Was it turnout not tears wot won it?

As people digest the results of the New Hampshire Democratic primary, it is is clear that Hillary Clinton benefited from the higher turnout of women voters over the age of 40 as well as a squeeze on John Edwards who was expected to poll over 20% and instead got 17%.

The combination of both does not necessarily indicate that tears made the difference, but it certainly implies that good polling day organisation did.

The impressive volunteer automatic telephone dial up system that she employed, requiring just a phone and no computer, which enabled her supporters from across the country to contact New Hampshire voters, was evidence of the strong organisation of the Clinton campaign.

Obama may have made a stronger emotional pitch to voters, but the strong organising by the Clinton machine made a crucial difference on the day.