Finally the American public is sensing the devious nature of Hillary Clinton and responding to the charisma of Obama, a man of great integrity and sincerity. He respects the voters intelligence in his nuanced answers, whereas Hillary panders and treats the voters like children. I believe this is at the heart of the shift in poll numbers.

Mr Nerdbird, New York, NY

Obama is the *only* candidate who offers real change in what Washington can look like. He doesn't owe favors to anyone--can you imagine all the people lining up at a HRC White House who will feel they are entitled to be part of her "team?"

I am a woman supporting Barack Obama. I never felt that I had to support HRC just because we are the same gender. It's her policies (and lack thereof) that showed me she isn't the candidate I want. Plus, Kindergate just reinforced my feelings that I am supporting the right person.

Hillary really shouldn't tout all this experience she claims to have. Any opportunities she had were because Bill *gave* them to her--she hardly earned anything herself! She was First Lady of Arkansas then First Lady of the W.H--I'll give it to her that she had lots of experience hosting state dinners and directing holiday decorations!

Remember folks: without Bill, there wouldn't be a Hill!

I'll be caucusing for Obama on January 3rd! Obama '08!

JNick, Des Moines, Iowa

I'm looking for a candidate that will promise to hold regular (at least once a month) sessions with either the press or the public via town hall meeting where anyone can ask the president a question. The current administration has been very restrictive toward the press. Political insiders say the President is too busy to a spend an hour a week taking questions from the media or the public but what's more important than hearing the concerns of the nation via reporters or the public. I think Obama would be much more willing to interact with the press/public at least once a month (once a week would be even better) than Hillary.

Harrison, San Francisco, California

Only about 30% of our country (and they are republicans) have a love-hate relationship with Hillary Clinton. I think it's time that that small percentage of our country sits down and shuts up.

Sunny, Tuscaloosa, AL/US

I can't believe the world ever expected Rodham Clinton to really stay on top based on popularity polls. Of course everyone cited Clinton for president more than some democratic rock star with a funny name, until the campaigns started rolling and people started to get to know these candidates.

Now the world knows what the rest of America is finding out; HRC is a consumate politician while Obama only got into politics because he couldn't find a better way to help his community.

Now he's trying to do that for America. Just imagine how these candidates will represent America to the world, especially countries that dislike us. Do we want another Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton misstep, or are we ready to take the leap forward?

I won't get to decide, I'm a republican. My Obama vote doesn't count yet. At least not until the democrats do something right, for a change...

Kirk, Seattle,

When it comes to carpet-bagging and rug-munching, Hillary is in a class of her own.

Simon R. Gladdish, Swansea , Wales

To Vicki Campbell

Wisdom that comes with age? In that case, Hillary has another 50 yrs to age before anybody who knows anything about her would proclaim her wise. You seem to be implying that because she spent time in the White House as wife of a former President, she has 'wisdom' and 'experience'. Please - you make me sick. She has been a Senator for about the same amount of time as Obama and it is quite clear she only became one so as to run for President. Hillary is about as wise as a hyena. Obama has already articulated the change and direction America needs, which is to steer away from old-style Washington politics (the kind Hillary loves, of lobbyists and special interest groups) and to bring the Iraq chapter to an end, amongst other things.

I am not American. But lets hope you guys elect a proper, capable, visionary President for once. Its most certainly not Hillary - IMO

Mambo, London,

This is just another article attempting to show that an Obama surge exists even if it really doesn't - it's so obvious.

The article presents these "defectors" as if it is any surprise that these people will vote for Obama. Puhleeze!

Most of these "defectors" have very strong ties in Chicago and there is no reason to believe that Obama is drawing from Hillary's support.

If you want the Democratic version of George W. Bush - vote for Obama - the Republican-lite.

Ralph, LA, CA

I am stunned. I really thought that Clinton had the nomination all but sewn up months ago but it really is looking as if Obama and Edwards can challenge.

Looks like an exciting race!

JJ, Cape Town, S Africa

What a great article. I think that her inevitability IS fading, and it's not just because people are making up their minds closer to the caucus-it's also because Hillary's supporters are turning. I am a caucasian female voter from Iowa, you'd think Hillary would be my candidate. When I first heard that a woman was running for president and may actually win, I was excited. I'd love a woman president; but I'd rather have an able president. A uniter, not a divider.
So, I must vote for Obama. He has risen above the rest in his views, and now i volunteer for his campaign. I saw Oprah, Michelle, and Obama today and was blown away yet again by him.

Casey, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Obama says that this country needs a change and he will take this country in a new direction; but, he doesn't say what change or direction or how he will do that. Energy and optimism is what propels us as young people into the future. However, it is the wisdom that comes with age and experience that understands, builds and safeguards that future.

Hillary '08

Vicki Campbell, Petersburg, Virginia

"All of sudden, I got the sense that she (HRC) was who the Republicans would like to be the candidate. There’s a love-hate relationship with her and when all is said and done, we’d be a divided nation even if she won - and I’m not sure she would. Every time I heard Obama speak, I kept saying, ‘Yes!’,

Do you want a united or divided nation? You decide.

OBAMA '08

Mr. B, Chesterton, IN

I too am a former Hillary supporter who has defected to Senator Obama. Originally I was leaning to Obama but as I followed the early debates I became very impressed with Hillary. I subsequently read Carl Bernstein's book "A Woman In Charge" and Hillary's book "Living History." This, and Hillary's continued stellar debate performances led me to join the Hillary camp, donating money, placing a Hillary sign in my front yard, and a bumper sticker on my car.

Then I heard about her position on social security - no new payroll taxes, no increase in the retirement age, and not cut in benefits - and my disillusion began. When I attempted to express an adverse opinion about this on her campaign's blog, which invites people to join the conversation, my views were not published. That added to my disillusion along with her husband's parsing of words regarding the release of Hillary's White House papers, and other reminders of all the Clinton baggage from the Clinton White House years.

borgrav, Silver Spring, USA / Maryland

True! true!! true!!! I am very disappointed with myself. My heart goes to Hillary, a woman I have had so much admiration running for many years. Yes many years. But now my head tells me "America needs to move forward" After many months of reflection and, well, seeing the true image of Mrs Clinton, I think my head has won the battle and my mind is made up. It is change that America needs now and Obama is that change left, right or centre.

Mary Nnadi, Pittsurgh , Pennsylvania