Obama "Fired Up" But Falls Short in Primary

Barack Obama speaks to supporters after finishing second in the 2008 primary. (Tracy Lee Carroll, NHPR)

Going into election night with polls showing the Illinois Senator with a nine point lead, Obama supporters were upbeat.

But Senator Clinton scored decisive victories in places where she needed to do well, like in Nashua and Manchester. Obama won in some places, but rarely with such large majorities.

Looking at the positive, Obama told the crowd that he'd defied expectations in New Hampshire.

"A few weeks ago, no one imagined that we'd have accomplished what we did here tonight in New Hampshire."

Obama also said the record-breaking turnout shows that voters spoke out for change.

The primary now moves to South Carolina, where the candidate's theory will be tested again.

For NHPR News, I'm Dan Gorenstein.