If Obama is our nominee we will make huge gains in both houses of congress

Obama is bringing out new voters across the board. Just look at Iowa where 17-29 year olds turned out just as much as 65+. They came out for Obama because young people will vote when they have a candidate that energizes them. Obama is that candidate, and when they come out to vote for him in the general, they will also vote for a senate, and congress. We will have an influx of new Democrats.

Now the base. What has traditionally been our best demographic? African Americans. In SC, we were expecting a turn out of about 350,000. 500,000 Democrats turned out, 53% of which, were African American. Obama brings out the base.

Not only does Obama bring out our base better than any other candidate. He energizes a new voting block - a voting block he dominates.

All of these new voters will not only vote for President - but County Commission and on up to US Senate.

The numbers don't lie. Folks are fired up about this guy.

We need to capitalize on this chance.

the same is true of Clinton and Edwards.

not even close.

Nothing against them. I like them both, but to say that they have done the same as Barack has regarding the youth is kinda absurd.

nobody has a crystal ball.

Obama kills in the 17-29 bracket. It is his bread and butter.

from a primary to the GE.

way more turn out for the GE. If he brings them out for the primary the numbers will be astronomical in the GE.

I think there's lots of numbers at play, and one can pick and choose them to make almost any point you want.

The GE is a long time away. I believe we will make big strides no matter who our candidate is.

To think that Clinton can attract that new demographic is insane. All the results so far have shown just the opposite.

But I initially thought you were trying to post a positive thread. Now I see it was just a slam against Clinton. You have a good day.

No - this was about how Barack Obama brings out not only the base but also a new demographic that we have never tapped into. But you tired to say that the same applied to Clinton, and it simply does not. And now, I am slamming Clinton.

I think there's lots of numbers at play, and one can pick and choose them to make almost any point you want.

The GE is a long time away. I believe we will make big strides no matter who our candidate is.

on the flip side I thnk nominating Clinton will hurt us down ballot. At this point I'd settle for maintaining and expanding our H & S majorities because I think McCain will be the next president.

thrilled about the idea of one party controlling the government.

I know I've read polls which indicate if one party controls the White House, people want the other party to control congress as a checks and balance measure.

"a working majority"

buy into that.

I frankly don't think the many racists on the right will be interested in working with a black man.

did you notice the number of GOP Congressman who are retiring?

WAY higher than Dems - we're likely to make gains no matter what...

although Nancy and Harry haven't done too much to help us out this past year and it doesn't look like they are doing much better so far this year...

better start worrying. The CHANGE tidal wave is coming and many Dems may get swept out to sea!

They don't want to get drafted and sent to Iran.

true though.

... for the huge base turnouts. That ignores the historic turnout for women, and the huge disgust with the Republicans.

I don't think it is wise to go into the GE with mere hope for the best. The likeliest scenario is that whoever wins will be faced with crucial debates, and at least one major stumble.

Would Barack have huge coattails if he did well enough in the debates to beat McCain and faced no major stumbles in his own campaign? Of course, but that is irrelevant, because that is not what is going to happen.

I think Hillary is much better suited to beat up McCain and make his ears steam in debate than Barack. I think that both Hillary and Barack are going to see some major attacks by the Republicans and both will see breaches. However, I think Hillary is more resilient and prepared for the attacks.

Bottom line, to have coattails, you have to win. I think the person most likely to win is Hillary. And I definitely think she will bring out women in historic numbers. A huge percentage of the population in historic numbers.

The only concern is whether the youth vote holds up or not. History is not on your side, but maybe this year is the time that the under 35 crowd finally gets off its rear and participates. Perhaps the whispers of a draft are finally motivating people.

regardless of who runs. I doubt Obama will have much effect at all (if by some miracle he wins the nomination).

all those votes he got from republicans, even some republicans in S.C. according to the Charlotte Observer, they will be at the polls laughing their ssa off.