Why Clinton lost

Pundits have begun spinning why Hillary Clinton lost to Barack Obama. Linda Friedman in "The Christian Science Monitor" writes,

"The New York senator based her initial message on inevitability, toughness, and experience when the public was clamoring for change. She underestimated the importance of small caucus states, barely competing in some, and allowed Barack Obama to rack up a lead in pledged delegates that proved impossible to overcome. She assumed she would have the nomination wrapped up on Feb. 5, Super Tuesday, and when she didn't, had to scramble to organize and raise more money. She got beaten by Senator Obama in Internet fundraising and organizing. And her husband, the former president, proved at crucial times to be a liability".

One reason why Clinton did not lose was gender. Women, particular middle-aged and older white women, supported Clinton in droves. The question becomes whether Clinton and her female supporters will support Obama.