Obama Sweeps, Takes Lead in Delegates

Barack Obama swept the Potomac primaries tonight with easy victories over Hillary Clinton in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, NBC reports. Obama has now won eight consecutive contests to capture an elusive commodity in this year's race—momentum. He also has an unambiguous lead in delegates for the first time—1,215 to 1,190, by CNN's count.

"Tonight, we're on our way," said Obama. He won across nearly all demographics, including women, men, Latinos, independents, and low-income voters. He won half the white vote and nearly all the black vote. With nearly all returns in, Obama led 64% to 35% in Virginia, 75% to 24% in DC, and 60% to 37% in Maryland. Clinton addressed supporters in El Paso but ignored the losses. "I'm tested," she said. "Let's make it happen." (More Virginia stories.)