In N.H., Campaign Turned Quickly in Clinton’s Favor (Rep. Tammy Baldwin)

Late last Thursday (Jan. 3) in Des Moines, I had the opportunity to tell Senator Clinton that, despite the Iowa Caucus results, I had every confidence that she would come through.  I just had a “gut” feeling about it.  I don’t know if it was based on my discussions with seniors in Ames and Story City earlier that day, or the reactions I observed Senator Clinton receive from the audience in Cedar Rapids a day earlier.  I just had the feeling that things would change.  What surprised me though, was how quickly things began turning around.  I thought that Senator Obama’s bounce from Iowa would last through New Hampshire.

I spent last night, glued to the TV, participating in a surrogate briefing call and celebrating as the AP called the primary for Senator Clinton.  I especially loved the phrase in her speech when she said “I listened to you and, in the process, I found my own voice.”

I do not agree with the many pundits who claim that the “emotional moment” was the turning point in New Hampshire.  I think it was her superior debate performance on Saturday that turned the tide.  Iowa and New Hampshire are important early contests and they have defined this as a close two-person race for the Democratic nomination.  I’m very excited about the coming weeks, when the rest of America begins to weigh in.