Iowa and Obama

Some thoughts about the Iowa caucus results; of course I have to weigh in even from a distance.

1. I'm sure I'd be enthusiastic enough if Hillary were the Dem nominee, but Obama's victory is simply thrilling. I watched these last-minute videos by Clinton and Obama, and thought she was using her parental-low-voice to sound in control, while he effortlessly conveyed a sense of warmth and intelligence.





I was left thinking that, even if Hillary is ready to be president on "Day 1," is her pained readiness something to celebrate? I don't think so.

2. If/when the end comes for Hillary, I'm inclined to blame the overuse of Bill Clinton in the Iowa and NH campaigns. Sure, Dems think positively about his administration, but who can forget the headaches that come with Clintons? Could Bill Clinton reliably return to the White House without sabotaging his wife, perhaps with another affair? I doubt it.

Obama very effectively tapped into this sentiment during his closing message by saying that his election would mean a turn away from old battles. That was smart and inspiring.

3. New Hampshire should be fascinating - and only 5 days away. The Clintons have strong advocates there, but independent voters, who apparently flocked to Obama in Iowa, could do the same in NH and steal indie votes from McCain. Could that throw the GOP nom to Romney, the biggest faker in the field? And could Romney survive in the Bible Belt?

A neat political season to watch, if only from afar.