54 seconds ago.
Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee have claimed victories in Iowa's
first-in-the-nation caucuses.
Mike Huckabee says the results show "people really are more
important than the purse."
With all Democratic precincts reporting, Obama had the support of
38 percent of voters, compared to 30 percent for John Edwards and
29 percent for Hillary Clinton.
"The numbers tell us this was a debate between change and
experience, and change won," said CNN political analyst Bill
Schneider.
Iowa delivered fatal blows to the campaigns of Sen. Chris Dodd of
Connecticut and Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware. Both have decided to
abandon their White House runs.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who finished fourth, said his
campaign plans to "take the fight to New Hampshire."
New Hampshire holds the nation's first primary Tuesday.
Clinton and Obama are in a statistical dead heat in New Hampshire,
according to the latest CNN/WMUR poll. Video Watch where millions
of dollars and months of campaigning have left candidates »
On the GOP side, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, whose campaign was
languishing six months ago, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt
Romney are now tied for first place in New Hampshire, according to
the poll, which was released Wednesday.
McCain left Iowa before caucus night even began. He was already in
New Hampshire by Thursday afternoon, trying to get a jump on his
rivals.
For the winners of both party's caucuses in Iowa, it's an age
revolt for Democrats versus a religious revolt for Republicans,
Schneider said.
Among Democrats, Obama took 57 percent of the under-30 vote,
according to CNN's analysis of entrance polls. Watch Obama
celebrate his victory
Speaking to supporters, Obama called the night a "defining moment
in history."
"You came together as Democrats, Republicans and independents to
stand up and say that we are one nation, we are one people and our
time for change has come." Watch an audio slideshow of the
candidates' speeches »
Huckabee's victory can be attributed to his overwhelming support
among evangelical voters and women, the polls indicate.
With 92 percent of Republican precincts reporting, Huckabee, former
governor of Arkansas, had the support of 34 percent of voters,
compared to 25 percent for Romney. Fred Thompson had 13 percent,
McCain had 13 percent and Ron Paul had 10 percent. What do the
results mean? »
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has turned the focus of
his campaign to the February 5 "Super Tuesday" primaries, trailed
with 4 percent.
"We've paid a lot of attention to states that some other candidates
haven't paid a lot of attention to," Giuliani said, adding, "Time
will tell what the best strategy is." Video Watch Giuliani describe
his strategy »
Huckabee was vastly outspent by Romney, who poured millions of
dollars into a sophisticated get-out-the-vote operation.
"People really are more important than the purse, and what a great
lesson for America to learn," Huckabee said in thanking his
supporters. Video Watch Huckabee claim victory »
Read more
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/03/iowa.caucuses/index.html
