by Frank James
It's definitely easier to give a victory speech to elated supporters than a "we're in this for the long haul" speech to disappointed volunteers.
So Sen. Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee certainly had the easier assignments Thursday night after they handily won their respective parties' Iowa caucuses.
But there was something more about Obama's speech that went beyond a mere declaration of victory. It was a speech that gave the sense that something big was afoot, something historic.
Obama invited minds to think along those lines when he suggested that years from now, Thursday night would be seen as seminal.
Speaking to his volunteers, Obama said he knew they had waged an exhausting fight against long odds:
I know how hard it is. It comes with little sleep, little pay and a lot of sacrifice. There are days of disappointment.
But sometimes, just sometimes, there are nights like this. A night that years from now when we've made the changes we believe in, when more families can afford to see a doctor, when children, when Malia and Sashan and your children inherit a planet that's a little cleaner and safer, when the world sees America differently, and American sees itself as a nation more united and less divided, you'll be able to look back and say that this was the moment when it all began...
That passage contained an echo of one of the most stirring speeches in Shakespeare, the Eve of St. Crispin's Day speech by Henry V, when the English king tells his warriors that they shall forever be remembered for the battle they as underdogs are about to wage against their French adversaries.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...
Of course, Obama would also be making history if he won the Democratic nomination and the presidency as the first African-American to do so. But he almost never cites those facts since they are so self-evident and he knows others will inevitably bring them up, especially those who cite it as the reason he can't win.
There was a larger message in his speech, his message of hope. As Obama ended the St. Crispin's day part of his speech, he said this:
Years from now, you'll look back and you'll say that this was the moment, this was the place where America remembered what it means to hope. For many months we've been teased, even derided, for talking about hope. But we always knew hope is not blind optimism. It's not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. It's not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, and to work for it, and to fight for it.
That is a powerful message, made even more so by the fact that it now has what in Washington is called a "deliverable," something not just his supporters but pundits can now point to as a real result.
"Hope is the thing with feathers" said Emily Dickinson, meaning it has a lot of lift to it. Obama's message of hope has been reminiscent of the promise that another youthful, charismatic politician, John Kennedy who in 1960 had as his campaign song "High Hopes." Then there was Bill Clinton, the man from a place called Hope in 1992.
Because she saw the power of the hope message up close, how much it speaks to the human heart, the American spirit, Sen. Hillary Clinton must know better than most what she's now up against.
She also has no credible answer to Obama's statement that he can unify the nation, the implication being that she can't. The fact that she is perceived as polarizing is so true as to be worthy of being carved into granite.
Meanwhile, polls suggest that Obama doesn't quite set as many teeth to grinding. That's the basis for his saying, early in his speech:
In lines that stretched around schools and churches, in small towns and in big cities, you came together as Democrats, Republicans and independents to stand up and say that we are one nation. We are one people. And our time for change has come. (Cheers, applause.)
You said the time has come to move beyond the bitterness and pettiness and anger that's consumed Washington, to end the political strategy that's been all about division, and instead make it about addition, to build a coalition for change that stretches through red states and blue states -- (cheers, applause) -- because that's how we'll win in November, and that's how we'll finally meet the challenges that we face as a nation. (Cheers, applause.)
We are choosing hope over fear. (Cheers, applause.) We're choosing unity over division and sending a powerful message that change is coming to America.
It would be tough enough to reframe her message of Experience and Readiness on Day One in the White House if she had weeks to retool.
But she only has five days until the New Hampshire primary. That's not enough time. Ditto for John Edwards who appears to have come in second in Iowa riding his populist message in a state that likes populists.
But he's running significantly behind Obama and Clinton in New Hampshire and most everywhere else and will likely lose some support as Obama gains it coming off his decisive win in Iowa.
Ironically, while Obama preaches his message of hope, the best his Democrats can do is hope that he stumbles between now and next Tuesday. But it would have to be a monumental stumble.
One more thing about Obama's speech. The stagecraft was smart. While the other candidates were all squashed on stages with their supporters as they gave their we-live-to-fight-another-day speeches, looking for all the world like they had just lost the race for Cook County Board president, Obama was was on a stage that placed him a slight distance away from his enthusiastic audience.
It allowed him to look more presidential on a night when a lot of people were tuning in.
And to look more presidential in the ads that will no doubt be made for New Hampshire that will use to great effect the video of his great Iowa triumph.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have questions about the results of last night's Iowa caucuses, what's next in the race for the White House or anything related to Election 2008? E-mail them to us and we'll answer as many as possible during our live video chat scheduled for 12:30 pm central time today.
• 
• 
• 
Comments
A strong three-way battle in the democratic pirmary is just what the Republicans need. Let the dems spend their money abd sling the mud. The claws will come out from Hillary today. Boy Wonder will get first hand of the Clinton hate machine. If you dems thought Kerry was "swiftboated", you ain't see nothing yet.
Posted by: Terry | January 4, 2008 7:17 AM
A telling point is that approximately 70 percent of Democrat voters in Iowa cast their ballots against Hillary Clinton. She lost among women and independents, a further indication of the erosion of what her handlers had considered her base. If she also loses the black vote, Obama will be the Democratic nominee.
Posted by: Jonas | January 4, 2008 7:46 AM
Congrats to Senator Obama! "Change" is an important word in this election, but it is only one word and it doesn't adequately convey the intelligence and importance of his program of national unity. Obama is the best positioned candidate to rebuild consensus politics at home and win back American credibility abroad. After giving all the candidates, republican and democrat, a fair hearing, I've come to believe his leadership would help make us safer, more economically prosperous, and more effectively governed. These assertions aren't just campaign slogans - Obama has what it takes to get the job done - the intellect, judgment and experience shedding old baggage to get new results. His legislative, professional, and personal history are rife with examples to back up these assertions. He has my vote and I wish him the best.
Posted by: Mo | January 4, 2008 8:09 AM
I was on the fence as to which candidate that I was going to support. The speech the senator gave was a wonderful cry to unity and made me feel that the winds of change are here. I now know which candidate will get my vote!
Posted by: Kimberly Boateng | January 4, 2008 8:20 AM
telling point is that approximately 63% percent of Democrat voters in Iowa cast their ballots against OPRABAMA.All that means Obama goes into this state's compressed contest with a target on his back a situation he has managed to avoid due to media bias against Clinton. "Obama, through an unprecedented convergence of luck has never before faced serious attack yet, now he's earned the right to be mercilessly scrubbed and scrutinized. Will show he is something of a phony, someone whose lofty rhetoric isn't born out in his own public record. His lack of foreign policy experience and showing he isn’t ready to lead in a dangerous world. His votes in the Senate to fund the Iraq war even as he tried to position himself as the strongest anti-war candidate will finally come into play nationally; facts show he always supports the war, voted twice in 2006 against bringing America's troops back home. Votes for war appropriations giving our money to Halliburton and Blackwater. Voted with Bush on posturing S 433 which allows the Bush Admin to suspend any troop withdrawal! keeps our troops in Iraq for a long time to come? Record also shows Obama faced with tough choices always gave in to pressure from Bush admin and corporate lobbyists. Obama voted for Bush's energy bill, sending more than $13 billion in subsidies and tax breaks to oil, coal, and nuclear companies. Obama voted with Republicans to allow credit card companies to raise interest rates over 30 percent, increasing hardship for families. "He talks about change but has no real record of making change. Lastly his use of the race card will not play well nationally…
Posted by: Jay Monroe | January 4, 2008 8:20 AM
Check out this awesome Iowa Caucus post mortem analysis at http://thirdrailradio.blogspot.com/2008/01/iowa-caucus-post-mortem.html
Posted by: Third Rail | January 4, 2008 8:21 AM
I have never felt so energized by the American political process, nor have I ever felt so absolutely in favor of a presidential candidate in all my years of voting. Finally, I am seeing a person for whom I can be proud to vote! As a black woman, I am also full of hope that the time is behind us when gender or color could cloud the issues of real importance in choosing our next chief executive.
Posted by: jemille | January 4, 2008 8:28 AM
OK Terry, we'll just have to wait for the fabled Clinton hate machine to really get going, won't we? Obama has handled everything thrown his way so far. If he survives the next five days unscathed, what then?
Posted by: Mark O | January 4, 2008 8:30 AM
Let the dems spend their money abd sling the mud.
Posted by: Terry | January 4, 2008 7:17 AM
Yes..I know how you feel Terry....used to say the same thing.
Posted by: bill r. | January 4, 2008 8:30 AM
Obama is about change in his tone of voice and selection of words, not dramatic change but the only kind of change a realistic person can expect from the deck of marked cards that is the national government.
He is a decent, thoughtful candidate, something not seen in the White House for a long time.
Fifteen years ago, the prospect of Hillary would have excited me, but she has become a very tired, worn record, thickly layered with establishment assumptions and hollow-sounding phrases.
She's essentially comes off now as dishonest and full of air, much as Romney or Giuliani.
Or Edwards, a true two-bit huckster claiming to fight corporations when in fact corporations are all that America really is today, and corporate settlements are how he made his fortune.
But no one should expect great change from the bloated imperial thing that America has become.
No candidate can deliver that, and if one could, he or she would meet the same fate as the Kennedys in short order.
People forget that in domestic affairs the office of the president is actually a rather weak one. It is only in war that the office enjoys great power. The Founders planned it that way, and it is one of the key flaws in the Constitution.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | January 4, 2008 8:32 AM
Thank you Iowa voters for restoring the world's belief in a
great nation capable of leadership
based on hope, trust and mutual understanding. My best wishes to
your future President Obama.
Rodolfo Scherzoso, Switzerland
Posted by: Rodolfo Scherzoso | January 4, 2008 8:47 AM
"We are not a collection of red states and blue states, we are the United States of America."
Go, Obama, GO!
Posted by: Deborah | January 4, 2008 8:47 AM
Thank you Iowans,
You took a long hard look at the candidates and made the right decisions.
Posted by: Mr. Unite Us | January 4, 2008 9:42 AM
ABH
Posted by: Nicky Sawyer | January 4, 2008 9:55 AM
As a person living in the UK, watching the US presidential election unfoldm, I am truly heartened by the resounding support Barack Obama has received. Only Obama can put the US back where it should be after the damaging foreign policy over the last 8 years. We love America, we want her back, Barack is the only one who can do this. Well done Iowa
Posted by: Pat | January 4, 2008 10:12 AM
Dear Senator Obama,
Congratulations on your outstanding victory in Iowa last night!
I spent Christmas 2005 reading your first book, Dreams from my Father, and Christmas 2006 reading your second book, The Audacity of Hope. I have also seen you speak and shaken your hand. As a person who feels like an informed citizen, I can honestly say you would make a better President than anyone running and we would be so blessed to have you as our President. I hope people across America wake up and realize that we have a rare opportunity to have an inspiring, decent leader in the White House, one who can unite this country and show the world, once again that we are a great nation that can work with other nations to solve the problems of the world.
I have supported you and I will continue to support you.
As Senator Clinton so aptly reminded us with her alliterative slogan, "People, it's time to pick a president." We will, and that president will be Barack Obama.
God bless you, your Family, and your Team!
Regards,
William F. Slater, III
P.S.
http://www.billslater.com/wfs_with_OBAMA_tag_02.jpg
http://www.billslater.com/who_is_barack_obama.htm
Posted by: William Slater | January 4, 2008 10:17 AM
I have never been so inspired by a political speech in my entire life like I was last night. Go Obama!
Posted by: sammy | January 4, 2008 10:22 AM
The Clinton machine is already grinding its formidable jaws; and young Gallahad is in its sightlines. But Hillary is so over the hill. American has been there, done that, and Americans recognize that the politics of personal destruction, what Hillary calls "fun," has in fact helped set our beloved country back. Obama has heart, brains, and a conscience. It is time for us baby boomers to give up the center stage to citizens born after the 1960s. Many of these post-1960s Americans are over forty years old, for crying out loud. They will be paying the taxes to take care of the Clintons in assisted living in just a few years. Let them govern and give up already on nepotism, dynasties, corruption, and Bush-Cheney lite.
Posted by: shirlin | January 4, 2008 10:29 AM
Listen,
I'm a Republican and voted for Bush twice. Suffice it to say, I've been let down by our President and by the GOP. I would never, under any circumstances vote for Hillary, but given my current choices in the GOP, I'll likely be voting for Obama. He has made a believer out of me. I may not agree with all of his positions, but I'm ready for a fresh face in Washington. I also think that its time we had a different family in the white house outside of the Bush and Clinton family. Hillary is smart, I would vote for anyone over her. I think Obama will win the nomination and will have a landslide victory in November. I can't believe I'm even saying this, but I'll likely be voting democrat in our next presidential election. There's just something special about this guy. God Speed, Senator Obama.
Posted by: Joe | January 4, 2008 10:43 AM
Finally, instead of selecting the lessor of 2 evils, we the people can vote FOR a president. Listening to his speech in Iowa gave me chills, and he represents a new HOPE in the future of our country. We have had enough greed and war in the White House. This is our next president!
Posted by: Jason Mabee | January 4, 2008 10:54 AM
Take it easy folks. Iowa isn't the national election, just a caucus.
Posted by: Tom McLaughlin | January 4, 2008 11:03 AM
Odd, Terry, but it seems the vitriol has mostly been coming from the Republicans' circular firing squad. And, when Romney, anointed by establishment Republicans as their standard-bearer loses $14 million of his own money in a failed Iowa bid, I think you'll find that the Democrats' huge fundraising advantage in this election cycle will keep the party looking good, through the primaries and into the general election.
Posted by: nitpicker | January 4, 2008 11:09 AM
What I found telling was that in all the candidates's speeches, the crowd chanted the candidates' names, however, during Obama's speech, they also chanted "U-S-A!" His speech was an inspiring call to action for people to come together, to work hard to create a better country. After seven years of feeling angry and jaded about the state of our government, Senator Obama's victory made me proud to be an American.
Posted by: Betty | January 4, 2008 11:24 AM
Terry,as usual,thanks for you spiffy comments regarding the Dem contest.
And now your thoughts on the your parties contest....................
Posted by: Raving Loon | January 4, 2008 11:34 AM
This is the greatest moment in US of A history.
Go Obama.
Posted by: KN | January 4, 2008 12:49 PM
Way to go USA...OBAMA for President! What a great example to the rest of the world. The moral courage to do the right thing hasfinally prevailed.
God bless America and Obama!!!
Posted by: Cathy Crownhouse | January 4, 2008 1:21 PM
Getting 38% of Democrat caucus goers in Iowa is enough for St. Barack to claim that he's brought America--Democrats, Republicans and Independents--together?
He's not even gotten a majority of Iowa Democrats together!
Not so much bad, or evil, as pompous and comical.
Posted by: Bruce | January 4, 2008 1:28 PM
As an Iowan Democrat/ caucus goer/ 22 year old journalist...you are welcome. It really was our pleasure.
Posted by: Meghan | January 4, 2008 1:30 PM
Jay Monroe - bitter much?
Your tired, flat argument against Obama just reminds people of how yesterday Hillary is, how painfully uninspiring she is compared to Obama. Keep it up, h8r!
Posted by: waka waka | January 4, 2008 1:37 PM
Yep, neo-con Bruce: pompous and comical.
Just like every neo-con Republican Nut Job that has run for elected office the past 10 years.
The fact that a half Black, Half White man can come out on top in a nearly 95% White state says much.
Of course it was split nearly 30-30-30 for Obama, Hillary, and Edwards - that’s the way primary voting works.
IF Obama wins the nomination, and IF Obama is elected president, I really hope that the neo-con establishment does not make threats to block legislation like has been done recently
and IF Obama is such a bad individual to be elected president, I hope those who find his election repugnant to take a stand and say so, maybe put action to words and either personally leave the United States or work to get their state to secede from the Union.
Quite honestly, most of America is sick of Neo-Con rhetoric and are heady to move on. Hope can do wonders for the mass of Americans who call themselves independents
Posted by: Buckley | January 4, 2008 2:19 PM
Terry,
If anything, I think Iowa showed that people are sick of negative campaigning. Romney was in full Rove-slime mode and where did it get him? We'll get a better picture in N.H. where Huck will have a chance to prove he's got appeal beyond evangelicals. On the Dem side, I think Hillary will appear softer, not nastier. The negative attacks have hurt her as well.
Posted by: dt | January 4, 2008 4:14 PM
One of the writers on a site I blog for talked a about Obama's win. Of course he first had to explain was a Caucus was to our readers, lol.
Honestly I hate to play the race card but I'm very surprised to see Obama win in a state like Iowa. Maybe the world isn't as racist as I thought. I'm feeling like if he can win there he can win anywhere.
Posted by: Mike Belgrove | January 4, 2008 4:21 PM
Mark O,
We will just have to see how Senator Boy Wonder does against Billary's hate machine. If he survives that, then change might be what you get. Remember, not all change is good.
Nitpick,
You are probably right on the dems out raising the repubs - among wll street, hedge fund mgrs, etc...
Crazy Duck,
My thoughts on the Repubs - Huckabee won Iowa due to a large amount of social conservatives - he will finish behind McCain and Romney in NH. Good enough.
Posted by: Terry | January 4, 2008 5:04 PM
A very important part of last night's story that no one has mentioned is the Democratic Party doubling their turn-out. As well, by my rough calculations, Obama had more than twice the number of votes that Huckabee received. If it were an election it could rightly be called "a landslide."
Posted by: Barry | January 4, 2008 5:08 PM
I am happy I am part of this generation.
I am proud to be part of the winning team.
I am glad I am here at this time in history to see “The Dream” become reality.
I am grateful that the Lord has allowed me to be a witness of the greatest transformation of human society as it unfolds.
With a deep sense of respect I say:
Congratulations to you, Sen. Barack Obama and your wonderful wife Michelle Obama.
To the guys that worked tirelessly: thank you so much for investing your lives in the lives of the American people.
To the people that participated in the caucus: the work you did is invaluable.
To the great “Obama family”, the American people and supporters from all walks of life: your participation at every level, your determination, sacrifice, perseverance and enduring faith knows no limits and has started to yield fruit!
Last night in Iowa, with one strong voice, the people finally made their choice and wish for the next POTUS very clear. People from the entire spectrum of society are finally saying, “Enough!” to the status quo. They are convinced and rightly so, that, sound judgment coupled with the evidently clear prospect of steering the nation and the entire world in a new direction triumphs over “experience” and is definitely better than the same old, tired conventional wisdom. Those who have been long disillusioned by manipulative, deceptive and calculating politicians are about to heave a sigh of relief.
Not long from now, the hunger by the American people for real leadership; leadership based on sense and sound wisdom, uprightness with respect for civil liberties, leadership that can rebuild the dignity of the American people both at home and abroad, will be satisfied.
The American politics is about to be redefined. No. It’s about to be overhauled. Authority entrusted in the hands of the POTUS and those that he governs with, is about to be exercised in the very way it was intended right from the founding of this great nation: with equity and faithfulness, with openness and accountability to the people.
Finally, a new era is setting in. It’s an era that will usher in hope to a disheartened people; and to those in despair, a reason to believe again.
United We Stand.
Posted by: Joe | January 4, 2008 6:03 PM
Terri,
Listen to this speech.
Mark
Posted by: Terri Bracy | January 4, 2008 6:43 PM
Joe - you and me both! I'm proud as well. Proud of what America can become if only we get the right individual. Obama will hopefully come through!
Posted by: Watch Reaper Online | January 4, 2008 7:15 PM
I don't much care about the politics behind it, but the speech Barack Obama gave on winning the Iowa caucus was vastly inspirational - and I listened to it twice on YouTube because of that powerful message of hope.
All success
Dr.Mani
Posted by: Dr.Mani | January 4, 2008 11:28 PM
I've been on the fence between Edwards and Obama for awhile now, but after watching his speech I am casting my vote for Barack. His integrity, message of hope and unification and refusal to engage in political mudslinging are what this country needs, not only after the last 7 years, but after the last 250. His election holds the possibility of healing deep, longstanding rifts in this country. Go Barack!!
Posted by: Pam | January 5, 2008 2:41 PM
motivating to an unmeasurable degree!
Posted by: bruno piretti | January 6, 2008 12:19 AM
Behold the Lord is doing a NEW Thing
2008 is about New beginnings
New Beginning for United States of America!!!
For Senator Obama. Congratulations!!Be strong and courageous. Let not the BOOK of the LAW depart from your mouth but meditate in it day and night. You shall make yours and USA's way prosperous.
God Bless America
From UK
Posted by: Edson | January 8, 2008 5:51 AM
This guy is amazing.
Posted by: Joe | February 15, 2008 12:44 PM