Thirty five percent. That’s what Obama is now polling in Iowa. That’s the magic number putting him outside the margin of error to take the first official contest in the 2008 Presidential Race.

If you must, you can start calling me Mr. Happy Guy.

Now, I probably shouldn’t get my hopes up. Four years ago I was rooting on Howard Dean, and he was also handling a healthy lead in the weeks leading up to primary season before John Kerry came out of nowhere to get Swift-Boated into oblivion. But I’ve decided to remain optimistic - primarily by reminding myself that Obama isn’t actually the front runner - Hillary is - and this is just the begining of his peak. After all, he’s also starting to come on strong in New Hampshire.  

Of course, there is something odd and perverse about the primaries. You’re essentially forced into the uncomfortable position of choosing between several candidates that, for all intents and purposes, you’d support in a general election. Kind of like choosing between your children, or your favorite Beatle. I do like Hillary, agree on several issues with Edwards, and genuinely respect Bill Richardson. But Edwards will make a great VP candidate (again…only this time, hopefully he’ll win his own home state), Richardson will be a great cabinet member, and Hillary can have the whole Senate eating out of her palm in five years.

Thirty five percent. It’s my little numerical early Christmas present.