The only story really challenging Kenya at the moment is the Iowa caucuses and the wins for Messrs Obama and Huckabee – though it has to be said some of the coverage here is critical of the number of BBC people there to report on the story. A cursory perusal of the Democrat blogs suggests that -unsurprisingly- a good few see this as a very big step to getting Mr Obama to the White House, and the prospects look a little gloomier for Ms. Clinton. As for the Republicans, is Mr Huckabee a serious contender ?
Our Kenyan programme last night was clearly box office. We have 8 available lines to take calls- and they were all busy for the whole hour. It was a fitting end to Fiona’s last editing shift for a while as she’s off to Newshour – they are very lucky to have a WHYS founder member and we will miss her very much.
Two stories i really liked today and would like to share with you even though i can’t see them getting on ; this one about a World War One blog. The Great Grandson of a WW1 soldier is blogging his letters and diaries in real time- just 90 years on (if that makes sense). They are a great read and of course you are waiting for the next installment- just as William Lamin’s family would have done.
And this about anti-icons -or Britain’s least-deserving celebrities. I’d like to know who’d qualify in your own country…
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BBC World Have Your Say 
Hi to all my good friends in WHYS ! Hi to all WHYS good listeners ! In my opinion the greatest Iraqi anti-icon right now is Harith Al Dhari ! We’ll all miss you alot Fiona Crack, alot ! With my love ! Lubna !
As far as Anti-Icons in the US the list could go on and on. I think some top runners in the past few years have been Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and other iconic figures that some of our youngsters look up to that do not seem to care how their actions influence others.
While I’m not big on TV unless its the History Channel or anything relating to home improvement (though I do not have cable), I must say I spend little time in the know with pop-culture and what new degrading and foolish reality show is comming out this week, although Im sure most are chock full of these Anti-Icons.
As for the WW1 letters; What an amazing read!!! Thank you for sharing!
I cannot tell you how excited I am to hear that Mr. Obama came out ahead in Iowa. Quite a good bit of news to wake up to this morning!
Regards,
Brett ~ Richmond, Va.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!”
And today, the Caucus in Iowa, in the most personal way possible, fulfilled the dream of the great Martin Luther King Jnr. And I am so happy I sat through the whole night to watch history being made in America, when Senator Barrack Obama not only won the Democratic Iowa Caucus convincingly, but also delivered one of the most powerful speeches remiscent only of the great ‘I have a dream’ speech by Martin Luther King, Jnr. Let New Hampshire and the rest of America make this 1963 dream a reality in 2008.
I wouldn’t put too much stock in the Iowa caucuses. No one I know sees the choice in November being Obama vs. Huckabee.
And looking for an anti-icon in American culture is like shooting fish in a barrel. It would be harder to come up with a real one.
Hasn’t anyone learned anything yet. This is American politics. It doesn’t matter what happens in a caucus or a primary or even an election. What matters is who owns the electronic voting machine’s hard drives at the end of the day. No one is ahead of anyone at this point or I might clarify any of the top 4 from either party could still be in the race at the end. What is exciting to observe is the shear increase in number of people showing up to play the game. A lone caucuser was asked why they think that was (as if it isn’t painfully clear to everyone) and she replied, “We have to make sure that another republican doesn’t get into office”! Well put, I say! My sentiments exactly. Do you suppose there is a way to also keep a Democrat out too? Like I said, this is America …it doesn’t have to be logical or even legal …just possible.
Obama won tonight not because of any message He has none but rather because of anti-hildabeast backlash which you will see increasingly manifested as primary season drags on. Huckaby is neither a constitutionalist nor a conservative. As such I don’t believe he’ll make it past super Tuesday. Don’t rule Fred Thompson or John Edwards out.
Ray T. Mahorney
Akron Ohio
Dear BBC.Alot condemnation by the govt has been done to Hon Raila.During kenyattas regime,people from central kenya had formed an association called GEMA stood for Gikuyu,Embu and Meru Association.They had a plan to succeed Jomo Kenyatta after his death but they were betrayed by Charles Njonjo who sided with Moi.They went ahead and wanted to amend the constitution but were betrayed by Njonjo.During the 1982 coup,it was either Mulinge or Nyagah to takeover but they were betrayed.The dream of Gema leaders came true in 2002 when Kibaki took over.That is why they can’t imagine power going away from their person.Raila had promised to go for the big fish that is behind Mungiki.Mungiki leadres are in govt.Nobody is talking about this.Im disappointed by your contributors who see Raila bad side.
Nicholas Wamalwa Omondi.Kampala Uganda.
Mr Kibaki shows a lot of hypocrisy when he tells Mr Odinga and his supporters to respect the laws and constitution of Kenya.Did he respect the same laws and constitution when he took advantage of his position as the incumbent and obviously tampered with the results of the last elections which everybody saw he was losing.
What was he afraid of that he had himself sworn in within minutes of his “victory” and till now refuses to invite renowned international mediators like Koffi Anan?
It is shocking when some people say Mr Odinga is taking his complaints too far and shouls reign his supporters in.In as much as I dont support the destruction in Kenya,I think the people have the right to show their anger…are they not the ones who cast the votes? Who’re now watching helplessly while those in power robbed them in broad day light.
Mr Odinga must be feeling like a raped victim and some people are telling him to shut up!
Could Mr Kibaki swear by his Kikuyu gods or The Almighty in heaven that he won a free and fair elections?What example is he showing to other African presidents?
Cant we see that people like Paul Biya and Museveni will be laughing right now?
Shouldnt we see that it’s Mr Kibaki’s cronies that are in the judiciary?
We must understand Mr Odinga’s frustration
Jonas Efughu
Nigeria
On another side this should save as a big lesson to all Africans, because democracy has been misinterpreted in Africa, we don’t know it at all! We really need more Raira Odinga to challenge and teach democracy, because continuing allowing these kinds of leaders it is what makes Africa what it is today.
Arnaud Ntirenganya Emmanuel
Rwandan in Cameroon
African leaders are error in the world. The likes of President Kibaki will not make a different. If he takes himself as a good leader then he should go for a fresh election . Recounting the votes will not help, because Nigeria is a case study where ruling party throw away oppositions vote. Africans should learn to build Africa rather than killing Africans.The opposition party should not give up so as so serve as a lesson to other African leader who are conceiving the same evil act.
Kevin Nicholas Iyere
Nigeria
Well, I hate to bring bad news, but around here, Southern California, by far the biggest story, and the one getting the most coverage, is Brittany going to the hospital. I turned on the local news last night and this piece was front and center. Even the weather guys covering the first, “Death Storm 2008” were chiming in on our favorite vocalist.
As for the events in Iowa?? Not much chatter around here.
Another great WWI blog is Soldier’s Mail: Letters Home from a New England Soldier 1916-1919 at http://worldwar1letters.wordpress.com