If Barack doesn’t win Iowa, it is just a dream.
[Michelle Obama, Des Moines, Iowa September 26, 2007 – as reported by CNN]
But just as I thought Michelle was wrong about the consequences of a loss in Iowa, I think pundits (many of whom are Obama supporters) are wrong about what a loss in South Carolina would portend for his candidacy. Never mind the fact that I think he’s going to win.
Actually, I’m more concerned about the way the Clintons are playing the race card. Because, despite protestations to the contrary, they’re doing everything they can to marginalize Obama as nothing more than a younger, more educated Jesse Jackson.
Of course, this means that even if he wins in South Carolina, where black voters predominate, the Clintons will spin it as merely a reflection of blacks voting their race. And their not so subtle hint will be that whites should do the same (as they’ve always done, incidentally) in forthcoming primaries. Because the aim of their race-based strategy is to ensure that Obama does not repeat his impressive win and second place in virtually all-white Iowa and New Hampshire, respectively.
But I encourage all Obama supporters who are getting nervous about his prospects to keep the faith…at least until “Super Tuesday” on February 5. Because no matter what happens in South Carolina, Obama’s candidacy will remain as viable as it was the day after his stunning “must-win” victory in Iowa.
That said, I’ve received enough complaints to appreciate that Obama’s performance in last night’s debate has given many of you pause for concern. And I gather that the way John Edwards switched his supporting role from helping Obama beat up on Hillary in previous debates to helping Hillary beat up on Obama is the least of it.
But the only debating point that gave me pause for concern was when Edwards played the electability card. Because, even though he became defensive after suggesting that America is not ready to elect a black or woman as president, I fear he may have voiced the abiding thoughts of many voters (white, black, male and female).
Nevertheless, I feel obliged to remind you that we’re not electing the leader of a debating society. Because, if that were the case, Hillary would be the runaway winner.
Therefore, don’t be swayed by the media’s focus on who landed the most punches. After all, these debates are staged more to entertain political pundits than to inform ordinary voters.
For what it’s worth, however, I thought Obama prevailed in some of the more heated exchanges with Hillary last night:
Obama: I was helping unemployed workers on the streets of Chicago when you were a corporate lawyer sitting on the board at Wal-Mart.
Hillary: I was fighting against misguided Republican policies when you were practicing law and representing your contributor … in his slum landlord business in inner city Chicago.
Obama: You and President Clinton are distorting my record. Your husband….
Hillary: I’m here. He’s not.
Obama: Well, I can’t tell who I’m running against sometimes….
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Hillary v. Obama, but Edwards wins the fight
Clintons playing the race card
Democratic debate South Carolina
vusa says
You are a black guy and you are supporting your candidate based on his race. I am neither white nor black and I see HRC in teh debate and she is incredible. His inexperience showed. its quite different giving a prepared speech prepared by someone else and handed to you a few moments before the speech and an actual exchnge of ideas. BTW they both flip flop on issues but she comes off as a more passionate speaker about her conviction. The best outcome would be a combination of HRC/BHO in 08 in that order. in a few years time he will be experienced and will be able to continue the democratic party run.