Several months ago, former Sen. Gary Hart asked a simple question: if Hillary is so inevitable, why do 60 percent of Democrats want somebody else?

Obama is building the largest ground organization ever seen, and not only in the early states. His supporters buzz with enthusiasm while Hillary's seem largely comatose. He has an excellent chance of winning Iowa, which could easily propel victories in the other early states.

He has more money than Hillary, and thus is the only candidate who can compete with her nationwide in the Feb. 5th primaries. He'll quickly inherit most of the supporters of those other candidates, and has significant crossover support that no other candidate can claim.

Fasten your seat belts. Obama and his supporters are set to shock the world.

Fonsia, Oceanside, USA/California

I have to say that Samuel Young has hit the nail right on the head: "I see parallels between Barack Obama and S. Royale here in France. There is less to both of them than meets the eye. Both illusions." Senator Obama never supported the Iraqi war, but he was not in the U.S. Senate at the time. So it is quite hypocritical of him to use that vote against Senator Clinton. We need someone in the White House who can and will stand up to the Right Wing. And we need someone with national experience. Third, we need someone who will make health care available to everyone -- not just the employed or middle/upper classes.

Frank Reynolds, New York, New York

The problem with Obama is hes just another big government liberal. Always has been, always will be. That's the Democrat party of this campaign. They want to turn government as the be all end all of all our lives. Nationalized health care is just their latest attempt to completely control every aspect of our lives from cradle to grave. In the Democrat party's belief there can to be no failures because big government will be there to make all your decisions for u. In this system there will be No failures but most critically No successes either. U will owe all to government. They want a socialist form of government like we see too often in Europe. As of yet none of them have explained how theyre going to pay for this massive increase in government spending. I dont care to see us go the way of Britains NHS and its legions of problems. Shortage of doctors, managed care, waiting in line for basic service. Thanks but no thanks.

Garry, Cburg, Va

I truly hope Hillary loses out in the end. This Country needs to be back on its feet and with seeing past experiences (ie. Bush, Clinton, Bush x2) WE DO NOT NEED THE PAST! We need someone new with new ideas that can get this Country back on track.

Mountain, FG, CO, USA/CO

I can't help but notice that polling thus far has been done by land line phone calls only. It's not taking into account the entire under 30 population. Living in NY, and/or visiting any urban area, I don't really know anyone who even HAS a land line any more! Does this seem strange to anyone else?

Peter Nevins, Brooklyn, NY

Fair and insightful analysis of the Democratic race thus far, thank you. The sheer fact that Andrew Sullivan, a conservative, views Obama with respect and some favor speaks volumes about the broad appeal and healing potential of an Obama Presidency. There will always be hateful individuals on both sides, but the majority in the middle simply want a competent government that will begin to restore faith abroad and at home. As for Obama’s game, I think it is less about a game and more about authenticity – this is who he is and that’s probably more than we could hope for.

ALH, Princeton, NJ

Perhaps it's for the best. I'm a staunch Obama supporter, but he probbly won't get the nom. The government lost my trust shortly after I was a high school student learning about how our "great" system is supposed to work. I learned how it's supposed to be while at the same time witnessing how it actually is. Lies and money replaced honor and duty, while all the while my countrymen were defrauded, their jobs given to cheaper foriegn labor and their rights slowly abolished.
So when Obama came along, it was like a breath of fresh air. I am on board entirely with his effort. Yet there is still that nagging feeling in the back of my mind, that the voting population isn't smart enough to do what's best for itself. I feel that no matter how great Obama could be, he may never overcome our own ignorance. Although looking at history, whoever takes over the Iraq mess may be plagued with a Carter style presidency. And that would end Obama's greatness, replacing it with a mundane legacy

Charles Kushner, Chicago, IL

Much as we democrats loved Bill Clinton, I, for one, am not ready to equate being married to a President with "experience." Also, the country is suffering from Bush fatigue. I have Clinton fatigue already, just thinking about having another one as President. We need new blood, and Obama is the answer.

Rebecca Lescaze, WASHINGTON, DC

It boils down this. Do you want a black Socialist, or a white Socialist. If either of these two got in with a working majority, Hugo Chavez would look like European Liberal. John 'goodhair' Edwards is only in the contest because he is a narcissistic wannabe.

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

lets see what happens in iowa. the younger obama crowd has the edge with the stamina to come early and stay late which is what it takes to win there.

stephen guy, seattle, wa

As someone who has followed Obama's career over the last 15 years, I must say that he is a man who does what he says. When he says we need a fundamental change in Washington, that is exactly what he means. I remember watching his interview on NBC before his announcement as a candidate for the Democratic nomination. He said that his aim was to run for the nomination, and still come out of the process intact, the same man with the same beliefs, regardless of the outcome.

Wtiness his refusal to participate in the political charade in the Senate the other day when the Senate put up an amendment condemning MoveOn.org. Obama rightly called it absurd and a waste of taxpayer dollars, and also more political gameplaying, and refused to be part of it.

The man is the real deal.

Juanito, Washington, DC

I agree with this article. I happen to be an Obama fan, but even disregarding that, I must say -- this clinton machine is almost undemocratic. We have a full platter of electable, even decent human beings running for office: Edwards, Bill Richardson, those are affable, intelligent guys. Obama breathes life into this country in the most unexpected way. But none of these candidates are getting their proper attention because it is all Clinton, Clinton, Clinton. A president, for all intents and purposes, who we've already had!!! I so wish Clinton was on par, poll-wise, with some of the other candidates so that we could have a real primary here. Instead we're merely going through the motions. We're enjoying a reflexive charade in response to 8 miserable years of Bush marginalization.

Drew, atlanta, ga

Edwards will never quit.

davidgriffen, Stockton , CA

Let's make believe it makes a difference whether we have a Democrat who has more lobbyist, PAC and 527 donations than even any Republican (that's Hillary, in case you're wondering) or whether we have a Democratic President who does not owe one dime to any of those big money interests. Let's make believe it makes it more likely to actually reduce the Pentagon budget, get fair health care policies, and stay out of future irrational wars with a President who isn't in all those lobbyists' pockets. Now, just pretending that might make a tiny bit of difference, who do you want to vote for?

VCubed, Alameda, CA

Too many Democrats are reacting to the symbolic idea of Hillary (as former beleagered first lady) rather than her style of leadership. Beware what you wish for. When the Clintons move into the White House where their private foibles, still in the same closet, again became public distractions, watch out for how dysfunctionality follows. Hillary shares much of Bush's stubborn closedness, arrogance, and assumption of royal ascendance. We don't need more fireworks and absolutism, we need healing. Obama may not have Hillary's slickly oiled machine, but he can heal, unite, lead, inspire, and act couragously.

Iris, Villanova, PA

I see parallels between Barack Obama and Segolène Royale here in France. There is less to both of them than meets the eye. Both illusions. It seems to me reading this article that American journalists, just like their French counterparts, are disconnected from reality. To any middle-class, "normal" person living here in France (i.e. kids at school, not reading the left-wing rags, etc.), it was obvious that S Royale never had any chance of winning. This was easy to see in Internet forums, but not in the mainstream press nor on the so-called expert panels on TV which are chosen for their political affiliations. Barack Obama has NO hope of becoming the Democratic Nominee. Ever. And. It's. Obvious.

So, make money, people: you can still get odds of 1.40 on H Clinton becoming the next Democratic Nominee. When i put on my bet just 3 weeks ago, i got 1.50. But still, a 40% return on a zero-risk investment is not bad at all. (OB is at 5.0 if you want to separate yourself from your cash)

Samuel Young, Paris, France

I heard Obama speak last week in Atlanta. He is truely an inspirational canidate that can break the gridlock and can't do anything Congress. I was extremely impressed with his intellect, common sense, humor, humility, dedication, passion, strength and charisma. If you want to finally be able to cast a vote for someone you can be proud of instead of choosing the lesser of two evil canidates then go hear Obama speak and check out his record. This is a decent and honorable man and thank God for sending a man of such quality at this perilous time in America. Obama is the right man for the right time. Obama 08.

sonya, atlanta, ga

Obamas big weakness is he is in the same pen of rabid dogs we have had to choose from for years to guard our children, Ron Paul is the only candidate on either side that truly stands for the average American, research him, draw your own conclusions, then, (I know this hurts), register Republican, and lets start to take this country back

Jim, Las Cruces, NM

well; well; well; I know everyone is entitle to their opion but I'm tired of Obama not good at policy, not good at any thing he says or comment on according to what some people potray him to be. Thanks to the media rolling all over hillary. Let's see what will happen when she win 2008, If she does, repulican will be out there. Even now some of the senator who are democratre worry about her winning. They know most of them will lost their has they say. Guess what now we think of girdluck in warshington. In four years that is when we will really exprience gridluck. Remember the bush presidency. How we think he will make a wonderful president voted for him. What does 60% or more American think of him now. God bless us all.

abu, florida, USA

Barack Obama really believes what he is saying in his speeches. Being from IL and watching him for 20 years I want your readers to know he actually does what you have stated so well. He works with others and he works hard. He believes in people and he actually listens to their stories. He actually knows how to get folks to cooperate--not perfectly but better than anyone else we've seen. He is brilliant. Your article sums him up well and also Ted Sorensen's interview with Charlies Rose/ Ted Sorensen does a remarkable job of describing why JFK was elected and how he used effective judgement. He then describes how Barack Obama is so similar and then goes on to endorse Obama. It is quite amazing to someone at my age of 68 who voted for JFK as a first time voter. Those of us who voted for JFK have waited along time to find that same excitement and energy in a campaign. There are many many of us who are supporting Obama.

SFT, Elgin, IL

who can make taxes interesting?

Jim, Miami,

This is a well put message and I like the end part...does Amerca really want to unite? "A house divided cannot stand".It takes more than a political party,more than partisan ideologies.It takes a leader and a people who are ready and value change.It takes a people who are responsible and are not complacent to the degeneration of it's ideals and standing in the world.America must be held to a high standard because she has chosen that path.There is much at stake.If only we will listen,look around us and apply simple wisdom.A stitch in time saves nine.

PK, ATL, US

The working poor in the US already get such large tax breaks that they are in fact net recipients of cash from the government.

How much more does Obama propose to give them?

That's his big weakness, all his policies proposals turn out to be more of the same things we're already doing.

JT, NYC, USA

I think many of us are tired of division politics.

It does none of us any good.

We need politicians who want to do the real business of we the people.

Will honesty win ?

It will if WE are honest.

If many of us continue seeking a winner versus honesty we all lose.


""People who own races horses try to own all the ponies in the race. That way they can't lose, while the masses in the stands losa at the hands of these owners""

For many many years thats is what the group Bilderberg has done and so we the people in the stands can't see the bigger picture and most of us get taken to the cleaners.

I am tired of being controlled and the only way we can win is to not play their game and elect a president who isn't controlled by the powers to be.

Danielle Clarke, Philadelphia, USA / Pa