John Edwards Wins South Carolina Primary

[bubba_fett]

John Edwards (news - web sites) won his native state of South Carolina and hoped for victory outside the South to slow Democratic presidential front-runner John Kerry (news - web sites), who aimed for a string of victories on a seven-state election night.

Kerry, Edwards and retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark (news - web sites) fought it out in Oklahoma, while pre-election polls showed Kerry leading in the five remaining primaries or caucuses. Kerry, a four-term Massachusetts senator, hoped to cement his front-runner status.

Edwards had said he must win South Carolina, and he did by dominating among voters who called the economy their biggest concern.

He also scored well among whites, older people, the less-educated and voters who called themselves moderate or conservative. Edwards split the black vote with Kerry, despite the Massachusetts senator's high-profile endorsement from Rep. Jim Clyburn, the state's most influential black politician.


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=694&e=1&u=/ap/20040204/ap_on_el_pr/democrats

[dolstein]

1. Clyburn and Hollings have egg on their faces

More proof that endorsements don't decide elections, people do. Although in fairness, I suspect that these endorsements added a few points to Kerry's totals.

[David__77]

2. That's a bit dramatic.

I still don't see Edwards winning a majority of delegates at convention. Endorsements aren't just about picking a "winner" anyway. They're about picking who should win.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

3. Congratulations on a solid win

Edwards delivered where he had to in a convincing way. Kerry did O.K. for a Mass. liberal. ;)

[bluedog]

4. good job

Can't help it people...I think we have a great bunch of men running for President..they all have good qualities....whom ever comes out ahead I'm sure our party will unite and show a strong support...

[DiverDave]

5. YEAAAA!

I know, I know, he doesn't have a chance.
But, his message is being heard.
VP maybe?

[Born Free]

6. I know, I know, he doesn't have a chance.

It's tough this time because we really do have many good candidates and each one of them is better than the people in control now.

[politmuse1]

7. OF COURSE he has a chance!

It's an uphill fight, for sure, but the dynamics will change yet again after tonight, especially if Edwards can pull off a victory in OK, as exit polls suggest (it's very close). If he does, he'll instantly become the alternative to Kerry. Clark may or may not pull out, but this could become a two-man race very soon. Now there's too much noise for people to see there is anyone but Kerry. Should the focus turn to just two people -- Kerry and Edwards-- anything can happen.