Earlier this evening as the results were coming in for the NH Primary I received a phone call from the political reporter (MG) of our local newspaper. At the time Barach Obama was leading the Democrat side of the race. (He ended up loosing to Hillary 41% to 39%) MG and I talked for about tem minutes. It was an interesting conversation.
MG's first question was about Hillary Clinton. "Wouldn't Republicans rather face Hillary Clinton (as opposed to Obama) in the general election?" I agreed for three reasons. 1) Hillary is more divisive 2) I think Huckabee will win the GOP nomination and which will give us and apples to apples comparison of the Clinton record and the Huckabee record in Arkansas. 3) Obama's message is very similar to Huckabee's. Both these candidates are talking more about the issues, change, and hope and not so much about themselves. The other candidates on both sides are interviewing for the job of President and Huckabee (and Obama) are talking about their Hope for America. (They understand the problems Americans are facing - not just large corporations) I went on to say that some of the other candidates might struggle with Hope because I think faith and hope are close relatives.
I tried to talk about other things like the GOP candidates but MG brought me back to talking about Obama. He asked if the Republicans are worried about taking on Obama in November and if they have a strategy yet to beat him. I said that there won't be a strategy until we have a nominee. Each one of the GOP candidates is still trying to figure out how to beat the other Republicans. After Huckabee won Iowa all of the candidates changed their message this week to talk about change. When we do face the Democrats we need to play to our candidates strength and the opponents weaknesses. I told him how it will be an interesting race if Huckabee faces Obama. Both are the youngest candidates in their parties. Both are talkig about change. Both are articulate. Both have the power of connection. Both seem compassionate for every day Americans. It should be a true debate about the approach and how we accomplish what we want. Do American's really want a government based health care system or a free market approach?
Earlier in the evening I saw a biography of Obama on Fox News. I told MG about how impressed I was by Obama... as he was portrayed. (I know there is more to the story) Then I admitted that, "I wish he was a Republican" and then modified my statement to say "I wish he was a conservative". It will probably make the paper as "Republican" and all my Republican friends won't understand my point. I told MG that I didn't think Obama has the experience to be President (of US) yet but it would be nice to have a candidate with his skills on the "farm team".
I told MG about the political genius of Joe St.John. Back in September when Fred Thompson first got in the race Joe predicted that SC would come down to Huckabee, McCain, and Romney. He predicted that Thompson wouldn't even make the top three. I think Joe will be proven right on January 19th. In September, we all thought he was crazy.
It will be interesting to see what makes the paper tomorrow, especially since Hillary ended up winning the NH Primary. We'll see how accurate my sentiments actually come through. I know MG tries his best to do a good job - but I also understand he works for an editor that gives him direction on what he wants in an article.
