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OBAMA CLINCHES HISTORIC VICTORY

Early results likely to set tone

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 4, 2008 11:01 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama won the crucial battleground states of Florida, Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to clinch victory over John McCain and secure his place in history, MSNBC reports. The 47-year-old Illinois senator will become the nation's first black president when he succeeds George W. Bush in January. Obama reached the 270 electoral votes needed at 11pm ET when he won the states of California, Washington, and Oregon.

"The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly," McCain told supporters in Arizona. "This is an historic election," he added, expressing admiration for Obama's success in inspiring African-Americans. McCain failed to hold all the red states won by Bush in 2004—including Ohio, New Mexico, and Iowa—and could not flip any blue states won by John Kerry. Obama had about 51% of the popular vote with 76% of the votes in.

Who will get to 270? (File photos)

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at a rally at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, N.C., Monday. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Who will get to 270? (File photos)

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OBAMA CLINCHES HISTORIC VICTORY

Early results likely to set tone

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Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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OBAMA CLINCHES HISTORIC VICTORY

Early results likely to set tone

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Barack Obama • John McCain • Obama 2008 • Election Day • McCain 2008 • Election 2008 • President Obama

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More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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