I don't know why anyone would listen to my views on politics. With the record I have for political prognosticating, I wouldn't pay attention to myself either. But for the 12.96 of you who do on a daily basis, here's my (revised) views.
Hillary Clinton didn't 'win. In fact, her campaign is is trouble. Women aren't coming out for her the way they need to and Obama is in fact the Bobby Kennedy of his generation, bringing young people into politics and inspiring millions. Hillary can inspire too, but she's losing to Obama's new, highly polished and effective speech. (Blatant appeal from a speechwriter for hire--Ann Lewis, call me)
If Obama wins New Hampshire, he'll be favored in South Carolina, and then I don't see how Clinton can get back her mojo. Further danger signs for Clinton are a big Obama endorsement or two today or tomorrow. Are the phone wires burning between Barack and Gore?
I'm sure the announcement today that Bill Clinton is going on a five day blitz of New Hampshire reflects the big guy just chomping at the bit to do so for the past few weeks, and after Iowa, they just couldn't say no. Will Hillary now apologize for her vote on Iraq? I predict something like an apology will appear soon. It's the only big card she has left to play.
I'm still rooting for Hillary to win, so I hope whatever strategy Team Clinton can come up with works. I was talking to an elected official who was campaigning for Hillary in Iowa and she felt the enthusiasm that genuinely exists on the trail for Hillary. Obama out-organized the Clintons--I don't ordinarily like to quote Bill Schneider, or otherwise acknowledge the existence of CNN, but he said last night the support for Obama among voters age 17-29 (you can caucus at 17 in Iowa) is the biggest generation gap he's ever seen.
Will I be happy with an Obama presidency? I think so--he does give a great speech and I do appreciate his background as a political organizer. But do I think Hillary will be a better president? Yes, I still do. I think she needs to engage Obama in a detailed debate over health care and foreign policy, pushing Obama to go beyond his rhetoric and compete with her depth of knowledge.
But it's all down to New Hampshire, and there's a lot of young people out there.
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