As precincts reported 51% of all ballots, the president had already taken a staggering 100% of the vote and was subsequently declared the outright winner of the caucus.
While not always a true representation of how the Democratic race for the White House will unfold, victory in Iowa is largely seen as a stepping stone to other primaries and caucuses, with Obama now expecting to win in New Hampshire.
"My campaign has been given the dream start," said Obama in a passionate victory speech this evening. "We concentrated our efforts here in Iowa and the Iowan people have sent out a clear message to my Democratic rivals; that they want me - Barack Obama - to challenge the Republicans for the White House."
Obama's victory in Iowa is being viewed as particularly surprising among analysts in light of the number of attack ads approved by Republican candidates over the past two months.
However, Obama attributed his victory to the "strong positive message" of his campaign, insisting: "I'm not here to talk down fellow Democrats or attack the other party; I'm here to do what's right for America. That's why Iowans voted for me tonight."
Image credit: Sage Ross. Creative commons.
