If the Obama campaign needed a seminole moment to point to claim momentum, to suggest he had weathered Wright and 'bitter,' to at long last don the monicker of the presumptive nominee, May 6 was his true Super Tuesday.
Superficially, the outcome last night was expected: Obama took North Carolina, Clinton Indiana. At this stage in the game, though, how those races were contested is of much greater significance.
Of more than two million ballots cast in Indiana, Clinton staved off Obama — if it can be viewed that way — by fewer than 25,000 votes.
In N.C., Obama trounced the New York senator by 14 points.
I must profess my admiration for the way Hoosiers represented themselves Tuesday. Pandering and rhetoric were at their height in the final days and the voters of Indiana showed they're more politically savvy than Clinton and others took them for. A split decision signifies a true grappling with the issues; Hoosiers were above the fray. I confess my surprise and convey my respect.
TURN OUT THE LIGHTS
This race is over. Clinton's gains in the popular vote in Pennsylvania were wiped out in N.C. The delegate tally is solidly in Obama's favor. If the process runs its course, Florida and Michigan can be included and Obama will still lead by every metric.
Clinton canceled all appearances today, a powerful sign she is measuring her options and perhaps seeking the best path to concession. Rumors that she again loaned money to her campaign are an undeniable indication she's in incredible financial straits and the results Tuesday are doubtful to encourage donations. Even if Clinton wants to steam on to West Virginia and Kentucky, even if she denies the inevitability of Obama, the dearth of funds is prohibitive.
Expect an opening round of at least 15 Obama SDs today. It's good to jump aboard as the train is picking up steam and there should be plenty who take the opportunity to say they're with the presumptive winner.
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