The polls were only closed for minutes when I dropped by a Young Democrats results watching party.  I asked who they thought would win about a dozen students shouted “Obama” in unison. “We’re like a little blue island in a sea of red,” one student added talking about the voters in Pima County. That’s exactly what I expected to be the case after spending a day at the polls. I only heard Hillary Clinton’s name a few times, and overwhelmingly people were voting for Obama.

Later, at the University of Arizona’s versions of St. Elmo’s, many were disappointed when Obama lost Arizona, but excited that the home state favorite fared so well. The place was not packed, people weren’t circling the bar, singing along with the jukebox, or ignoring the small television. It was almost silent. People were seated. All eyes were on the television as results came in from the primary.

 “I’m surprised by how well Huckabee is doing,” UA senior Cameron said.

“I’m also surprised Huckabee is doing so well, but also that Obama isn’t doing better in California,” Public Administration Senior Meaghan said.   “I’m actually a little bit stoked that Huckabee did so well, because I think if he won maybe Chuck Norris would be a great Secretary of Defense.”

As the final results were called and the last $1 beers were poured the day was over.  The Democrats were still neck and neck and McCain emerged as the Republican frontrunner. It reminded me of the high school prom. Everyone talks about it, anticipates it, and hopes everything goes just right. Then a week later it’s like it never happened. 

It only took days for the city to go back to normal.  The Barrack Obama and Ron Paul signs are nearly all gone and the ads aren’t on television anymore.  Unlike prom, however, the election excitement is not over. The buzz has lulled, but as discussions shift to potential vice presidents and super delegates the election energy in Arizona is heating back up.