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How Obama Did It: The Delegate Strategy

Delegate-by-delegate fight led to historic upset

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 4, 2008 8:29 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Last night was not a triumphant coronation for Barack Obama, whose campaign limped over the finish line in Montana and South Dakota. But the Illinois senator's victory over Hillary Clinton—one of the biggest upsets in US political history, writes the Washington Post—was never about glamorous wins in battleground states. Rather, the campaign fought delegate by delegate in an uphill "slog" against the establishment candidate.

Team Obama did painstaking analysis of the delegate apportionment—even noting that districts awarding an odd number were worth more effort, since those with even numbers could end up a tie. The campaign avoided big-state showdowns where Clinton already had an advantage, instead targeting small states and caucuses. The result: a mathematical avalanche that buried one of the most formidable names in Democratic politics.

Barack Obama and his wife arrive at a primary night rally Tuesday, June 3, 2008, in St. Paul, Minn.
Barack Obama and his wife arrive at a primary night rally Tuesday, June 3, 2008, in St. Paul, Minn.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Barack Obama smiles while speaking at a primary election night rally in Raleigh, N.C., after sweeping to victory in the North Carolina presidential primary.
Barack Obama smiles while speaking at a primary election night rally in Raleigh, N.C., after sweeping to victory in the North Carolina presidential primary.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Barack Obama speaks during a town hall meeting at Troy High School in Troy, Mich. Monday, June 2, 2008.
Barack Obama speaks during a town hall meeting at Troy High School in Troy, Mich. Monday, June 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Barack Obama addresses supporters in rain at a rally in Indianapolis. Obama built his win of the Democratic nomination ploddingly, on a series of small successes - a few delegates here, a few dollars there.
Barack Obama addresses supporters in rain at a rally in Indianapolis. Obama built his win of the Democratic nomination ploddingly, on a series of small successes - a few delegates here, a few dollars...   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
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Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • primary • Democratic presidential candidates • delegate count • pledged delegates • caucuses

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