The Pennsylvania Tea Leaves

Give the lady her due. She was outspent, at least 2 to 1, but she soldiered on. She was told to drop out, but she didn’t. She was warned she had to win by double digits, or else — and she did.

After a grueling six-week campaign, Hillary Clinton scored a big win in Pennsylvania, beating Barack Obama by 10 points and picking up an advantage of 12 in pledged delegates.

Does it end the race? No. Barack Obama’s still ahead in total number of delegates, states won and popular vote. He’s still the front-runner. He’s still favored to become the Democratic nominee. But Clinton’s big win in Pennsylvania does change the dynamics of the race significantly.

Here’s why. It shows that she is one strong candidate, who seems to do better when times are tougher. It shows that Obama is no longer the inevitable nominee. It shows that Obama still has a hard time winning voters outside of African-Americans and upper-income white people, his core constituencies. And it also raises questions about Obama’s ability to win against a tough opponent, despite all the time in the world, big crowds and big dollars.

Here’s what’s different: Today, more and more Democrats are asking: With all the advantages of a front-runner, why can’t Obama close the deal? His next best chance to do so is in Indiana.

Visit Mr. Press’s website at billpressshow.com.