The Winner of Tsunami Tuesday

I was listening to a New Wave compilation CD that my older brother burned for me. I was struck with deja vu while listening to "You Spin Me" by Dead or Alive; it was like last night all over again. It was amazing how 4 of the 5 candidates declared a victory(maybe Paul can gloat over the 5 delegates he picked up from North Dakota). In the end, no candidate can say they have this thing locked up.

Fortunately for political junkies such as myself, a lack of a coronation after last night gives me more time to write blogs, dissect polls, stay up late, not shave, and pretend that I work for CNN......

Ok. Are people still reading this? Good.

Objectivity aside, what cannot be ignored was Senator Obama's unexpected victories in some of the "reddest" states in the Union. 56% in Alabama, 67% in Colorado, 74% in Kansas, a narrow win in Missouri, not to mention wins in Georgia, Minnesota(a purple state), Delaware, Connecticut, and Alaska. Let's not forget a landslide victory in his homestate of Illinois.

Not to downplay Senator Clinton's impressive performances in California, New York, and Tennessee, of course. Although she rounded up two southern states, three of the most liberal of states(CA, MA, and NY), Arizona and Oklahoma, the night belonged to Barack Obama for 4 reasons:

1. The Heartland Wants Barack-
Victories in red states show an advantage with conservative Democrats, independents, and those Republicans NOT satisfied with John McCain or Mitt Romney. Obama's strong showing in the South also means that Obama can give McCain a run for his money in this region(Thanks, Knutson for making this point. (c) ). If Clinton is the nominee, those demoralized conservatives will have to choose between the lesser of two evils between McCain and Clinton, as opposed to just staying out of the race. Polls have shown that Obama IS the strongest candidate to take on McCain.

2. Where's the Inevitability?
Clinton was supposed to have the nomination locked up by Super Tuesday. Then along came Barack Obama, who showed us that Democrats are thirsty for new leadership. Projected delegate count is 725 to 625; Clinton ONLY has a 100 delegate advantage....momentum, much? The fact that winning California and New York was surprising really exemplifies that there is no clear frontrunner in this race.

3. I voted for him.

4. Momentum for what is to be the "Week of Obama"-
We've got the Louisiana primary this Saturday(Obama will take it). On Tuesday, Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. will have their primaries(Barack will take all three).


Like many of you, I'm disappointed that we lost California(I thought the Democratic Caucus of SJSU endorsement would have a victory locked. :-) ), but Senator Clinton's organization, as well as an incredible showing among Hispanics, Asians, and women in the state was just too strong for us to compete here. Also, I was surprised that the endorsements from Kennedy, Kerry, and Patrick of Obama did not mean a shift in support in Massachusetts. Oh well, people make up their own minds I guess.

The fact of the matter is: this race will be going to the convention. We just have to work harder to ensure Senator Obama wins more delegates and gains momentum all the way to Denver.

Yes, We Can!