Obama rocks JJ dinner; believes immigration will be key issue in general election

Culminating in Saturday's Jefferson-Jackson dinner put on by the Democratic Party of Iowa, the top six Democratic candidates spent the week frantically touring the state as the January 3 Iowa Caucus rapidly approaches. After Hillary cracked under pressure in responding to a question in last month's debate on her take on granting drivers licenses to illegal immigrants, immigration has reemerged as being one of the top priorities of voters in the early states. In an interview Obama gave while on the road in Iowa last week, he predicted that Republicans will make immigration a core issue in the general elections.

Obama made that observation when my colleague Shailagh Murray and I asked him about immigration during an interview aboard his campaign bus in Iowa. "My estimation is that the Republicans will run on two issues, and two issues only," he said. "Terrorism and immigration. That is going to be their campaign."

During two days of town hall meetings in southeast Iowa, before otherwise friendly audiences of Democrats, Obama was repeatedly challenged on immigration. The sense of frustration and anger about illegal immigration was evident at virtually every stop and it seemed a harbinger of what could be the Democrats most difficult challenge in 2008.

Obama said Democrats must do two things. First, make "absolutely clear" that their party is determined to shut down the flow of illegal immigrants into the country, but, second, to do so in a way that shows the United States can be a "nation of laws and a nation of immigrants at the same time."

Obama accused Republicans of trying to demagogue the issue but sounded wary about whether Democrats are equipped to counter GOP attacks. "There's no doubt there will be attempts made to hit whoever the Democratic nominee is on this issue. And we have to stand our ground and not be defensive."

Hopefully Obama can prepare for what he already accepts is coming his way by being able to articulate a concise, yet comprehensive alternative solution to keeping the Mexicans out with concrete walls. Of course, this will require a difficult balancing act, especially in Iowa where you lose the average voter's attention the second you dare mention a proposal that in any way can be perceived as granting amnesty to illegal immigrants.

By the way, my friend Chris, a die-hard Obama fan/Maryland state campaign coordinator, actually made it out to Iowa this weekend to help with an Obama rally, immediately after which he attended the highly anticipated Jefferson-Jackson dinner. In honor of what he hails as Obama's best stump speech to date, drawing an estimated 3000 supporters, I've posted all 20 minutes of its greatness above. Keep up the good work Chris.