Bush and Clinton Fatigue

For some time, the nation has endured Bush fatigue. There is evidence now that Clinton fatigue may be affecting those already worn out by George W. Bush.

No one should count Sen. Hillary Clinton out of the Democratic race—yet. But the inevitability of her capturing the nomination has been shattered in Iowa.

Relying largely on young and even first-time caucusgoers in Iowa, Sen. Barack Obama won, and former Sen. John Edwards finished second.

The rather somber look on Clinton's face told as much as the final results. For her, an Edwards victory would have been far preferable.

In the long campaign in the Hawkeye State, Clinton called her husband in to help her when the numbers started south. He obviously didn't help much, especially when he used the first-person singular more than his wife's name.

Bill Clinton was a good president in many ways, but he also had strong negatives. Perhaps that will carry on to New Hampshire and beyond for his wife.

Hillary Clinton has to either modify her strategy or tell Bill to get lost and leave the speechifying to her.

On the Republican side, former Gov. Mike Huckabee was the only candidate to criticize President Bush. It may have helped him, because former Gov. Mitt Romney ripped him for having the nerve to say something critical of Bush.

Romney is a far bigger loser in Iowa than Clinton. He staked millions of dollars in the contest and issued harsh words about his opponents. He was too slick for Iowa Republicans.

There has been a Bush or Clinton on the national stage since 1988. To some voters, it may be time for another name and in both parties.

Hillary Clinton may wish she were Hillary Rodham on the primary and caucus ballots.

And we will not see a Bush name on the GOP slate in November.