GOBAMA GO!!!

in celebration of Obama's inspiring win in iowa, i went back and watched where it all began, the 2004 democratic keynote address that propelled Obama to stardom.  i've been pulling for this guy since this speech, the most inspiring thing I have heard in my short lifetime.  this is the second half of the speech, building up to the big finale, you can youtube the whole thing if you care to.  



new hampshire could be interesting.  if independents decide to vote in the dem primary, will they go for Clinton as they did in '92, or will they break for Obama like they did in the Iowa caucuses?  do young people even live in new hampshire?  because i think this story of Obama bringing out all these new voters will catch fire on college campuses as the more casually interested hear about this guy who other young people are excited about.  Hillary can have her elderly women, if Obama can bring new voters out for an exciting and historic presidential election in 2008, that experience could lead to many new lifelong voters.  which would be a good thing.  and i personally think that the significance of our first black president will have a stronger more lasting impact than any single "more progressive" policy Edwards might have any hope of passing if he wins.  crotchety old white rich guys in congress can block just about anything they dont like.  but they cant deny the impact of a black leader and role model, not just for young people of color, but at least as importantly for young whites.  i think that young white kids need to see a powerful and successful black role model that challenges the stereotypes, biases, and prejudices that are bred into us by our parents and society.  i do not feel at all bad about admitting that race is incredibly important to me in this election, because i truly believe we still live in a racist land.  some people don't accept that and my response is that they are ignorant or naive or both.  ergo, i think supporting Obama is the most progressive stand i can take in this election.  

PS -- not to mention the fact that he was against the war from the start.  Edwards was not.  and for that matter, Edwards has been all over the map on a lot of stuff.  i believe he is passionate about poverty, that is why he will make a wonderful labor secretary in obama's administration.  

PPS -- i do not think he will accept second fiddle again.  nor do i think Obama would if Hillary were to get the nomination, i reckon he'll stay in the senate where he could challenge her again in four years if she ends up shitting the bed.  or he could just run for governor of IL in 2008, which he probably would/could not do from a VP post.  

PPPS -- Dan Balz blogging at WaPo thinks Clinton could face more trouble in new hampshire by comparing demographics between Obama voters in IA and the potential NH dem primary electorate.  Good stuff, basically says there more independents and younger voters in NH, and very well educated, all groups who favored Obama over Clinton in Iowa.