Whose Mandate for Change?

From Eric Dondero:

At CNN's Political Ticker, in a post election analysis Jan. 23, Republican Scott Brown's win over Martha Coakley was described as "narrow."

From CNN:

(CNN) - Voter anger at current conditions in the country right now and at the Democrats' agenda in Washington helped fuel the upset victory of Republican Scott Brown in Tuesday's special senate election in Massachusetts, according to a new poll

Brown narrowly defeated state attorney general Martha Coakley in the special election to fill the last three years of the term of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. Brown became the first Massachusetts Republican to win a senate election since 1972.

7.5% win overwhelming; 5% razor-thin

Brown won the race with a 52% margin over Democrat Martha Coakley with 47%. Independent/Libertarian candidate Joe Kennedy ended with roughly 1%.

On Nov. 5, 2008 this is how Obama's victory over McCain was described at the same CNN Politics Blog:

Obama had an overwhelming victory over Sen. John McCain, who pledged Tuesday night to help Obama lead.

The precise ending vote total for 2008 was as follows:

Barack Obama 53.9%
John McCain 45.6%
Other .5%

(Source: Wiki)

You have to wonder, if McCain/Palin had prevailed by say, 53% to 46%, would CNN have called it a "narrow win" with no mandate for change?