Obama has officially won the Iowa caucus, beating both John Edwards and Hillary Clinton by more than seven percentage points. This doesn't guarantee him the nomination, but it's a step in the right direction, and Hillary's third place finish may send her campaign into a tailspin.

The good news for Obama as he moves onto New Hampshire is that he won in almost every statistical category, at least according to CNN exit poll data. The most significant: He was favored by female voters over Hillary 35% to 30% (though she did win the married female demographic).

He was favored by Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. It also didn't matter whether voters' top issue was the economy, the war, or health care. I expected Hillary to at least win that last category.

He drew support from liberals and moderates. Edwards won the conservatives (42%), but I think that's further proof that he won't have as much success in states with closed primaries.

Hillary's hope going forward seems to be with the older crowds. She got 45% of the vote from people 65 and older, whereas Obama dominated 45 and younger demographic, including 57% of 17-29 year olds. If young voters continue to turnout, something they aren't exactly known for, he should be in good shape.

There's still time before the nominee is decided for things to change, and even longer until next November's election, but after seven years of Karl Rove politics and Bush incompetence, it's nice to hope again.

Update: Here's his victory speech.