Obama Calls Win "A Defining Moment in History"
DES MOINES, IOWA -- Barack Obama often says, "Iowa you have vindicated my faith," and tonight Iowa voters have done exactly that.
He spoke to a crowd of thousands roughly an hour and half after news outlets declared him the winner of the Iowa caucus. The Obama family joined him on stage as the crowds roared.
"This is a defining moment in history," Obama said, "You have done what the cynics said couldn't be done. You have done what the state on New Hampshire can do in 5 days."
Obama's victory speech contained elements his stump as he spoke about change and hope. "Hope is what lead me here today with a father from Kenya and a mother from Kansas a story that could only happen in the United States."
His voice was hoarse from days of campaigning and interviews. Earlier in the evening, Obama gave ten television interviews and seven radio interviews. He had dinner with his family in West Des Moines and was with campaign manager, David Plouffe, when he found out that he won the caucus.
For the past week, Obama has consistently delivered a strong closing argument speech and attracted large crowds to events. His campaign has been cautiously optimistic and guarded in the days leading to the caucuses. One campaign staffer said internal polls have shown a tight three way race and everyone was surprised by the turnout tonight.
According to the Iowa Democratic Party, around 230,000 turned out to caucus. Campaign strategist, David Axelrod, described the turnout as "primary-like."
Although Obama and his staff are enjoying the Iowa victory, they are rolling up their sleeves for the battle in New Hampshire. Obama called on the state twice during his victory speech to give him a chance to win the presidency.
His first event in New Hampshire is scheduled tomorrow morning in Portsmouth.