Obama Wins Big in South Carolina

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

It was another high turnout day for Democrats as Senator Barack Obama coasted to victory in the South Carolina primary. 55 percent (295,091 votes, 25 delegates) voted for Obama; 27 percent (141,128 votes, 12 delegates) voted for Senator Hillary Clinton; 18 percent (93,552 votes, 8 delegates) voted for former Senator John Edwards. In exit polling, Obama had the support of a majority of Democrats, self-described liberals and moderates, men and women, all age groups except 65+, blacks, those earning between $0-$100,000 annually, and the 95 percent of Democratic voters who support getting out of Iraq gradually or as soon as possible. Obama also picked up th endorsement of Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy, in the New York Times. The Times' editorial board endorsed Clinton yesterday.

Clinton shines among those who think experience is the most valuable presidential quality, with 84 percent support. She also bests Obama and Edwards among those 65 years or older. Edwards holds a plurality of white voters (40 percent to Clinton's 36 percent and Obama's 24 percent) and those who think the most important quality of a president is whether (s)he cares about people.

See over the flip to see each candidate's statement about tonight's result...