The Erin Hart Show - Listener Forum

Erin
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Here is the last word on Caucus from Eric Hart, Colorado native and Iowa resident:

"We all went to the caucus. Amy did fairly extensive research on Edwards vs. Obama. Obama seemed a bit better on foreign policy and civil liberties, Edwards seemed a bit better on energy (e.g., no nukes), he had more specific ideas rather than generalities, and his corporate greed/corruption/influence focus gets at a root cause rather than putting on band aids. So we all caucused for Edwards. But I'm fine with Obama or Edwards or, less enthusiastically, Clinton. Obama gave a great speech in NH at some kickoff Democratic event yesterday.

I think the big media is once again getting in the way of the process rather than simply reporting. For example, I believe that many democrats in Iowa felt quite comfortable with several of the Dem candidates, this is true for every democrat I know and talked to, and we were only stating our preference. But then the media asserts that "Obama Sweeps Iowa," "Clinton Defeated in Iowa." That's not an accurate statement of events. It's more like, "Democrats Strongly Support Their Candidates, Give Edge to Obama." Anyway, the whole process this time around was much more lively and we all enjoyed seeing the candidates and going to the caucus. It's nice to see some optimism and energy and some chance that we can actually make some progress in this election."

And today, Jan. 4th, Obama's eloquent words of the night before still thrill. That speech sent shockwaves through the electorate. Bravo to Barack Obama for inspiring people, including women, to turn out and caucus for him. Bravo to Obama for daring to speak from his heart. Bravo to Obama for the array of young people who stood behind him on the podium.

John Edwards and Hillary Clinton can only envy his support with younger voters and independents. Whoever you support, GET FIRED UP!

And hooray for Iowa, where 239,000 people turned out! Get involved and engaged, it really does matter.

Update! Wow--Illinois Senator Barack Obama has been declared the winner in a record turnout in Iowa by MSNBC as of short of 6:30 p. Pacific. No matter who you are for--it is a thrilling night when an African American who has an international background has won the Iowa caucus for the Democrats.

Senators Hillary Clinton and John Edwards are in a statistical tie.

Fundamentalist Mike Huckabee outwitted (literally and figuratively) Mitt Romney's millions in the Iowa straw poll for the Republicans. John McCain is surging as he heads for New Hampshire.

What a country...

Enjoy the vote tonight!

Here are latest thoughts from Dr. Eric Hart, professor of mathematics education in Fairfield, Iowa (and my cousin) who, with the family is headed to vote tonight!

Here is his latest:

When we heard Elizabeth Edwards at the Small Planet Cafe in Fairfield,
at the end of her talk she mentioned the Edwards website, which has an
Ask John button that you click and type in your question. She said
that John or a staffer will answer all questions, then she added that
if you're from Iowa be sure to put that in your question and "I'll bet
you get an answer real fast!"

A friend of Amy's, nice guy into hard-driving punk rock, went to see
Obama in Mt. Pleasant 20 miles away. It was a more formal campaign
speech setting, totally packed except for one open seat on stage.
Amy's friend is not shy and so went up on stage and sat down in the
empty chair, between a governor and legislator traveling with Obama at
the time. Obama thought he must be someone important and kept turning
towards him and pointedly shook his hand after the speech. He of
course played the part well.

It's great being VIP's in Iowa, for one more day until everyone
forgets about us again for the next 4 years.

Here is an earlier one: Enjoy!

We went this morning to see John Edwards at the 2nd Street Cafe in Fairfield (. . .the cafe is about 6 blocks down the street). He was on his 36 hour tour. The place was packed, probably about 60 people in a place that holds 25. The two-bus caravan
just parked in the middle of the street in the downtown and idled
while Edwards spoke. I still like him. We couldn't see much since it was so crowded, but on his way out of the cafe as he passed by Amy a little girl ran up to him and asked importantly, "What is your favorite color?!" (Answer: blue). I was standing by the door to the bus to be sure to get a good view as he waded through the crowd with no coat on in 3 degree weather to get back on board. After he was on and the door closed a girl in her twenties carrying 4 cups of coffee was trying to get through and get on the bus before it left. Theperson behind me asked her if she was part of the campaign. She answered rather tiredly, "No, I'm his daughter."
That's all the campaign gossip for now. We'll probably go see Hillary in Ottumwa this evening.


Posted Jan 3, 2008, 9:18 pm	Last edited Jan 7, 2008, 4:09 pm by Erin