Clinton Can Win the Democratic Primary

Photo credits: AP

Hillary Clinton entered today’s primaries in Indiana and North Carolina with good news on the national front: the latest AP/Ipsos poll shows her leading Obama by seven points.

And over at Politico, Charles Mahtesian and David Mark predict that if Sen. Clinton can pick up a win today, the lay of the land looks good for her in the remaining primaries:

“None of the remaining six states hold caucuses, the nominating events where the Obama campaign’s organizational strength and savvy shines. Four of the six are closed primaries, which neutralizes Obama’s strength among independents and Republicans. None have African-American populations above 10 percent — a key Obama constituency. And two rank among the top 10 states with populations aged 65 or older — a group Clinton runs well with.

“Regardless of her performance against Barack Obama in the six remaining primaries, the delegate math remains daunting for Clinton. But if her campaign gains momentum out of Tuesday’s primaries, the next six contests in West Virginia, Kentucky, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Montana and South Dakota may afford enough opportunities for victory to sustain her campaign at least through June 3.”

Mahtesian and Mark also point out:

“The final stretch of six states begins with the May 13 West Virginia primary, where the few available polls show her with a comfortable lead. Obama has backing from Sen. Jay Rockefeller and Rep. Nick Rahall but much of the state political establishment has yet to pick a side.”