Washington File

Henry why should we ask you any questions. Would you not strike out like you did in NH. Obama will bomb out and McCain will be President because Americans are frightened of terrorism.

Hillary got the women's votes.
Obama got the young votes.
McCain the Repulican.

Bush is in the Middle East and according to the news,something is going to happen between the U.S. and Iran BEFORE Bush leaves office.

That is what will be the deciding factor when it comes to voting in the next president.

Are the U.S. citizens sick of the death and destruction?

Are U.S. citizens tired of their country sinking into contempt by the rest of the world?

Are the U.S. citizens worried about their economy,health care and recession?

Who is the most able nominee to bring them out of this mess?

I agree with all who say that history will be made with either Clinton or Obama.

I also believe if they were smart,they would pull together and use the opportunity to become President and Vice-president.

From what I am seeing,people want change not just in the U.S. but in the world.

All of this talk of “change” by the Obama team is just that; talk. And talk is cheap. Quite obviously there is a need for change in Washington, and throughout the US – oh how the might have fallen (far) –but everyone knows this.
Change; however, does not happen with the wave of a wand or the flick of a switch. Changing the direction of the huge behemoth that is the US will take time and some very strategic planning. There remain huge roadblocks to change led my oil, drug, and insurance money and the evangelical right.
It is not about change; it is about who has the savvy (experience) to make change happen in the face of these obstacles. In my book; experience and compassion will win the day over great speeches and bravado.
Barack Obama appears to be a very smart, passionate man and I really like the eloquence of his speeches. And it would do the States good to have an African-American President. But I see Obama as a little too far left even for Democrats. It is not his time. Clinton has far more experience, including that of Bill Clinton. She’s the one to make change happen.

Has everybody been taking crazy pill? Barak lost New Hampshire after being poll-crowned. Hillary won New Hampshire. A week used to be a long time in politics. Now 8 hours is a long time.

You see, that's the problem with polls and experts. Sometimes even they have to eat a crow. What will the polls say now? Dewey Defeats Truman!!!

Well Mr. Champ seems your prediction was incorrect. US voters are a funny bunch, seems to me that Mr. Gore was a shoo-in 2 elections ago (who will ever forget Florida) and now yourself and other journalists are backing Obama...lot's and lot's of states to go yet...seem's to me your calling this one a little bit early.

Nice prediction champ, but you should probably stop making predictions in this race. Hilary has now WON New Hampshire despite the polls. What have we learned..polls mean nothing.
For all his talk, what do we know about Obama. He wrote a book and he has spent only one term in the Senate. What can he really do? He avoids real debate, and goes with whats popular. He is the poster child for Washington these days.
Hilary has been talking about changing things since Bill got in the White House. Now she has a chance to do it. She is going to win and Obama if he is smart will jump on as her VP at the first chance.

Given that I sit on the other side of the vote count in New Hampshire, I'll be gentle on your prediction as we now know Hillery had the numbers afterall.

Still, much of the smart money s still switching to Obama and the polls were certainly encouraging for him so far.

Obama's greatest problem right now, I believe, is he can't depend on the youth vote to actually get out and mark their ballots.

Yes, students and other young people love to rant and cheer at political rallies, most of which are staged in the pm.

The push to get them to vote though is early morning stuff and not even Obama appears to have found the message to encourage them to get out of bed.

Not to put too fine a point on this, but one of the problems for Democrat candidates is all four of them are seem as viable candidates for the White House.

With that comes a certain comfort levels that might keep softer Democrats at home, at least until the November finals.

Eat it, Champ!

Champ....love the column and the prediction - Obama all the way!

Obama is becoming more than a candidate - he is a movement! finally a guy with vision, charm, charisma and a full control of words / language. He is a symbol above all else (this is why technocrats or policy experts like Hillary are not working this year.. voters dont care much about details - Bush already set that bar on that very low anyway). Plus Hillary comes off as cold and phoney.

In US politics - it is all about the messenger - and Obama is the man for that job. He is the perfect symbol it would seem for the (post-9/11, healing) times.

Perhaps Clinton's camp should consider holding some background discussions with Obama's people. "We'll throw our support behind your candidate, with a guarantee that our candidate will be your running mate". First black President & first female Vice-President? What a shakeup that would cause in the US, and what a stir that would create globally!

Obama aside, what we are seeing is a reflection of a massive rejection of all things related to George W. Bush and a rogue Republican administration.

Finally, something interesting and exciting is developing on the U.S. political front. It appears as though history will be made, either way it is looked at. Obama could become the first African American President, while Clinton could become the first Woman President. To Obama's advantage, he has youth on his side, and could make politics a little more interesting for the disenfranchised 20 to 40 year-old voters in the U.S. Clinton's advantage is her wealth of experience behind the scenes in the White House, as well as her years as a senator. Obama's disadvantage appears to be his lack of experience in politics and tackling real political issues, while Clinton's disadvantage is her perceived cold personality. Personally, I think America and the world needs a break from the Clinton and Bush Show. 16 years between the two families is ample time. A fresh change would be good for the entire world. The main thing Obama needs to do now is to clearly lay out his stand on issues and be specific about what direction he is planning to take on foreign policy issues. Hopefully he and his strategists will come up with a viable plan to get out of the quagmire created by Bush.

What will be the death from a thousand cuts for Obama during the real challenge with McCain?
Obama’s cocaine use can be vaguely weighed against Bush’s riotous youth. However, since alcohol is not seen as a drug, he will be seen as having no credentials for enforcing drug laws. He talks retreat in Iraq and will be seen as weak on terrorism. He will be pilloried again about his statement abut meeting with all enemy states on the day after his election. There will be the innuendoes about his family name and past residency.
He will be shown as an agent of big government if he proposes any changes to health care. In what could be his natural power base he will be presented as an effete wannabe black person. His inexperience will be touted and he will be called a nice guy but not yet ready for the job of president.
Obama’s natural skills may help him get above the coming storm if he doesn’t lose his cool but its going to get ugly out there.

I think Obama is the best candidate for the job because he's prudent and believes in change. For those who don't know, change means to make different. all the things that are going wrong in the U.S. what else can you say, we need change and we need to come together at a time like this. this is a man that acknowledges the problems with global warming, war in Iraq & major money issues. yea change seems needed.

Obama appears to be gaining strength and support but does he have what it takes to sell his ideals,in order to, implement his ideas. I find him too lackluster and tame for someone who is running for the U.S. presidency. The pit bulls of politics(the Karl Roves,Dick Cheneys) will mince him into oblivion before the elections. Graphic but,sadly,a reality in politics.

If Obama wins and gains the White House, and keeps his promises, I think it will be a very interesting and exciting time in America. Not only the US but the rest of the world could welcome change.

Mr. Champ:
I am an avid reader of your column. I really think that Mr. Obama has a chance of becoming the next President of the United States. He has hammered away in his speeches that Change is needed in the U.S. I have not been able to find out what change he is talking about. Where does he stand on issues of the environment, Multi million dollar give aways to defence contractors and the ever growing deficit of the U.S. Can he swing the money changers to his way of thinking, or will he be just another puppet of the system. I think the news media has an obligation to question him and let the public know what he stands for. Presidents have a tremendous amount of power and influence on the news media as to what should be reported and what is left alone. If you guys falter and dont stand up to the system, we will never get a clear picture of what change Mr. Obama is talking about. Dig in Henry and keep us in the know.

Give me a break, how can you say with a straight face that you are not captive of the 'horse race factor' The CBC has abandoned any attempt at explaning or helping Canadians understand the issues.

Your coverage resembles the analysis normally reserved for beauty contests.

I've been following the US presidential race only peripherally. It seems to me, though, that pollsters, pundits, the press, and everybody else is missing an important point: Oprah's endorsement of Barack Obama.

Look for Obama to offer Hillary the VP spot and watch her accept. It will be what he needs (a strong ticket) and after eight years she will at last be first in line for the nomination. She will be only 68.

Obama is a gifted politician, however I'm rather bored of the constant rhetoric and holier than thou attitude. I'm hoping the Democrats don't end up with their own version of Stephane Dion.
America needs leadership, not more hot air!

I think the only person more worried than Hillary is Stephen Harper. Should Obama become President, he would become the last neo-con. On the other hand, who is our Obama? Has anyone seen a charismatic Canadian lately?