How the Election Was Won

President-Elect Barack Obama spent most of yesterday out of the public's eye. USA Today reported that he was spotted on the way to workout at a gym "wearing a baseball cap and holding a newspaper." No one wanted to spend yesterday without a newspaper.

Today, front pages provide analysis, looking at the "how" behind the win.

Atop The Indianapolis Star was the label "Why Indiana turned blue." The answer: "Exit polls: 1st-time voters and blacks aided Democrat." "How Obama Built a Winning Coalition" led The Philadelphia Inquirer. Its answer: "He widened Democrats' usual base of support."

From the strategically important state of Florida, the St. Petersburg Times said, "Key to Victory in Florida: Campaigning cast wide net."

The San Francisco Chronicle broke down the vote to illustrate "His Mandate" and "Where the Votes Were." The Washington Post reported, "Democrats Add Suburbs to Their Growing Coalition."

Making History

Many of today's front pages conveyed the history that was made in the presidential election. "History" was, in fact, the banner headline in today's Palm Beach (Fla.) Post and Indianapolis Star. The Los Angeles Times reported the size of Obama's victory, “Decisive victory makes history,” and noted he “wins a solid mandate and a fortified Democratic majority in Congress.”

A patriotic nameplate topped the Asbury Park Press in Neptune, N.J. The word “Obama” and a special graphic treatment were signals of the significance of the news.

"The Dream Comes True," declared the Great Falls (Mont) Tribune.

Thanks for the memories

The Rays fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, leaving the Tampa Bay area only with memories of what the St. Petersburg Times called a miracle season. The Times and The Tampa Tribune published photos of dejected players. The Tribune and the Times paired a column with a photo. The Times referred to full coverage in Section X, appropriately as another season is crossed off. Should coverage be different depending upon whether a team wins or loses?

Pretty in Pink

Today's Miami Herald is, well, pink. In honor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the newspaper is supportively pink. A "New Hope" front-page centerpiece notes Breast Cancer Awareness Month and reports on research being done by the University of Miami. Would you print your newspaper in pink or other color?