In 2004 I was an avid follower of the Presidential elections…taking in every poll, reading every article, op/ed, watching the conventions. However, when the election results came in and everyone had it all wrong, I realized that there is really very little point in keeping track of every little shift in opinion. As a result, up until now, I have paid little attention to the news stories about which candidate is in the lead, who is expected to win Iowa, and who can win the election, because the only thing that really counts is the result. Well the results are in and Senator Barack Obama scored his first and groundbreaking victory by decisively winning the Iowa caucus. The polls were all over the place with practically none of them showing this victory as a likelihood yet the proof is in the pudding.
Up next is the New Hampshire then South Carolina where the next democratic nominee will likely be determined. For the record I’m not going to really spend anytime speaking on the Republican race since one of the main contenders, Rudy Guiliani, didn’t participate thus making it less of an indication of what is to come for that party. Whether Obama can ride this momentum into the Democratic nomination remains to be seen, but his victory is historic nonetheless.
As a people we have become so complacent with the images and notions of Black men as nothing more than rappers, athletes, and thugs…yet so skeptical of the possibility of a Black man becoming the next president. With Obama’s win, hopefully things will start to change in the community’s mentality. I am inspired by his win and he represents an amazing hope for the future.
Regardless of your race, ethnicity, or background, you can’t deny that Obama is one of the most accessible on a personal level of all the presidential candidates in a long time. His victory makes it that much more attainable for someone other than status quo to reach such a level of prominence and represent the interests of all people.
What do you guys think of Obama’s Iowa victory? Does this solidify the legitimacy of his candidacy? Will he be able to secure the democratic nomination? What does this mean to you personally (if anything), the Black community, and the country to potentially have Obama as the next president?
Posted by Reecie
Reecie
thehonorable
I’m happy for Barack Obama and Hucklebee(excuse spelling). For the most part most of American didn’t know who these two guys are and now look at them. A lot of people like that fact that if Hilary win that it will be her and Bill back in office, so for someone like Obama to be giving Hilary a run for her money is amazing. Let’s face it after 9/11 Rudy Guiliani became an ideal leader but now Hucklebee is giving this guy a run for his money. I wonder if Oprah and Chuck Norris factor had anything to do with these two guys. I’m giving Hucklebee and Obama props for this. Can’t wait for the 2008 election.
As a reader of a blog by African-Americans I have to say I came to this site expecting it to be like all the others. I don’t need to repeat the stereotype. However, (and this is absolutely not any sort of prank or joke) each of you bring such an insightful and refreshing outlook to the industry that is as welcome as it is sadly unexpected. A blog that traverses subjects as diverse as Lil’ Wayne to Barack Obama effortlessly and with elegance. Each of you are classy, sharp, and superb at what you do and I wanted to thank you for your perspective. This site has earned a coveted spot in my daily bookmarks. Hopefully you will read this but even if you don’t I will be checking back here every day. Keep doing what you’re doing. : )
Thanks Leo!
Stallion I was thinking the same thing…I’m sure that Oprah had some influence on the race and I wouldn’t be surprised if Chuck Norris did too. One of the most interesting things about this election is things are actually competitive. Nobody has it in the bag which makes civil participation that much more important and powerful.
lol, Clinton was in third. I wonder how she feels about that.
Too bad I can’t vote though..
Obama 08
Let’s go Obama!
I am not feeling Hilary. Based on her accomplishments (or lack thereof) as Senator, I don’t think much would get done. I will not deny the fact that I’ve been apathetic when it comes to politics because I feel like no matter who I vote for, it won’t change much. Yea Yea Yea - I here about the war and whatnot…but I am not affected by that. All of my friends went to college, not war.
But there is something about Obama that makes me interested in politics. I just have a good feeling that he will present change to our country. I am willing to take a risk on Obama to improve the quality of American Life versus the boring and unaccomplished experience of Hilary.
Iowa is a great start. I need to continue to my research, but Iowa is only one state. Anyone remember Howard Dean and all these analysts thought that he sparked a buzz? Well - its the old people that vote and make a difference….young voters are hit-and-miss despite the heavy internet marketing going on.
I hope the rest of the country follows Iowa.
P.S. - Thanks Leo for your compliment. We look forward to your contributions!
I’m glad for Obama, I’m glad many know of him and his plan for this country, when the youth see Obama we feel as if we can do anything, we feel that maybe we weren’t meant to be what the media usually portrays the black male to be. I believe he has all the qualities and knowledge to turn everything around. Some would say Hillary is more suited, but she’s a sell out in my opinion, and if she’s elected she’ll be used as a puppet just as bush was, they’ll carry out dark plans that weren’t fulfilled awhile bush was in office if Obama doesn’t win.
if Hilary wins
the economy will fall even deeper into this grave
More wars against other countries for their resources
a squeal to draining the middle east
Marshall Law will be enforced, Bush already signed an act during his term
(though we are in a state of marshal law it’s just invisible to us)
it is time to begin examining this matter under the microscope of logic and verifiable facts. She is such a decisive and unlikable personality, that this entire Presidential run is going to have to be carefully orchestrated if we want Obama to win.
Don’t vote for Hilary
Hilary = The female bush that will carry on the legacy of the bush family.
But yea this was a good blog and him winning over Iowa just shows that while the color of his skin my hold him back in this election, that people are more concerned about what he can do for this country to turn it around.
Chrono khalid
100
^ President has no direct affect on the economy
to thehonorable,
…politics is more than just voting for the president. If you really want to see a change put some time towards your local community politics. This is where direct decisions on what goes on in your community are made. National politics has less of an affect on your day to day life than local politics where tomorrow they can change the zoning for something on your street, or build this or knock down this are allow or disallow certain business, residential, commercial business/buildings in your area.
2nd, Obama is suppose to win New Hampshire by 8+ % points..but we will see.