Sanders camp jubilant after big New Hampshire win

In a school gymnasium in Concord, jubilant volunteers for Bernie Sanders could not contain their excitement over his double-digit victory in the New Hampshire primary, and the tough battle ahead with Hillary Clinton.

Democratic presidential candidate, Bernie Sanders, smiles and waves to the crowd at his primary night rally.

"Bernie, Bernie, Bernie," they screamed at the senator's victory party late on Tuesday, projecting an energy matched only by supporters of the night's Republican winner, Donald Trump.

"Celebrate the Bern, baby!" said Sara Stuart, aged 56, a teaching assistant and local campaign volunteer covered in Bernie badges. "It is huge!" With 90% of precincts reporting, Sanders won 60% of the Democratic vote compared to 38% for Clinton, the former secretary of state who commands one of the biggest political machines in the country.


Just months ago, the grumpy 74-year-old grandfather promising a "political revolution" was written off as a joke. But a gathering grassroots campaign and message of addressing profound inequality has stirred up liberal voters, and Sanders is giving Clinton a run for her money.

"It's really history in the making," said Eric Packer, aged 64, a Wall Street-trained investment advisor from Massachusetts who switched from backing Clinton in favor of Sanders last year. "I think this helps to set the stage for the potential for Bernie to be taken more seriously."

Exit polls showed Sanders beat Clinton among virtually every group, among women and men, in all age groups under 45, among those with and without college degrees, and among gun owners and non-gun owners.

Clinton was ahead only among whites, families earning over $200 000 a year and voters 65 and older, US media reported.