A Symbolic Vote

The Iowa primary is in our rearview mirror. Governor Huckabee and Senator Obama may be closer than they appear. This will be determined in New Hampshire.

The polls indicate that 92% of Iowans who voted for them perceived neither candidate as having the best chance of winning the general election in November. This indicates the Iowans voted their feelings rather than making decisions based on cold blooded political assessments.

It appears that neither the Democratic nor the Republican Party faithful gave a hoot about the candidates’ positions on hot issues or experience. Governor Huckabee’s pro-amnesty for illegal aliens is anathema to most Republicans. And Senator Obama’s complete lack of experience was ignored by Democrats . . . a refreshing change.

So what did Iowa tell America?

Iowa is a white, well educated, Christian conclave—the silent majority. For years Christians have watched and heard the elite liberal media ridicule and demean evangelical believers. Although Huckabee is more ardent, both the Governor and Senator Obama are perceived as Christians with religious and moral convictions.

Iowans voted for candidates who publicly stated they share common moral values—they voted for men who proclaimed their faith. In the cold light of day, Iowans voted for themselves. They voted against the onslaught of Christian bigotry.

They ignored the issues and voted for symbols, not for individuals. And Senator Obama also benefitted from racial bigotry. Iowans spoke for the majority of white Americans who are fed up with race baiting, affirmative action and diversity. It was an emphatic statement.

They told the world that in the United States a man’s character, perseverance, education and principles—not his skin color—are the key factors in determining success. But don’t be misled. They voted for a symbol and not for redemption. They weren’t atoning or compensating for past injustices. That time has come and gone.

It was a loud rebuke against those who demand that blacks be judged by different rules and criteria. The refusal to lower the bar of acceptance is not bigotry; it’s the core of America’s strength and determination. Senator Obama’s win in Iowa ratified Middle America’s values and condemned the proponents of a dual society.

America is a Christian society with one set of rules. That’s the message Iowans sent. And the other candidates had better heed this message.

It’s doubtful that the rest of America will vote for symbols. The election will turn on political calculus, especially in the delegate rich states dominated by urban centers. This bodes well for Governor Romney and Senator Clinton.

Yes, Romney is a Mormon. Yet, he is the best qualified “Christian” candidate in the Republican stable with solid credentials. And Senator Clinton has the best political apparatus. The election is still theirs to win.