CNN

2 BITS, 4 BITS , 6 BITS A DOLLAR ALL FOR OBAMA STAND UP AND HOWLLAR.
WHY IS IT SO QUIET IN HERE? LMAO

I remember when the media and naysayers said Obama wouldn't get past the first quarter...

AND this from another Obama supporter in MD who isn't quite sure what a Caucus is instead of a voting booth?! "We are Obama stars and we can not wait to go to the booth and caucas for him. Me and my friends are coming from maryland just for this.
Posted By Gail,des,moines,iowa: December 20, 2007 2:41 pm"

**************
David Yepsen, the Des Moines Register's veteran political columnist posted his toughest entry this year, lecturing Obama for informing out-of-state Iowa college students in a piece of campaign literature that they are eligible to participate in the caucuses now just over two weeks away. "These are the Iowa caucuses," Yepsen wrote on Nov. 30. "Asking people who are 'not from Iowa' to participate in them changes the nature of the event."

Not many out-of-state students will be around on Jan. 3, and even if they are, it is 100 percent legal for them to participate. But the offending Obama flier has since dropped out of circulation. (However, TeamObama is still talking of bussing out-of-state students in or giving them gas money and hotel rooms?!)

HAVE THE SKELETON'S FINALLY STARTED TO FALL OUT OF SENATOR OBAMA'S CLOSET?

Political Hot Topics
(Today's top political stories from news organizations across the country)
Compiled by Lindsey Pope
CNN Washington Bureau

New York Times: Obama's Vote in Illinois Was Often Just 'Present'
In 1999, Barack Obama was faced with a difficult vote in the Illinois legislature — to support a bill that would let some juveniles be tried as adults, a position that risked drawing fire from African-Americans, or to oppose it, possibly undermining his image as a tough-on-crime moderate. (Along w/ at least 7 'Present' votes on abortion)

The Hill: Lobbyists On Obama's '08 Payroll
Three political aides on Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) payroll were registered lobbyists for dozens of corporations, including Wal-Mart, British Petroleum and Lockheed Martin, while they received payments from his campaign, according to public documents.

Can the grass get any greener = Junior Senator Obama is NOT THE ONE afterall!!

This is the level of students in college nowadays? No wonder the rest of the world is passing America up!!

"I live in delaware. I spared money to go back after christmas and volunteer for Obama campaign. To assure you Candy me and my friend who lives in maryland we are there to make our dream come true!
Posted By John,newark,DE : December 20, 2007 10:58 am"

ps John if ur 4 real, then I appologize b/c you are to be commended for trying to get a higher education.

Its all nice and daandy to sign commitment cards when in a Obama-Oprah rally but to spare a few hours in caucus on a freezing night is not a teenager task. Many may have agreed but few will come after New Year celebrations. Its all a open question as Candy asks? Will they come?

People, pollsters, pundits give undue importance to the Iowa caucus. Isn’t it time to break the back of this myth of Iowa’s importance? They haven’t picked a winner since 1976. And Clinton and Kerry won the democratic nominations without winning in Iowa. Enough with the rural pandering.

What has happened to Analysis at CNN. Can somebody tell the public that the 2008 primary season / cycle is DIFFERENT from yesteryears! We are talking January 3rd caucusing next to the New Year. Then New Hampshire then South Carolina THEN:

SUPER DUPER TUESDAY. Its going to be "different" this time around. The early states voters may as well stay warm at home.

Super Tuesday will decide the nominee. That needs money and organisation which the fringe candidates do not have!

I still am betting on the come-back-kid McCain now that DIRTY TRICKS Dubya and Karl Rove is no more!!!!

I attended my 1st caucus as a college student in Iowa City in 1976. It was held during the school year.

Students can be registered in their home town or college town, but not both. Student participation will suffer because the caucus is during Christmas holiday break.

As many as 20% of U of I undergraduates are from the Chicago area. They won't drive two or three hours to attend their caucus at the U of I, and then turn around and drive home at 9 p.m. after the caucus ends.

Similar problems will exist for Iowa students, although they could change their registrations and caucus at home. Not many will do so. Timing is unfortunate

you're totally right, aj huntington from ny, those naive college students should support more experienced politicians...like bush and cheney.

we've seen what "experience" has done for our country. how about electing someone based on their intelligence and character (neither of which bush has) this time around. I trust smart people with integrity to make smart decisions with integrity. Some lengthy resume of washington experience means nothing if you are a bumbling, cavalier idiot on the inside.

GO OBAMA

Hey AJ, just because you were an idiot in college doesnt mean the rest of us are.
Ron Paul Revolution 2008
or if that doesnt work then
Barak and Roll 2008

OBAMA WILL NOT WIN

As a kid growing up, I truely wanted to become president..! I looked up to my leaders and said "Wow". I can be all that. But "life " settled me to be a regular American, but still proud..! Im 48 now, and I"ve seen too much bull in politics. It makes me sick..I"M NOT ALONE.Please read my posts below. Lets fix America, that I loved before, and apologize for our past mistakes. Or I will run for president. I am still young but I want someone who will mind my children welfare.

Based on Clinton's, debate performance Obama should roll through Iowa. Wow, is that woman bad. Hers, was the worst showing since Gore debated his opponent in 92. If she intends to base her experience on her White House days, she should release the records. She will meet the same fate as Ms. Royal of France. Thankfully

I am certainly coming back for Barack!

I don't think you can absentee caucus. The fundamental principal behind caucussing is that you have to show up and publicly declare your support. If after the first selection, a candidate is deemed not-viable or having at least 15% (I think) of the caucass' support, they can select a second candidate.

If you don't show up, I don't think you can caucus. Fortunately, I think many students are motivated, and I know that some from other cities and states are willing to make the trip to get the job done! Motivation and inspiration from a candidate is such a wonderful thing!

Historically it's the old farts like me that will make the difference. Mabye we can allow on-line voting via My.Space? That might improve turnout. Lot's of opinions–little commitment and action–whichever generation we're in now: x, y, c–but historically it's the Geritol group that has decided elections. I sure hope they do–because amongst my peers in Florida–I'm in the minority as a Democrat. Reagan/Bush had them afraid of economic train wrecks and the loss of Medicare/social security. The current GOP has them thinking a terrorist will be leaping through their window at night with a knife and a IDE. Yep...I hope you young people don't let us down again.

Why do I get the feeling that Hillary got the caucus date rescheduled for Jan. 2 knowing that would hurt Obama? "Democracy" these days is just so dirty and dishonest.
I am driving from dallas back to school to vote for Obama!

"...who are permitted to participate in the caucus even if they live out of state.

Obama, just like all the other Democrat candidates, is banking on people voting in multiple states.

What youth vote???

Historically, after we got the right to vote at
18, what did they do?

NOTHING...

Except a few of us...

I voted then and I still vote now.

I agree with you AJ. When I was in college my head was filled with a lot of big words and lofty ideas, but I had no clue how the real world operated (although I was sure I had everything figured out). Part of the problem was that most of my professors leaned heavily to the left: at the time I thought they were the epitome of intelligence.

Most young people want a good life, and that's admirable, but they need to remember that "change for the sake of change" is not always what's best for America. Listen to your elders, young folks, because their life experiences carry a lot more weight than the words found in a textbook.

What youth vote???

Historically, after we got the right to vote at
18, what did they do?

NOTHING...

Except a few of us...

I voted then and I still vote now.

Well, the only thing that matters in each precinct is the proportion of people who vote for each candidate, not the total number of people who show up. So if there are 10 people at a caucus, and 6 of them vote for Obama, that's as good as if 600 out of 1000 voted for him.

And I'm sure some of the students are still registered to vote in their home towns. So they might actually increase the proportion of votes for Obama in those precincts.

As for the out-of-state students, first of all they don't count unless they've registered to vote in Iowa. And even if they have, how likely are they to vote in the Iowa caucus? Dunno.

Three political aides on Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) payroll were registered lobbyists for dozens of corporations, including Wal-Mart, British Petroleum and Lockheed Martin, while they received payments from his campaign, according to public documents.

why is this story not front page?
why the need to protect Barack Hussein?
he is not only easily corruptable he is already corrupt

If he's actually sincere, I definitely find him preferable to Hillary. I know "universal health care" is a big deal for some, and I know how expensive health insurance can be - even for just me and my wife. But the thing we have to be cautious about is increasing government involvement in that market. Government intervention in a market only causes shortages and greater poverty. Don't look to the government to intervene in the problem, look for what government interventions are causing it. Freedom is powerful, even in the health care market. The middle and lower income populations are vast in number. There's no reason a free market wouldn't be interested in serving them. It's when you take freedom away that it stops being about the consumer.

He's got my vote. (unless it comes out he's a pedophile... but since he's not GOP we don't need to worry about that)

I'm voting for Obama because he's the best candidate AND there've been too many Bushes & Clintons in the White House over the last few decades...not to mention Hillary's seriously sketchy chances of winning the general election.

This is going to be my first presidential election and I'm voting for him. About time that we get someone new in the government instead of someone from one of the same two families that have been running this country for the past 20+ years.

He spoke on my campus last year in support of another candidate, I think it was before he even announced his intention to run for the White House, and the turnout to see him was huge.I bought his book and it is quite inspiritional. I have saved enough to come back and vote.
Obama 08!

Hey, Ron Paul supporters - after this, you don't get to whine that you aren't spamming.
Is Obama perfect? Of course not - but on the issues I most care about, such as universal health care, net neutrality, and college tuition, I support Democrats like Obama. It may sound like a broken record, but Obama stands above the other Democrats for me because he gives a sense of unity and hope. Remember - we're electing a president, and a president needs more than just policy stances that you agree with. A president needs a sense of vision, something to bring the country together and forward. That is what separates a national leader from a legislator.

aj, wonderful unbiased answer to an honest question. I'm sure somewhere, on some other thread, someone is asking right now what "experience" you are talking about.

A segment of college students are significantly more informed than the general population when it comes to politics. But a big problem for anyone seeking support of college students is that school is out the day of the caucuses and if the school is closed, students living in school housing would have to find somewhere else to stay. I wonder whether any schools are making accomidations to encourage their students to join the process, regardless of who they support.

Another deceiving headline from CNN.

Obama is woo'ing many more than just college aged kids...those who read other news sources can see that he brings out the huge crowds of ALL ages, races, parties, and walks of life. (you don't see that from Clinton who has staged speeches and a cheering section from the Special Interest Groups)...

CNN – stop your ridiculous bias toward Clinton. See what the rest of the US is seeing - Hope in our country and hope is almost the Democratic nominee for President....

OBAMA 08!!!

We are Obama stars and we can not wait to go to the booth and caucas for him.
Me and my friends are coming from maryland just for this.

It's easy to woo college students. When I was in college I was all heart and no reason. College age voters don't look at a candidate's experience, just if they can make them feel better. We don't need leaders who are therapists like Oprah and Obama, we want a President who can lead.

Posted By aj huntington, ny. : December 20, 2007 12:56 pm

I need a therapist rather than a president who makes this country hopeless and desperate. I want someone who will lead me and who will make me feel better when I wake up everyday. I want a president who tells me what he is doing with my tax money. I don't need cooperate leaders in the white house who are not sensitive to people values. I hope you get your facts straight!

They will show up. And then vote for Ron Paul.

Posted By Jared, Dover, DE : December 20, 2007 10:59 am

In your dreams....

The success of the college demographic in turning out to the polls is going to partially rely on how the voting booths are run this time.

In previous elections (particularly in these early states), college students have been faced with too few booths, not enough volunteers, etc. The result is long lines and inefficiency that turns students away from voting.

Not all of it is intentional, but some of these are methods designed to minimize the college vote. Hillary and Dodd specifically tried to pass legislation in Iowa to prevent out-of-state-tuition students from caucusing (even though by state law and design they are supposed to be able to). It was met with strong disapproval, so both candidates dropped it, but the point is that not everyone is as excited to see a large college turnout as Obama obviously would be.

Hopefully the election is run fairly and efficiently... I honestly do think Obama has the potential to get a large student turnout, unlike most previous candidates.

It is very evident that the rigged Aerican election that brought G.W Bush to power increase the electoral apathy amongst the eligible voters of younger generation. It is aslo very realizable that optimism and expressionism in this campaign trail that Obama has brought, may re-awaken the force and the desired change young people could bring to a nation. They can change the world through Obama.

Out-of-state college students cut short their winter vacation to caucus? I'd be very surprised.

I'm sorry that you had such lack of forsight in college aj huntington, but don't attempt to impute your youthful foolishness to today's college age students. Obama is a good choice all around, and a student would be well served by putting in the effort and casting their vote for him.

Obama's support comes a lot from yooug kids. That is too much to ask for our young kids, because caucuses take time and there may be a good TV show to prevent them caucusing. )

Besides, many of these students are home for xmas and new year holidays.

In other words, what the poll numbers shown for obama may not be realised on January 3.

Obama may not "win that thing" afterall.

College students tend to be more left-leaning, and they're not as apathetic as the media makes them seem. The surge of organizational activity on campuses across the country in support of Obama is immense. With most college students only having a cell phone, I wouldn't be surprised to see a Dewey-Truman type outpouring of support for Obama from college students nationwide when the caucuses come.

"The reason students haven't actively participated in politics in the past is because there was really nothing to motivate them."

I've heard this excuse a number of times and it's incredibly lame. Nothing to motivate them? Who is the largest demographic of American soldiers fighting in Iraq? Young people. If that isn't motivation enough to get college kids off their arse and vote then nothing is. And yet did they show up en mass to vote in 2004? No.

Honestly, the only thing that will motivate young people to vote is if they had a kegger at the polling station. That's where their priorities lie.

John in New York said:
"Since Barack Obama showed proper judgement on the war in Iraq from the beginning, I think they will feel motivated to do their part an help him get elected"

Get your facts straight. It's always easy for someone like Obama to sit back and say they made the right decision. Obama was not in a position to vote on the war. He may have shot his mouth off while he was in the state house, but they dont decide do they? When one is playing on the national stage, perhaps the picture is not quite as clear. Obam is a windbag without the credentials or the balance to be our chief executive.

They WILL cut their vacations short and they WILL caucus for Obama! The Obama Team is top-notch and will keep the fire burning! They know how important this is to our Country.

WAKE UP AMERICA. Did we elect Bush because he was a change, he was straightforward kind of guy, he made us feel connected etc...? Yes, he was all that but WHERE ARE WE NOW? Trillions of dollars in deficit, more ennemies and less allies in the world, the middle-class americans are suffering. Please ask yourself tough questions before voting for the candidate:
1/ DO WE NEED TO LIKE THE PERSON WHO MOST CAPABLE OF CLEANING THE MESS THAT OUR NATION IS FACING NOW?
2/DO WE GET HIRED ON THE JOB BECAUSE WE'RE INSPIRATIONAL AND LIKEABLE OR WE'RE EXPERIENCED?
3/CAN WE AFFORD TO TRAIN ANOTHER PRESIDENT?

It's easy to woo college students. When I was in college I was all heart and no reason. College age voters don't look at a candidate's experience, just if they can make them feel better. We don't need leaders who are therapists like Oprah and Obama, we want a President who can lead.

Most college students are Democrat until they grow up. Too much liberal indoctrination during their school years. But after being in the real world for a time they tend to become Republican which is about the same time the actually decide to go out and vote. So, courting the college kids actually works to the Republican advantage in the long run. Go Obama, keep working for America.

Yes. Iowa College Students are going to be home from break which means they'll be in their local districts to participate in the caucus.

Part of the reason college students don't vote is because during the school year they are far away from home and their only option to vote is absentee ballot.

I am a college student in Iowa and YES we will get involved this time...this is our time...this is Obama's time!!

Yeah, MAN, it's time you prove the critics wrong!

Oh, wait, there's an episode of the Daily Show on... oh well, maybe next time.

John from New York: I must comment that when I always hear or see people write that Obama made the right decision on the war from the beginning, I want to shake my head because Obama was not in the U.S. Senate when the war was being debated; so it is not a fair assumption to give him credit for something that he was not invovled with at the time.

I do think it is alright to look at whether he had good judgement as a U.S. Senator. He has voted to continue giving money to fund the war and has missed 80% of the votes as a U.S. Senator. So, for me, when it counts, Obama has not shown all that good judgement.

"proper judgement on the war"?

Are you serious? Sure, the first time he spoke to thunderous applause about the war in 2002, everyone I know was into Obama. But by now surely it's clear to everyone that he's about as serious as Hillary at ending the war. Both of them are taking their cues from the same CFR agenda as many Repub candidates. It's sickening.

Obviously, if you're a voter and think our top priority is ending the war right away without doublespeak and vague assertions, the only real candidates to consider are Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich.

I was always taught that the best indicator of future behavior is to look at past behavior.

We know that young people vote in very small percentages; and now that the caucus is on Jan 3rd, my sense is that these young people will NOT be caucusing in large percentages and will be off enjoying their winter break.

Us college students hardly show up for class! Hopefully for Obama's sake we'll get up off our collective butts and do something...

It depends on what's on TV that night.

Young people party, old people vote. It's always been that way.

i think Obama appeals more to College students. we don't really think like our parents and grand-parents, we more liberal in thougts, we mix with all races than they did in the past. He will unify this country and the countries in the middle east, Africa and Asia because of his background.

Go Obama

They will be back in droves.

Agreed, students have been given the short end of the stick for too long. We need to step up to the plate and show the rest of the country that we are capable of making responsible decisions in politics, and do care about our countries future.

Yes, they will show up. People, whatever age, willing to take the time out to come to these rallies, often braving freezing cold temps, aren't doing this as a passing thing. This is not a "rock the vote" situation as it has been in past years, with music acts and such as the major draw. These young people are very committed to their candidate.

Ah, yes, the future 'movers and shakers' of the world.

If they can be suckered in by a candidate who says he doesn't take money from lobbyists yet had three from Wal Mart, British Petroleum and Lockheed Martin on his campaign payroll, they will deserve exactly what they get...a liar and charlaten who wouldn't know the truth if it bit him.

If the college students are following the example of their parents and other Americans, then only a small percentage of them will. I can only hope that there is change with the coming generation so that more Americans vote and take part in government. It is sad that many Americans complain about the government and never vote. Don't vote? Don't complain!

Students will be motivated to show up, but it won't be because of Obama. Students will be motivated to show up and turn out because of RON PAUL – the real candidate of change, not just someone who throws out a bunch of catchphrases and dupes stupid people into supporting him.

As long as it's on a Tuesday or Wednesday after 11, I think most of us can make it.

Hmmm...looked like a bunch of 60 year olds in the crowd.

Sen. Obama doesn't need ALL students to come caucus for him. It only takes a few in key precints to seal-the-deal.

Candy Crowley casts doubt on Obama all the time? Why? The polls indicate Sen. Clinton is also receiving lots of support from first-time caucusers.

Posted By John New York, NY : December 20, 2007 9:31 am

Too bad you don't have a clue about what 'young people' want John.

Posted By Grace : December 20, 2007 10:04 am

Grace, the reason young people don't generally participate in politics is because of many reasons, and a football game isn't going to motivate anyone to vote.

will the college students show up for the caucuses?????

it depends in:

1. the weather!!
2. who will be playing that night in the college football game....

He appeals to the students because they both have about the same experience level for the presidency.

All the elements are here: the personal, almost mystical connection to Barack Obama, often beginning with that convention speech; the importance of the Internet for this presidential race; the Obama campaign's emphasis on each volunteer's "story" (translation: the dignity and worth of every single American that the Democratic Party hasn't really believed in since the Depression); the sharing of stories leading to the transformative experience of the Obama inspirational campaign.
I am a student and I believe in Barack Obama!

I happened to hear Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004, and thought wow! This guy is different. He instilled this excitement in me, and he had this passion about the way he spoke. And I just felt like he touched me, and so I kind of followed up with him here and there; I saw him on the Oprah show, and saw him in the newspaper here and there, and I happened to be online, and saw the Barack Obama web site, clicked on it, looked around - very easy for you to join on at the campaign - and once again I thought I was gonna be a volunteer where they just told me where to go, that's what you're gonna do, but instead, the campaign calls me, and said 'hey, Leslie, we hear you want to get involved. Would you like to come to Camp Obama?'

"After Camp Obama, I went right to the post office and changed my voter registration to Democrat so that I could vote for Barack in the primary

In short, I am in for it!

They will show up. And then vote for Ron Paul.

Oh the young. They know so much about the affairs of men. We can certainly count on them to make the right choice for President.

I live in delaware. I spared money to go back after christmas and volunteer for Obama campaign. To assure you Candy me and my friend who lives in maryland we are there to make our dream come true!

Not a chance. It's a primary (caucus). The turnout is going to be around 10% or less (http://elections.gmu.edu/Voter_Turnout_2004_Primaries.htm). If 90% of all voters are staying home, imagine the turnout of young people, many of which are college students that may or may not be in the state at the time of the caucus. Obama may have a chance to win in Iowa, but it will have nothing to do with young voters.

College students will be vacationing back home. Sorry Barac Hussien Obama! Go Hillary 08!!

If we could vote via internet the young crowd would turn out in droves. That's why the OLD hard line Dems and Republicans will never approve internet voting.

If they vote, the world will thank them.

Obama '08!

Hillary doesn't want the young or well-educated to vote this year because most are not among her supporters..

Students and Youths in generally have been dismissed for too long. It's time we prove the cynics wrong.

The reason students haven't actively participated in politics in the past is because there was really nothing to motivate them.

This time, Obama is more than enough motivation.

Rather than talk about how college students might not vote, lets talk about how low the average voter turnout is in this country. COULD THE SYSTEM BE FLAWED?! Yes, it certainly is.

Much of Obama's support in Iowa will come from people ages 21 to 50. Young people want to be inspired and motivated. To me this is one of great under-estimated qualities of a president. Too often older Americans focus in on experience as the true mark to becoming President of the US, whereas younger people focus in on character. Younger people like myself understand, experience is good, but any great leader has to have character. Being honest, truthful, caring and exhibiting good judgement, are characteristics that any good to great president (or presidential candidate) should have.

Obama in '08!

CNN and Hillary are hoping these young people dont show up. Let us prove them wrong Iowa

I have heard from people at different campuses that the only signs for support they see around campus are for Paul. I think Obama needs to try harder.

No they won't- they never do.

Young people get involved if they feel motivated to.

Since Barack Obama showed proper judgement on the war in Iraq from the beginning, I think they will feel motivated to do their part an help him get elected.