North Carolina Primary results are in, and Barack Obama wins North Carolina by a considerable margin, as was expected.

The results virtually assured that Mr. Obama would widen his lead in pledged delegates over Mrs. Clinton, providing him with ammunition as he seeks to get the Democratic Party to coalesce around his candidacy. He was also poised to increase his lead in the popular vote with a strong showing in North Carolina.

With 97 percent of North Carolina’s precincts reporting, Mr. Obama received 57 percent of the vote to Mrs. Clinton’s 43 percent.

[...]

Mr. Obama’s performance, particularly in North Carolina, was bolstered by a strong black vote. He captured more than 90 percent of those voters in that state, where blacks accounted for one in three voters. Over all, Mrs. Clinton continued to draw strong support among whites, particularly older women.

In a speech Tuesday night, Mr. Obama proclaimed victory in North Carolina and congratulated Mrs. Clinton for “what appears to be her victory in the state of Indiana.” The outcome in the state, which border his home state, Illinois, was essential to her remaining in the race.

“There were those who were saying that North Carolina would be a game-changer in this election,” Mr. Obama said to cheering supporters gathered at a coliseum in Raleigh, N.C. “But today, what North Carolina decided is that the only game that needs changing is the one in Washington, D.C.”

Source: Obama Wins North Carolina Decisively

See also:

• Transcript: Senator Obama’s Remarks in N.C.
• Primary Season Election Results

Video: Barack Obama North Carolina Victory Speech, May 6, 2008.