South Carolina Dem. Primary: Obama Wins Big

Senator Barack Obama was the big winner in today's South Carolina Democratic Primary. He won 55% of the vote, a clear majority and a 2-1 margin over his nearest rival, Senator Hillary Clinton. It was a needed win for Senator Obama as well, after suffering two consecutive losses in the past few weeks (New Hampshire and Nevada).

In terms of a geographical breakdown, Senator Obama nearly swept the entire board, winning every county except for Oconee and Horry. His largest margins came in the Low Country, which consist of many professionals and African Americans, important elements in Obama's electoral coalition.

And in looking at the demographics, Obama's big margin can be attributed to huge support from African American voters. They made up 55% of the electorate and Obama won them overwhelmingly with close to 80% of their vote. But he also didn't do too badly among whites. Obama won 24% of the white vote, doing better among men and actually winning whites ages 18-29.

I hope Senator Obama can carry this new found momentum into the next big contest, which of course is Tsunami Tuesday!

South Carolina Democratic Primary

Obama - 55%
Clinton - 27%
Edwards - 18%