It may seem unbelievable, but there’s a strong chance that the Democratic primary race essentially will be won if Obama beats Clinton tonight. I spent some idle time yesterday (yes, I have nothing better to do) spinning a scenario in which Clinton comes second in New Hampshire, then wins the uncontested Michigan primary, whereupon her spinmeisters convince the media that she’s the new “comeback kid.” But today’s Journal table-setter suggests that even the Clinton campaign is beginning to think its days are numbered:
This brings up an interesting question. If Barack Obama wins the nomination over the next few weeks, the Democrats will have a presidential nominee subject to scrutiny for nine months until the general election. It also happens that this nominee is subject to media hagiography, and criticism of him has been muted. As James Taranto often points out, favorable media treatment of Democratic pols often blinds them, making them complacent and unable to see their vulnerabilities. It’s possible that the Democrats may experience buyer’s remorse by summertime – making Bloomberg’s entry into the race more likely, and perhaps setting up even more surprising scenarios. Meanwhile, the Republican race shows no signs of ending anytime soon. Get ready for the Jim Lehrer-moderated debates between Obama, the Republican nominee, Michael Bloomberg, and Ron Paul.
