by Christi Parsons
Did the Pennsylvania primary make no difference at all, or did it change the course of the race toward the Democratic nomination?
The answer is in the eye of the spinner.
Aides to Sen. Hillary Clinton, who won that primary by 10 points, say this morning that the "tide is turning" as a result of her win.
"By providing fresh evidence that Hillary is the candidate best positioned to beat John McCain in the fall," says a morning memo from campaign spokesman Phil Singer, "the Pennsylvania primary is a turning point in the nominating contest."
Obama made an unprecedented investment in television advertising, the memo says, but he "again failed to win a state that will be vital to a Democratic victory in November and spurred new questions about his ability to beat John McCain."
Over at Camp Obama, though, the results were getting the equivalent of a big, loud yawn, at least in public.
Campaign manager David Plouffe notes that Clinton's win doesn't substantially change the pledged delegate lead Obama has over her (about 159 delegates, give or take a few).
"She obviously in these remaining nine contests needs to win with big margins," Plouffe told reporters this morning.
Essentially, he argues, the campaign moves on to the May 6 primaries in North Carolina and Indiana without a shift in relative position.
"We don't believe the structure of the race is going to change fundamentally," said Plouffe. "She really does need to try and win out here, and win with some big margins."
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Comments
It wasn't a big yawn for Senator Clinton! Her reputation was in the balance and unfortunately she saved her political reputation, but lost some of her standing in the Democratic Party and with fair-minded voters across America, Desperate times call for desperate measures!! At least she wasn't obliterated in Pennsylvania!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | April 23, 2008 12:20 PM
Some pundint's ask disingenuously, Why Can't Barack Close the Deal? The TRUTH OF THE MATTER, is that Barack is fighting TWO opponents, Clinton & the Republican Machine: Joe Scarborough, Pat Buchanan, Fox News and they fight a lot dirtier, louder, harder than "light"! They fight with lies, distortions, brain wash and money. Barack is doing something new and necessary, though slower because a loud voice gets a lot more attention than a sane, compassionate, low-speaking one, like Barack's. That is why he is having such a hard time. Look at the unevenness and unfairness of the last debate? The new Republican's and Clinton's talking point is why cannot Barack put it away. The answer is he is fighting a three-headed Giant, the Clintons and the Republican Machine -- it is a Giant compared to Barack and the assault goes on 24/7 starting with Morning Joe and continuing all day with Fox News! Then there are the new swift-boat TV adds and false emails, he is being blanketed with -- and then they smile to themselves and ask smugly, "Why can't he put her away? Knowing the dark answer to this question and the dark seed they hope to plant into the minds of the people who are unable to think for themselves and are influenced by fear and ignorance. But humanity's heart is opening to the light and the energy of goodwill. May be this time, we can overcome these awful forces of destruction to mankind, may be this time.
Posted by: Angellight | April 23, 2008 12:46 PM
I say big yawn, unless she does it again in indiana and north carolina. Also, her campaign keeps mentioning how Obama outspent her 2-1 or 3-1. I say, well, Obama was constantly running against two candidates, Bill and Hillary, and often three (Chelsea) all of whose little yarns and stories needed to be kept in check. I don't begrudge Hillary if she won a fair fight, but to put a pathological liar and power freak into the White House makes me gag.
Posted by: tony | April 23, 2008 12:58 PM
Hillary won PA by taking 54.7% of the votes there. Obama received 45.3%. 54.7% minus 45.3% leaves 9.4%. 9.4% is the margin Hillary won by. Last time I checked, a two digit margin was 10% or greater. 9.4% doesn't even round up to 10%. Think about it.
Posted by: mike | April 23, 2008 1:33 PM
yea really, why cant he close the deal? hmmm
Posted by: brigitte | April 23, 2008 5:02 PM
Big yaaaawwwnn. Hillary is just delaying the inevitable and hurting the party. 08ama!
Posted by: Obamacrat in NC | April 23, 2008 5:29 PM