Obama Projected Winner in Oregon

CNN has projected Barack Obama the winner in Oregon without any predictions as to the possible margin of victory. With 29% of the precincts reporting, Obama is leading Clinton 60% to 40%. The numbers are coming in fast, so go here for updates.

Clinton’s Town hall in Oregon Nets Undecideds

The Oregonian notes that Hillary Clinton shunned crowds for small forums as she campaigned in Oregon yesterday. The Portland newspaper reported that Clinton began the day in Junction City speaking around the dining table to a family worried about the shaky economy and rising gas prices. Later on, she hosted a town hall with some 100 undecided Democratic voters.

The Oregonian confirmed that Clinton’s time on the trail was well spent:

“Clinton's hourlong town hall did net her some undecided voters in Portland.

“Jennifer Hildrich, 50, of Portland said she was torn between ‘the outsider talking about change and a new day’ and ‘the savvy political insight of someone who will get something done.’

“Hildrich said Clinton impressed her with her detailed plans for addressing major issues. Then Clinton closed the deal for Hildrich when she implored voters to consider who would be the most effective president on day one.

“Judee Jacoby, 64, of Damascus said she too showed up at the town hall meeting on the fence over whether to back Obama or Clinton.

“By meeting's end, she was firmly in Clinton's camp.

‘“I like her views on health care and on education,’ she said. ‘I just feel she is very personable and warm, someone an average American like me can relate to.’”

Jacoby’s comment is not surprising considering that Hillary Clinton is known to be equally at ease in conversation with heads of state around the world, speaking on a college campus, and listening to the concerns of average Americans around their dining room tables.