New Hampshire Primary Preview

By Kevin Robinson in News on Jan 8, 2008 5:00PM

The big news from the campaign trail yesterday evening was an emotional moment with Hillary Clinton and a group of sympathetic, yet undecided, New Hampshire voters. When asked "how do you do it? How do you keep up ... and who does your hair?", Hillary Clinton choked up as she responded, tears welling up in her eyes. Less widely reported, however, was an incident of two men who heckled her in Salem, NH, holding signs that read "Iron My Shirt", and chanting the same slogan. As the hecklers were removed, Clinton responded "ah, the remnants of sexism" to cheers from the crowd. “I’m also running to break through the highest and hardest glass ceiling,” she told the audience.

With most polls showing Obama nearly ten points ahead in New Hampshire, it doesn't look good for Clinton. Although there is a possibility that she could do well in New Hampshire, even if she doesn't win outright, her rapid drop in the polls is troubling. According to Talking Points Memo, there is a serious debate going on within the Clinton camp about what happens if she loses in New Hampshire. One group of advisers (including, according to TMP, Danny Solis's sister Patti Solis Doyle) is urging her to withdraw from the race if she loses in New Hampshire, hoping that her reputation as a senator can be salvaged. Another group is urging her to keep running, believing that, given enough time her message will take hold.

The Republican side of the race is just as compelling and no less dramatic. John McCain, who's campaign was on the ropes this summer, is ahead of Mitt Romney in most polls, although the race is still too close to call. Mike Huckabee isn't expecting to break third place tonight, and is already planning for Florida and South Carolina. Both Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson have taken a pass on New Hampshire, focusing instead on Florida and Nevada. No matter who wins tonight, there is not likely to be a clear GOP front runner, and the Republican field won't narrow substantially until after January 29.