Obama also rocked the Nebraska and Washington caucuses, winning both in a landslide. Obama beat Hillary Clinton two to one.
I spoke with Charles Rolland, who organized one of the 12 precincts that caucused at Washington Middle School in the Emerald City. Rolland, a former deputy mayor of Seattle and former chair of the Washington State Democrats, told me the lunchroom was "overflowing. I haven't seen this many people ever. I saw people that I've never seen at a Democratic caucus, including Republicans."
One black Republican said: "See what Obama has done."
In Washington, voters do not register by party. Caucus-goers declare their candidate preference or indicate "uncommitted" on the sign-in sheet.
Of the112 caucus-goers in Rolland's precinct, 25 percent were black and approximately 75 percent (there were a few Asians). Half were women.
Caucus-goers discussed the issues for roughly 30 minutes. Obama's supporters said that they were voting for him because of his message of "change," and the hope that he will "heal and bring the community together," and restore global respect for the U.S.
Up until two weeks ago, Rolland was neutral in the Democratic primary race. But "young people came to me and said that's not acceptable, especially for you. They expressed such passion for him that I felt compelled to support what they were supporting."
So, when it came time to stand up in the caucus, Rolland stood up for Obama. And he had plenty of company.
Obama received 99 votes compared to Clinton's 11. Of the 7 uncommitted, five switched to Obama; two remained uncommitted. "Nobody switched to Hillary."
Comments: (16)
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By: Tiny on 2/10/2008 1:36PM
CAN WE DO IT? YES WE CAN!!!
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By: Cecil Jones on 2/10/2008 5:39PM
Isn't it wonderful that Democrats have donated so much money to win an election that the Party establishment is willing to blow? It's all about 9-11 and the transformation of our government. Democrats can't win if we are weak on national security. The only way Democrats can be strong is to go back to the scene of the crime. Democrats need to show that President Bush's actions on that day contributed to the success of the mission. The 9-11 Commission thought it was proper to remove the President of the United States from the chain of power. That's significant. On every angle dealing with war, we have found something that stinks. Democrats challenged Bush directly in 2004 and Kerry got done in by Clinton. Do you think Obama is aware of any of the internal workings? One ignorant of the facts cannot possibly win. McCain is aware of the facts because he passed campaign finance reform. Weak on national security is a non starter.
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By: Dre on 2/10/2008 6:23PM
Allow me to stoop for a second and offer this: Hate juice is being poured into political mason jars for all who'll have a drank. The tap is wide open and the favorate libation is called "caucus punch." Have some? Sorry, I don't drink. For those who care to drink the foul smelling juice, make sure you don't drive yourself silly because you'll simply crash into reality. If you're lucky, you may just get a ticket to Obama's inauguration! Do ya thang, bruh!
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By: Dendrea on 2/10/2008 8:29PM
OOhh BABY, TAKE ME NOW! Ha ha!
Men, these are exciting times!
Won North, Won South, Won in between!
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By: KATE on 2/10/2008 9:50PM
I AGREE.
OBAMA HAS RELEASED ALL OF HIS TAX RECORDS,ETC.
BUT THE CLINTONS HAVE REFUSED TO DO SO.
THEY ARE DIRTY POLITICIANS.
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By: Sue on 2/10/2008 9:43PM
There is nothing authentic about Hillary. The speehes she is giving recently, especially today, are so un-original! It seems like she just ripped off the pages from Obama's book.
She sounds like a parrot lately. It's pathetic.
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By: Shay on 2/11/2008 6:10PM
I am very surprised at my adult children now in their 20's are hyped up in this historical campaign. They have explained to me that all they know is Bush's and Clintons in there young years. They are voting for Obama not because of his race but how inspiring he is to them for a new change and new ideas. They are saying the Clintons had their chance with 8 years in oval office and didn't do it. They like Bill but not Hillary she is not cutting it. Hillary Experience, Yeah, but did she get it right. Now she has changed manager. They are saying too late. Everyone can see what is going on there. She is constantly changing her mind on things. They just don't see the security there. They are saying no way, Obama is on track with what they want in a president and he is sticking to it -- the change is needed now for their education and their future. It is Obama all the way.
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By: jackie B on 2/11/2008 12:27PM
I worked the polls for New York's primary and was so proud to see a young women, when her name was not in the board of elections book allowing her to vote on the machine GO TO COURT TO GET A COURT ORDER, and brought it back and PROUDLY VOTED NOT BY PAPER BALLOT BUT ON THE MACHINE.
How many of us has been so anxious to preserve our right?
I also say young mothers bringing their children in the booth tow witness history in the making...
I don't know who they voted for, but they VOTED
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By: ShonShon on 2/11/2008 1:31PM
I am so excited about this campaign! I am 24 years old and I cantwait to stop looking at the Bush's and the Clintons in office! I hopeeverybody has watched the new videotoo...http://my.barackobama.com/yeswecan
http://www.thegamblegroup.com
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By: Rose on 2/11/2008 4:26PM
OBAMA ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M READY FOR NEW IDEAS; A FRESH OUTLOOK ON THIS COUNTRY; AN HONEST PERSON (FOR A CHANGE) THAT IS FOR THE PEOPLE/NOT THE MONEY AND STATUS; A PERSON THAT HAS NEVER LIED TO US ABOUT ANYTHING!!!! (CLINTON--"I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH THAT WOMAN") AND A PERSON WHO KNOWS WHAT HE WANT AND IS LOYAL (DOES NOT GET RID OF MANAGERS (OR STAFF) JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT WINNING). HILARY'S MANAGER IS PROBABLY DOING THE BEST SHE CAN FOR HER. IT'S NOT HER FAULT THE PEOPLE WANT TO VOTE FOR OBAMA!!! BUT, SHE WAS FIRED BY MRS. CLINTON ANYWAY. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CRYING, TEARY EYED COMPASSIONATE HILARY. OH THAT'S RIGHT. IT'S ALL ABOUT WINNING NOW, HUH HIL. LATER FOR THE TEARS AND COMPASSION. WAKE OF PEOPLE. OBAMA WOULD NEVER HAVE DONE THIS. HE IS HONEST, TRUE TO HIS WORD, LOYAL, FOR THE PEOPLE AND DEDICATED AND LOVES THIS COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE IN IT. WHAT MORE WOULD YOU WANT FROM A PRESIDENT. THINK CAREFULLY AND VOTE WISELY!!!
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