WA Caucus: Obama Routs Clinton

Anecdotal reports are trickling in from throughout the state, and if they're at all representative, it looks like we may see a rout for Barack Obama in Washington's Democratic presidential caucus. Turnout has been HUGE almost everywhere, with caucus sites running out of sign-in sheets, chairs, and even standing room. Everybody expected crowds, but nobody seemed prepared for anything like this.

At my own southeast Seattle location, in the heart of one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the nation, Obama averaged a four-to-one advantage across the various precincts, with similar results being reported from throughout Seattle and the Puget Sound region. I haven't heard from the other side of the mountains yet, but I'll update as more reports come in.

UPDATE 4:50PM:
Reports are now coming in from Eastern Washington, where Obama appears to be putting up similar numbers. Record turnout statewide -- twice that from 2004 -- and an apparent landslide for Obama. Official results should be coming soon.

UPDATE 5:40PM:
The official results are now pouring in, and the rout is confirmed. With 42% of precincts reporting, Obama leads Clinton 67% to 31%. I've updated the title accordingly.

UPDATE 7:20PM:
Still 67-31 Obama, now with 94% of precincts reporting. And Obama's support turned out to be as wide as it was deep, with him winning the delegate battle in 38 of WA's 39 counties. Meanwhile on the Republican side, Huckabee and Romney remain neck and neck with 16% of precincts reporting.

Look for more information and regular updates at HorsesAss.org.

Comments

[HowardRoarke]

But, but... Washington doesn't count because it's a red state the Democrats never win. She didn't even really try there. Caucuses only work in podunks with like 10 people. Too many people are working on Saturdays to vote.

In other words: Washington doesn't count because it didn't vote for Hillary.

At least we won't have to hear the Clinton-backer talking points about how it is about the total number of votes not the number of delegates, or how it should be winner takes all delegates like in November. Not today at least. I'm sure we'll hear them again should she ever win by either criteria.

Democracy sucks if you believe in the Divine Right of Kings.

[MamaBird62]

Where on earth do you people get the idea that Washington is a red state? Washington went for Kerry and Gore by some of the biggest margins in the country.
Please get it straight.
Washington is a BLUE state with female, Democratic Governor and both US Senators.

[altohone]

Yeah... I think that's the point of his comment.

Facts don't matter when the excuse for Hillary's losses is formulated.

I believe he is lamenting the dominance of spin... and the denial and opportunistic behavior of Hillary supporters.

[ATLiberal]

I think you missed the point.

[bauersox]

All caucuses wins are fraudulent because they are influenced by peer group pressure, doughnuts and reverse Bradley effect.

[Bluesman48]

Rubbish. Everyone signs in with their vote before anyone says word one.

[Jaxyl]

Yes, because we all know that racism outclasses sexism. You can keep deluding yourself to explain why Clinton is losing, but your preaching to the choir.

[heckleNjeckle]

Hey...
where's MY donut?

[honeybee49]

This would be a good result for Obama. Remember, though, it's still a caucus, not an actual primary. Caucuses favor hard-core activists, not to mention people who don't have to work on Saturday and can therefore spend several hours at a caucus site. A big win in Washington State is likely to reflect, once again, Obama's ability to turn out his young organizers. It is also likely to reflect his popularity with upper-income white elites and with African Americans, but not with other minorities, blue-collar workers, most women, and most older voters--in other words, the rank-and-file Democratic Party base. All we're likely to find out is that very liberal voters in Washington State favor Obama over Clinton. But another caucus victory is not a bad thing.

[altohone]

The "rank-and-file" does not agree with Hillary's vote for a war of choice.

Hillary's "rank-and-file" are DLC'ers who thought the war in Iraq was the right thing to do.

Any claim by Hillary to the "Democratic base" is flat wrong... her base is the establishment and the ignorant sheep who can't see they are voting against their own economic interests and worldviews.

BTW, even people who work at Burger King can take one day off or switch their schedule..­. the caucus does NOT exclude them.

[gerontion72]

Never underestimate Clintonian vote fraud.

[honeybee49]

Obama WON. How is that Clintonian vote fraud? No comprendo.

[Roshi98]

This comment makes no sense whatsoever. Where has there been vote fraud?