Re: Why Obama’s Win is Bigger Than You Think

Iowa Democratic caucus turnout almost doubled from 2004, dwarfing the Republican turnout.  More people turned out for second-place Democratic finisher Edwards than for the first place Republican finisher Huckabee.

Re: Why Obama’s Win is Bigger Than You Think:

Republicans saw 108,000 people caucus last night, while the Democrats drew a record-breaking 239,000 caucus attendees -- a gain of 115,000 from 2004. In today's New York Times, Adam Nagourney depicts the Democrats' “huge turn-out” as a demonstration of “the extent to which opposition to President Bush has energized Democrats.” Not quite. Bush was easily as big an energizer in 2004, when he was actually on the ballot and Democrats were eager to battle an incumbent who had never even won the popular vote. Something else is at work here: a strong Democratic field with several compelling candidates; a sense that this is a rare and epic intramural battle that can set the party's course; and, apparently, a hunger for an Obama candidacy that is as adamant about transcending Bush Republicanism as it is about vanquishing Clintonian politics.

Technorati Tags: Barak_Obama