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Obama the 'Unofficial' Winner in N. Carolina

Old Confederacy state a historic win for black president

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Nov 6, 2008 9:17 AM CST

(Newser) – In North Carolina, they're calling Barack Obama the "unofficial" victor, the News & Observer reports, after the state elections director said late yesterday that provisional ballots not yet counted are unlikely to overturn the president-elect's lead. Obama leads John McCain by 13,746 votes, with 40,000 uncounted, but Gary Bartlett says experience tells him there won't be an upset.

Meanwhile Tar Heels are pondering the profound transformation the strong Obama showing reflects in their state, a former staunch champion of segregation with a turbulent race history. With millions of new residents from all over the nation, North Carolina has become one of the most moderate Southern states. Even if it was the economy that swayed voters toward Obama, “the most significant thing” is that North Carolina can and "will vote for a minority,” says the state’s first black lawmaker.

North Carolina residents stand in line to vote. A generation ago, few there would have imagined a black man could win the state's votes for president. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

North Carolina voters react to President-elect Barack Obama being announced as the winner in Raleigh Tuesday. (AP Photo/Sara D. Davis)

A huge crowd waits in the rain for Barack Obama at a rally at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte on Monday. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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Obama the 'Unofficial' Winner in N. Carolina

Old Confederacy state a historic win for black president

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Even Obama Can't Whistle Through Dixie

He'll lose because white voters will cancel out black turnout: prof

He's Not 'Post-Race,' But Barack's Coming to Dinner

Americans still getting to know man who isn't post-race after all

Obama Has Lost Control of the Election

He must skip the Palin sniping, remind voters what's at stake

Obama Aims to Take Back the South

Democrats think they can win Dixie

Racial Generation Gap Opens

Whites are older, minorities are younger

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Obama the 'Unofficial' Winner in N. Carolina

Old Confederacy state a historic win for black president

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • race • North Carolina • minority • voters • slavery • South

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Even Obama Can't Whistle Through Dixie

He'll lose because white voters will cancel out black turnout: prof

He's Not 'Post-Race,' But Barack's Coming to Dinner

Americans still getting to know man who isn't post-race after all

Obama Has Lost Control of the Election

He must skip the Palin sniping, remind voters what's at stake

Obama Aims to Take Back the South

Democrats think they can win Dixie

Racial Generation Gap Opens

Whites are older, minorities are younger

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?