We might be witnessing a 50-state sweep for Obama from Iowa, to NH and beyond. The NYTimes captures the excitement well:
MILFORD, N.H. — Spontaneous combustion! We’re here at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s big dinner and out of the masses of 3,000 people, who have been listening politely to Dennis Kucinich, Hillary Clinton and Bill Richardson, comes a huge surge of people toward the stage for the next speaker — Barack Obama.
An announcer tries to get them back to their seats. "For safety concerns, before we can proceed, please take your seats," says a disembodied voice. A mild buzz kill. The crowd moans but doesn’t really disperse. Then Mr. Obama strides to the podium, the crowd remains packed around the stage and the room is electrified.
"O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma," they roar.
I thought Hillary speech was incredibly lackluster and unfocused. Bill Richardson was fired up and kept it short and sweet. But Bill was barely off the stage when Obama's supporters started their "Fired Up!" "Ready to go!!" chant and an ocean of his "O" signs went up. This kept up for several minutes with the chants getting louder, when the announcer said that everyone "for safety concerns" should take their seats. (loud, defiant boo's - nobody sat down) Then Obama entered and the crowd went insane. His speech was constantly peppered with "O-Ba-Ma!, O-Ba-Ma!, O-Ba-Ma!" I was really taken aback by this New Hampshire support. I hafta wonder if Hillary might have gotten a bit queasy witnessing that kind of support right off the bat.
I'm telling you, this man is a phenom.
There's also something I predict, because I feel it myself. America is in love with this candidate. And if anyone tries to rough him up too much or slime him (and you know that's going to be attempted - what other choice do his rivals have?), the PEOPLE aren't going to take too kindly to it. I can already see a fierce protectiveness of this man. He's the real deal - genuine, authentic, warm, idealistic, and yes, a hope-monger. (I love that line).
Get ready, America. An Obama tsunami is coming!