A real nailbiter last night in Indiana -- but Clinton won that state, albeit very narrowly, just 23,000 votes. Obama's strong showing in the urban parts of Lake County, the last major area to report (six hours after the polls closed) was offset by Clinton's rural vote.
However, North Carolina was a different story as Obama won by 14% and picked up all of the popular vote lead he lost in Pennsylvania a fortnight ago. While women were still very much for Hillary in both states, the exit polls indicated many more women were put off by her negative campaigning than in earlier states. The speeches last night were also telling for me -- Barack was much more "Presidential" and conceded Indiana right at the top hours before it really was over, and clearly gave his first general election speech; while Hillary didn't grant her corresponding concession until almost the end. She was putting on a brave face and vowing to fight on, but she clearly came out the "bitter" one. On CNN, one commentator -- David Gergen -- noted Chelsea almost seemed distraught on camera, as if she knows the end is nigh.
Interestingly Hillary later cancelled all public appearances today -- both network TV shows as well as campaign stops. Tim Russert, who's been against the Democratic party since a century before he was conceived, stated firmly that Barack can now be viewed as the presumptive nominee -- because even if Florida and Michigan are seated he will still have a majority of elected delegates. The battle is now for the PLEOs but with such a convincing win in a Red State with increasing Blue State qualities -- which Hillary has claimed as her monopoly -- he's finally proven he can put swings states into play.
I expect most of the remaining uncommitteds to swing to Obama in the next two weeks, making the primary in Kentucky on the 20th unnecessary; so America can get on to the real election with Obama and McCain.
Vote for this post at Progressive Bloggers.
1 comment:
I didn't hear Clinton's concession speech for North Carolina . . . did she really give a separate speech for that?
What I did hear was her victory speech in Indiana, which came very early in the evening. I think the term "victory" is a little strong there.
What I heard was a thank you speech that devoted an entire segment to the spirit of the Democratic party that will unite and rise after the primaries. It sounded a lot like a "pre-consession" speech for the primary season overall. And it was anything but bitter. I thought it hit all the right notes and was presented graciously.
If that is the speech you were referring to, I would disagree with your characterization that it was bitter.
Post a Comment