Longest Election Season May End in a Flash

Basketball is essential outlet when things get tense

(NEWSER) - For Barack Obama, shooting hoops is an essential element of any tense day. In frequent sessions usually closed to reporters, the senator faces off with friends from the campaign and elsewhere, even flying in Chicago buddies to hit the court, the Los Angeles Times reports. But his aides make sure he’s careful: He wouldn’t want to “turn up with a busted lip” at a key event. More»

The Treasure State may crown Obama

(NEWSER) - Montana is shaping up to be a slam dunk for Barack Obama and a chance to head into the general election with some momentum, according to recent polls. But a surprise win by Hillary Clinton could give her the credibility she needs to sway superdelegates, writes Politico. Five things to watch:

• East vs. West: Clinton may be edging Obama out in the more rural east, and “if she starts cutting into his margins in the western part of the state, it could be closer,” says a pollster.

Last primary is a toss-up

(NEWSER) - Unlike most of this year's primaries, South Dakota is a genuine toss-up. Different polls have both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama leading by double digits. Politico focuses on things to watch for:

• Split time zones: The western half of the state is an hour behind the eastern half; results won't be revealed until all polls close at 8pm CT.

• A late night: Ballots are transported to and counted at county auditor's offices, some more than 2 hours from polling places.

Speaker agrees with Obama as hopeful gains 14 delegates

(NEWSER) - Nancy Pelosi boosted Barack Obama today by saying superdelegates should vote with the people, Politico reports. “If the votes of the superdelegates overturn what happened in the elections, it would be harmful to the Democratic Party,” the House speaker said on ABC’s "This Week". Ex-lawmaker Bill Bradley went further on "Meet the Press," warning that superdelegates who ignore constituents may face tough battles in future elections. More»

Plenty of time to turn this thing around, advisers believe

(NEWSER) - As Barack Obama continues to bask in the glow of a string of impressive primary victories, Team Clinton is pulling out the stops to capture important wins in Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania. Clinton advisers have hardly given up hope. They're optimistic Hillary can accomplish the latest victory blueprint: nail pending debates against Barack, exploit the extra time to convincingly re-present her appeal to voters, and win over the super delegates they believe will ultimately determine the Democratic nomination. More»