In Indiana, Barack Obama settles back into his change-politics strategy, while Hillary Clinton campaigns as if the race itself is everything.

Obama campaigns like the primary is everything. Clinton is concerned about the general election, the country, the entire world. And Obama's an egomaniac.

Donna, I agree with you whole-heartedly. It stuns me how over 15 million people (the number who have voted for HIllary Clinton) can be shoved aside as if they don't matter. We do, and she is our representative. Unlike Obama, Clinton continually refers to the needs of the American people in her speeches. With Obama, it's all about him... want to change the world? Well, you'll have to vote for ME. Want to end racism? Obviously, you have to make the right decision--vote for ME. Want change? I'm the ONLY one who will bring change.

He vents the rage we've all felt these last 7 years. We confuse relief (at someone voicing why we're angry at our government) with competence and the abilities to bring about PROGRESS, not change.

If Obama wins Indiana/N.C., then I think it will be the key moment for Clinton to quit. This would make the week pretty interesting. I think Clinton could get out with her dignity, and become a leading Democratic figure, possibly a VP or cabinet pick, or some other high position (let's hope she doesn't Lieberman out and decide to run as an Independent!).

If Obama loses Indiana but wins N.C., his delegate lead will remain insurmountable, but the loss in Indiana will hurt him (it seems likely to be a 51/49 split in either direction). Clinton might seize on an Obama loss as a reason to continue pushing her "Superdelegates, vote for me!" argument. Personally I would think it still a good time for her to drop out.

If Obama somehow loses Indiana and North Carolina, which I doubt, but if it happens... Then the Democratic race is FUBAR. Obama will have to explain why he lost so much momentum, and John McCain will be able to point to Obama's slide as a symbol that voters have lost faith in him. Clinton will then really try to rally the Superdels around her, and the fight might go on throughout the summer.

Here's what we'll be looking at after Indiana/N.C.:

-- West Virginia: Demographically similar to PA, and likely to go to Clinton, though Obama did win VA so who knows. Not many delegates awarded.

-- Kentucky, Oregon: Clinton gets the former, Obama the latter. Even delegate split.

-- Puerto Rico: Mostly symbolic. Could go either way (though some conventional wisdom says Clinton gets Latino vote).

-- Montana, South Dakota: I seriously doubt it will get this far! But if it does, Obama seems likely to win these. Surrounding states have gone to Obama.

In terms of delegate count, even a Clinton sweep of all the above states would not help her catch up to Obama. Her only argument is to get symbolic wins and then convince Superdelegates that it means she's a stronger candidate. Clinton will also want to rally her supporters to contribute money that can be funneled to causes the Superdels support (let's face it, both are using their cash to bribe the Supers). As usual, Clinton will also be buying herself time in hopes that Obama might be taken down by an emerging scandal, Rezko trial development, gaffe or whatever.

It's looking very good for Obama no matter what, but a win in Indiana would really help his post-primary morale.

Veronica: "It stuns me how over 15 million people (the number who have voted for HIllary Clinton) can be shoved aside as if they don't matter."

Wha? Who is trying to shove anybody aside as if they don't matter? If you think people are trying to shove you aside, then why don't you also think you're trying to shove Obama's voters aside? Your argument works both ways here. Nobody is trying to shove anybody aside.

Veronica: "Unlike Obama, Clinton continually refers to the needs of the American people in her speeches."

This is patently untrue. You know it. Everybody knows it.

Veronica: "With Obama, it's all about him... want to change the world? Well, you'll have to vote for ME."

Obama is making this argument, and Clinton isn't? How so?

you're voting for people, not for policies. you're electing a king, and hope for a good one, against all experience.

that's the result of living in an elective monarchy, rather than a genuine democracy. since you have no information about what they actually are going to do, you must try to guess: are they gonna bugger the nation up, or hold it together for another 4 years? it's hard to tell what kind of person you're handing sac and the usmc to, especially since what little you do know about candidates is half lies and the rest untrue. no wonder voters might be a little bitter, after getting bit by bush, and many, many others.

should be clear to everyone tho', the important contest is against mccain. both should be speaking against him, and letting voters judge who does it better. when they attack each other, they attack the people who depend on the democrat party to save the nation from the party of greed and arrogance.

Obama refuses to smear so he is stuck with the same message. This has to be labelled Limbo Hell (Limbaugh Hell?). By answering to his followers to keep it clean he is stuck as a one-pony show and it's gonna start to get a little boring.

Hillary has wiggle room with variety. Being a wicked witch may cost her some votes but the nasty spells will work their charms to the bored.

Still, positivity has its merits and his message isn't getting lost with repetition - yet. Can't wait until this is over.

To solve issues bad for the party. Like a protracted mud fight between a candidate who can not win enough pledged delegates to overcome her rival's lead.

There may be 'an ill-concealed impatience among party leaders about the protracted contest.' But aren't the party leaders the superdelegates? Meaning they can stop this mudfight now. Declare that they'll vote for the candidate with the most pledged delgates.

Hillary's only hope to win is to convince the superdelegates to reverse to vote for her, despite the choice of the primary voters. Why let her keep at it?