After Indiana and Carolina: On and On?
It’s clear that Senator Obama has won the Democratic primary in North Carolina, but Indiana remains (as of this writing) “too close to call.” As expected, Obama has done well in the metropolitan areas (i.e., Indianapolis, Fort Wayne), and Senator Clinton is polling high among more rural Democrats.
Tonight’s results had the potential to tip the nomination battle in favor of either of the candidates. It has not done so. Instead, and without regard to the reality of the delegate count, the race will go on. Senator Clinton hopes to sway superdelegates to her column; Obama will hope to garner support for a general election candidacy. Clinton will aim to continue the battle until the convention in August–make it a game of staying power and gumption, both of which she seems to have in abundance. It’s clear Obama supporters would rather unite around their candidate and prepare him to take on John Mccain. But what do Democratic and moderate voters want?
Each candidate delivered an impressive speech tonight, both attempting to best position themselves for the weeks ahead. The result: the candidates will continue to do their job–campaigning–unless a back-room discussion and/or public pronouncement by a party elder can encourage Obama or (more likely) Clinton to back down.
Update: Huff Post is calling Obama the “presumptive nominee.” Perhaps the main attraction will begin sooner than first thought…