Iowa Hearts Huckabee, Launches Obama

Three hundred and sixty eight days. 8,832 hours. 529,920 minutes. 3,1795,200 seconds. Questions. Answers. Handshakes. House parties. Town hall meetings. Photo opportunities. Smiles. Squirms. No votes were cast. Nothing counted.

On January 3, Senator Barack Obama won the Iowa Democratic Caucus. Simultaneously, Governor Mike Huckabee won the Iowa Republican Caucus. Obama (38%) defeated former Senator John Edwards (30%), Senator Hillary Clinton (29%), and Governor Bill Richardson (2%). Huckabee (34%) mauled Governor Mitt Romney (25%), former Senator Fred Thompson (13%), and Senator John McCain (13%).

During his victory speech, Obama was electric. “This was the moment when the improbable beat what Washington always said was inevitable,” he said. “This was the moment when we tore down barriers that have divided us for too long; when we rallied people of all parties and ages to a common cause; when we finally gave Americans who have never participated in politics a reason to stand up and to do so.”

Meanwhile, Huckabee espoused populism. “I think we've learned three very important things through this victory tonight,” Huckabee said. “The first thing we've learned is that people really are more important than the purse, and what a great lesson for America to learn. Most of the pundits believe that when you're outspent at least 15 to 1, it's simply impossible to overcome that mountain of money and somehow garner the level of support that's necessary to win an election. Well, tonight we proved that American politics still is in the hands of ordinary folks like you and across this country who believe that it wasn't about who raised the most money but who raised the greatest hopes, dreams and aspirations for our children and their future. “

Clinton’s collapse was immense. Obama garnered men (35-23), women (35-30), 17-29 year olds, (57-11), 30-44 year olds (42-23), single women (36-25), caucasians (33-27), and $100,000-plus earners (41-19). Amidst her defeat, Clinton eyed New Hampshire. “What is most important now is that, as we go on with this contest, that we keep focused on the two big issues, that we answer correctly the questions that each of us has posed,” she said. “How will we win in November 2008, by nominating a candidate who will be able to go the distance? And who will be the best president on day one? I am ready for that contest.”

Senators Joe Biden and Chris Dodd renounced their presidential campaigns. “I count the past year as one of the most rewarding in a career of public service,” Dodd said. “Unfortunately I am withdrawing from the campaign today.”

Perfectly, Sarah Bareilles’ lyrics frame this evening. For Clinton, Edwards, and Romney, Iowa did not write them a love song. They requested one. They needed one. Yet, their heart was not present. Iowa rejected them.