Charlotte Observer Endorses Obama

Obama and Clinton face off in what could be decisive contests

(NEWSER) - Voters in North Carolina and Indiana go to the polls today in what many are seeing as the last major battle in the Democratic race. The Washington Post outlines the stakes.

1. Has Obama put the Wright controversy behind him? Pretty much, say both sides; it's a media story now.
2. How's the gas tax holiday playing? Economists hate it, but it was a smart strategic move for Clinton.
3. Is the race going to the convention? At least until June 3, if Hillary wins one of today's contests.

Former senator has surprisingly little clout in home state

(NEWSER) - Why has John Edwards maintained silence as the precarious Democratic contest heads to his home state of North Carolina? Could be, Politico posits, because he knows he has little sway there. According to insiders, the state, which holds its primary Tuesday, knew the senator only fleetingly before he leapt to the national stage, and though Democrats are proud of this native son's "political comet," an endorsement “would carry no weight.” More»

Indiana contest could break stalemate, move superdelegates

(NEWSER) - Many Democratic observers are looking past the April 22 Pennsylvania primary to the May 6 contests in Indiana and North Carolina as a chance to finally determine the primary race before the national convention. With 187 delegates at stake, May 6 holds the biggest delegate trove remaining, and the outcome of the day's contests may sway uncommitted Dem superdelegates, Newsweek reports. More»

Trained Clinton-haters have to turn on a dime

(NEWSER) - While a Hillary Clinton appointment as secretary of State has been greeted with enthusiasm worldwide, Barack Obama’s own team of believers is feeling some confusion and dissonance, reports Politico. “These guys didn't put together a campaign in order to turn the government over to the Clintons,” says a Democrat close to Obama. "I can't stand her," said another—"but I think she's a great choice." More»

Palin's high negatives dragging down Mac

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama is the most well-liked first-term presidential candidate in 28 years, New York Times/CBS polls found. More than half of voters, 53%, have a favorable impression of the Illinois senator, a 10-point increase over last month. And though John McCain’s approval ratings held steady, voters with a negative opinion of him increased 10 points, to 45%. More»