Barack Obama Gains Momentum as Change Wins Out in Iowa

Image Courtesy of M. Spencer Green/AP (MSNBC.com)

You know, they said this day would never come. They said our sights were set too high. They said this country was too divided, too disillusioned to ever come together around a common purpose.

But on this January night, at this defining moment in history, you have done what the cynics said we couldn't do.

Those words could not be more true. It was this defining speech by Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, following his victory in the Iowa caucuses last night, that proved change is on its way. The Senator came out in the lead with 38%, followed by 30% for John Edwards, and 29% for third place finisher, Hillary Clinton.

The race remained close throughout the night up until Obama pulled forward towards the end with a first place position. The momentum is there and you better believe it will be a big part of what determines the vote in New Hampshire. From last nights' survey polls, voters found that the most important personal quality a candidate should have was bringing about needed change, in which Obama fit the bill.

What's next? New Hampshire. A whole new ball game, yet one that will surely be the focus of Hillary Clinton as she will desperately try to stop Obama in his tracks. The upcoming debate in New Hampshire this Saturday will be crucial, with the primary only four days away. Independent voters came out strong in supporting Obama in Iowa. Can they do the same in New Hampshire? John McCain's ability to gain many of those independents cannot be brushed aside too quickly either. Only time will tell.

Things are starting to heat up and anything can happen in the next few days. As an Obama supporter, I am thrilled with the results in Iowa and, as Barack said, New Hampshire can do the same. We all can. We can bring about real change. Change we can believe in.