The Shock of the New: Obama in Iowa

Last night we saw it, the American Dream -- shared, not deferred, at least for a moment. Barack Obama soared. A stunning win. His glorious speech was cause for pride, for tears of joy, and yes, for even more hope. When was the last time you could say that?

Something lifted: the national anhedonia that has descended on so many despairing Americans under Bush has ever so slightly lessened this morning. And one noticed the despair all the more because of how novel it feels to have hope. The gray and weighed cloud of shame and disappointment in our leadership lifted. Just a bit. And the quiet, deeply scarring, utterly exhausting seven-year burden of being disgusted by a ruinous and corrupt administration quieted briefly last night in Iowa. Because one man, Barack Obama, dared to presume that he had could change the country. And told us that there was nothing we could not do. And so many people agreed.

Maybe this is a little like 1968. The war has finally dragged our youth back into politics. About time. And watching those exhilarated supporters at the inscrutable bit of political theater that is the Iowa caucuses, watching the crowd gathered behind Obama when he spoke, one could sense the unmistakable emergence of a people awakening from a dream. To a dream. A dream that insists on change.

It is very early. But I think there is an exhaustion with the Clinton premise, and indeed, even the Clinton promise. Her negativity felt stale and out of joint, out of sync with what was going on in our hearts and minds. She still may be the Democratic candidate, she still may be the president, but deep down, what she offers feels familiar, dynastic, stale, and so very hard to trust. Last night, many people agreed with that assessment, and said "Not so fast. Not yet. Not you. Not now. Barack Obama. Maybe it is his time."

And as for me -- after my joy and shock had quieted down -- all I could think of was that the rest of the world was watching this moment too, amazed and surprised just like us. In Paris and London, Berlin and Rio, and Montreal. Let alone in Africa, Aisa, and in the Middle East. Were they, like me, also remembering how very much they used to admire about this country and all that it stands for? Were they watching, and feeling the wild, romantic populist streak that -- shock of shocks - still lives on here in this almost ruined nation? I think so.

Comments

[SensibleAmerican]

The media hype continues. Getting 2 delegates more than Hillary is a "victory" while everyone knows that a victory in Iowa means jack! Regan, Bush Senior and Clinton all lost in Iowa and became Presidents. Junior won Iowa but we know who actually won in 2000!

When will the media stop giving Obama a free pass? When they have ensured a Republican victory?

[factanonverba]

Please tell me what change means in Obama-speak because I for one cannot figure it out. Out of Iraq? Maybe in a decade. That's change I guess compared to John McCain who seems to think about a hundred years is about right. Or please tell where he stands on tax policy or undoing the Bush legacy. Because I have no idea. He talks platitudes. I may admire the spirit but the substance is lacking.

If it is change you're after, the only answer is John Edwards.

[Pippen]

Obama didnt win Iowa. Conservative Iowans are pushing Obama to the forefront so they dont have to compete against Hillary who scares the bejesus out of them. Obama cant win a national election and everyone knows it except a few liberal pundits apparently.

You can trade delegate votes in Iowa caucus and apparently the Iowa republicans are having a great laugh at democratic expense.

The strategy is fairly genius and will probably push itself with right wing help through alot of key states. Look for it.

But when the dust settles on the last vote, and Romney beats Obama in the national election and you scratch your heads wondering "how in Gods' name did that happen..." I want you to remember Pippens words.

Conspiracy ? No. Strategy ? Yes. Workable ? Yes. In progress ? Yes.

Your being rope a doped.

Obama cant win a national election. The Red State voters did not evaporate last month. Look who is in office NOW. Who do you think put him there ?

[Rule Of Law]

Robbie, but if you go to the Yahoo newspage or even their front page, there is no mention of Obama by name, no picture, just more "news" about "Clinton fighting back with retooled campaign" and her smiling face.

When did Yahoo become a part of the MSM and what are they all so afraid of?

[cheforacle]

great post - well said.

[MPeter]

Thank you for the great piece. Yes, the world was watching and the world was laughing with you, happy that America, led by Iowa, were waking up from a nightmare. It was an amazing sight; an amazing show. Thanks Iowa, thanks Obama volunteers, thank you all of you the youths and the women who refused to buy into the politics of gender and chose the best man,. Thank you, change is on the way. Only you can help him bring it about.