And so Hillary Clinton wins another one with just enough to justify her staying in the race.
8.6% according to the final results.
Three months ago, I called on Hillary Clinton to withdraw from the race for the good of the Democratic party. In many ways, that argument is stronger today than it was then. The New York Times, who I excoriated at the time for endorsing Clinton, essentially un-endorsed her today. Obama’s lead is greater across the country now than it was at the time each of these states voted. But he lost his moment to ascend to the presidency on hope – Ms. Clinton made sure to sabotage that balloon before it got off the ground.
What Obama has run is a smart campaign – one which yesterday’s loss has done nothing to derail.
But Ms. Clinton has proved again that she is a fighter and that when her back is to the wall, she can avoid losing. Her base of support is strong, if limited. And she will fight another day.
It’s time for Obama to figure out how best to use Ms. Clinton’s presence in the race to his advantage.