GregNYC goes a tad too far. But he probably captures the feelings of many who felt that their votes would not even be counted after the Iowa debacle. Clearly the HRC-haters crossed too many lines. And many of us are not likely to forget.
My own pre-New Hampshire attitude may be fairly representative of those who remember life before Obama. (HRC is not, I should add, my own first choice)
I retain a deep and abiding affection for Bill and Hillary Clinton, for which I offer no apology. Putting the boot in gleefully now as many are doing with the Clinton star fading requires the courage of a flea. Corrupt Dems in Congress took one look at the 'gays in the military' head-lines and abandoned the first Dem occupants of the Oval Office since Carter to the wolves, only to be later devoured themselves. The Clintons survived, hung together and crafted an eight-year record of job growth and economic stability that will forever give the lie to Republican claims of fiscal responsibility. We can only see now how the Clintons' time has passed. I won't spit on the only two-term Dem President and his partner as they leave the stage. We owe them too much; and it's a debt we forget too easily.
Obama has, so far, done exactly nothing for the American people as a whole, besides show-up. He may do more, I hope he does.
Edwards ran and lost in 2004. He's a known quantity and the candidate who I think will best represent the interests of the middle-class.
Obama has had a free ride from the mainstream press. That's likely to change. He has a record and his candidacy should be considered for its strengths and weaknesses, just like the other candidates. I expect the shrill screams of 'unity', 'love' or else will be somewhat muted for the next few days.
But maybe not.
UPDATE: coigue in comments nails it. Sexism is alive and well in 2008 and beyond, from mothers to daughters and Obama's youth advantage evaporates.