Women Crucial to Clinton Victory

Hillary Clinton's surge from expected second to sudden victor in the New Hampshire primary may be largely thanks to the ladies, writes Salon. Clinton's backing by 46% of female voters—compared with 34% for Barack Obama—boosted the New York senator to 39% of the overall vote, edging Obama's 37%. That marked a critical change from Iowa, where Obama won more of women's votes. What else allowed Hillary to shock the pundits?

Surprisingly, Clinton may boast more ardent supporters than anyone thought. Obama was hurt by more "reservations" among voters thought to be in his camp. The non-collegiate crowd also buoyed Hillary's numbers; they chose her over Obama 48% to his 30%. And while independents sided with Obama, registered Democrats preferred Clinton 45% to Obama's 34%. (More New Hampshire primary stories.)