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Journalism of Courage
The Iowa caucuses, scheduled for January 3, will mark the beginning the race for America8217;s presidential hopefuls. In terms of arithmetic, the state does not get to pull too much weight in choosing the final candidates at the Democratic and Republican party conventions. But, being the first test of strength of the candidates, it can set the momentum by giving some of them a lasting lustre of electability. Already opinion polls are shuffling the leads in both parties. Barack Obama actually leads Hillary Clinton; and among the Republicans, Mitt Romney, long considered a front-runner, is being left behind by Mike Huckabee. For a process as long-drawn-out as America8217;s presidential election is, constructing a sense of inevitability is especially beneficial.
So, having debated issues of immigration, terrorism, war and taxes, they are now trying to strike a chord with voters. In a complicated counting process, voters mark their second choice too. Obama has pulled in Oprah Winfrey to campaign for him. An apt choice, certainly. For a man running more on two autobiographies than on experience, what better endorsement than from a woman who gets millions to read the book of her choice. Obama8217;s worry has been that his supporters are not sure of ultimate ability to swing the nomination 8212; so every inch up the approval charts brings him nearer the tipping point. No wonder, Clinton has been taken aback enough to try to soften her image. Her campaign is now emphasising her personal and, presumably, humane side.
