Kicking Ass: The Democratic Party's Blog

Democratic Enthusiasm in Colorado, Minnesota

Posted by Matt Ortega on February 5, 2008 at 10:11 PM

The Washington Post's Josh White reports from Colorado on packed crows for their caucus:

Colorado’s caucuses opened at 7 p.m. local time (9 p.m. EST) tonight and were facing an expected crush of voters. Bill Compton, political director for the state Democratic Party, said some locations were so full that people were spilling into the hallways. [emphasis added]

A friend writes from Minnesota:

Usually we have about 50 people show up for our caucuses in a small town in a county that's been Republican since the Civil War, even during the heyday of the Farmer-Labor years in the 1920s and 1930s.

Tonight? Almost 300 voters.

Two words, six syllables, say it with me now: "Enthusiasm gap." Change is in the air and the wind is at the backs of Democrats.

Updated at 10:50pm: The Washington Post has more on "historic turnout" in the state of Minnesota.

"The turnout is historic," said Kelly Schwinghammer, a state party spokeswoman. "I'd venture to say we've probably never seen anything like this. [...]"

Comments (9) «

As a Kenyan am really hopeful that an Obama win will translate in a change of Policy in the USA and its view of the African Affairs. California do Obama the Great Change that America and the World needs especially Africa at this times.

1
namwambah on February 6, 2008 at 12:13 AM

Came through for Obama big!

2
rjsnj on February 6, 2008 at 07:08 AM

SWIFT BOATING 2008

Since 1972, Democrats have been very good at nominating their worst candidate and surest loser for the general election! The list is memorable: George McGovern in 1972 with Republican dirty tricks on Ed Muskie helping, Michael Dukakis in 1988, John Kerry in 2004. Well, it’s time for another debacle and general election that only the Democrats could lose!

The Republicans have already smeared and slimed Hillary Clinton for 16 years. She is “swift boat” proof! However, NOT SO for Barack Hussein Obama; it’s clear that the Republicans can smear him with their standard weapon of fear so bad that lofty words and debate will be meaningless. Osama will be lucky to get 35% of the vote in the general election.

3
JohnQCitizen on February 6, 2008 at 07:53 AM

I have been a registed Democratic voter for 53 years and have never missed voting,and I cannot ever remember seeing anything like the "turnout" at the polls yesterday! A truly HIstorical Democratic takeover! "Change is in the air" and we must continue to "move forward". Look at Colorado and Minnesota! Let's hope the Dems take back Texas this election year.

4
Tipper on February 6, 2008 at 08:58 AM

John Q Citizen you are right. We need to take a closer look at this election. Obama is winning in the south because of African American Votes. These States will probally go Republican in the General Election. He is also winning in caucus States where Senior Citizens, and many cannot participate in the process. I have great respect for Obama and will vote for him if he is the nominee, but the Republican propaganda machine will eat him up. Hillary is winning in most of the Primary States which is a more true indicator of the election in November. A vote for Obama is a vote for 4 more disasterous years of a republican in the white house.

5
chambax2 on February 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM

When people turn out like this they expect their vote to count. It will look really ugly if the Super Delegates don't go along with the vote of the people.

6
harp on February 7, 2008 at 08:03 AM

When people turn out like this they expect their vote to count. It will look really ugly if the Super Delegates don't go along with the vote of the people.

7
harp on February 7, 2008 at 08:04 AM

I think it's obvious who the clear choice is if we can ban together. Obama can pull independents, which is going to make or break the Democrats. If you don't see that, then you don't see the writing on the wall. Please Clinton supporters, if you are a Democrat you have to concede that fact, at the very least and know that is the best chance we have. Hillary will have a very hard time proving she has anything to offer America when standing beside McCain.

8
Katy on February 7, 2008 at 09:59 AM

Sorry I forgot to add that Obama won Colorado and Minnesota, which is what the piece is about. My point is that exact fact. He has appeal where Hillary does not, swing states, and places where we need it. Last I checked, California isn't a swing state.
Missouri is
Colorado is
Minnesota is
I would love to believe that the Democrats would win those still with Obama, but I just don't think that is the case. Remember Independents make or break an election. They don't care about Rs or Ds.

9
Katy on February 7, 2008 at 10:03 AM


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