In my car yesterday, I listened to NPR interview the LA Times writer who covers Iran. Ahmadinejad was referred to as a “conservative.” Key thoughts:

• Iranians were excited to have a real contest in this election
• It would take big urban turnout to counter the rural vote expected for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
• Obama’s speech in Cairo helped the moderate candidate because it “lowered the temperature” between the US and Muslim nations, thus defusing Ahmadinejad’s appeal as the tough guy ready to stand up to us

On my return trip, I heard Hugh Hewitt interview Stephen Hayes of the Weekly Standard. Key thoughts:

• Obama’s speech signaled American weakness and allowed Ahmadinejad to claim that only the threat of nukes brought the US to the table
• Israel will be forced to act against Iran’s nuclear threat

The news this morning:

Hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won re-election by a thumping margin, official figures showed Saturday, but his moderate challenger rejected the tally as a “dangerous charade” that could lead to tyranny.

UPDATE: Video of protest