WOODRUFF VISIT

Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent and Political Editor, for "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" made several stops for WTTW Sunday and Monday. Carol Marin interviewed her on "Chicago Tonight" and I introduced her at a WTTW Members Luncheon where she gave a cogent analysis of the election. Woodruff thinks the Obama vote shows a substantial shift in the electorate that may be in place for many years to come. She pointed to the huge minority vote for Obama according to exit polls, African-Americans 96%, Latinos 67%, Asians 34%. With the minority population already making up nearly one-third of the country and due to increase steadily this could remain a Democratic advantage for decades. Obama also won 68% of the youth vote. Woodruff says analysis shows that the first vote often determines a voters preference for years. In a question period Woodruff said she believed Hillary Clinton is under serious consideration for Secretary of State and only concerns dug up about possible conflicts of interest because of former President Bill Clinton's far flung international enterprises could keep her from getting the nod as Secretary.