Polls don't reflect Obama's star power

The Democrat creates a stir wherever he goes, but runs far behind Clinton nationally. Some observers are puzzled; others say he's too gentle.
By Robin Abcarian
Los Angeles Times

DES MOINES — Hutton Street, a modest, racially mixed working-class neighborhood on the city's east side, was unprepared for the miniature army that invaded it one recent Saturday morning when Barack Obama decided to pay a call.

Leading a parade of bodyguards, staffers and about 20 journalists, Obama first knocked on the door of Fortino and Maria Brito. Mexican immigrants, the Britos spoke little English and the conversation was brief. A few houses down, the Democratic presidential candidate had better luck with Jody DeGard, who was "flabbergasted" to see him on her doorstep. Her support tottering between Illinois Sen. Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, DeGard said she would remember the personal touch come January's caucuses.

Moments later, Carol Cook, an account manager for John Deere, walked out of her front door and almost fell off her porch when she saw the commotion. "Who is that?" Cook called across the street to her neighbor Dixie Edwards.

"It's that black guy who's running for president!" Edwards called back, prompting Cook to race over to shake his hand.

Everywhere he goes, Obama gets a Hutton Street-style welcome.

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