none of them did. He inspired by proposing to lead with the attitude that we are all in this together...and then enumerated as to what the goals we could reach (a better future for our children, a cleaner earth for them, energy efficiency, etc...) based on the attitude that we should adopt as Americans.

In contrast, I saw Edwards speaking about all of the problems that plague America (don't think he mentioned Iraq) giving us a few tear jerking detailed examples (the girl who died, etc...)but only offered meager solutions...saying instead that we would do this, without any other specifics whatsoever.

Barack's was inspirational because it made you understand that the future is now, and that anything is possible when we work together. Edwards' speech for me was much more of a downer....because he focused on the problems for longer than he did in lifting us up as to what the solutions might be.

Barack's speech was more visionary, IMO. Plus, I like Obama's mannerism much more. He appeared more authentic, serious, confident and calm, and in control. With Edwards, it appears that the microphones were as important as the audience....as he kept adjusting them in an odd manicured way.

The fact that Edwards didn't bother to congratulate Obama was not one of his best decision as it only showcase that he hates to lose. And the fact that he actually didn't bother to thank those who worked for him there in Iowa, including Unions was quite surprising.

Anyway....guess that why I'm an Obama supporter, hey? :hi:

ps. Plus Edwards has a funding problem that nothing can cure....even if he won the primary. He can only spend 51 million....of which he has already spent 1/2...and he would be forced, by law, to wait until August 29th before any more funding would come his way. He'll be out of money by super tuesday, and then would still have to hold up with virtually nothing through the rest of the winter, spring and the summer. Kerry spent 241 million in his primary, and george Bush who was uncontested spent 255 Million attacking Kerry.

http://www.rollingstone.com/nationalaffairs/index.php/2007/09/28/trippi-oping-out-of-public-financing-would-leave-nominee-like-dukakis-getting-the-living-shit-kicked-out-of-him-all-summer-long

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/72335 /

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/10/2/125557/813

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/10/1/19133/0902