Mark Halperin's Final Campaign 2008 Report Cards

Barack Obama

Not a perfect candidate, but a truly great one. Aced his three established big moments (Veep choice, convention acceptance speech, debates) and the wild-card moment (economic crisis). With his message discipline, sturdy confidence, generous patriotism, few mistakes and cool, consistent demeanor — forget the unwarranted charges about his heritage — the real question is: Is Obama a Vulcan?

Grade: A-

See pictures of Obama's victory celebration in Chicago.