By overwhelming numbers, with an over 3 to 1 margin, Hawaii Democrats embraced Obama yesterday in caucuses across the state as their choice for President. Despite the confusion, lack of ballots, long lines and hours of frustration, the desire to support “Barry” (his Hawaii Punahou high school name) was too strong and could not be denied. All of this in the face of significant support of Clinton by Hawaii’s beloved and long time political leader, Senator Dan Inouye and many of Hawaii’s strong unions.
As Obama’s “home state”, national pundits figured correctly that Hawaii would line up behind him. But here on the ground in Honolulu, all was not too clear about what would happen. That anxiety — that indifference may lead to a Clinton victory — probably fueled the extraordinary caucus turnout for Obama. In any event, the arcane and indecipherable caucus system was simply flattened by the rush. One big winner riding on the Obama victory was Congressman Neil Abercrombie a highly visible and vocal supporter of Obama.
All, in all, it was an amazing day, one that could change the political landscape not only in Washington, but in the islands as well.
