Each of the pundits seems to have their own bizarre explanation for why Hillary Clinton pulled off the "upset" tonight. With the exception of one - independents broke big for McCain because they thought Obama wouldn't need their vote to win - none of them make sense. But that one most definitely does.
In NH's open primary system, independents (as they should) only get one vote. Based on all of the news reports this morning, it was very clear that their votes would have more of an impact in the Republican race, so it would have been entirely logical for them to weigh in on that race. According to the reporting on MSNBC, the polling data backs that up. But we'll see...
One thing I am sure about? This sucks.
UPDATE: OK, please.... Whatever else this is, it is not, as Russert and Williams just proclaimed it, "the greatest upset in American political history." Until about 7 days ago, Clinton was the frontrunner, both in NH and in national polls. The Obama won Iowa, and she was knocked off her perch. Now, 5 days later, it is "the greatest upset in American political history?" Seriously?
LATER UPDATE: Always remember - primaries are about delegate, not popular vote. And Super Delegates aside, right now Obama is up by 1. In NH, the site of tonight's big win by Clinton, they are tied. In Iowa, the site of Obama's big win, Obama was up by 1.
That's right, kids. Just like in the general election, in the primaries, it ain't a democracy. You're voting for delegates, not candidates.
So watch this carefully over the coming weeks, ok?
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