Obama wins South Carolina by

Barack Obama has won South Carolina.  This was expected as 30% of the population are black (not that all support Obama but most do).  But what was not expected was the size of his victory – by 28% over Clinton.

The next race is Florida, which has no delegates at stake (as they broke the rules over timing) but has significant moral value and momentum.  But going into Super Duper Tuesday, both candidates remain viable.  And polls at this stage suggest Clinton might win more delegates but Obama more states.

If that happens then neither will concede and Edwards could become a Kingmaker.  But if Clinton’s lead with delegates is significan, pressure will be on Obama to withdraw for unity.

On the delegate count it is Clinton 230, Obama 152 and Edwards 61. However take away superdelegates and it is Clinton 48, Obama 63 and Edwards 26.

For the Republicans the count is Romney 73, McCain 38 and Huckabee 29.