MALLINation

All of the pundits — from the major media all the way down to me wrote Hillary Clinton off in New Hampshire. Hah! Instead voters last night delivered a classic “Dewey Defeats Truman” moment after the obits had already been written on the Clinton candidacy.

Now it’s a true race between two very worthy candidates — Obama already bursting with positive energy and a rejuvenated Clinton displaying anew her steely resilience.

As for last night’s speeches…Hillary had a strong start and finish — she got some great — maybe even future classic– soundbite moments. I still found Obama’s speech to be remarkable for a guy who came in runner-up — on message and powerful if a bit lengthy.

Whichever of them becomes the nominee will have been strengthened and tempered by this true contest — a plus for everyone.

As for the Republicans …sickly-looking faux-maverick Bush convert McCain won over Lyle Waggoner look-alike Mitt Romney.

Lyle Waggoner or Mitt Romney? “Hey there sugar — ever strap a dog to the roof of your station wagon?”

Here’s Hillary’s speech…that opening about finding her voice is the line of the night:

Here is Obama’s concession speech — notice the pivot now that the contests are moving to states with more black voters– there is a bit more overt acknowledgement of race. That “Yes we can” is very powerful stuff — worked on me anyhow.