If Obama wins both states, it will be an enormous momentum for Obama who is only 277 delegates away from securing the nomination and it will we the Knockout punch to Hillary Balboa Clinton, who likes to compare herself to Rocky so much.

What North Carolina and Indiana means is that Clinton is still behind and need to go take a seat or come fill up my gas tank and buy me some groceries since one who earned 109 million cannot begin to understand any of these things since I am sure they do not food shop, nor purchase gas.

Clinton is only in this race for spite, because if Obama was behind he would have been told to bow out.

Well Jack, I’m not sure how important it will make in the nomination process but maybe Hillary’s just trying to “keep hope alive” as Jesse Jackson would say.

But as Bill reminded us, Jesse also ran… and lost.

I think all primaries are important especially the two contest on tuesday. If Barack Obama can win tuesday, I believe this will seal the nomination for him, on the other hand if not it’s going to complicate an other wise complicated situation. I do know however that the longer this continues is not necessarily good for the Democratic party. They say there is time to take on John McCain in the fall, but personally I believe tuesday elections are important for the Dems to finish this thing and go on too win in November.

Jack they are not important as far as settling the issue but if they swing Hillary’s way they could provide her with enough momentum to create even more confusion at the democratic convention than we are used to seeing there. The democrats inate ability to shoot theirselves in the foot may pay off this time because the next president is going to get the blame for the trainwreck the bush administration has coming. Ask Jimmy Carter how that works. Losing to John McCain is the best thing the democrats could hope for in November.

Jack, I think these primaries are most important to Hillary Clinton who has to win both to legitimize her staying in the race. If she loses either one, America will hopefully call for her to drop out of the race immediately. She has no hope for winning the nomination at this point; her numbers are too far behind. If Obama wins both I’m excited to see just how fast she can spin this one in her direction without getting us all dizzy from its absurdity.

NC and Indiana could be nails to Clinton’s or Obama coffins. If Obama wins more delegates at the end of day then the game is over and he wins. If Clinton wins the both states - she has a good argument for the superdelegates and she wins. Anything in between moves the contest to 5/20.

They are important in this sense Jack, if Obama wins both, the super delegates will flock to him and basically end this thing. If they split, the super delegates may or may not make their move. If Clinton wins both, the super delegates will freeze in place and we will continue the back and forth knee capping for another few weeks. Here’s hoping for a big Obama day tomorrow.

Obama WILL be the nominee. The media is just trying to continue a good story and pull in viewers by suggesting this thing is even close. Check out your own “delegate counter”. It’s impossible for Clinton to win.
Also, she has thrown the “kitchen sink” at him while he hasn’t really commented on her lie about “sniper fire”. What was she thinking? We just can’t trust anything she says. Especially that stupid idea about suspending the gas tax for 3 months while America takes to the highways for vacations. I would like the roads to be in good repair while I am traveling and the gas tax pays for road and bridge repairs. Besides, can we really afford to lose more jobs in construction? That idea is just a political ploy. More of the SAME OLD TIRED POLITICS!
I can’t wait until November when Obama is elected and we can stop this nonsense.

For Hillary it is Very Very Important For Barack it is not Important at all because he is leading and she can not catch up he is like on his last lap while she just started the race meaning she can not win when he is at the finish line. Period but of course Hillary will try to spin it like she has a chance of winning which is said to her supporters giving them false hopes

How important are Indiana & North Carolina? Well, they are part of the Bible Belt, which means the White population are afraid of a woman being President & probably more afraid of a Black man being President. But, it’s still possible for Sen. Obama to win both primaries because of the growing Black population in both states, just as it’s still possible for Sen. Clinton to win.
Just remember that fear is going to dominate in the general election Jack. Fear a woman & fear of a Black man becoming President of the United States, which will mean that neither of these candidates will win either state in November.

Jack,

The founders of our great country made sure that all 50 states matter.

Given the pledged delegate difference, North Carolina and Indiana are no more or less important than the other 48 states.

Psychologically is a good choice of words for this.
We are in a battle for our freedom’s and it is being lead by the words we say, write on paper and some put on YouTube now..
Some are saying the truth and that is scare for someone to talk to us an adult and not pandering to us just to give us a fluffy feeling like they have been doing over the past 4 decades.
For the past 40 years in politics its like Whimpy saying to Popeye I will gladly pay you thursday for a hamburger today. And just like Popeye we never get it.

We are some of the people for the people and by the people lost. Our constitution is a piece of paper not followed and not even reconized by most of you read it to them. We understand this as much as we understand our feelings on the subject. That is why so many of us are in Therapy with a shrink.

I am sure North Carolina and Indiania are very important but more important is the constitution of america and if we let Hillary and Bill back in the White House and mark my words they will begin a change of it. If Obama loses this nomination I suggest to him I will hock everything I own to send him all I get and he should run as an independent. and let it be a three way race to the high office of our nation. Jack I admire you courage in reading all our desparation daily and thank you for letting me share my fears and hopes.

Jack

I think NC is very important. It is the last state with the largest number of delegates. After these two states it is even more unlikely that Hillary can win. The math already says Clinton can’t win, we are just humoring her for right now. When Obama wins NC I think more super delegates will move into his camp and we can end Hillary’s fantasies. Love Obama or hate him, he survived all this elitist/Rev. Wright foolishness and he’s still standing. Many bring up that Obama will get slammed in the general election over these matters. Are they not aware he’s running against McBush!!

Debbie
New Orleans, LA

Hello Jack,
My name is Julie and I am writing from Maryland. If Obama wins the two states voting tomorrow, Hillary should step sown. But knowing Hillary, it does not matter if Obama wins them both, she will not back down. She feels that the white house is her birthright and no one can take it away form her. Not even somebody like Obama. She feels that she is experienced but my question to her is this, if she is so experienced, how come she can can not see that tax vacation being proposed by her will get the American people no relief? If Obama wins in NC, Hilary should get out of the race so that the democratic party can get their acts together for November.

Jack, it is only as important as the media wants to make it. The reality is that Obama gets a chance tomorrow to pick up more delegates. If anyone plays the delegate counter game on the CNN website, even the least intelligent among us can see how impossible it is for Hillary to pick up the nomination.

Jack - I am not sure how dragging this on will make any difference in the overall picture, as it was pointed out that with the current system of splitting delegates wont allow Hillary to catch up ( which is good) as if it comes down to her and McCain, I will have to move my family to Canada drop football for Hockey and start eating backbacon.

Seriously Jack I want to thank you for staying levelheaded on this election and not joining your Co workers Hanging all over Hillary in would hate to see what would happen to Lou and Wolf if Hillary was ever to stop fast.
Obama 08
Ray in Vermont

I I think its more important to Hillary to win these staes than for Obama to given his current lead in every area except Superdelegates. This brings up an interesting question: Why dont the Superdelegates reflect percentage wise Obamas lead in States Won, Popular Vote, and so on? To all those undecided Superdelegates I ask: Which Candidate has the better Character and Vision to lead the United States on Foreign and Domestic matters? The Answer is Clear: Obama!

Obama is ahead in states won, but everything else is a false reading due to the fact that Florida and Michigan broke the rules and will not count. Obama is damaged now and there is no way to tell how he will do in November. Hillary is still hanging on a wing and a prayer, but I believe she has to get out of the race if she loses NC by a wide margin even if she wins Indiana. Obama will look very weak to the SD if he cannot win big in NC - So, I guess we have another SuperDuper Tuesday on our hands.

Fred - New Jersey

Indiana and North Carolina are just the latest installments in a national selection process that began with the Iowa caucus. While both candidates go up and down, at the end of the day, one will have one more delegates than the other, and that person is the winner. The superdelegates want desperately to put their approving stamp on the winner, and get on to beating McCain. May it be so,

Jack:

It is important for both candidates, but for different reasons; for Hillary to stay in the race just for more non-sense, and for ‘Obama’ that he has the ability to close the nomination without much help from superdelegates, may be a little at the very end.

A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas

They are very important. If Hillary can’t win both, she should drop out.

They are all important Jack. It’s part of the process. The American way.if you will. They should be counted as important as Iowa and New Hampshire. Hillary doesn’t probably have much of a chance but lets let the American people, all the American people stand up and be counted. Then I, and hopefully everyone else will get behind whom ever the demacratic candidate is.

Larry in Florida

Apparently, all primaries and caucuses are only as important as Hillary’s camp says they are. Being the political geniuses that they are (I don’t mean that as a compliment) they are able to make people believe whatever spin they deliver. No wonder I feel nauseated every time I watch them speak!

Jack its important but not too relevant. One win for Obama, from either state, will open the dam of supers - I think. Or will they? As an Independent I worry that non-elected supers are enjoying their moment of courtship and media attention, some even going so far to promote their vote online. Why give up the light? I am voting Democrat this year no matter what, but the super situation is not democratic. And i think most know who they are going to pick but are enjoying the moment and wont - until they need too. So if he wins do they come out? I do not necessarily believe they will for obvious self serving reasons. So maybe it doesn’t matter. Shame….

The more Sen. Obama gets beaten, the more people will lose confidence in his electability. I think he needs to win ,if for no other reason than to stop his eroding popularity. The unacceptable appears to have started with the movement of “super” delegates from one camp to another. Bad news for Democrats, I think. Ultimately Sen. Clinton will have to accept the responsibility for the progressives’ demise should the Demos falter. It’s a fact no one can dispute because of the huge egos of the Clintons.

Jack,

Aparently every delegate is going to count in the election, one way or the other. So every state and each delegate is important.

Jenny Rome GA

From Memphis, TN.
Indiana and N.C. are important depending on how you look at it. Obama could win N.C. and lose IN but still be in the lead in delegates/states. He can win IN and N.C. and be in an even better situation with delegates/states. If he loses both, he only loses momentum. He will still hold a lead over Clinton. Clinton can win one or both and still continue to lag behind. I think superdelegates need to decide as of May 6, 2008. She has her base and Obama continues to hold his. The math will not change. Please end this so the democratic party can unite! But I guess if its up to Hillary it will go on to the convention.I was born in Indiana and I will be ashamed if it goes for Hillary Clinton.

If the Raleigh Durham area is any inclination, I would have to say that Obama will take NC with no real problem. Obama supporters are strong here. The local Obama campaign office has mobilized the hardest working team in America. Everyone I know has had at least one phone call, flyers and knocks on their door urging them to vote Obama. Strangely enough, I have received no contact from the Clinton campaign. How did they know I would not change my mind!

Quite important. Obama will carry NC, and Hillary may win Indiana. That means Obama will probably widen his leand delegate count, since NC has more delegates to be seated.

Frankly, i think If Obama were in Hillary’s shoes, he’d step down and bring The Dem’s together, but we know Hillary has too much personal interest in this. She’s definitely doing this for herself an the clinton legacy, more so than for the country. So we know this will go all the way to the wire. If she loses, she might as well help McCain win by delaying the unification which the Dems so badly need.

God save the Dems.

Jack,
Yours is the only daily blog I read on any topic! Now Jack, I have a question. With a war raging and partisan politics in Washington bringing our government to a standstill, why does Hillary think being a “fighter” is something to be proud of? I thought both Democratic candidates were against the war but I see only Obama as a peacemaker. How imporant are these two states? We shoulld be electing based on total delegates and so these states should only add numbers, not make any other difference. The swaying of the superdelegates is shameful - if another nation allowed 700 people to those their candidates, we would be screaming!
Colleen in Tennessee

jackzilla, these states are the final pivot point, which will push either Barack, or Hill to the nomination. A win in both states for either, will be major. A split, will see this race contimue till june.
Hold your breath, cross your fingers, here we go!

The Clintons will campaign till the “bitter” end. At that time, the super delegates will make backroom deals with the Clinton’s to avoid any future sniper fire, such as the 2012 Clinton presidential campaign, which is only 4 short “ayers” or rather years from now.

Essentially, the superdelegates will make the “w”right decision, but for the wrong reasons. I will never understand politicians, even if I live to see the U.S. have troops in Iraq for another 100 years.

Harry
Ky.

Dee from Atlanta.

I think that every vote and every win is important but as a black woman I don’t understand why my vote is not as important to the democrats as the white working class. and by the way I get up every morning and go to work, am I not a part of the working class. I am backing Obama.

It makes no difference for Obama because he has already won. I’ve been using John King’s delegate machine and it appears that Obama has won irrespective of the upcoming contests. Hillary has never gotten over 60% in any state except Arkansas. It’s impossible for her to win in pledged delegates. The Superdelegates need to declare Obama the winner. It does not matter what the polls are saying, especially the General Election polls. They are totally irrelevant and inaccurate. The pundits are not prophets. It seems the polls and opinions are designed to sway people not inform people. If we’re worried about Obama’s complexion being a deterrent for some voters in November, just think how black and blue Hillary would be if the Republicans get a hold of her.

It’s important for the delegate math. Obama will win at least one, or both, states, and his victory margin in North Carolina is likely to be much bigger than the margin either way in Indiana. Considering NC has a lot more delegates, I predict Obama will come out of Tuesday having eliminated Hillary’s delegate advantage from her PA win, making his lead fully unassailable. And a whole bunch of superdelegates will finally swarm to him.

Barack Obama has already won the nomination! Winning North Carolina and Indiana would just be feathers in his cap. Hillary can not beat him in delegates. If the superdelegates turn over the candidacy to her, they will be starting a revolt across the USA. Hopefully, they are smart enough to see what would happen if they go against the wishes of the voters!!

The wins (or losses) in these two states are as important as the press makes them, sadly. It would be easier if he could just win at least one of them because then we could have a nominee–and the nail would be in the coffin at this point. Because the press crucified him over Wright and the gal at the Huffington Post got a conscience and reported his “bitter” comments, we have heard nothing of importance for the last month. We already know he is the nominee and are so excited about his character and his policies.

Patricia in Idaho

No matter what happens, it seems as though Obama is STILL going to be in the lead. All of this campaign torture is just wearing everyone down, which is what I am sure the Clintons want. I don’t know what the SDs are waiting for. For God’s sake get behind Obama and let’s move on with this!

it really doesn’t matter what happens. even if he was to win both, Hillary Clinton will NEVER get out of the race. she and Bill will be “in it until the last Democrate dies”

According to Clinton, there the game changer, according to Obama there shoring up his delegate lead.

Indiana and North Carolina are two out of fifty states in the country, and their vote is as important as each of the other states. Unfortunately for Clinton, it’s the delegates that win the nomination. And the only way she can win is to blow out Obama in every state left to vote. That won’t happen unless, Obama’s name is not on the ballet. Or she convinces the super delegates with a wink and a nod to give it to her, even though Obama earned it.

It would be a real undemocratic thing to do, but not out of the realm of possibilities. I just hope those super delegates are prepared for the uproar that will occur, if they change the will of the people.

Obama won Guam and Hillary’s camp stated “we’re not going to win the White House by winning Guam”. I’d say Obama’s win in Indiana or North Carolina should shut the Clinton camp down unless Hillary’s camp denounces those two states the same as Guam.

Very important to Indiana and North Carolina Jack!
But to the rest of the country unless either canidate wins both, the deevolution of the democratic party will continue!

Obama has no chance against McCain, Democrats think of the party, do we want the Democrats to hold the White House? If so, only Hillary could get the middle of the road voters that it will take to win the Presidential vote. If Obama wins the nomination it will be certain four more years of Republican leadership!

These states are important considering the shift in momentum. The superdelegates and the media are so intimidated by Barack’s supporters that they do not realize it is Hillary who will be robbed of the nomination. She is fighting hard for it while Obama’s early lead was built on rockstar appeal which is quickly fading. All we hear from Obama and his supporters is how he is leading in delegates because that’s the only thing he has working for him. Guam should have been an eye-opener to everyone.

They are about as important as the other forty eight states. How do you think people in places like Mississippi and Alabama feel hearing talk about Texas and Ohio being more crucial than they are? You wouldn’t get my vote.

While the media, in general, has made it clear that Obama must be the Democratic candidate, many voters do not feel the same way. There are more primaries to go and every vote should be counted. June 3rd is the earliest date for reassessment or a declaration of victory by either candidate.

Jack these two primaries are very important and hopefully will bring Senator Obama closer to being the Democratic nominee. The sad part is that even if he wins these two plus the rest of the primaries, Hillary won’t give up. I can picture him swearing his oath as President and Hillary trying to steal the Bible out from under his hand.

Jack,

This is a five month race with over 50 contests. Two important contests are tomorrow. We only have 4 weeks remaining. Wolf will add up the score on June 3rd. Welcome to politics in 2008 - Good luck with your ratings.

Jack, I think North Carolina and Indiana are important to both candidates, though perhaps only psychologically. A win in NC for Clinton would be huge, and have a lot of people wondering if Obama has really lost ground. A win in IN would be huge for Obama, as this would remove all remaining arguments Clinton has for staying in. A big win in IN for Clinton would reenergize her campaign, but probably not sway too many undecided super delegates. Two wins for Obama tomorrow and even Clinton won’t be able to ignore the fat lady’s song.

If he doesn’t win North Carolina, and Indiana he could be on his way to defeat. It would show a definate trend that has not been in his favor ever since Rev. Wright laid an onus of doubt on him about what he said in his speech, that he just said what he had to as a polititian, and not having denounced the good reverend when he had a chance to , and that makes him look just like any other polititian.

Jack, Obama cannot afford to lose two in one night. With Wright controversy still in the news, Obama has to win at least one. If he loses both, even by a small margin, he will still remain ahead of Clinton, but she may start gaining support from the superdelegates, the folks who will actually decide this race. Here is a man who has won 31 out of 46 contests and the people are still not sure if he is electable. If the score changes to 31 out of 48 tomorrow, suddenly in the eyes of media and the superdelegates, Clinton (projected score 17 out of 4 will become the more electable candidate. if this isn’t fuzzy math, what is?

This is very important, 2 wins by Barack Obama should be the straw that breaks Hillary Cinton’s campaign. A double win should shift enough super delegates to end this painful process. We can then start the discussion of continuing on this path with John McCain or changing the direction of this country with Barack Obama. If Hillary Clinton win one of the contests, then we will have to wait a little longer.

They are still important, but not for the reason you are thinking. They are important because if he wins the next few state it just might be enough to convince Hillary to stop debilitating the Democratic party and allow it to mount an effective campaign against Mc Same. He hasn’t even been running and holds a small lead over both candidates! Democrats need to be fighting against the probabability of another 4 years of Bush, not eachother. But don’t hold your breath, the Dems will shoot themselves in the foot again.

If Hillary wins Indiana, which she should, AND wins NC, which she shouldn’t, it will send shockwaves through the democratic party. If Obama chokes on NC, I think it gives Hillary the momentum to start getting more and more superdelegates. Also, if that were to happen, it would seem unlikely that Obama would be able to beat John McCain in the fall.

Essentially, you’d have a lame duck candidate in Obama if he falls apart and still gets the nomination.

Jack, I think both wins are important to Obama but it won’t stop Hillary from rolling on toward either a contrived nomination, using every dirty tactic in the book or the very real possibility of a Democratic party melt down. I think Obama realizes that he will have to fight her every mud slinging step of the way. I just hope he makes it.

Sen. Obama said he obviously didn’t know Rev. Wright as well as he thought he did, and now he easily dismisses him. I feel the same way–I obviously did not know Sen. Obama as well as I thought I did. Do you think Sen. Obama would be ahead in pledged delegates if voters knew then what they know now???

Bart
Kenosha, WI

In my own professional political opinion, they are not vital but it would be wonderful if Obama won both of these states but in reality, he will probably just win NC but will in the end lead in all categories except super delegates. All in all, it won’t matter because Clinton will take this to the “bitter” end at the convention and probably stand up in front of the world and describe how great she is and how once upon a time “I had to dodge sniper fire in Bosnia”, which is one of the many reasons I’d be ready on day one.

I have been watching this race since end of last year. It has become more and more entertaining, though it seems to have nothing to do with a Canadian citizen. From an onlooker’s perspective, no matter how many states H. Clinton is taking lead in, she will eventually be a loser. Obama, having all the integrity and honesty, will rebound from setbacks. Often, I am amazed at how blind some voters are when they look closely at these two Dem candidates - one is full of unfailthful lies; the other is so self-refined… Open your eyes, my American neighbors. Go Obama!

Jack, thank you in advance for posting mine.
Julianna, Ontario, Canada

I think it is really important for Barack Obama to win at least North Carolina.

The last thing any political candidate wants in a potentially contested convention is to have the lead in delegates, fundraising, primaries won, popular vote, the aura of inevitability and the only thing he can come up with in the last 4 months (Mar-Jun) is Vermont and Guam.

Anthony
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

If either of the nominees scores two wins, both indiana and North Carolina, whoever that is WILL score the nomination!
Furthermore, if Hillary wins NC, that will be the biggest upset of the primary season. The demographics favor him tremendously.
On the other hand, if Obama wins both, this just increases his lead and forces Hillary jump behind Obama.

Both states will most likely do nothing with regard to Clinton’s choice to continue. If Indiana ends as a virtual tie, the candidates will split the delegates almost down the middle, and Obama is likely to have an edge in North Carolina. Even if Obama wins both states Clinton will find some way to move goal posts around to suit her own needs. Hopefully the voters in both states will see right through that gas tax gimmick.

Very important Jack. As are all the states and territories left. How do you come up with rebounding? 7 vote difference in Guam where he was expected to get 65% of the vote. It is pretty obvious to everybody but you it seems that Clinton has the momentum going at this time. She will also be no where near the 25 points down she was just a week or so ago in NC either.
If the media had done there job Obama would already be back in IL. where he belongs.

Jack, If Hillary Clinton wins either N. Carolina or Indiana, it will be evidence that some of the voters and media have stopped being infatuated with Obama’s “golden-tongue”. The reality of needed solutions to problems will have finally set in for those who would like to be romanced by rhetoric and high-sounding words.

Tomorrow’s primaries are vital. Sen. Obama hasn’t had a win in eight weeks and tomorrows primaries give him yet another opportunity to seal the deal, and show Senator Clinton the exit.

If Sen. Clinton can pull off an upset in North Carolina tomorrow she will have an undeniable argument to the superdelagates that she is the most electable.

If they split tomorrow, we are in the same old boat we’ve been in. I am hoping for a shift tomorrow, and I hope it shifts toward Barack Obama.

They are very important in some eyes as it appears the DNC is watching to see how the next 5 weeks pan out. They appear to be afraid to go against the Clinton machine and side with Obama as it is clear he is the front runner. Front runner in the terms that he has the most won states, the most delegates and most votes; which Sen Clinton will not beable to surpass unless Obama just steps all over it.
I can not understand the reluctance of the DNC to unite behind one candidate voted into that position by the American People other than they fear the Clintons Political Might.

The two races are important with an Obama win putting the nail in the coffin of Clinton’s lifeless campaign. I feel that the steady and forthright way he has handled the Wright debacle and getting back to his message of hope and change will help him win both states. As an Obama supporter, I’m excited to see him get on with his campaign enlightening the nation with the specifics of how he can lead America in a political and social turn around.

At this stage all remaining contests are important they each need to get as many delegates as possible in order to get the nomination. If Obama loses Indiana we keep on going. The problem here is no doubt his political reputation takes a few more punches from a brutally dishonest Clinton. It’s really ashamed when all is said and done, Obama won’t lose for being a horribly, unqualified candidate he’ll lose because of his association with Wright and Clinton exploited and played on white America’s greatest fear a black man for President of the United States of America.

The remaining primaries are important but it is doubtful anything will change. Obama will continue to up his numbers and so will Clinton. However, it seems improbable that Clinton would ever catch Obama in all of the metrics as prescribed by the DNC aka The Wizard of Oz germane for securing the nomination: the delegates. So following the yellow brick continues but I believe everyone is tiring of holding hands and frolicking down that road. Where is Oz? When is Oz? Only the man behind the curtain knows…

Obviously, since the race for the Democrat nominee is still going, both states are VERY important. It is my hope that those Americans who will be going to the polls in NC & IN tomorrow are voting for the person who has the whole country’s best interest in mind, not only now, while they’re campaigning, but also for the next 4 to 8 years when their actions will truly matter.

North Carolina is considered to be one of the next big states, therefore Sen. Obama’s arguement to the superdelegates would be, I can win big states, leaving Sen. Clinton without words of tarring down his creatability that he can not win big states. Once Sen. Obama win in Indiana and North Carolina maybe Sen. Clinton will get it that it’s time for her to step down, continuing running will only keep the party divided, and we don’t want that going into November against Sen. McCain. Between now and November democrates are going to have a hard time bringing the party back together. If they have been listening to CNN we have a party that is so divisive that it’s going to take longer than two months to bring them back together.

Adriene
North Carolina

I think it would be extremely important for Obama to win both contests so that superdelegates can flood in his direction ending this battle. This process has helped to create record turnout and voter registration but I see HRC becoming even more negative toward Obama until the process is over. The fact is that most of the party is sure that he will get the nomination and we will not win in November with a candidate that has been slammed more by his own colleague than the RNC. Hillary has already done most of the work for McCain. I’m sure she would kill her own mother just to get the nomination.

When your basketball team is up by 20 points with 30 seconds left on the clock, how important is a 10 point run in those last moments? Not much, at the end of the day you still lose the game. People just think you don’t suck as much as you did before. Hillary was losing a two months ago, she was losing last week, and she will still be losing wednesday morning. The commentators (the meda) can spin it any way they want, but at the end of the day when you look at the scoreboard, she is still going to lose.

North Carolina and Indiana are very important to both candidates.North Carolina is important to Obama because a win there gives him the additional delegates that Clinton won in Pennsylvania. Indiana is a must win for both candidates as it would be helpful in their superdelegates spin. All that happens tomorrow is that both candidates inches closer to the required number of delegates needed to win. Obama would be more closer tomorrow to being the nominee and would be the nominee.

I, as I pray many Americans, are extremely disturbed with this Operation Chaos being promoted and encouraged by other fellow Americans. There have been tens of thousands of Americans who have died for the right to vote. Our troops are at this very moment fighting and dying. What is going on here? What kind of person who claims to honor our troops and love our country could even think of, and participate in, such a disrespectful act? What true American wishes chaos on their own country? Don’t those who have given their life deserve better? This is not a game. Outraged, but even more sadden.

A win in north carolina and Indiana is important the same way a win in Iowa or Georgia or Kansas. If Cnn covered the delegate math the same way they covered Rev Wright this race would be over. Campaign Clintons wants to tak the electoral college, the popular vote but only if you include states that should not count in the vote. The want to talk about voting blocks and demographics everything except the delegate count. The have made no headway in expanding the one area where they began with an advantage superdelegates. They want us to focus on superdelegates so why has so many jumped ship from Campaign Clinton? What are those superdelegates telling Campaing Clinton about why they are leaving? Does this have an impact on the kind of campaign Clinton is willing to run? Sorry I am not supose to ask just listen to Campaing Clinton

I don’t see the importance of these two state’s primaries. It has already been said that she cannot overtake him in pledged delagates so what are we honestly doing here. You cannot accuse senator Clinton of being stupid so she must have something up her sleeve. I think we’ll be in for a big surprise come the democratic convention. God help us all.

These next two primarys don’t mean anything. This contest was over as soon as it was determined that Hillary could not catch up to Obama in pledged delegates. Hillary has been delusional to think otherwise. It would be a tragedy on our democracy if the superdelegates overturned the pledged. What a tragic precedent that would set for future elections, to have the party elite overturn the will of the voters. I think everyone knows this at this point, except Clinton. She is coming across as a true villain.

In my opinion if the worst case scenario were to happen (which would be Obama losing in both primaries) it would not change the fact that he is still winning in pledged delegates, popular votes, states won and dramatically closing in on her superdelegate lead. The fact remains that Obama has already won the democratic nomination. Hilary needs to learn that although it is great to be a fighter and to not want to give up, you should pick your battles. In the famous words of Kenny Rogers, “know when to walk away and know when to run”.

When your basketball team is up by 20 points with 30 seconds left on the clock, how important is a 10 point run in those last moments? Not much, at the end of the day you still lose the game. People just think you don’t suck as much as you did before. Hillary was losing a two months ago, she was losing last week, and she will still be losing wednesday morning. The commentators (the meda) can spin it any way they want, but at the end of the day when you look at the scoreboard, she is still going to lose.

Adam
Miami, Florida

NC is important because I LIVE HERE. For the first time in decades I am actually excited about politics. I’m a white, middle-aged female who is determined to support Sen. Obama all the way to the White House. YES we are important, every vote is important - it gives you the right to bitch!

there important in the sense that the people of IN and NC get a vote. However there not really that important in who wins the nomination unless Clinton can get 66 percent of the vote tomorrow night. I just don’t see her getting 55 percent in either State so Obama in the worse case will get around 90 delegates and 100 + in the best case. Which puts him closer to 2025.

Are all you people crazy?

Here’s the way it works, and the ONLY way it works:

If she winds up winning more delegates than him,
super and pledged combined, she wins.

If she doesn’t, she loses.

Those are the DNC rules, and that’s the ONLY way
this thing is going to be decided.

It can’t get any simpler than that, doesn’t ANYBODY
understand that?

Sheesh…

Obama is ahead, he should get the nomination. Shame on voters in IN and NC that fall for the shanigans of Clinton and Co. Be brave, fellow Democrates!! Dare not to be fooled, for once, vote with integrity!! The last 2 times the country fell for this kind of crap, we got Bush!!

mary grace in Florida

They’re just as important as all the other states Jack. They’ll have there say, but when all is said and done Obama will be ahead in both popular vote and delegates. Letting this play out will allow there to be an elected nominee. Once the votes are in the Super Dels will back thier choice and that will be Obama. He will win the nomination by 2025 delagates and eleminate Hillary’s chances of stealing it at the convention. Hillary will need like 3 to 1 Super Delegates to come her way if she is to win this thing. Just looking at last week and today should tell us that that won’t happen. It’s hard to win when long time supporters are leaving you for the other guy.

What is considered to be a win in the election according to the Democratic party?

a. Popular vote
b. Number of States won
c. Delegates
d. Super Delegates
e. All of the above

indiana and north carolina are very important and so is every state.we are talking about the fate of our country for at least the next 4 years.we cant afford another bush by electing mccain.we can not afford a proven liar by electing hillary.we need to go with a new guy on the block with a good message. old politics has gotten us where we are today.

If Barack Obama can win one of the two states, which he is likely to win North Carolina and Hillary wins Indiana, then nothing has changed. If Obama wins both states it is over for Hillary. If Hillary wins both states, then she would definitely claim momentum and would try to use it to sway superdelegates.

When Clinton had a huge lead in Pennsylvania and Obama started to cut into the lead your questions were posed steeped with negativity over a small victory for Clinton, now that the tables are reversed you are already cheering Obama’s rebound, his comeback. If you are biased for one candidate isn’t the right thing to do is publically support your guy? Pretending to pose thought provoking questions is a silly ruse to disguise your obession with backhanded slaps at Hillary. I dare you Mr Cafferty to go back a few months and read your questions, you are obessed with taking down Senator Clinton.

IN and NC are very important. Obama is the heir apparent nominee. As we all know he won’t close the deal with the pledge candidates, so it will come down to the super delegates. He needs to win and keep winning to weaken all aruguments Clinton wants to make. Why? Clinton will never drop out. Plus, Obama has withstood many trials lately. Guess what? He is still standing. It would take plague to destroy him at this point. However, the major news networks have turned on Obama. The news media has lost its creditability. Good thing there is http://www.youtube.com and politico.com.

The May 6 could be provide the tipping point that forces the media, superdelegates and DNC officials to finally face the realities of the math and to publicly admit that this so-called primary race is effectively over. Simply put, Senator Clinton needs at least a 25 point win in BOTH contests in order to avoid statistical elimination. Anything short of mammoth margins of victory for Senator Clinton will amount to a resounding call for an end to the nominating process. Enough already!

Before the voters go to the polls in Indiana and North Carolina, they should check out Wikipedia’s page on Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe. The skeletons in McAuliffe’s closet with regard to his investments in Global Crossing in 1997 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1999 are far more damaging to Hillary’s campaign when compared to the Jeremiah Wright controversy in Obama’s!

Please Jack, for the sake of our country, make the media bring out these issues about Terry McAuliffe before it’s too late!

Randolph
Lexington, Kentucky

If Obama wins both, even by seven votes, he will get the nomination. If Clinton wins both, this very tiring race will continue a little further until Obama gets the nomination. I do not want to be around if the nomination is stolen by Clinton due to questionable and ruthless political tactics. That’s not the type of President America wants or needs.

They are very important. If Obama wins N.C. by less than 5% (given its demographics) and Clinton wins Indiana by close to double digits, then it will be clear that Obama is not electable in the GE.

It means that the media’s attempts to “frame and spin” the emerging negative facts about Obama is collapsing.

I for one say thank goodness it’s happening in the primary and not the GE where the republicans will take off Obama’s head. Look at your own headlines, Republicans are already using Obama to shore up their candidates downticket!

Jack, I think that the delegate count is all that matters. If both Indiana and North Carolina are close then everything stays the same. Senater Obama is still in the lead regardless of the outcome. If Senater Clinton wins both states by a narrow margin this will only prolong her politcal misery of thinking she can overcome him in the delegate count which is impossible. It will be interesting to watch who wins, but in the end nothing changes until the superdelegate vote.

Thanks,

Steven, Kentucky

Jack,
Vote wise and delegate wise Indiana and North Carolina really aren’t that important because they aren’t going to have an effect either way they go. Perception wise however, they are crucial. If Obama takes both states tomorrow Clinton’s argument and the “Great Clinton Political Machine” will or should come to a screeching halt. If they split, which they more than likely will, hello June 3rd and beyond. Who knows though? Clinton somehow manages to overcome the worst of all odds. Either way I believe Obama has the nomination in the bag but it’s just a matter of when. My plea ; “Indiana please stop the madness; stop the Clintons!”

Patrick St. Louis MO

Jack,
These states don’t matter unless Clinton wins both of them, in which case all previous states except for California, New York and Ohio will be pronounced irrelevant again, it will be evident that Obama is an unelectable elitist, and the media will continue to run stories about the campaign going all the way to the convention.

Remarkably, this all will take place despite the fact that Obama’s lead in popular vote and pledged delegates will remain the about the same as it has been for over two months now.

Latest Zogby polls have Obama ahead in both states.

Jack,
By winning Indiana and North Carolina (which I think is going to happen), Obama will kick Hilary out of the race and eradicate the Clinton dynasty and hunger for the White House. That will be: More States, more popular votes, and more super delegates. After that Edwards will endorse him (without any choice) and the rest of the super delegates will just do so.

Very IMPORTANT for Hillary to win them both since Obama cannot close the deal with ALL the MONEY and ADDs he has.
After Feb 4

Jack, each state is critical to both candidates as they try to build their cases to the superdelegates. I believe Obama will recover after the field day the press had with Rev Wright. I think most people are tired of hearing about it and at the end of the day, most people don’t think it is a serious issue afffecting electability.

If I walked away from everyone I disagreed with, I’d always be shopping for a new pair of shoes.

You’re right on track, Jack. Indiana & North Carolina are only important ‘psychologically’ to both candidates. Clinton will hang on until the end & Barack Obama will continue to lead in delegates acquired, states won & in the popular vote. Barack ‘will be’ the nominee but Clinton is ‘in it’ not to ‘win in’ but as a spoiler. Hopefully, her ‘crash & burn’ tactics will continue to turn people off. Obama in 08!

Both states are very important. It will give an indication of how electable they are in the general election. Now that we know more about Obama & his judgment, let the voters speak.

this will close the deal for obama.although the goal post has been moved back,over and over, since barack’s win in texas,[he won more delegates],i think the ’supers’ will begin to flock towards obama,after they see no real gains for sen. clinton,as far as pledged delegates go,after tomorrow.i hope to hear hillary’s concession speech,by the end of the week,before she does anymore damage to the democratic party.what is increasingly clear, in recent polls, is that obama’s base supporters are not abandoning ship.we haven’t lost ‘hope’,yet.

jack,senator obama is a serious problem for the dems,they better hope that clinton wins in indiana and north carolina,the baggage he is carrying with his bitter comments and the patriotic and rev wright issues is candy for the republicans in the general election,you can bet your bottom dollar that there is more to come and dont be suprised if they are holding back till the general,i think he is a lovely guy who should go on the ticket with clinton and gain experience in the white house,this should clear the way for an obama presidency in four years.

While Hillary Clinton battles Barack Obama on the campaign trail, a judge in Los Angeles is quietly preparing to set a trial date in a $17 million fraud suit that aims to expose an alleged culture of widespread corruption by the Clintons and the Democratic Party. Hillary! Uncensored - 6 Million Internet Views Stopped Hillary’s Juggernautâ€� on google is worst that Reverend Jeremiah Wright controversy.

Even if Obama looses both (which is unlikely), I still believe he should be elected on the basis that HC is unable to overtake him in the popular vote.

We have always known she would need to win by 60% in every state since a couple months back and so with a key state like NC in Obama’s back pocket (allong with a couple others), the odds are significanlty against her…

On a seperate subject: This negative campaigning on the part of Hillary is painfull to watch and destructive to the party. In addition, her references that Obama’s campaign is negativeas well is not correct as there is no tangible benefits or reasoning behind why he would be negative at this late stage in the game and with a insurmoutable lead.

Obama is only guilty of responding to negative campaigns and not initiating them which is an important disitinction.

Hillary on the other hand has everything to gain by using negative tactics and drawing obama in to her level of antics.

I love the way she alway indicates the two sides will come together in the end since their difference pail in comparision to the republicans. Her only intention there is to reassure voters that her negative campaigning will nto impact the nov elections.

She needed to make a dent in Obama’s delegate lead back in Ohio/ Texas…then it was Pennsylvania…Now it’s N.C. Indian…Well she didn’t and N.C./ Indiana won’t matter either. This is all but over. Come Wednesday Obama will have the same or a larger delegate lead. Clinton is hoping to assassinate Obama’s character but at the same time she’s causing a tremendous amount of damage to the democratic party. The DNC being the private organization that it is, should start doing some in-house damage control and shut down the circus for the season.

Senator Obama does not have to win either state but he will win NC at least. A split in delegates between the two will not change the math. The fat lady sang for Clinton some time ago. She is just stubborn and the media is helping her in her delusions. It is so over for Clinton, Obama is the Democratic Nominee.

If Obama doesnt get the nomine, I’ll be sad. Juvinilles will riot, and who knows I might get free stuff.

Both are important, but it will not stop the campaigning. Hillary will stomp on through June no matter what happens.
I could only hope the common sense folks of Indiana would see through Hillary and vote other wise. But people don’t have time and the pundits are continuing to fill the airwaves with their favorite hate subject Rev. Wright.
Rev. Wright is only an issue because the media are making it a full time job. I don’t notice the coverage equally so on Rev. Hagee or Rev.Robertsons who both have said just as vile things as Wright. But, excuse me, they must be ok because they have white GOP candidates to root for.
BTW…I’m a hard working white over 60 woman…. who voted for Obama in Maine which is 98% white. We carried Obama here.

It is essential, math alone is not the correct measure for success, in order to compete at full steam ahead against the Republican candidate in November, he has to emerge strong, with a solid support from the bases, the Democratic Party and the over-all population.

Its not enough that Bush is at history’s lowest rating since McCain has had time to rally the republicans while distancing himself from Bush. A victory is essential, period.

Gibran, from Madrid (Spain)

I think my vote here in NC. is as important as someone in Iowa, etc. You in the media want this over for your sake, not ours! Cnn, msnbc, nbc, and others have wanted the inexperienced Obama to cake-walk his way to the Whitehouse! Why you people want a political infant, so badly is beyond my comprehention. Don’t you media folks think of your safety? Obama has no idea what he is going to do, once he might get this thing, so I guess we would have to assume the extreme left of the Democratic party, (Led by BIG TED, and the crowd he controls) will dangle Obama from puppet strings! That crowd knows they can’t lead Hillary around in circles. I hope the far-left, does not take my party down the sewer! One vote in NC. for Hillary!

No to much. Unless Hillary were to win both by over 20 points, she has no chance of catching up in delegate count. If she cared more for the party than her own power, she would drop out and let the party heal.

Of course I won’t hold my breath. She is in a death struggle and hasn’t learned the meaning of the word, “acceptance”. A sad end for what is left of the Clinton legacy.

Wendy, San Rafael, CA

If Obama wins both states, they will be “Super” important. The “Supers” can all go home and catch some zzzzz’s because hopefully we will have our nominee.

Indiana and North Carolina are no more important than any other state. Barack Obama seems to be the only candidate that realizes that we are the UNITED States of America. As far as Hillary is concerned, the only states that exist are the states that she has won. She keeps saying let all of the states vote, but then says that if she wins in the last states that makes her the winner. It does not.

.
There is no way Obama can win both states this time, get real !

Thank you Mr Cafferty for an accurate observation of the facts. You are one of the few on CNN who generally seems impartial. I haven’t heard of any respectable journalist plainly state that Obama is winning with a significant lead as opposed to saying” Polls say its a tie ” or Hillary, Hillary, Hillary” Thanks for the reminder. I think a win in either or both is important for Barack ,so that the media won’t be able to Jedi-Mind trick America into thinking Hillary is winning and Obama is old news.

Well Jack, I guess we will know after tomorrow, the press really did a number on Obama and spent six days reporting on Wright, like it was some kind of nuclear accident! Even if he pulls a win out in both States Hillary won’t leave, she’s staying until the last dog howels, good grief I cannot wait for this too be over, it’s kind of like being sent to a foreign country without knowing the language or anyone that lives there and trying to find your way back home!

Hi Jack,

As an ex-pat Brit, I’ve been following the Democratic race to the nomination with baited breath, it’s utterly fascinating. Without revealing which candidate I personally favor - I know I don’t have a vote, but I do have an opinion! - I wonder what has happened to John Edwards? Why does he not come out of his bunker and take a side? Whoever he picks, he would be a shoo-in for VP, and top of the ticket for 2016.
What do you think?

It is going to take a lot to change the dynamics of the race. Hillary needs a psychological victory, and that will not happen without her winning both states by a significant margin. At this point, her campaign is on life support, if she does not win both contests, someone needs to pull the plug!

The primaries are no longer relevant. It all comes down to who gives the best pitch to the superdelegates. This race is too close to call and it will be no matter who wins which delegates from here on out.

Let’s get ready to rumble!

It think senator obama needs to win north carolina and lndiana to show that he´s still in control and more electable than senator clinton.It´s time she accepts her fate and move on to help obama with he´s campaign against president mcbush or say bush´s thrid term . The amercian economy is affecting us all ,obama has the ability to change things because he´s previous judgement shows he is an agent of change.

Germany

Jack,

Indiana and North Carolina are Very important!

I think the results will show that Obama is no longer a viable candidate, he can’t win in November. He is damaged goods and will never be elected in the general election.

I know you and the left media can’t believe it!

We will not elect a person to our highest office that is actually an Anti-American!

Hillary 08

The holiday gas tax that Hillary and McSame is talking about .When are they going to put this in place ,as neather one of them can put in place until they are President ,which they will not be ,but how stupid do they think people are.? They are just using this as a political stunt.

Jack,

They’re important. An Obama win in both will make me VERY VERY HAPPY.

Gee Jack,
If the eliminating the federal gas tax for the summer driving months doesn’t make any difference to the voters then how about raising it by 18 cents for the summer then, we could get the roads and bridges fixed faster and we can put more workers to work and boost the economy. After all you will only be raising the taxes by $28.00 for the year.

It’s only important because the media keeps hyping it to keep their ratings up. Generally people are burned out on democratic primary coverage.

Hey! Can we stop with all of the “Hillary should stay in so that every vote can count” crap???!!! Every vote will count whether she’s running or not! The remaining states will STILL have their primaries/caucuses and democracy will live on if Hillary accepts the obvious instead of destroying her party.

The benefit would be to the rest of the country as we would finally get to rid ourselves of her detestable campaign! Should she keep threatening nuclear warfare on both her party and opponent, as well as foreign countries, I’m not sure we would survive to see any new president installed!!!!

Obama is showing signs of a rebounce. We are all so tired of this campaign so if Obama won both primaries, everyone would welcome it. It would give the green light to delegates to come forward and end this tomorrow.

It’s all about three things: momentum, momentum, and more momentum. Look at super tuesday for instance, the two come out in virtually a dead heat, however, Obama came out with the Momentum because he started the election with something like 10% points, and had brought that up to a virtual tie with Hillary. After that he knocks off eleven straight primaries. It’s all interlinked.

Personally, I think a loss in Indiana hurts Obama more than a loss in North Carolina hurts Clinton. Lets face it. Clinton has been losing primaries in the south for the entire primary season, but for Obama to lose a neighboring state to Illinois…it would have to be painful, not that any loss isn’t. I think that just goes to show you the disconection he has with working class voters, and the fact that he can’t electrify them. How, does he expect to win in November when he alienates one of the Democrats most important bases? So, come on Indiana let’s change this election. Clinton 08!

Evan; Scottsburg, IN

I think between the two states, Barack will add to his total delegate lead and as Roland Martin says, that’s what counts. Actually I am more concerned that with the Economy being the number one issue, we have one republican candidate that thinks he’ll know enough to be president if he reads a book on economics and a democratic candidate who thinks that the people who wrote the books are to elite to listen to and plans to wing it (I guess ) once she gets in office. Only one candidate actually seems to know something about economics and is used to listening to what intelligent people have to say.

NO JACK - you’re forgetting about Michigan AND Florida - as a florida resident, I can tell you that we are NOT going quietly. Hillary HAS won more popular votes - and Howard Dean made pretty damn sure in advance that they wouldn’t be counted. He’s not going to get away with it so Obama can RUN away with the nomination. Everyone NOW knows Hillary is the strongest candidate.

Jack, If Obama wins both Indiana and North Carolina, it will be the end of the line for Hillary. If you’re a sane observer, it’s pretty clear that Senator Obama has REALLY been on top of his game in these last critical days. Clinton, in contrast, has appeared more irrational and desperate than ever. Hasn’t she sort of morphed into a Republican recently?

As for the “electability” poll…. That sounds like a bunch of bull. In fact, the polls have been predictably unreliable more than once during the primaries. It’s time for a home run and I hope Barack hits one way, WAY, out of the ballpark of expectations tomorrow!

Not very important at all this race should have been over months ago.

P.S. I not planning on voting for either of them.

It’s huge because this is not a horse race. In a horse race all that matters is where you finish, but in politics “how” is every bit as important. Obama can’t simply hang on to his delegate lead, he must turn the tide to prove his electability.

I think a win for Obama for either or both are important. I suggest the paramedics be on standby though……

Obama ‘08

Very Jack,
I think despite the comments made from Rev wright Obama will still win these two contests by 10 point convincing the Superdelegates that he’s worthy of taking John McCain out in November,

it is very important and i want obama to win.. he is the better candidate. hillary is pandering to oil issue. i hope those in indiana see through her.

Yes, Jack, I agree that the Democrats nomination rules are “stupid”, as you put it. If the Dems used Republican, winner take all, rules, Clinton would not be the nominee by over 300 votes.
What do you make of that, Jack!!??
Rick-Westlake, OH

The most important thing that will be revealed is if the voters have finally figured out what a complete Liar Hillary is! If the voters have finally seen through her patronizing nonsense it will show in the vote totals. She is still going negative. She is desperate and hopes to fool many. Not This Time perhaps.

They may be important to those who still think Hillary has a chance at the nomination. There is no way she can legitimately win at this point. She obviously thinks she can con the DNC into counting Michigan and Florida plus call in some favors from the super-delegates to give it to her. Good luck!

VERY important Jack, you need to go actually read the rules, they do not say whoever is ahead, they say whoever can get to 2025. Big difference. We are taking this to the convention if we have to, we are not going to turn over the Democratic party to a left wing, racist, America hater with no real experience.

Obama’s win is both North Carolina and Indiana are very important, however, he does not have to win either one, as long as he has a strong showing in both states.

Frankfort, Kentucky

Hillary has every right to continue this race. She is behind by less than four percent of the pledged delegates. There are too many questions about electability, leadership, and experience in the democratic race. Both candidates have the right and opportunity to continue to make their cases for our votes. The fact of the matter is that it is not merely the States that Obama has won, but who is voting and where those votes are coming from. A state that has few Democratic voters and consistently votes Republican is