An Historic Win for Obama, Hint at Political and Racial Attitude Change in U.S.

Think of some local underdog, who is competing in a national competition, and imagine him or her winning the contest. There is a natural sense of excitement when following their rising star. Then as a key contest in the tournament is won by your dark horse contestant, your excitement grows, and you start to think, 'could this person win the whole contest?'

This must be how Americans, particularly African Americans, feel right now.

It has to be an incredible time of optimism for not only African Americans, but all Americans, and outside observers, that a positive and changing political attitude is evolving in the U.S.

The history of African-Americans is well known, they were inhumanly treated for 100s of years, and ostracized by society even after anti-racist laws were passed. The psychological injuries had been lingering on the "black" psyche, and has inhibited their potentialities for far too long. Now, Barack Obama is becoming more real as a presidential candidate.

The Iowa caucus vote is considered an important gauge at this point in the long drawn out party nomination process. The process is at a point where a "leader" is considered to be crowned now.

This is a major historic night for Black America. In the state of Iowa with 95% of the population made up of white voters, Barack Obama beat his nearest rival, John Edwards by 8%, and the former favorite, Hillary Clinton, by 9%. American political analysts on CNN's live coverage expressed the significance of this. It reflects a changing attitude among the Iowa electorate. Obama even got the largest proportion of the women's vote, and not Hillary. This is considered a major boost for the Obama campaign, and the hopes of black America. Clinton had a majority of the black support, but after this, Obama may appeal to more of the black vote. It was also interesting that more younger voters supported Obama, and fewer of the oldest age voters.

Following the results where Obama had been declared the winner, he gave a memorable, passionate speech, which was repeated by the top CNN correspondents. The combination of his win, and follow-up inspritioal speech might have the effect of committing more New Hampshire voters to Obama.

For the Republicans Mike Huckabee, who has been gathering steam in the last three weeks, won the Iowa caucus. He is seen to be like the "co-worker you worked with, rather than the employer who laid you off." The most dramatic is the story in the Democratic leadership nomination race. At this moment, Barack Obama is in the drivers seat and Iowa is a significant win. Americans must be getting more excited after last nights landmark dramatic win in Iowa.

What Archie Bunker said about Jackie Robinson in baseball, could be true for Barack Obama, that "he changed the whole complexion of the game."