NYT, pg1: Call for Change Shakes Up the Democratic Field

[DeepModem Mom]

Call for Change Shakes Up the Democratic Field
By JEFF ZELENY
Published: January 4, 2008

DES MOINES — Whether it was because they were eager to leave behind the bitter divides of the last two decades or because they wanted to send a message that a small white state could transcend the issue of race, Iowa voters dispelled the skepticism that Senator Barack Obama was too inexperienced in world affairs. Instead, what seemed to drive them was the idea that Mr. Obama would present a new face for America in the world, with a coalition of Democrats and independents flooding caucuses in all corners of the state to support a man who went to Washington three years ago.

“We are one people,” Mr. Obama said. “And our time for change has come.”

It was only a year ago that Mr. Obama, 46, a first-term senator from Illinois, formally decided to seek the Democratic nomination, which even some of his closest advisers feared could diminish his long-term potential. As he learned to become a presidential candidate on the fly, seasoned political hands worked to build an organization here unlike any other, which ultimately helped to nearly double the turnout from the caucuses four years ago.

Mr. Obama praised Iowa voters for casting away a litany of concerns that his rivals had aired about his candidacy, like too little experience and questions of electability. But he conceded that his victory was only a beginning. “This was the moment when we tore down barriers that have divided us for too long,” Mr. Obama said. “When we finally united people of all parties and ages.”

The strength of his performance — and a strong finish by former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina — shook the confidence of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign and created fresh uncertainty in the Democratic nominating contest....

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/04/us/politics/04dems.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

[caligirl]

1. Will Hillary claim this is the vast left wing conspiracy? I'll vote for her if she survives

after positioning herself in such away she will have trouble turning this into something equaling change to Obama and Edwards message.

[loveangelc]

2. yes. I don't know what more she can do because everyone already knows Hillary

the only thing she can do is bring Bill and have him campaign for her and hope that people will vote for her based on Bill. I don't know if it can happen but I think thats her hope. I think going really negative will be seen as desperate.

[dmosh42]

3. What change? Edwards is the only candidate for change!

I saw what almost 10 million can buy. Iowa!