So Much for Clinton's Air of Inevitability

Obama's message of change sits better with voters

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 4, 2008 8:55 AM CST

(Newser) – Hillary Clinton is suddenly an underdog and must now prove she has the same resilience her husband showed after a sluggish start in the primaries 15 years ago. The strategy of running as an incumbent didn't play with Iowans, Margaret Carlson notes on Bloomberg. "The folks in Iowa didn't seem to be yearning for a third Clinton term, hers if not his," Carlson writes.

The Iowa results, writes Reuters' Steve Holland, show that the promise of change generated more voters and excitement than the "strength and experience" pitched by Clinton. Adding a "change" theme in recent weeks didn't convince Iowans; and the cast of gray-hairs assembled on the dais at her after-caucus party didn't help either, McClatchy notes—was that really Madeleine Albright?

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks at her caucus night rally with husband former president Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, in Des Moines,... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., talks with supporters following her caucus night rally, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speaks at her caucus night rally, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., waves to supporters after speaking at her caucus night rally, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Associated Press)

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So Much for Clinton's Air of Inevitability

Obama's message of change sits better with voters

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Clinton Hopes NH Foundation Will Hold

Obama's recent surge threatens old ties the Clintons cultivated

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Early primary could make or break Obama in battle with Clinton

Obama Wins Iowa; Edwards 2nd, Clinton Close 3rd

With 100% of Democratic precincts reporting, Edwards just ahead of Clinton

Hillary Faces Gender Hurdle in Iowa

Calls state a 'special burden,' but holds six-point lead

Clintons Still Seething Over Racist Portrayal

Aides didn't defend Obama on McCain's 'race card' accusation

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Iowa • New Hampshire • Bill Clinton • Democratic presidential primaries • Iowa caucuses

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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Clinton Hopes NH Foundation Will Hold

Obama's recent surge threatens old ties the Clintons cultivated

South Carolina Black Women Key for Dems

Early primary could make or break Obama in battle with Clinton

Obama Wins Iowa; Edwards 2nd, Clinton Close 3rd

With 100% of Democratic precincts reporting, Edwards just ahead of Clinton

Hillary Faces Gender Hurdle in Iowa

Calls state a 'special burden,' but holds six-point lead

Clintons Still Seething Over Racist Portrayal

Aides didn't defend Obama on McCain's 'race card' accusation

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