Great victory for Obama tonight in NC, and nearly pulling off an upset in IN. He gains in delegates and in popular vote, nearly wiping out Hillary’s gain from PA two weeks ago. She really has little to support her continued candidacy at this point, except 3 out of the next 4 primaries being favorable to her. Delegate wise she has no chance really.
This gives Obama space to address charges of elitism. It also means he has weathered his harshest storm so far. This kind of tough, bruising battle often makes better general election candidates. He has shown his toughness and resilience.
But he is not out of the water. He actually won largely on issues this week, primarily the gas tax, an issue Hillary crahsed and burned over. He still has not delivered the stirring speech he needs to over cultural issues. With KY and WV coming up, two culturally conservative states, it would be an appropriate time to break out the big guns and grab the initiative by tackling culture head on. Trust me, the Wright controversy is not over.
Nor is the conservative attack, and even the Hillary attack, over regarding whether Obama is a patriot. See how the media latched onto his friendship with a former Weatherman? Trying to paint him as unpatriotic. I said before they would bring up more stuff to fit into this narrative of Obama not being patriotic, and they did. This will be their main play, as it sets up a stark contrast with McCain. Wright coming back last week certainly added to this theme.
Obama now has two major charges, both of which carry huge emotional weight with the American people. He has to start addressing them now.