There was only way to describe Barack Obama’s victory over Hillary Clinton and John Edwards in South Carolina: A rout.

“After four great contests in every corner of this country, we have the most votes, the most delegates, and the most diverse coalition of Americans that we’ve seen in a long, long time,” Obama said after garnering a staggering 55 percent of the vote to Clinton’s 27 and Edwards’ 19.

Barack and Michelle Obama celebrate his win, which meant all the more given the nature and history of politics in South Carolina.

It is a powerful message for the freshman Illinois Senator to take into the Super Tuesday round of primaries on February 5, having reconfigured the Democratic race somewhat.

But does he stand a chance against superior organization, financing, name recognition and perceived experience?

An uphill fight lies ahead, but S.C. dealt a blow to Hillary’s air of inevitability and cast doubt on the role of Bill Clinton in her campaign.

A wild 10 days - and nearly 2,000 delegates - await.