PR Straight Talk

In my previous posting, written days before the Iowa Caucus, I wrote about “That Vision Thing” - and acknowledged Senator Obama for his gift to inspire and unite.  It appears a plurality of the electorate in Iowa felt something too - and put him over the top.

In an earlier posting, I acknowledged Senator Huckabee for my perception that he was a man of character.  It appears that Iowans felt the decency of the man too.  It’s also understood that some Conservatives, and Evangelical Christians in particular, have been looking for a candidate they can embrace in this campaign.

Clearly, both Obama and Huckabee speak to a deep desire for change in the country - in Obama’s case a change that represents a truly new paradigm envisioning a less divisive, confrontative approach with respect to both domestic and international issues; and in Huckabee’s case, it appears his call is for a return to truer Conservative values combined with “heart” for the needs of the common man, that also speaks to a disaffection with Bush-Republican policies as we’ve known them.  

John Edwards speaks to this populist agenda, though in a more progressive vein.  Hillary Clinton will probably now emphasize herself more as a change agent, and if she’s smart, also speak more to the needs of people and less about what “I” will do.  She’s immensely talented and intelligent - as is her husband - and she still has plenty of determination in her.  It will be interesting to see if she can gain the momentum again.

I was a bit saddened to see that Senator Biden had to pull out.  He’s a man of enormous intelligence, wisdom and experience - and hopefully he will be called upon to serve the country by a smart next president, whoever he or she is.

But for now, the momentum is with Senator Obama - and Senator Huckabee - the former a man of true vision, and the latter a man of perceived character and someone able to connect with the people.  Their politics and political philosophies are very different though, and there is plenty of work for the American voter in the days, weeks and months ahead.