Let's be clear on this: Hillary Clinton still faces an uphill fight for the Democratic nomination. In many respects, it's Barack Obama's race to lose, and he can lose. But for now, he's in the driver's seat with the most delegates, the most primary and caucus wins and the most popular votes.
So how does Hillary Clinton win? At her victory rally on Tuesday night, I spoke with two people who are key players on the Clinton campaign. First is Ann Lewis, a long-time Democratic operative and former White House Communications Director under Bill Clinton. She is also the sister of Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA).
Ann Lewis also told me that Hillary Clinton must win at least one state on May 6, as North Carolina and Indiana hold primaries. The latest polls have Obama ahead in North Carolina by 16 points, but Clinton ahead in Indiana by 3 points. The Hoosier state appears to be the crucial battleground for Clinton.
All of these items fall into Clinton's main strategy: Win enough of the remaining states and delegates, so that you appear to be surging and turning the tide of political momentum in your favor. The big, overall message being: "I am actually the candidate who can win in November!" That will be very powerful to those still undecided "Super Delegates" that she needs to win the nomination.
Hillary and Bill Clinton have been political underdogs many times in their careers and have a penchant for "pulling the rabbit out of a hat" at the last minute.
Obama still leads this race, but don't be too surprised if she pulls off a last minute upset.
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