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."

Countdown to Primary

With one day remaining until critical primaries in North Carolina and Indiana, the states' largest newspapers report beyond candidate appearances. The Indianapolis Star sent a reporter across the state to ask voters about their choices. The Charlotte Observer analyzed what it would take to win North Carolina and identified two key territories. The Newseum is archiving key coverage in the 2008 presidential campaign.

Fourth Quarter Politics

The race for the Democratic nomination for president has entered the fourth quarter, but a winner has yet to emerge. So it was a relief to find sports columnist Mike Lopresti on Page One of today's Indianapolis Star.

Lopresti, an Indiana resident, says his fellow Hoosiers are ready for the onslaught of campaigning in advance of the state's May 6 primary.

He writes in a column titled "We're ready for our close-up": "Curious, that this state is something of a high noon for the Democrats. When it comes to choosing presidents, Indiana is considered redder than ketchup. We're one of those states where the polls close at 6 p.m., and the networks make a projection at 6:02. Lyndon Johnson is the only Democrat to carry Indiana since 1936, and his election was 44 years ago. Since then, the state has been as Republican as a Bush family picnic. So this is kind of like the Ohio State Board of Regents meeting in Ann Arbor to decide on its next football coach."