Obama's victory
As sour a pill as it may have been for Hillary Clinton to swallow, Barack Obama's stunning victory in the Iowa Caucuses says a lot of good things about Obama and about America.
Obama won in a state that is 90-plus percent white. That means he effectively tailored a campaign message that transcends race -- that he spoke to concerns that cut across racial lines. He is clearly a different breed of candidate from Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton; for Obama race was an issue, but not THE issue.
He also beat Clinton among female voters.
His victory also means that many Iowans looked past race in their choice of a candidate.
And it may signal a genuine hunger among voters for a significant change in Washington.
By contrast, Hillary's contradictory message of being experienced yet a new voice -- an inside outsider, if you will -- is a tough line to toe.
Ironically, Obama's toughest sell could be among some black voters, many of whom are torn between him and Clinton. And some of whom are reluctant to vote for Obama because they fear he can't win. (South Carolina seems a prime example of that problem for him.)
But those voters underestimate their formidable power. And they underestimate Obama's broad appeal.
Comments (3)
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I like Obama and his message. I really haven't decided if I 'll actually vote for him. I do have a question for you Mr. Johnson. Now, you're probably a little older than I so I take it into consideration that you have seen less racial diversity than I in the past. Do you think sir That the multitudes of white Americans will actually vote for Obama after eight years of that "son of a Bush"? Before you answer, keep in mind there are many Democrats that vote Democratic in the primaries but generally vote Republican in the general election some will vote for a candidate they least expect to win in the general election. We still deal with a "crafty" devil in these United Snakes Of America....yes snakes! From my view point, we have not overcome as of yet.
Posted on January 4, 2008 10:34 PM
Obama will be a great role model for African Americans. We NEED these type of leaders in our politics. In local politics I would say that Erik Huey is another great example for African Americans. Why dont you do some sort of report on Erik, Allen? His blog is absolutely outstanding. If you want to know anything about education both local and nationally its rapidly becoming "the" place to go.
Posted on January 6, 2008 11:57 AM
David, you're very kind. Many thanks for the kudos. Spread the word...change is coming to Guilford County Schools!
Posted on January 11, 2008 2:46 PM