The sliver of doubt, for 20 minutes or less

The news of Obama's victory came so quickly, some in the Brazilia Room of the Rio, headquarters for the Nevada Democratic Party's election-results party, still seemed hesitant to believe it, even though they were pumping their arms and hooting and hollering. A sliver of doubt still remained, and for about 20 minutes, the atmosphere was surreal. Then John McCain appeared on the jumbotron, conceding defeat, and initially there was a deafening "boo." But as he delivered a genuine, almost affectionate tribute to his opponent, the boos turned to cheers, and finally the tears came throughout the crowd. Random hugging broke out. Even McCain's mention of Sarah Palin couldn't dampen the mood--although it came close.