Showing posts with label New Hampshire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Hampshire. Show all posts

Friday

On January 8, 2008: The Power of Millions of Voices

Despite predictions to the contrary, both Hillary Clinton and John McCain won their New Hampshire primary votes in 2008. And also despite predictions to the contrary, then-Senator Barack Obama lost that primary vote.

The people spoke. Just when you thought they were doing one thing, they zagged and went another way. Regardless of the outcome of that election, the point is that the people have the power to do what they want.

During tonight’s town hall on the subject of gun control, CNN announced their newest poll showing that 67% of Americans support President Obama’s recent actions to strengthen gun sale background checks.

Although the chorus of cynics is loud and dissonant, and the odds seem impossible, 67% of Americans are ready for change.

When he lost the New Hampshire primary in 2008, Mr. Obama told the disappointed crowd that he was “still fired up and ready to go.” “We know the battle ahead will be long,” he said.

“But always remember that, no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change…When we’ve been told we’re not ready or that we shouldn’t try or that we can’t, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed…Yes, we can.”




For a compelling history of the 2008 campaign, as told by news media, politicians, and ordinary people, see King's Dream: Barack Obama Becomes President of the United States of America.

Thursday

On January 7, 2008: Hillary’s Emotional Moment

The day before the New Hampshire primary in 2008, pollster John Zogby reported that Barack Obama had “rocketed” to a 10-point lead over Hillary Clinton in that state.

That same day, Mrs. Clinton showed a rare emotional side while speaking to a group of 15 women in a Portsmouth cafe. “It’s not easy,” she said, beginning to tear up. “I just believe so strongly in who we are as a nation so I’m going to do everything I can to make my case and leave it to the voters to decide.”

If that Zogby poll was correct, it seems that more than 15 voters changed their minds about Mrs. Clinton that day. She won the 2008 New Hampshire primary the very next day.

Yesterday, President Obama teared up while talking about gun violence. Pew research from last July shows the public’s broad support for expanded background checks, so the president knew he was speaking to an agreeing audience. But his emotional moment may have changed even more hearts and minds.

The public likes its politicians and presidents to be human and often rewards them for it.


Tonight, President Obama will appear on CNN television for a one-hour live town hall on the subject of gun control. The program begins at 8pm ET. It is titled “Guns in America.”



For a compelling history of the 2008 campaign, as told by news media, politicians, and ordinary people, see King's Dream: Barack Obama Becomes President of the United States of America.