The Democratic caucuses reportedly had as much as twice as many motivated voters as in 2004 (over 3x in some precincts). This is very bad news for the Republicans come November. This shows that the Democrats are excited and inspired and ready to campaign with real fervor this fall.
Congratulations to Barack Obama on his victory tonight in the Iowa caucuses.
Now it is on to New Hampshire and Super Tuesday.
More of my analysis after the jump.
The Republicans, on the other hand, are in disarray. Their split was far greater. While the Democrats coalesced around the three leading candidates, the Republicans are all over the map.
Huckabee 34
Romney 25
Thompson 14
McCain 13
Paul 10
Giuliani 4
Although Huckabee had a clear and strong first and Romney and solid second place finish, Huckabee is very low in the polls in New Hampshire. The Republicans -- if Huckabee captures the nomination -- might as well write off the entire Northeast and Western United States.
Worse for them, Huckabee has his own "Willie Horton" problem...and even worse yet, it was a white rapist...and even worse yet, the Christian Right was even arguing that he should be freed.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Republican convention didn't end up being brokered. It would be unusual for that to happen, but it's not out of the question. That would undoubtedly lead to even more divisions on the Republican side.
Almost certainly the Democrats will be united going into November. The Republicans? Not so much. What's worse is that Libertarian Ron Paul supporters may end up voting for a third-party candidate which will hurt the Republicans more than the Democrats.
The Democrats need to remember one very important word (regardless of the ultimate nominee): Solidarity.
Support the candidate of your choice, but in the end, remember to stand together with Solidarity and we will win in November no matter who the Republicans nominate.