Barack Obama benefits from key backing in North Carolina

The bulwark of Hillary Clinton's campaign in, for her, must-win Pennsylvania has been the unstinting support she's received from an array of established politicos -- especially Gov. Ed Rendell, Rep. John Murtha, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl (subject of a Washington Post profile Wednesday, which takes note of his 10-Diet-Pepsi-a-day habit).

Increasingly, it appears Barack Obama will enjoy a similar advantage in North Carolina, the state he needs to win to help thwart whatever momentum Clinton would gain from a Pennsylvania victory on April 22.

The big statewide race being waged as part of the Tar Heel State's May 6 primary is the battle for the Democratic nomination to succeed popular, but term-limited, Gov. Mike Easley (also a Democrat). Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue (pictured at left) and state Treasurer Richard Moore (below) are trying mightily to differentiate themselves in the minds of voters. But on this they agree -- Obama is their choice in the party's presidential contest.

Perdue, in fact, felt compelled earlier this week to spotlight her previous endorsement of Obama, sending mailers to voters showing the two of them together. Moore, meanwhile, is running a television ad that notes he was the first gubernatorial contender to back Obama.

When the furor over Obama's preacher, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, erupted a few weeks back, one poll showed that what had been a solid lead for Obama in North Carolina had essentially evaporated. And around that time, Clinton dispatched one of her top ground-game specialists, the appropriately named "Ace" Smith, to the state.

But since then, several surveys have shown Obama opening up a wide lead in the state -- indeed, in some of the polls, his margin is of blowout proportions.

Neither Clinton nor Obama, understandably, have yet to personally focus much on North Carolina. But their most formidable advance guards -- their respective spouses -- have.

Bill Clinton stumped in the state for a day last week, and he returns there for a couple of events Friday evening and five on Saturday.

Michelle Obama spoke at North Carolina State University in Raleigh on Tuesday and drew a crowd, to say the least. Officials estimated it at close to 6,000 -- an audience, according to the campaign, that was the largest for her "that did not involve an appearance with celebrity Oprah Winfrey."

Once the Clinton campaign more fully engages, the North Carolina race almost assuredly will tighten (much as Obama seems to have narrowed the gap in Pennsylvania). Still, barring unforeseen circumstances, he should add North Carolina ....

to his win column. Which would put him where's he been before -- in position to deal a devastating blow to Hillary Clinton's prospects.

The other state with a May 6 primary is Indiana. Although it borders Obama's home state of Illinois, the Hoosier State's demographics are more akin to the Clinton strongholds of Ohio and Pennsylvania. And the few recent polls conducted in Indiana have contained good news for her.

The Clinton camp already has started spinning the state as tough turf for her because of its proximity to Illinois. But a double loss for her that day should significantly increase the "time to drop out" chorus that she's been trying to silence.

-- Don Frederick

Photo credits: North Carolina lieutenant governor's office (Perdue); North Carolina Democratic Party (Moore). 

Comments

[John B Sheffield]

The gap keeps closing in Pennsylvania, Hillary's wide lead is going, she really needs to win clearly, but I think the last week has shown the True Hillary and those of us still to vote do not like her Lies and especially the Untruth about the 35 year old woman and her baby who died, Hillary Falsely claiming she had no insurance and could not afford the $100 upfront payment, both False Statements - How could someone use a story lie this for personal gain!

North Carolina could bring the race to and end/

[Alison]

Nope, the North Carolina race will not tighten.There will be four times as many African Americans voting in this primary. They all registered to vote recently, so they could vote for Obama.
This is a guaranteed blowout state for Obama.

[F Shoe Fitzwearit]

What is it about the Carolinas that demands the use of state nicknames in the reportage? When candidates campaigned in South Carolina, readers were forced to endure The Palmetto State over and over as a stunt synonym. Now we're on to North Carolina, which will send Top Ticket readers to search online for the reason why it is called the Tar Heel State. Ohio was not endlessly referred to as the Buckeye State or Pennsylvania as The Keystone State. While Iowa was frequently called The Hawkeye State on this blog, I don't recall a single reference to The Old Dominion State when Virginia was having primaries, nor to Connecticut as The Constitution State. Are those sobriquets simply too unwieldy? Or do you just like the sounds of Palmetto, Hawkeye and Tar Heel as they echo in cyberspace?

[roxey]

please vote for Hillary

[Jeff]

Mr. Obama is clearly going to be the democratic candidate and more than likely the next President of the United States. He is some what of a phenom, and people are jumping all over the bandwagon. Personally, I think its a good thing...Hillary does not do much and McCain is just another version of GWB.

What is really interesting is there is an Internet Consulting company, www.spartaninternet.com , that did a study on online support for candidates. They show Obama being ahead since early July 2007.

[Salik]

As Alison pointed out, four times as many African Americans have registered to vote, most probably for Obama. Obama is narrowing the Clinton lead in Pennsylvania..from 30% to 12% to 6% (which is the last figure I heard, as of 2 weeks ago). Obama will take NC and do well in Penn. If Clinton loses Penn, which is a possibility, she will lose voter, more specifically, superdelegate confidence, which will ultimately result in her loss in the race. Penn is a must-win-by-a-large-margin primary...Obama just has to do solid in the upcoming races and he gets the candidacy. My money goes on the Obama campaign for the win.

[Allen Hoban]

John Sheffield should read more than big font headlines: the hospital story has been investigated and revealed to be true.

And this quote is very disturbing:
"There will be four times as many African Americans voting in this primary. They all registered to vote recently, so they could vote for Obama."

Therefore Obama's only qualification is that he is part black! If true, then it is a shameful state of affairs.

A "Uniter" who has divided this nation into blacks against whites, young against old. A politician who claims to be "above it all" and yet his campaign has been dirtier than most.

We have had almost eight years of a dissembling, inexperienced "Uniter." This country cannot take another one!

[JS]

We DON'T need a President who tells too many lies? Enough of Bush lies and Clinton lies! Hillary should drop out of the race after Pennslyvania.

[Rhonda]

Why? Roxey? Do we really want her as our next president? She actually said the Mark Penn story will go away. Is she hallucinating? He is a key part of her campaign and has endorsed many companies with positions that she claims to oppose. And let's not forget Bill Clinton. She has repeatedly said we will get 2 for the price of 1. Yet, when we find out that Bill also supports CAFTA, she says they do not agree on trade. We also find out that Bill is not in favor of boycotting the Olympics because of China. We were again told that they disagree? Are we really getting 2 for the price of 1 or are we getting a house divided?

[Stephen]

Hillary (and the rest of America) needs to realize that the ONLY REASON anyone puts up with her at all is because she is married to Bill. She has no talent, no ability whatsoever to do anything. The sooner she is gone the better.

[Javalation]

Obama has the temperament I'd like to see in our next leader. He doesn't flash anger at those who disagree with him nor does he cry. If Hil were more like the Gina Davis TV president I'd support her, but unfortunately she's not. Obama's the one I'd like to see answering that 3:00 AM call.

[wantsome change]

> Posted by: F Shoe Fitzwearit | April 10, 2008 at 05:36 AM
>
>please vote for Hillary

No

[pauL HERNANDEZ JR SFC US ARMY]

North Carolina will come in just fine for Obama and watch out for a surprise finale in Pennsylvania.

Ladies and Gentlemen it is without question that Barack Obama will be the Democratic party nominee. He won more votes, more pledged delegates, more states. You cannot simply move the goaI posts any longer just ask Bobby Bowden or Nancy Pelosi. I for one appreciate the tempering Senator Obama has received from Billary’s “kitchen sink, Tonya Harding” strategies. Senator Obama will be stronger for having risen above her divisiveness and our candidate will thus be prepared for the Karl Roves and their fear be afraid be very afraid techniques. The Democrats lost the House of Representatives, the Senate and of course the White House. Do we really want more of those results for our country?

John McCain a.k.a. Senator “McWar” cannot create more make believe boogeymen; the American people are now on to that b.s..

I fought in Iraq in the All Americans 82nd Airborne and join the now legions of my comrades opposed to the war which has cost 4000+ of my comrades in arms their lives and maimed another 25,000+. How much does a trillion and counting cost each American family? I ask any citizen who doubts the price of this war to visit the nearest Veterans hospital to them. The one I visit for therapy has a plaque on it that states The price of freedom is clearly evident here. The price for Iraq is way too high for a war which we should not be in. No WMD, No ties to Al Qaeda Etc. Etc. I pray that our country is really prepared to show courage and turn the page away from the dismal George W. cowboy with no guts or sense years and put our great nation on a better path.

Vote Barack Obama America!

[wantsome change]

> Posted by: F Shoe Fitzwearit | April 10, 2008 at 05:36 AM
>
>please vote for Hillary

No

[Dave]

You mean, please vote for Hillary "sniper-fire" Clinton?
or please vote for Hillary "untrustworthy" Clinton?
or please vote for Hillary "ship-out-our-jobs" Clinton?
or please vote for Hillary "the-Columbian" Clinton?

or did you really mean vote for the trustworthy candidate Barack Obama?
or did you really mean vote for Barack Obama who refuses to be manipulated by lobbiyistss?
or did you really mean vote for Barack Obama because he wants big energy companies to invest in renewable energy?
or did you mean vote for Barack Obama because he wants to create more green jobs here in US?
or did you mean vote for Barak Obama for aligning himself with peaceful living as opposed to war and suffering?

[Fran Villa]

Want to see a strange quote from Obama? Try this:
"At a recent fundraiser in San Francisco, Barack Obama took a question on what he's looking for in a running mate. 'I would like somebody who knows about a bunch of stuff that I'm not as expert on,' he said, and then he was off and running. 'I think a lot of people assume that might be some sort of military thing to make me look more Commander-in-Chief-like. Ironically, this is an area--foreign policy is the area where I am probably most confident that I know more and understand the world better than Senator Clinton or Senator McCain.'"
WHAT?!? (Quote from The Huffington Post)

Again “boneheaded statements and not to mention very unpresidential without judgment prior to speaking.
Obama needs to bow out now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwjnT4eJJvs Audacity of Barack Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeC8BE-2T_k&NR=1 Audacity of Barack Obama 2

***VOTE & DONATE TO THE HILLARY CLINTON CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT***

***GO HILLARY DO NOT QUIT OR GIVE UP, FIGHT TO THE END***

[Fran Villa]

Look up the website of Trinity United Church of Christ and read the bylaws. Obama knew that the church's loyalty was only to Africa and was anti-white, yet he joined. Of course he never heard the speeches of the good Reverend nor did it bother him when the church honored a known terrorist.
In one of his new ads for Pennsylvania that he has been a proud member of the Trinity United Church for over 20 years. I guess he will show the rest of us where his loyalty lies. Other concerns about Senator Obama. His National Financial adviser is Penny Pritzer, billionaire owner of the Hyatt Inn and TransAmerican Credit among other ventures. She has given several fund raisers for Obama raising millions *(as did Tony Rezko). Penny once owned the Superior Bank in Chicago and it is said was the forerunner of the mortgage crisis. She was bailed out by the government and BEAR-STEARNS after the FDIC paid its limit. Over a thousand investors lost their pensions and their life savings, never to be reimbursed. There were a lot more stories tied to this failure but I would advise you to read for yourself; Loan Modification & Home Loan News, by Moe Bedard on March 25, 2008. Obama lived in Chicago at the time, all the papers were full of the details. Why would he choose her for his National Finance Campaign Manager?
Knowing our country's economic condition why would he propose his bill-Global Poverty Act, which gives us a debt of 850 billion dollars over a twelve year period to stop poverty in other countries? This is in addition to what we already pay. His words are" With billions of people living on just dollars a day around the world, global poverty remains one of the greatest challenges and tragedies the international community faces. It must be a priority of American foreign policy to commit to eliminating extreme poverty and ensuring every child has food, shelter and clean drinking water. As we strive to rebuild America's standing in the world, this important bill will demonstrate our promise and commitment to those in the developing world." The United states is not eligible for this aid, even though we have families living in tents and trailers after floods, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes that we don't have the money to help or rebuild their cities and towns or highways. The bill institutes the United Nations Millennium Summit goals as the benchmark for US spending. It declares the official US policy is to eliminate global poverty, that the PRESIDENT is "required to "develop and implement" a strategy to meet that goal and requires that the US efforts be "specific and measurable." It would require .07% of our gross national product on top of what we are now paying. "In addition to seeking to eradicate poverty, that *(U. N.) declaration commits nation to banning small arms and light weapons, and ratifying a series of treaties including the International Criminal Court Treaty, the Kyoto Protocol *(global warming treaty) the Convention of Biological Diversity, the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention of the Rights of the Child." These UN protocols make U.S. law on issues ranging from the 2nd amendment to energy usage and parental rights all subservient to United Nation whims. It is estimated that the only way to raise the necessary funds to pay for this would be a global tax, preferably on carbon-emitting fossil fuels. One writer suggests that taxes from 35 cents to 1.00 per gallon, would be added to gasoline and fuel oil. Who knows what would happen to the coal industry. THIS BILL HAS PASSED THE SENATE COMMITTEE AND IS WAITING FOR FULL VOTE ONCE HE BECOMES OUR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. PLEASE READ THE
GLOBAL POVERTY ACT. Lastly, Obamas connection with the International Socialist Party and the Democratic Socialist Party. Obama had the flag featuring communist hero Che Guevara in his office. Obama is an associate of the Chicago based Marxist group with access to millions of union dollars and connections to expert political consultants. If each member donates the limit on line he could raise millions in one month. The same goes for the oil interests he claims not to have, and the Chicago Nuclear plant, among others. Also HOWARD DEAN chairman of the Democratic party, *(instrumental in not allowing Hillary's votes in Florida and Michigan, gave a speech at the Party of European Socialists in 2006 and in 2007 PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen met with the Democratic heads at the Democratic Headquarters in Washington and agreed the PES activist groups in various US cities would start working together. At that time he met with Senators Ben Cardin, Senator Bernie Sanders, Howard Dean, and AFLCIO President Sweeney, all with ties to the Democratic Socialist Party. Also, present was Strobe Talbot of the Brookings Institute, has recently been identified in the book "Comrad J" as having been a pawn of the Russian Intelligence Service. Could these Activist groups have been instrumental in setting up caucus groups for Obama? Is this why Obama is so embedded in this election? We want to live in a Democracy not a socialist republic. Challenge the media conglomerate to look into this, will you? If not for bloggers who research these facts the public would never know. CNN, MSNBC, FOX, or affiliates will not step on toes this high up, or will they?

Pretty scary, Americans wake up! Do your research.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwjnT4eJJvs Audacity of Barack Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeC8BE-2T_k&NR=1 Audacity of Barack Obama 2

***VOTE & DONATE TO THE HILLARY CLINTON CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT***

***GO HILLARY DO NOT QUIT OR GIVE UP, FIGHT TO THE END***

[We The People]

"We" do not understand why there are so many articles that try to make it appear that Mr.Obama is some how leading or tied with Mrs. Clinton in the Pennsylvania. Yet the same story says that Mrs.Clinton has a 9 point lead. Actully "We" do know why. This is a way to make it appear that when he loses in a state that no one expected him to win in the first place, this will some how become a huge problem for Mr.Obama. Even before the next race in N.C. they are predicting "Blow Outs." Is that a way to make it appear that when, or, if, Mr.Obama win in N.C. by a lesser margin than the "news" is predicting , Mr.Obama will made to look like a loser? What "WE" are asking is why not just be fair and equal with both Mrs.Clinton and Mr.Obama. Race is being made an issue of. How many white people is voting for this one, how many black voters are for that one. The Only thing that has been made clear., is that the people backing Mr.Obama care more about the party then the candidate. "we" are not so angry or foolish as to vote republican if our man is not nominated. Why, or what, would drive people to say that before they would vote for a man who is clearly capable of doing what is right, and good America, they would cross party lines? If the person was a good choice "We" too would cross the line,because "We"care more for "Our" country, than any one person. But to know the Republicans and what they have done to this country, as well as to this country, "We"find it scary that there is such an amount of hate for Mr.Obama that they would actully put McCain in the white house. It appears the bar is raised and lowered for Mrs.Clinton according to which posistion is to her advantage. "We" leave it to you.

[Sam]

This is still a Democratic Republic...so no matter who wins what in the 10 upcoming contests..NOONE is getting out.

We are not a third world or fascist country yet...so We the people get to determine who We want.

This race is still very close - we have seen enough surprises to know better than to think we know anything.

I would note that PA is the first election after the Rev. Wright issue.

[Treyl Johnson]

((The gap keeps closing in Pennsylvania, Hillary's wide lead is going, she really needs to win clearly, )) Same old story...remember NH, NEV, CA, MA, OH, TX...??

The media and a few polls showed Hillary was supposed to lose..but she WON! My point is that when the media starts pushing something really really hard about Hillary - don't believe it.

Most polls still show her with a 10+ point lead in PA -

Oh, and we get that the media and the Obama supporters have been lying and smearing Hillary since the start of this race. Yawn....we are all racists (except Rev. Wright), Hillary is evil - yadda yadda Who cares?

Barack has so many lies and his negative ratings are awfully close for a newcomer - Hillary worked a lot of years fighting on behalf of human rights, health, children etc... to earn that hate.

People...RESEARCH the candidates.Forget the mainstream media - the Natl. Enqurer has more journalistic integrity. They know hey are telling us lies - they don't care.

[Fareed]

Judgment, Judgment, Judgment Hillary, Bush and McCain were for the War in Iraq, Barack Obama was against. This more than any other issue will determine how independent voters chose. Hillary with her string of Lies is not helping herself. McCain with his Over the Top history of disrespectfully cursing everyone from his wife to fellow Congressmen is something he will have to disavow as a pack of smears, or if true begin apologizing. Judgment, Judgment, Judgment.

[Fareed]

Judgment, Judgment, Judgment Hillary, Bush and McCain were for the War in Iraq, Barack Obama was against. This more than any other issue will determine how independent voters chose. Hillary with her string of Lies is not helping herself. McCain with his Over the Top history of disrespectfully cursing everyone from his wife to fellow Congressmen is something he will have to disavow as a pack of smears, or if true begin apologizing. Judgment, Judgment, Judgment.

[Texas Democrat]

The fact is that the Wright controversy is far from over. He chose Wright and threw his Grandmother to the wolves. He never answered to why he stayed. He was not just another parishinor, but running for President of the United States of America. The same America that Wright said G D to America, and that America is run by the KKK and on and on! But this man was more important to him than his own Grandmother. And he did march with Farankhan, who we all know does not represent equality for all. What is sad is the hypocracy of Obama , his supporters and the Democrat party. They stood by him, but had this been McCain or Clinton they would have been FORCED out of the race and rightfully so. But Obama should have been, too. Discrimination, AntiAmerican viewpoints and racism is still racism and Anti America rather you are black, brown or white. Obama will never carry Pennsylvania and he is not even close in that state. The polls are a joke. These are the same polls that said he was closing the gap or may win Ohio! Obama has not proven to this Democrat that he is loyal enough to America and ALL Americans to ask Americans to vote for him. He should have left this race and given the Party a chance to win in November. Now we are a divided party and an even more divided country.

[Rebecca]

I live in Raleigh NC, and I am proud to say that North Carolina is Obamaland! Lets get ready to rumble Clinton, we are ready to show you who we love! OBAMA 08

[Randall Richardson]

Can you believe it? The once pompous, self entitled, Hillary crowd is now begging for votes.