• The battle for Pennsylvania has taken center stage in the Democratic race - though it’s laughable for anyone to say that the Keystone State will decide anything. It’s important, but only a stunning comeback from Obama will give it any overwhelming significance. Still, the candidates are pulling out all the stops in their Penn. efforts. Obama embarked on a week-long bus trip across the state (with new best buddy and recent pick-up Bob Casey) over the weekend and is releasing several new TV ads in the state, while Hillary is simply trying to hold her ground and retain her double-digit lead by making sure she retains her working class base. A challenge in the Pennsylvania campaign is the wide spectrum of both geographical and political territory it encompasses. WSJ has an interesting piece detailing just how diverse the PA Dem coalition is, and how the Clinton and Obama campaigns are fighting for footholds among each group. Obama has solid support among the vibrant African American communities in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as students in those cities as well as smaller locales like State College. Wealthy suburbia is in hand, but Obama also wants to build up some traction in the rural central part of Pennsylvania. He’s done well in smaller rural states in the past; Central PA is very similar to a state like Minnesota or Iowa. He can battle Hillary there. That’s the PA story: Can Obama once again grab some of HRC’s core voter groups in a seemingly comfy Clinton state? We’re all looking for some sign of a Clinton demise…
  • Perhaps son one is taking the prolonged primary battle between Clinton and Obama better than, well, Obama himself. Desperate not to show any hint of arrogance or entitlement as a few of his minions call for Hillary’s withdrawal from the race, Obama has taken the high road in public when asked about the length of the fight and if HRC should step aside. Not content with merely praising HRC and allowing that she has every right to stay in the race, he has gone a step further in his praise of the current Dem fight. Question is, when does language like the following begin to hurt him more than a quick dismissal of Hillary would? Is this really what he believes?  “I want everybody to understand that this has been a great contest. Great for America. It’s engaged and involved people like never before.”
  • Not sure if Obama plans on talking Howard Dean out of settling the primary problem before July 1st.
  • Another nail for Hillary?Biggest campaign news of this morning was the announcement via Obama campaign conference call (which PB was pleased to be a part of) that U.S. Senator from Minnesota and superdelegate Amy Klobuchar has endorsed Obama. Big for two major reasons. First off, because Klobuchar had been a very sough-after undeclared SD. Those are in high demand these days for both campaigns. Second, Klobuchar is a high-profile woman. It was noted that she would be more open to an Obama endorsement due to the fact that she came into the Senate with the wave of new Dem faces that Obama was a part of (Obama in ‘04, Klobuchar ‘06). But the lure of gender solidarity was something that the Clinton camp saw as irresistible for female pols like the Minn. Senator. Not quite. Obama is up to a count of 221 superdelgates, 50 behind Hillary.

Mrs. Klobuchar said she is backing her Illinois colleague over Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton because “continuing to stay silent would be awkward,” she told reporters on a conference call.

She cited the big crowds he attracted before winning Minnesota’s caucus by 34 points, and said the “enthusiasm and idealism” she witnessed at his events was “simply impossible to contain.” Mrs. Klobuchar called Mr. Obama a “new kind of leader” who can “dissolve” the cynicism of President Bush’s administration and who offers a “new perspective.”

She also called Mrs. Clinton of New York a “friend,” saying she hopes the primary contest continues, adding: “The Democratic Party is truly blessed this year with two candidates.”

“I believe that Senator Clinton has every right to continue her campaign,” Mrs. Klobuchar said, following a weekend where many Obama supporters called for his rival to end her bid.

  •  The “rebranding” of John McCain by his talented campaign team has begun. Today was the launch of the effort, with JMac giving a solemn speech detailing his family and his upbringing, highlighting how military service has been a vital factor in how his life has turned out. More to come, with a visit to his old high school on the schedule.
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