US presidential race
Barack Obama , shocked everyone with his victory in the Iowa caucuses. And people were further shocked to see Hilary Clinton standing third. But then again John Edwards, despite securing second spot (due to votes from middle-aged , blue collar supporters) is unlikely to provide much competition in New Hampshire on Tuesday and the race is likely to be between Obama and Hilary. Obama has won because this time around a lot of young voters came to vote ( twice the number who came in 2004) and four in every ten first-time voters voted for Obama. In addition, the independent voters along with a small band of Republicans also voted for him. In other words this victory also reflects that people in Iowa wanted "change" and that Obama's theory of "hope" inspired the young voters. Hilary's defeat was indeed a big setback for her. She was widely expected to win but she would now quickly move onto New Hampshire ( where polls show that she is leading ) and than onto South Carolina. On the Republican side, Huckabee's victory was also a se back for Romney( since he had spent huge sum on this campaign). But in Hampshire, the race will be between McCain and Romney and Huckabee's win in Iowa is unlikely to have a major impact on the Republican side. Iowa may just be the beginning and so it will be too early to jump to a conclusion. But one thing is sure that by winning in Iowa, Obama has crossed a major hurdle. And for now the "twist in the tale" awaits in New Hampshire.
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