In terms of the numbers, Super Tuesday was as much a national election as it was the sum of individual contests in 24 states. While significant variations emerged in voting patterns from state to state, similarities outweighed differences. In both political parties, distinct patterns shaped the outcomes from coast to coast, and they provide some indication of the course ahead – particularly in the closely contested Democratic race.
In the Democratic primaries, race, class, gender, age and party identification continued to be the most important factor in determining a voter’s support. Hillary Clinton won the support of white voters in most primary states. But Barack Obama carried the white vote in Illinois, New Mexico and Utah.
