January 8, 2008
Posted: January 8th, 2008 10:13 PM ET

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) - With half of New Hampshire's precincts counted, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York clung to a narrow lead over Iowa caucus winner Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

CNN projected former Sen. John Edwards to finish third, but the race between Clinton and Obama was too close to call. CNN made the projection with 10 percent of precincts counted, basing it on reported results, exit polls and other statistical models.

Clinton held a 39 percent to 37 percent lead over Obama. The former first lady was maintaining a lead in New Hampshire's two largest cities, Manchester and Nashua, but numbers from college towns like Hanover, where Obama was expected to finish strong, were not in.

Edwards had 17 percent of the vote with 50 percent of the precincts in, followed by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson with 5 percent and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich with 1 percent.

Filed under: New Hampshire


Mary   January 9th, 2008 2:06 am ET

America was naive to reelect Bush for a second term, and look were it got us. Will America be that naive to do the same again in 2008, do you want more of the same, or do you want responsible governmet?

These are the facts America:

Scott Ritter former UN Weapons Inspector to Iraq spoke through many media channels before the war. In an interview on September 8, 2002 Ritter spoke with CNN's Miles O'Brien from Baghdad, Iraq, and went public to state that there is no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and went on to say:

Ritter: "The United States seems to be on the verge of making a historical mistake."

O'BRIEN: I'm sure you've heard the criticism that you are acting in a disloyal manner toward the United States. How do you respond?

RITTER: "I think I made it very clear that I'm acting as a fervent patriot who loves my country. As an American citizen, I have an obligation to speak out when I feel my government is acting in a manner which is inconsistent with the principles of our founding fathers. So I feel I have no other choice, as an American citizen, than to stand up and speak out. It's the most patriotic thing I can do."

Were was Senator Clinton when Mr. Ritter the former UN Weapons Inspector to Iraq who is a patriot American went public on TV, Radio and Print Media with this information. Why did she still vote for the War on October 11, 2002?

My fellow Americans the ones you elect today will dictate the lives of millions tomorrow, wake up America, you need a responsible leadership, it's time for change.

olga aros, phoenix, arizona   January 9th, 2008 1:53 am ET

Hillary will shape the course of history by transforming new followers into creative new leaders. Through her example, doors will open that have been shut before and we will emerge and become one country, indivisible and equal. She is a dynamic agent for major social, political, international and economic change that will empower all of this country, improve world standards, strengthen our standing in the world and we will never be the same again. We will be better!
Stand with her and stand tall!

Jason   January 9th, 2008 1:02 am ET

Nancy are you kidding? Have you seen the pic of the candidates – BHO, HRC, JE and BR standing for pledge and all have hands on heart but BHO!!!!! The Repubs will play that one into the ground and show his disrespect for our flag! Even my 5 year old knows to cover your heart when the pledge is recited! What was he thinking – the Repubs will use any means necessary to tear a Dem down! Hillary has the brass to take them on and she will WIN!

TTZ   January 9th, 2008 12:51 am ET

Re: H. Samson January 8, 2008 10:34 pm ET

"and before you start, I have written several essays on gender equality in modern American politics, advocating for the rights of women all the while. So please, don't play that card, it's unintelligent and stifles any meaningful debate."

Sure, you've written papers, and what committee did Mark Foley head up in congress?

Oh... oh... right.

Not using that card against your arguments, because there is clearly no such need when you construct such poor arguments.

PAM   January 9th, 2008 12:21 am ET

JEFF, TO BAD YOU CAN VOTE, YOU SOUND LIKE YOU ARE TOO YOUNG AND HAVEN'T LIVE THROUGH THE TIMES WE HAVE.

TOM, GET A NEW LIFE, THIS IS NOT SO.

WOMEN OF THE WORLD, DID YOU EVER THINK WE WOULD SEE THIS DAY. REMEMBER WHEN THE MEN DIDN'T ALLOW FEMALES TO VOTE. THE MEN HAD THEIR CHANCE, NOW LET US MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

michael   January 9th, 2008 12:10 am ET

I LOVE HILLARY, SHE 'S SMART, BEAUTIFUL, SHE'S THE ONLY ONE CAN MAKE US PROUD AGAIN, THE USA LUCKY TO HAVE HER.

nancy   January 8th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

Obama and his wife only paid off their student loans (hefty ones I'd imagine) like ten years or so ago. They remember what it is like to be an average, struggling American.

Janet   January 8th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

Samson....everyone lies....Obama lies....Edwards lies...All of the Republicans lie....I lie and you lie....it's all a matter of degrees and intention....and what do you mean she is only concerned with her own self interests? Her self interests are for the nation....Back your statements up.....and Right On Arthur Swanson....like your thought there....

Webster   January 8th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

Can someone *please* remove campwatch's comment for hate speech, false and defamatory allegations, and sheer idiocy?

nancy   January 8th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

I was reading how Hillary, as a woman, has felt she has a lot to prove in the defense arena...and this has been responsible for her votes in favor of this war. I believe that she feels she needs to prove that she is "tough." I am afraid of how this could play out if she becomes our president. I like her, I like her husband...but I do believe that during his presidency Bill Clinton used truth as a bargaining chip instead of exposing Republican crimes. He was hoping that he would get cooperation from the Republican Congress, but actually got precious little. People who say he was our "best Republican president ever" make a good point. I want a president who will restore transparancy to government, who is not beholden to special interests, whose election was not funded by corporations, lobbyists, and PACs. That would rule out Hillary.

andrew   January 8th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

To those zealots that have expresed fear over Obama being a "Muslim", you're remarkably uninformed and fearfully ignorant. He's a baptized Christian, not that that should matter.

To the person who referred to candidates as "The Woman" and "The Brother", you're a sorry excuse for a human being.

Some of the comments on here are just shamefull. But, we, as Americans accept many points of view and protect your right to say what you want, however ignorant or outlandish. Bless us for that.

Stop with the Xenophobic drivel. America is better than that.

I am a huge Obama supporter (GO BARACK!), but whomever wins, vote DEMOCRAT in '08.

nancy   January 8th, 2008 11:14 pm ET

Barack Obama is a man of intellect, substance and style. As our President, he will do his homework, as we can see he always has throughout his career. He will hang on to hope in the face of great odds and keep trying for a better future for all of us. He has shown good judgement in speaking out against the war in Iraq when it was risky and unpopular to do so. Does anyone remember when the war seemed an inevitability? Does anyone remember how convincing the lies we were all told were? I remember. I believed it...about 80% I did. But Obama spoke out prophetically. He saw beyond the smoke and mirrors. I trust his judgement.

nancy   January 8th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

Here are the problems with Hillary Clinton. First, I don't think anyone wants another dynasty candidate. The last one left us with a bad taste for it. While perhaps unfair, that's a fact. Another thing is the rabid hatred some feel for her. No matter that it is completely unreasonable and based on nothing. Our country will remain polarized along party lines. Finally, I believe that she is the candidate most vulnerable to a Republican ambush...and they may have some legitimate dirt with which to make mud.

rob   January 8th, 2008 11:02 pm ET

Tom Davie January 8, 2008 10:29 pm ET
(in reference to Obama)
"guess you cant HYPE your way into the whitehouse."

But apparently you can lie, cheat, steal,slander and destroy evidence on your way into the whitehouse

Bob - RFO, Florida   January 8th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Tom Gamblin January 8, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Tom – the late precints are tooo small to make up the gap.

But, given the battle we still did very well!

Yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can ...

I was an American Soldier, I am an American Soldier, I will always be an American Soldier and I support Barack Obama for President of the United States of America!

Janet   January 8th, 2008 11:00 pm ET

Hillary is the vehicle for change and she does bring people together. Just because someone is a dynamic speaker does not make them presidential material. I think Obama will be ready possibly in 2016....Everyone wants change...with Hillary .ACTION ALWAYS SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS. You definitely do not make change by just saying you want it. Change, meaningful change, comes about from within..(just ask Jimmy Carter). Wisdom, Experience, Hard Work, and a proven track record for change do matter. The US will be safer, globally respected again, fiscally responsible, and the middle class will be less burdened with Hillary as President. OUR MOST VIABLE HOPE FOR 2008...GO HILLARY.! ! ! ...

lincoln   January 8th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

clinton cannot win the general election she should stay in the senate

Bob - RFO, Florida   January 8th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

Hillary has won this one and hats off to her for a job well done.

This was still a very good results for Barack Obama for the simple reason of the demographics of New Hampshire and the shear size of the Clinton machine.

Now its on to South Carolina and Nevada!

Population:

New Hampshire - 1,314,895
South Carolina - 4,321,249
Nevada - 2,495,529
Florida - 18,089,888

We will prevail!

Go Obama '08

nancy   January 8th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

I still believe that Obama is the one who will be able to mobilize and motivate us to do the hard work that must be done and to make the changes and sacrifices that must be made. Whomever we end up with, they will lead with more ability and wisdom than the current administration. That's what all of the excitement is about. I must say that I was most impressed with John Edwards' recent debate performance. You know, some cynical people will tell you that all politicians are slippery, slimy creatures. These are people who believe that power and greed are the motivators for all. Well, there are easier ways to make money and other ways to exercise power. I think that most of our candidates are very sincere people who believe in their conception of a better future. They are all exhausting themselves during this exhausting process, seeking a job where there will be little thanks and much blame. The only candidates on either side who truly disgust me are Guiliani and Romney.

Kyle schveiger, IOWA   January 8th, 2008 10:54 pm ET

I am a Hillary supporter! When I caucused in Iowa, 3 out of the 5 caucuses in my town, Obama and Hillary tied and Edwards and Obama tied in one. So what did we do? We flipped a coin and Obama won the coin toss. Is that Democracy? In my county, Obama got twice as many delegates because of luck.
Hillary is the best choice. she has had many more years of experience. Obama may be a nice man but is not the best candidate. He admitted to using Cocaine and his supporters say it is okay because he did not deny it and because our current President also admitted it. So they are comparing Obama to Bush. That is not a smart campaign move. It does not matter if he admitted it. It is illegal and if he did illegal things before his campaign how can we be sure he won't in office. We need a President who will actually do what they say. Obama may rally crowds really well (hmm. just like a certain German dictator in the 1930's and 40's) but Hillary will make our economy affordable again. Obama won Iowa because he maniplated college and university students. I am a college student and did not fall for Obama's bullcrap. Speaking of Germany, a country is known for the most horrible genocide in history and blamed for the most horrible war in world history, has a woman leader. so to all of those Americans who believe that a woman cannot be leader, you are wrong. VOTE Hillary 2008!!! Congratulations Hillary!

Arthur Swanson   January 8th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Since the women got the vote in 1920, why not a least give one a try for 4 years?

Tammy   January 8th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Too bad Edwards is not winning. He is the only one I would have voted for (democrat)..... on the other hand, I am happy to see McCain take the lead: that way I can actually VOTE FOR someone in November. I am an independent, but unless either Edwards or McCain run for president, I am voting for some of the other parties (green or something) just to say I did....... I could not live with myself if I voted for Hilary, or Obama, or Huckabee (sp?) or any of the other radical republicans.

Tom Gamblin   January 8th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Does anyone know whether the late-reporting precincts are likely to break heavily for Obama?

H. Samson   January 8th, 2008 10:48 pm ET

she's a proven liar, but I guess that's what Washington experience trains you to do.

GO MRS CLINTON!!   January 8th, 2008 10:46 pm ET

yeah!!

Senator Clinton!! is the winner!! Obama go back to Chicago...

Senator all the way to the White House !!!

We need experiece!! pls help out!!

We dont want to be the test soldiers for a new political person.. he needs many more years before we can trust him.

Soldier in Iraq

mrsmith   January 8th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

I am a woman and I could see exactly what Hillary did yesterday. If you can't get what you want then try using tears. I thought New Hampshire voters would be smarter than this and would see through her tactics. Evidently not. I am very disappointed. Bill and Hillary have been acting for years, and here they go again! Wake up America!

Bob in NH   January 8th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

I keep hearing on CNN and other sources about how they are waiting for Durham and Hanover as bellweather towns for Obama. While I agree with this in principle, it's factually wrong on one major way–the students are NOT back on campus in Durham, but ARE back in Hanover.

Classes begin Jan. 22 at UNH, and with about half the students living in on-campus housing, and thousands of others in towns other than very expensive Durham, the impact of the college kids will be minimal. How do I know? I grew up in Durham, and am a UNH alum.

Dartmouth has a trimester system, and their students are on campus, as classes started on Monday in Hanover.

Paul   January 8th, 2008 10:45 pm ET

I admire McCain but he will not win the closed primaries where only Republicans vote. The right wing base hates him and he will not be nominated.

Hilary Clinton, having pulled off the New Hampshire win against all odds, did so because she has the best ground operation and women are behind her.

I predict a Clinton/Obama ticket for the Democrats and probably a Huckabee win on the Republican side because of the bible-belt base of the Republican Party.

Rachel   January 8th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

Go Hillary!
The media hype around Obama is ridiculous.

H. Samson   January 8th, 2008 10:44 pm ET

anna. May I remind you that she voted for the war. and the patriot act as well. in fact, a lot of the problems that have come from the Bush administration got the rubber stamp from Senator Clinton. Something to consider. Cheers to Senator Obama and the dawn of the sincere politician. It's not over for us yet.

PC Cooper   January 8th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

I am an Arkansan and we couldn't wait for the Clinton couple to move on. No way should Hillary be the president. I guess a few tears did it for her. I can't imagine 4 more years of the Clinton's soap opera White House. Who wants that dysfunctional family running the country again. I guess she took some pointers from her Hollywood friends on how to act wounded and weepy.

Mati   January 8th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

why are waiting the college towns? do the play the votes? 68% in and no college town yet? So, yeah talking about fraud...

H. Samson   January 8th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

I agree with Todd, those were horrible remarks, and no basis on which to choose a President.

anna   January 8th, 2008 10:39 pm ET

i think hillary will make a great president. who needs a republican in office again. thats why the us is in bad shape. no jobs, high price of gas, the war in iraq.

john   January 8th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

I THINK THE NEW HAMP. ELECTION IS GOOD FOR THIS COUNTRY. I LIKE HILLARY AND BARAK AND JOHN EDWARD. WE NEED FRESH IDEAS FROM A FRESH FACE AND VOICE. TO ME IT SEEM AS THOSE WE DEAL WITH THE SAME OLD POLLITIANS YEAR AFTER YEAR, IT GOOD TO HAVE SOMEONE NEW, MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL THE GOOD THAT IT STAND FOR, NOT ALL THE BAD. WE HAVE SEEN GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES AND GOD STILL LOOK OUT FOR THIS COUNTRY. MAY WE HAVE A GOOD ELECTION YEAR.

Todd   January 8th, 2008 10:35 pm ET

Are you serious campwatch? You believe that nonsense? How about doing some fact checking before posting these lies. Your are either incredibly gullible or deceitful. Let's hope it's the former.

John L   January 8th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

The last person I would cast my vote for is Hillary, even at the end with a republican. If Hillary turns out to be the democartic candidate, I'll definetely vote republican. I choose the lesser of two evils.

H. Samson   January 8th, 2008 10:34 pm ET

When I was in Iowa, I stood in line behind a 60 year old man, a lifelong republican and member of the NRA, who was there to support Barack Obama. To be honest, I too, was there for Barack. Allow me to clarify my position on Hillary. We all remember that she was the "inevitable" choice for President, right? Why? Oh, because she's been in the senate a few years more than Mr. Obama, of course. Then went her lead, and she began saying that she was an advocate of change, because it had worked for Obama so well, and then after Sen. Edwards talked about how personal his fight was during the Facebook debates, she cried to the world, saying pretty much the exact same thing. Back in Iowa, after Biden and Dodd were knocked out of the first round of caucus, I saw of of their delegates flock to Edwards because, and I quote, "I just don't want Hillary to get second." Silly? Perhaps. Sexist? Maybe. But you have to acknowledge, that these people do go to the polls and vote, regardless of their motivations. I am here to say that, having worked in Politics for the past few years, Hillary remains a polarizing figure in the eyes of the Republican party, much the same way that George Bush has isolated Democrats throughout his administration. I passionately believe that, given her actions of the past month, Hillary is more concerned with her own self interests than the well being of the nation. With that being said, I sincerely hope that New Hampsire did not just hand the presidency to the republicans on a silver platter. If Hillary does get the nod, then I am sad to report that I will not be voting in the general election. Some will raise their voices and cry foul as a result of this, but I refuse to stand by and watch a democracy, which I have so passionately loved and served, take another step closer to becoming and oligarchy. Sadly, I know for certain that I am not alone in my beliefs. This all being said, Senator Hillary Clinton remains the most unelectable candidate from the Democratic party.

and before you start, I have written several essays on gender equality in modern American politics, advocating for the rights of women all the while. So please, don't play that card, it's unintelligent and stifles any meaningful debate.

Geo   January 8th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

It's interesting to see the bias right across the CNN and other political media screens. Criticism is harse for Clinton with obvious passes going for Obama.
Why is the ticker showing Obama and Cinton in close race when its incorrect alphabetically as well as in the vote tally.

Jake, California   January 8th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

The sad thing is by the end of the counting there wont be many Clinton posters here...they will be weeping with her somewhere in NH.

Obama is wining this thing no matter what!

Tom Davie   January 8th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

44% independent state, Obama riding high. CNN and other stations calling him the new JFK or even Jesus himself.

9% lead in the polls. Clinton is FINISHED ............

And Ombama CANT win this kind of kangaroo court?????

at most he could win by a few VOTES , a statistical tie at this stage.

NOT very good for a guy who is supposed to carry the HUGE 44% independent vote.

guess you cant HYPE your way into the whitehouse.

PJ   January 8th, 2008 10:27 pm ET

When all is said and done, the election of 2008 will go with experience rather than charisma! Informed voters know that national security, health benefits, social security for the future and education (cancel No Child Left Behind) will be the deciding factors. More importantly, experience and not pie in the sky will endure and win!!!

Ann   January 8th, 2008 10:26 pm ET

Jeff, I relate. I've never voted Republican in my life.

Never will.

So I understand the conviction factor.

LB783   January 8th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

We'll see who wins but remember the college towns aren't in yet.GO OBAMA!

Robyn   January 8th, 2008 10:25 pm ET

WOW, you gotta love America!

campwatch   January 8th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Go, Hillary!!! We DO NOT need a president who will not salute the American flag, and who took his senatorial oath of office on the Kuran, born a Muslim, always a Muslim, whether he chooses to be or not according to sharia law. It is VERY SCARY to comtemplate a man like that as president of the US.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   January 8th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

I won't vote for That Woman or That Brother no matter what rough beast slouches out of the GOP race. The socially radical "takes-a-village" philosophy espoused by both is not how I was raised and does not promote strong personal responsiiblity and achievement, only a paternalistic or maternalistic government.

Anand Sagar   January 8th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

I predect Hillary the winner.

Karen   January 8th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Who knows who will come out on top in the end, but this is just too good.
This result shows us that even the media is out of touch with the American public. It shows that the people themselves can take on the special interests (media). The faces if the pundits are priceless. The heck with boxing......This has got to be the most beautiful SLAP DOWN I've seen in a long time.

E. C., Houston, Texas   January 8th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Perhaps the 'tears' worked! We'll soon know!

Pedro Ordein   January 8th, 2008 10:14 pm ET

What New Hampshire primary is showing us is that November 2008 election is going to be decided by independent voters. Not all states allow independent voters to participate in the primaries. My conclussion is that Obama is going to run for President for the Democrats and McCain for the Republicans. Obama will succeed. Will be nice if CNN can track the cummulative vote of the states as a "popular vote". It will show that Obama will also lead.

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