COLUMBIA, S.C. — If you’re watching the networks, you’d think the race is already over. Fox and CNN, at least, are using their exit polls to determine that Obama has already won it.

Here at the Edwards camp, people and press are packing into the back room, normally the bar’s dance floor. We’re all waiting for the results to come in. It’s quieter than you’d expect, as people munch on appetizers and media make sure they’re all prepped and plugged-in.

As I sit on a folding chair, staking out laptop space where I can find it, a fellow newsperson is interviewing the chairman of the chairman of the South Carolina black caucus, an Edwards supporter.

“We’re very optimistic for a second-place finish tonight,” he said.

Hmm…so much for waiting for the results.

Word is, Clinton isn’t even in South Carolina, having already predicted a second- or third-place finish. Obama supporters are waiting at the Convention Center. Earlier today, I spoke with some Raleigh residents down here campaigning for Obama. They had not met him in person, but planned to attend his party tonight.

“We’re hoping it’s a victory party,” one said.