Huckabee Upsets Establishment in GOP Race

Edwards Second Place A Boost, Clinton's Third A Blow

by Glynn Wilson

File photo by Glynn Wilson

Illinois Senator Barack Obama campaigning in Birmingham last July

If politics is like a series of horse races, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois just ran away with the Kentucky Derby in the first actual vote in the critical presidential race of 2008, taking the Iowa Caucus with 38 percent of a record turnout vote. In one of the best stump speeches in modern times, Obama argued in his Iowa Caucus victory address that it was a historic moment in American political history - and he may be right.

The record turnout among Democrats, especially young Democrats - and far and away more than the Republicans could turn out in a Republican state of white Protestant farmers, ethanol producers and insurance salesmen - could be a good indication of how fired up Democrats are to end the rein of establishment Republicans like George W. Bush.

Former Arkansas Governor and Baptist preacher Mike Huckabee's Christian populist win among Republicans over rich former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is also a clear indication that Americans are ready for change.

"This is a defining moment in our history. We did what the cynics said we couldn't do," Obama said in a confident speech with perfect cadence. "We are one nation, we are one people, and the time for change has come."

"They said this day would never come. They said our sights were set too high," Obama said. "They said this country was too divided, too disillusioned to come together around a common purpose."

Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards' second place showing at 30 percent gives his populist candidacy a major boost, while former First Lady and Senator Hillary Clinton's third place showing with 29 percent should give pause to those who have considered her the run-away front-runner for the past six months, including most of the national media.

Senator John McCain's low third place finish at 13 percent to Huckabee's 34 and Romney's 25 percent, may make it harder for him to make the case in New Hampshire that he is the guy who can beat former New York Mayor Rudi Giuliani, lounging down in sunny Florida, in the fear mongering pro-war, anti-terror campaign.

An estimated record number, 220,000 Democrats and independents, showed up at caucus sites, compared to 124,000 who voted for the Democrat in 2004. By contrast, only about 114,000 Republican voters turned out. The last contested Republican caucuses drew about 88,000 when George W. Bush won in 2000.

The surge of young and independent voters to Obama, as indicated in caucus entrance polls, could suggest he has major crossover strength in a general election campaign.

"The one thing that’s clear with the results in Iowa tonight is the status quo lost and change won," Edwards said in his speech, which focused largely on attacking poverty and providing health care for all Americans.

Senator Clinton, flanked by her husband and one of the best presidents in American history, Bill Clinton, along with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, congratulated Senator Obama and Edwards, saying the message from Iowa was clear.

"We are going to have change, and that change is going to be a Democratic president in the White House in 2009,” she said, even though from her demeanor, it appeared to dawn on her that she is not the leading change agent in this race.

Whew! Now that we are finally voting and the race is on, Obama proved he is a major threat to the status quo in American politics. He's by far the best orator in the race, and maybe the best politician with the best campaign team in place with a real chance to go all the way. We'll see what New Hampshire voters have to say next Tuesday - in the Preakness of American presidential politics.

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