Clinton Narrows Ore. Deficit, Holds Ky. Lead

Waters calm ahead of primaries

(NEWSER) - There’s an eerie calm over the Democratic battlefield ahead of tonight’s primaries in Oregon and Kentucky, as the candidates have reached a tentative détente. Clinton doesn’t want to be seen as hurting Obama’s chances in November, so she’s softened her tone considerably. But it’s a fragile peace that will be tested tonight, when Obama is expected to celebrate his pledged delegate majority in Iowa. More»

That's the day he'll have a majority of pledged delegates

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama plans to lay claim to his party’s nomination on May 20, the day that votes in Kentucky and Oregon will net him a majority of pledged delegates, a top aide tells Politico, setting up what David Paul Kuhn calls “a train wreck waiting to happen.” For at least 11 days—until the DNC meets on whether and how to seat Michigan and Florida’s outlaw delegates—the Clinton camp will dispute it. More»

First lady's approval rating soars over her husband's

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s approval ratings are sinking, but Michelle Obama’s remain sky-high, with 71% of the country holding a favorable opinion of her. Only 16% of respondents in a new Pew Research survey held a negative view of the first lady. That puts her well above Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, who had 60% and 64% favorability ratings, respectively, after their husbands had been in office for 1 year. More»

He returns to Iowa, says 'change is coming to America'

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama said tonight that his campaign had reached a pivotal milestone by clinching a majority of the pledged delegates at stake in the Democratic primary, CNN reports. Addressing a rally in Iowa—the state that put his campaign on a winning path—Obama declared that victory is "within reach." He spoke just before learning that he had defeated Hillary Clinton in the Oregon primary. With 72% of returns in, he led 58% to 42%. More»

W. Va.-like thumping could give Clinton campaign more 'electability' ammo

(NEWSER) - If Hillary Clinton pulls off another landslide in today's Kentucky primary, she can make a stronger case to superdelegates that she's more "electable" than Barack Obama. With this in mind, here are five things to watch, via Politico:

1. Montgomery County: The small district accurately predicted the statewide margin in the past two incumbent-less primaries. Clinton leads by 28 points in polls.