Clinton wins Nevada; does she have the momentum?

The Associated Press

But Obama wasn't far behind. Can he catch up?

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Clinton wins Nevada; does she have the momentum?

No tears this time. No media declaring winners ahead of time. Instead, Hillary Clinton won the support of caucus-goers in Nevada in a straight-ahead display of politicking. But Barack Obama was close behind, and his campaign suggested that -- thanks to some arcane caucus rules -- he might end up with a majority of the state's delegates. And John Edwards? Left out in the desert cold.

Can Clinton maintain momentum? Or will Obama catch up?

Ben likes: Hillary's Nevada win and an uncomfy identity politics question

Andrew McCarthy/The Corner

I'm not one of those enthralled by the Frank Luntz focus groups, but I did happen to catch the Democrat one two debates ago — or maybe it was the last primary, I'm not sure. But I recall one of the Hispanic members of the group pooh-poohing the idea that the culinary workers' union endorsement was such a coup for Barack Obama in Nevada. The union's rank and file, the panelist explained, features a very large Hispanic contingent and there was simply no way this bloc was going to support a black candidate, no matter what the union's leadership urged.

Joel likes: Clinton wins Nevada

Ezra Klein/The American Prospect

It'll be interesting to read the transcript of Obama's speech tonight, as the "new majority" rhetoric he was relying on in New Hampshire won't exactly fit the moment. As his movement falters, or at least shows itself insufficient without new entrants, he'll presumably have to retool his appeal in a more concrete manner -- without the enthusiasm of momentum, you can't just welcome Americans into your moment, you have to persuade them to be a part of it.