Yepsen (dean of Iowa press corps): Obama clear winner of JJ dinner

[geek tragedy]

http://blogs.dmregister.com/?cat=33

Barack Obama’s was excellent.

It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucus-goers his way. His oratory was moving and he successfully contrasted himself with the others - especially Clinton - without being snide or nasty about it.

Historically, the iowa party’s “JJ” dinner is a landmark event in Democratic presidential caucus campaigns. All the key party activists, donors and players from the state are present. This year, about 9,000 of them showed up, most were from Iowa though there was some grumbling that Obama packed the place with people from Illinois. The charge was denied by the Obama people, who were clearly pleased they beat the other candidates in the noise war inside Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

A candidate who does well at a JJ is quickly in the political buzz around Iowa. A candidate who does poorly can be quickly written off by some important players in the party. Candidates also know the event provides them with an opportunity to sound new themes, launch new attacks or mount a defense of their weaknesses. Local and national observers show up to chronicle the changes.

Obama was particularly impressive Saturday night. Should he win the Iowa caucuses, Saturday’s dinner will be remembered as one of the turning points in his campaign in here, a point where he laid down the marker and began closing on Clinton, the national frontrunner.

While the Democratic candidates all had a good night, Obama clearly had the best.

Here he comes.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. Congratulations to Obama for a good performance

[rodeodance]

2. I disagree, as I think Edwards had the better inspiring speech.

[saracat]

3. Me too.Obabma was "good" but he didn't have the "passion".

[geek tragedy]

5. You must have watched a different speech. n/t

[AmBlue]

10. Agreed. Obama was stiff. n/t

[elizm]

11. And what planet do you live on? nt

[geek tragedy]

4. The question is whether it helps him gain traction in Iowa.

People can disagree about who gave the better speech--that's subjective.

But the buzz is that Obama gained the most.

Edwards was kind of screwed by the speaking order.

[elizm]

6. And after he wins Iowa, there's no stopping him in SC...

..according to Congressman James Clyburn. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/11/09/politics_of_doubt_gnaw_at_black_voters_in_sc/

[geek tragedy]

7. No doubt. He wins BIG in SC if he wins Iowa and/or NH. n/t

[petersjo02]

8. I've watched and read Yepsen for a good share of my life

He leans right always. And he is wrong more often than he is "right" in his projections. What you are reading is his personal opinion only (or what he thought would make the most sensational story), and not God speaking or even a consensus view of the JJ speakers. Keep that in mind.

[goodgd_yall]

9. Hmmm

Not knowledgeable of the man at all. Thanks for the heads up.