Jan 3, 2008 10:59 pm US/Central
Chicagoans Celebrate Obama's Victory In Iowa
Supporters Optimistic, But Still Cautious And Watching Hillary Clinton's Progress
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Obama supporters gathered at his Chicago campaign headquarters celebrated his victory in the Iowa caucuses Jan. 3, 2007.
CBS
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and his supporters are celebrating the candidate's first big win, but they know it's just the beginning of the next phase of the campaign.
As CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports from Obama headquarters in downtown Chicago, it was an important step, and everyone there knew it. A whole lot more was at stake than a handful of delegates. Obama won both political credibility and a place in history.
The political pros, like Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, were confident well before the outcome was clear. And there were tears of joy when Obama's victory was official.
"It's so emotional," said Obama supporter Laurie Jones. "I absolutely expected it, but just to see it."
Throughout the evening a political who's who filled Obama's Chicago headquarters talking politics and strategy, all the while watching television screens and cheering the results.
"There were some who were doubtful but his proving he can win Iowa will bring them on board," Jones said.
One fundraiser said this victory will make it easier from now on, but no one is underestimating Sen. Hillary Clinton, despite her poor showing in Iowa.
"I think you have to assume that Hillary's going to be his biggest competition in fundraising and organization because no one has that organization outside of Iowa other than Hillary," said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
But Thursday night was more than just one politician beating some others. It was history.
"To think that an African-American man can actually run for president and actually win the Iowa caucuses shows that America has changed," Madigan said. "This country has recognized that we don't look at race as the only factor."
Despite the magnitude of the victory, the celebration was short-lived. Everyone here knows that while Thursday night may have meant survival, the next 33 days until Illinois and other big states vote could very well determine whether Obama ends up just a footnote in history or well on his way to the White House.
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