The comeback kid: Hillary's shock win in U.S. primary

Democrat Hillary Clinton defied opinion polls to win the presidential primary in the key state of New Hampshire. The result is a setback for her rival Barack Obama, who was tipped to beat Clinton after his success in Iowa. Senator John McCain won for the

Obama and Hillary were neck in neck until the very last minute. But the former first lady did better than anyone has expected, especially after Iowa where she came in third. Experts said then that she had failed to ‘connect with the voters on a personal level’.

The turning point for Clinton came on the eve of the primary in New Hampshire, when she almost started crying.  It was the moment she won over a lot of voters, even though critics said this was a sign of weakness. Some voters confessed that this was what made them change their minds at the very last minute and to give their votes not to Obama, but to her.

“I felt like we all spoke from our hearts, and I am so gratified that you responded.  Now, together, let's give America the kind of comeback that New Hampshire has just given me,” Hillary Clinton said.

The comeback of Hillary was a blow for Obama, yet he didn't acknowledge it as such.

It is not the first time Republican John McCain has won in New Hampshire. He was victorious there back in 2000, with his huge support among independent voters.

Iowa and New Hampshire are just the first races in a long marathon for the White House. Perhaps the biggest event before November's Presidential election is Super Tuesday on February 5.  This is when voters from more than 20 states cast their ballots for who they think should stand for U.S. president.