Analysts Say Clinton Needs Big-state Wins
Following Barack Obama's victories in yesterday's Wisconsin primary and Hawaii caucuses, he leads Hillary Clinton in delegates won 1,319 to 1,250, according to
CNN's Delegate Scoreboard, in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The candidate who amasses 2,025 or more delegates will secure the nomination.
Clinton's campaign appears to be in serious trouble, according to some political observers, setting the stage for must-win, big-state primaries in Texas and Ohio on March 4, and then Pennsylvania on April 22.
Ron Fournier, who has covered politics for the Associated Press (AP) for nearly 20 years, included the following passage his "On Deadline" column today...
"The chances of Obama doing something that's going to cause a major problem are about as low as [Clinton] doing something that will turn it around," said Democratic strategist Bill Carrick, who is not tied to either campaign. "When you start pressing to come back, it's usually the person who's behind who makes the mistake."
Tom Raum, who has covered Washington for AP since 1973, including five presidencies, included this in an article titled "Clinton on the Ropes"...
"It's fair to say the race isn't over yet, but I think Senator Clinton must win Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania to have any shot at getting the nomination," said Democratic strategist and pollster Mark Mellman, who is not affiliated with either candidate. "Obama could lose all three and still get the nomination. So at this point, he's got more ways to win than she does."