BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

Most people would expect the mostly white state of Iowa to be in John McCain’s pocket before the real race begins.  But, Iowans have showed America that they aren’t prejudiced by race or gender and that they are open to change.  Admittedly, when I first passed through Iowa some years ago I was more impressed by the oppressive heat and humidity and those cute little houses that lined the flat fields.  I was told later that the “houses” were either for pigs or chickens, but I don’t remember which…. maybe both.  Anyway, I exited Iowa to the west and was less than impressed.  But, that was so many years ago that I don’t even recall the exact decade.

Perhaps, I was the only person who was surprised that Barack Obama won Iowa… well, me and Hillary.  Anyway, Iowa has become a state of importance once again.  Today Barack Obama is back to the beginning, starting the second leg of the race to the White House.  And, I’m not going to be a bit surprised if he wins Iowa!

A political infrastructure that pushed Barack Obama to victory in the Iowa caucuses and an increase in Democratic voter registration make him the favorite in the state in November, but an intense catch-up effort could put Republican John McCain back in the game, veteran political strategists in both parties say.

That’s the upside for Obama.  But, there is a downside for McCain.  Perhaps, he, like Clinton in the primaries, is taking too much for granted.

“John McCain’s problem in Iowa is Obama already has an infrastructure here and McCain doesn’t. He pulled his staff out, he pulled his people out,” said Iowa House Minority Leader Chris Rants, a Republican. “He has to decide if Iowa is part of his strategy, is Iowa going to be a battleground or not.”

Des Moines lawyer and Republican National Committee member Stephen Roberts was equally candid.

“It’s a really tough state for (McCain),” he said. “It’s possible but it’s going to be a long, long road to Tipperary.”

Iowa has been a swing state in the last two presidential elections.

Iowa swung both ways in recent elections, going for Democrat Al Gore by just over 4,000 votes in 2000 and favoring President Bush by 12,000 votes in 2004. The state has 7 electoral votes to award.

Those are seven electoral votes that Obama wants.  He hasn’t forgotten the state that gave him his start.  He’s a man who knows where his candidacy started.

Iowa has been a leader in more ways than one this election cycle.  The state, the people of the state, showed that they are open to change, looking for change, and willing to vote for change… without regard to race or gender.  Iowa is a more progressive state than any of us would have guessed.  Let’s hear it for Iowa!