Obama Victories Signal Huge Shift in Consciousness

by Libero Della Piana, New York City

I am here with a group of folks watching the election results roll in in Manhattan. Many of us worked on the Obama campaign here in the city, so we have been a little disappointed by the big victory for Clinton here tonight.

But I am impressed by another phenomenon.

Moments ago, Associated Press declared the state of Utah for Obama.

I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up African American in Utah, you can believe me when I say the state is overwhelmingly white and more than a little conservative. (Utah had the biggest Bush vote in 2004.)

To me this is truly amazing and exciting. It represents a huge shift in the consciousness of the country and an amazing moment for the democratic forces too. Obama appears to be sweeping many of the Prairie States (North Dakota, Kansas, etc.) as well as other parts of the Mountain West (Idaho, Colorado).

To me this represents a victory in and of itself. Now, all eyes are on California as the polls close there...