Which Hillary Will Show Up?

26 February 2008 |permalink | email article

ABC News put it succinctly about tonight’s MSNBC’s Clinton-Obama debate in Cleveland.

Will it be the “I am honored to be here with Barack Obama” Hillary? Or the “shame-on-you” Hillary?

Based on tactical adjustments to her inconsistent message – anywhere from three to five her campaign has made since last week’s debate in Austin – it’s a good bet Clinton will launch a risky, rough and tumble attack on Obama.

It’s what failing campaigns always do in an attempt to change the music and land a late haymaker.

She’ has accused Obama of plagiarism, ducking debates, mocking his huge crowds, being dishonest and on Sunday turning to ridicule.

Clinton’s campaign believes that if she prevails next Tuesday in Texas – where it is neck-and-neck, and Ohio where her lead has shrunk to 10 points with 12% undecided – the race will begin anew.

Even with twin wins, here’s the crucial question: will she get far more pledged delegates to close on Obama? I doubt it.

Clinton gets more bad news with two new major polls showing that most Democrats believe Obama is the candidate most likely to defeat John McCain.

For the first time in a New York Times/CBS News Poll, Obama has moved ahead of Clinton nationally, with 54% of Democratic primary voters saying they want to see him nominated, while 38% preferred Clinton.

A new USA Today/Gallup Poll released Monday showed a similar result, 51% for Obama to 39% for Clinton.

 

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