The social media said it first, now NH feels the love

We've been saying for 4 months that our social media study showed that Obama had more support than anyone thought. Now that I've seen the response in person, I haven't been this energized since I was the same age as the young people crowding around me at the 100 Club last night. New Hampshire is in love with Obama. Friday morning, I went to a rally in Portsmouth and the 100 Club Dinner in Milford and at both places I ran into supporters that surprised me. Republian neighbors came out to greet Obama at a hanger at Pease Tradeport. At the 100 Club Dinner people who had been leaning Edwards were open and willing to listen to our arguments for Obama. Someone who had been a big Hilary supporter 6 months ago, now sported an Obama sign. And you couldn't deny the enthusiasm of the crowd. There's something about the energy of hundreds of young people that is totally infectious. I felt a bit like I was back in the 70s, wishing I could just follow the campaign around for awhile.

Tolstoy wondered in War and Peace if times make the man or the man makes the times. Walter Shapiro said "Its the candidate, stupid" . I say that its both, Obama is the right candidate at the right time. Everyone is ready for a change, republican, democrat and independent, and Obama represents a whole new generation of politicians. Part of his appeal is simply that he wasn't on the public stage a decade ago. Part of it is his voice and his oratory skills. Part of it is the way he approaches problems, and part of it is that he represents America. His background, his skin, his parentage. There's something in there for everyone. Just by winning Iowa he's changed some people's perceptions of the US. If he takes the White House, it's a whole new image for the U.S.

Whatever reason, something happened last night that was different from all other 100 Club dinners I've ever been to. People left inspired, not just tired.

Comments

[Erin Kotecki Vest (Queenofspain)]

I really seem to be finding more and more people being "inspired" by Obama.

I took the liberty of adding your link to our open thread post at BlogHer.com as we discuss NH. Would love to see you join the fray!

http://www.blogher.com/abc-facebook-new-hampshire-rep-dem-debates-tonight-open-thread

[KD Paine]

I'd say that 50% of the room were serious dedicated Obama fans, 10% were uncommitted, 30% were for Hilary, and 20% were for Edwards, and a handful were supporting Richardson and Kucinich.

[Blendahtom]

Hi Katie,

What was your sense of the pulse of the support there as far % wise in your eyes..