Obama and Huckabee win first 2008 vote

[kfrost06]

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - Barack Obama took the first step to winning the Democratic presidential nomination on Thursday with a victory in Iowa, while Mike Huckabee capped a stunning political rise to beat Republican rival Mitt Romney.

Obama, an Illinois senator bidding to make U.S. history as the first black president, won the first Democratic test on the road to the White House with a win over New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, who were in a tight battle for second.

Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and ordained Baptist minister, was projected by television networks to beat Romney fairly easily despite being dramatically outspent by the wealthy former Massachusetts governor and venture capitalist.

For the winner in Iowa, the prize is valuable momentum and at least a temporary claim to the front-runner's slot in their battle to win the party's presidential nomination in the November election.

The third-place finisher in the heavyweight Democratic showdown, meanwhile, could find themselves hobbling into New Hampshire for Tuesday's primary.

The 2008 campaign is the most open presidential race in more than 50 years, with no sitting president or vice president seeking their party's nomination.

The loss was a heavy blow for Clinton, the former first lady who a few months ago was considered in some quarters the almost certain Democratic nominee. The loss creates immense pressure to turn around her campaign in New Hampshire over the next five days.

Obama's win effectively makes him the candidate to beat among Democrats, and a win next week in New Hampshire could set him on a nearly unstoppable drive to the nomination. The next big contest would be in South Carolina, where more than half of the voters are black.

Iowa voters filled gathering spots in more than 1,700 precincts around the state to declare a presidential preference in Iowa's caucuses, which open the state-by-state battle to choose candidates in the November 4 election to succeed President George W. Bush.

In the Democratic caucuses, voters debated their options and cajoled their neighbors to switch to their candidate. Republicans conducted essentially a preference poll, casting votes soon after the caucus begins.

For Republicans, Huckabee's upset reshaped a race where no candidate has been able to claim front-runner status.

Iowa, where a sizable bloc of religious conservatives had fueled Huckabee's rapid rise, represented perhaps the best chance for the former Arkansas governor to break through with a win. His rise has been fueled by evangelical and religious conservatives who constitute a sizable bloc in Iowa.

He will face tougher going in New Hampshire, where there are fewer evangelicals, and he has lingered well behind Romney and Arizona Sen. John McCain in polls.

Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts who has had to justify his Mormon faith during the campaign, launched aggressive advertising campaigns against Huckabee and McCain in recent weeks.

Iowa's opening contest in the nominating battle has traditionally served to winnow the presidential field of laggards and elevate some surprise contenders.

Record turnout was expected for the Democrats, surpassing the 124,000 Iowans who participated in 2004. Republicans could challenge their record of 87,000 caucus participants in 2000.

[kfrost06]

Let's go Huckabee!!!

[Carlos_E]

It's interesting that Obama won a state that is 95% White.

Lets go Obama!

[Logan13]

It's interesting that Obama won a state that is 95% White.

Lets go Obama!

Perhaps it just says alot about Iowans...............

[Logan13]

Let's go Huckabee!!!

yes sir!!!

[Logan13]

IOWA RESULTS:

Dems:
Obama 37.53%
Edwards 29.88%
Clinton 29.41%

Rep:
Huckabee 34%
Romney 25%
Thompson 14%
McCain 13%
Paul 10%

[thegodfather]

IOWA RESULTS:

Dems:
Obama 37.53%
Edwards 29.88%
Clinton 29.41%

Rep:
Huckabee 34%
Romney 25%
Thompson 14%
McCain 13%
Paul 10%

Wish Paul had better results...But THANK GOD that Guiliani isn't even mentioned.

[qualityclrk1]

if i voted for a democrat it'd be Obama- so congrats to him. Not only does he represent my home state, but--------- well-------thats it.....and huckabee, i haven't even heard the dudes voice....I'm still voting ron paul

[RA]

Obama is a pretty smooth cat...but hes still a Dem and not getting my vote.

[soulstealer]

Wish Paul had better results...But THANK GOD that Guiliani isn't even mentioned.

Ya but paul pulled 10% in IOWA..... dude in IOWA people go out for the good eats at MCyD's =P... No offense to any iowans.... LOL but seriously he'll do alot better in NH and atleast he has proven himself to be a contender... which will give him some momentum...

[kfrost06]

It's interesting that Obama won a state that is 95% White.

Lets go Obama!

That is shocking and I see you have a new avatar

[kfrost06]

THANK GOD that Guiliani isn't even mentioned.

+1 on that, I hate that guy. They say he bailed and went to Florida, maybe he's shopping for a new wife(again)?

[kfrost06]

if i voted for a democrat it'd be Obama- so congrats to him. Not only does he represent my home state, but--------- well-------thats it.....and huckabee, i haven't even heard the dudes voice....I'm still voting ron paul

Huckabee was outspent 20:1 by Mitt Romney, he even flew on commercial flights to do his tour, no private jets for him. He's running a grass roots campaign and really connecting with the working class which is odd for a Republican

[RBIZZY]

LETS GO OBAMA! i really hope he becomes president. i think he would be great...... i usually go republican, but after listening to obama, he has got me onboard. and all of this coming from a war vet..... thats right, im a war vet, and i have been in combate and have my medals to show.

[RA]

Hes still pro abortion, anti gun, govt run healthcare, bigger social programs, raise taxes, etc etc etc. Thats what you want?

LETS GO OBAMA! i really hope he becomes president. i think he would be great...... i usually go republican, but after listening to obama, he has got me onboard. and all of this coming from a war vet..... thats right, im a war vet, and i have been in combate and have my medals to show.

[kfrost06]

LETS GO OBAMA! i really hope he becomes president. i think he would be great...... i usually go republican, but after listening to obama, he has got me onboard. and all of this coming from a war vet..... thats right, im a war vet, and i have been in combate and have my medals to show.

yes, please tell us specifics that attracts you to Obama. Quite strange for a Republican to switch to Obama because he is as liberal as they come.

[Panzerfaust]

You gotta love the brainwashed idiots in this country.

Everyone is so stuck on the Democrats vs Republicans that they fail to even realise there is no difference and none of the candidates stand for our U.S. Constitution let alone will they protect our Constitutional Rights.

Ron Paul is trying, and look he only got 10%

So that tells me that most people don't give a shit about the Constitution and what it stands for.

My god they have truly done a miraculous job over the last 70+ years haven't they?

You have people voting for this person because Oprah say's too. You have so and so voting for bla bla bla because this person say's so...on and on and on. Voting for this person because he is "Smooth" or he is "Good Looking"...Goddamn you people, all of that is irrelevant. We need someone who WILL restore the Republic. Democracy is a goddamn farce, Democracy is not freedom, tell me how Democracy is freedom when 51% get to tell the other 49% how to live?

These candidates never speak of the real evil and issues that are rotting this country to its core. Instead they keep everyone focused on Party vs Party, Race vs Race and the one man trying his best to wake people up is failing.

[Lexed]

You gotta love the brainwashed idiots in this country.

Everyone is so stuck on the Democrats vs Republicans that they fail to even realise there is no difference and none of the candidates stand for our U.S. Constitution let alone will they protect our Constitutional Rights.

Ron Paul is trying, and look he only got 10%

So that tells me that most people don't give a shit about the Constitution and what it stands for.

My god they have truly done a miraculous job over the last 70+ years haven't they?

You have people voting for this person because Oprah say's too. You have so and so voting for bla bla bla because this person say's so...on and on and on. Voting for this person because he is "Smooth" or he is "Good Looking"...Goddamn you people, all of that is irrelevant. We need someone who WILL restore the Republic. Democracy is a goddamn farce, Democracy is not freedom, tell me how Democracy is freedom when 51% get to tell the other 49% how to live?

These candidates never speak of the real evil and issues that are rotting this country to its core. Instead they keep everyone focused on Party vs Party, Race vs Race and the one man trying his best to wake people up is failing.

couldnt be said better

[Flagg]

Hopefully it wont be Huckabee. I've seen a few videos on him and he seems scary. Telling people that "God is helping me with my votes" is a little worrying.

[Tesla]

Obama is a pretty smooth cat...but hes still a Dem and not getting my vote.

I agree 100% If you take the time to read Obama's positions on the issues...it becomes clear that he's a socialist. America does not need socialism....we don't need more government....we need LESS!!

[RBIZZY]

well im not 100% republican.... i just tend to like republicans more, i liked bush at first. but im not stuck in my ways to where if i see a person who is clearly better than someone else that i still wont go for them. i like how obama said he isnt going to play the game, but to end the game.....how he wont just follow others like so many presidents do.... he seems like a really straight forward person, with nothing to hide, and i like that about him. and as pro abortion goes, im a "if you want to do it then its your choice" type of person. im from kansas, mostly republicans. as for the gun controll, why not. i mean not controlled all the way, but a little controll may help. hell my friend was shot in the face a few years back at a bus stop in denver over 5 dollars.... too many crack heads have access to guns. and the more taxes they take out of my paycheck, the bigger the return at the end of the year, so that doesnt bother me.

[Carlos_E]

and the more taxes they take out of my paycheck, the bigger the return at the end of the year, so that doesnt bother me.

Increase your exemptions. Why give the government an interest free loan? I have my exemptions set so I never get a tax return. I have more money in my pay roll monthly to put into savings or invest.

[kfrost06]

Increase your exemptions. Why give the government an interest free loan? I have my exemptions set so I never get a tax return. I have more money in my pay roll monthly to put into savings or invest.

In theory that is 100% correct however I tried that once and I did not save anything(i did not put the extra money in savings) and I owed when taxes were due So if your immature like me thats not the way to go.

[alphaman]

well im not 100% republican.... i just tend to like republicans more, i liked bush at first. but im not stuck in my ways to where if i see a person who is clearly better than someone else that i still wont go for them. i like how obama said he isnt going to play the game, but to end the game.....how he wont just follow others like so many presidents do.... he seems like a really straight forward person, with nothing to hide, and i like that about him. and as pro abortion goes, im a "if you want to do it then its your choice" type of person. im from kansas, mostly republicans. as for the gun controll, why not. i mean not controlled all the way, but a little controll may help. hell my friend was shot in the face a few years back at a bus stop in denver over 5 dollars.... too many crack heads have access to guns. and the more taxes they take out of my paycheck, the bigger the return at the end of the year, so that doesnt bother me.

this is scary....

in so many words, you just said you will vote for obama because he has charisma.... hitler had charisma too... not saying that obama is like hitler... just saying you have to look at the ISSUES, not the smile and the meaningless soundbites like, "i'm not playing the game, i intend to end the game" or whatever. what does that really mean?

if taxes go up, it does not mean you will get more back at the end of the year in your tax refund. it means you will have LESS, period.

the dems talk a good game, but they are full of crap. everything they offer will come at a cost to everyone except the ones who choose not to contribute to society. we would just be putting more of our livelihood in the hands of the government. do you really trust them to take care of you? i don't.

[Pooks]

In theory that is 100% correct however I tried that once and I did not save anything(i did not put the extra money in savings) and I owed when taxes were due So if your immature like me thats not the way to go.

I heard that was illegal too.

[Logan13]

Increase your exemptions. Why give the government an interest free loan? I have my exemptions set so I never get a tax return. I have more money in my pay roll monthly to put into savings or invest.

Exactly, let the gov't loan you money for 12 months, not the other way around! If you get a refund in April, the joke is on you. Damn Carlos, you are a true capitalist...........

[kfrost06]

this is scary....

in so many words, you just said you will vote for obama because he has charisma.... hitler had charisma too... not saying that obama is like hitler... just saying you have to look at the ISSUES, not the smile and the meaningless soundbites like, "i'm not playing the game, i intend to end the game" or whatever. what does that really mean?

My thougths exactly, there is not one posible issue that he stands for that would sway a republican to his side. Voted against the funding for the troops, very vocal against the troop surge(yet he is quite now that it's working so well), for gay marriage, for abortion on demand, for government run healthcare, constant personal attacks on Bush, used cocaine on a frequent basis, pro-affirmative action, wants to treat dictators from Iran and Venzuela with the same respect as other elected world leaders, etc.,etc,etc.

He's a clown and anyone that says they are republican but voting for Obama was never a real republican.

[alphaman]

THIS IS IMPORTANT!!


I'm gonna tell you guys... not only do we have problems with war and healthcare and all the big issues most candidates are talking about, but our economy is in a tough situation... possibly on the brink of some VERY HARD TIMES.

The Fed's primary function is to sustain moderate economic growth by setting interest rates (controlling the price of US currency). Currently, we have conflicting economic issues that put the Fed between a rock and a hard place on monetary policy.

With the housing market problems and sub-prime mortgage issues causing our economy to slow down... the Fed would normally LOWER interest rates to stimulate the economy.

On the other side of the coin, rising gas prices are seeping into other areas of pricing indices (because fuel prices are causing the cost of doing business to go up)... and in turn...causing inflation. Plus... our currency was weakening before the sub-prime crisis reared it's ugly head, and has only continued since the Fed has lowered the rate the last three meetings they've had (only to appease Wall Street, I will add). The only way to fix these issues are to RAISE interest rates.

SO as you can see, the Fed is screwed. And if this takes a turn for the worst, 98% of the population won't give a RAT'S ASS about the rest of the issues. Because if there's anything that can get your attention.. it's hitting you in the pocketbook.

I'm not jumping on the bandwagon with all the conspiracy theorists on the crazy ideas about the Fed. But I do think some restructuring is in order.

The only candidate who is really addressing the issues of the economy and monetary policy is Ron Paul, and he has a good plan. He's got a tough row to hoe because most of his other positions don't jibe with conservative republicans, but he's got my support and those of you that know me know I'm a touch on the socially conservative side.


Check out these clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8teEHdCrFqE

WATCH BOTH CLIPS IN THIS ONE!!

http://www.ronpaulnation.com/tv.html...on_cnbc_110807

[RA]

this is scary....

in so many words, you just said you will vote for obama because he has charisma.... hitler had charisma too... not saying that obama is like hitler... just saying you have to look at the ISSUES, not the smile and the meaningless soundbites like, "i'm not playing the game, i intend to end the game" or whatever. what does that really mean?

if taxes go up, it does not mean you will get more back at the end of the year in your tax refund. it means you will have LESS, period.

the dems talk a good game, but they are full of crap. everything they offer will come at a cost to everyone except the ones who choose not to contribute to society. we would just be putting more of our livelihood in the hands of the government. do you really trust them to take care of you? i don't.

It is scary but Obama will get tons of votes based on his charisma...not on his issues.

My sister and brother in law are Doctors and my wife, mother, other sister, and mother in law are all nurses. They are totally afraid of a Dem being elected this run because of what the govt is going to do to healthcare if they get a hold of it.

[thegodfather]

It is scary but Obama will get tons of votes based on his charisma...not on his issues.

My sister and brother in law are Doctors and my wife, mother, other sister, and mother in law are all nurses. They are totally afraid of a Dem being elected this run because of what the govt is going to do to healthcare if they get a hold of it.

I'm a pre-med student....my mother and half of my family are nurses and doctors, half of them are completely unaware of what the Dems want to do with healthcare. I told them all they better not let a Dem get into office or we're all going to get paid the salary of teachers.

[scriptfactory]

I'm a pre-med student....my mother and half of my family are nurses and doctors, half of them are completely unaware of what the Dems want to do with healthcare. I told them all they better not let a Dem get into office or we're all going to get paid the salary of teachers.

That is totally not true. Doctors here in Germany (hell, in Europe as a whole) are paid VERY well. In fact, my boss' wife (a radiologist) just spent a million bucks on a new MRI machine so...I don't think socialized medicine will be the ruin of doctors in the States.

Seriously.

You make it sound like doctors would need food stamps and shit... The children of doctors will never have to eat government cheese! :-)

I mean, maybe I just don't have a typical American attitude.

Here is my last experience with the healthcare system in Germany: My 4yo needed surgery so they scheduled it and he got it. I never saw a bill and never found out how much the costs for the surgery were. It's nice not having to associate a dollar figure to your child's health like that. I hate paying these ridiculous taxes in Germany; really, I do. It's just so much more comforting knowing I'll never have to neglect the health of my sons because I can't afford some medical procedure.

[alphaman]

That is totally not true. Doctors here in Germany (hell, in Europe as a whole) are paid VERY well. In fact, my boss' wife (a radiologist) just spent a million bucks on a new MRI machine so...I don't think socialized medicine will be the ruin of doctors in the States.

Seriously.

You make it sound like doctors would need food stamps and shit... The children of doctors will never have to eat government cheese! :-)

I mean, maybe I just don't have a typical American attitude.

Here is my last experience with the healthcare system in Germany: My 4yo needed surgery so they scheduled it and he got it. I never saw a bill and never found out how much the costs for the surgery were. It's nice not having to associate a dollar figure to your child's health like that. I hate paying these ridiculous taxes in Germany; really, I do. It's just so much more comforting knowing I'll never have to neglect the health of my sons because I can't afford some medical procedure.

Are you paying German taxes? I thought you were in the military or something...

[scriptfactory]

Are you paying German taxes? I thought you were in the military or something...

Prior military. I'm working on the German economy now.

[RA]

Any time the govt oversees anything they run it into the ground...see social security.

That is totally not true. Doctors here in Germany (hell, in Europe as a whole) are paid VERY well. In fact, my boss' wife (a radiologist) just spent a million bucks on a new MRI machine so...I don't think socialized medicine will be the ruin of doctors in the States.

Seriously.

You make it sound like doctors would need food stamps and shit... The children of doctors will never have to eat government cheese! :-)

I mean, maybe I just don't have a typical American attitude.

Here is my last experience with the healthcare system in Germany: My 4yo needed surgery so they scheduled it and he got it. I never saw a bill and never found out how much the costs for the surgery were. It's nice not having to associate a dollar figure to your child's health like that. I hate paying these ridiculous taxes in Germany; really, I do. It's just so much more comforting knowing I'll never have to neglect the health of my sons because I can't afford some medical procedure.

[scriptfactory]

Any time the govt oversees anything they run it into the ground...see social security.

I don't think any government does social security well.

[Logan13]

I don't think any government does social security well.

How does the German equivalent of social security work?

[scriptfactory]

How does the German equivalent of social security work?

Much like the US version. Everyone gets their "social security" card and pays into it every month with the hope that when they are 65 they will finally be able to retire and live like a pauper. The problem is, you don't get out what you put in. They just keep paying you until you die...and with the great healthcare in Germany the people here live a very long time. I doubt that there will be any money left by the time I would be eligible to retire here.

I have my own retirement plans...and I plan on being done with work by 40. I also don't really want to retire in Germany.

[Logan13]

Ya but paul pulled 10% in IOWA..... dude in IOWA people go out for the good eats at MCyD's =P... No offense to any iowans.... LOL but seriously he'll do alot better in NH and atleast he has proven himself to be a contender... which will give him some momentum...

Come on man, I don't eat McDonalds............