I think fighting against Clinton for so long has HELPED Obama, not hurt him.

[Bicoastal]

If people tell you he's not a fighter, remind them that he (is beating/has beaten) arguably the most powerful Democrat in the Senate, with a huge advantage in money and name recognition a year ago.

Had it not been for Hillary's fight, maybe some would still consider him a wimp. He's proved his mettle in battle, and dismantling a fogy like McCain (who essentially won the GOP nomination by default) will be much, MUCH easier.

[Leftist Agitator]

1. You know what? I think so too.

Obama is going to fucking fold McSame in the GE. Anything that the GOP could have dredged up has been aired by Hillary already.

GOBAMA!

[Colobo]

2. Almost everything bad about him came out now, and people have

made their choices. He's stronger than ever.

[madaboutharry]

3. I think you're right.

He may have even surprised himself. He most definitely is the stronger for it.

[BlooInBloo]

4. I've always been pro her staying in for largely that reason.

[Avalux]

5. I agree with that. It hasn't been pleasant but he's come through it extremely well.

Rev. Wright will be a non-issue in the GE. :hi:

[Frances]

6. Agree

Obama appears (and is) stronger for getting the nomination after a hard fight.

[featherman]

7. Fight on

[calmblueocean]

8. I am starting to come around to that opinion.

Ask me again in a month. :)

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

9. What about the 1/3 of Hillary supporters saying they'll vote McCuckoo?

While I think much of that is bluster, it ain't gonna help.

[Bicoastal]

10. What was the word on Dean supporters after Kerry won?

This too shall pass.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

13. Pretty much agree BUT that race didn't go until June.

We'll get 80-90% of them back but that still leaves a few hundred thousand out there.

[JVS]

11. I think it's a mixed bag. On the one hand Obama has learned to do damage control well, he's...

learned to actively frame issues as they arise. He has had practice with organization, but it seems he was good at that from the beginning.

But there is also a negative side to the fight. Since SC, the Clinton's have sought to cast this primary in terms of black voters and white ( under the name "Blue Collar") voters. While Obama has become a stronger politician, it will be tremendously difficult to overcome a deep racial rift in the electorate, which with Clinton gone can and will serve McCain.

[sweetrage1913]

15. Maybe I am a bit optimistic...

But I am actually quite confident in his ability to overcome the challenge he faces with race. My first reason is b/c he, himself has stood above the "race issue," especially through his infamous "race speech." Secondly, I have yet to hear him show any signs of diviseness through his actions or speeches. Now, I'm not talking about how the MSM has used people affiliated with him (Rev. Wright in particular), but he, himself has really risen above it all. He has made it perfectly clear that he wants to unite us. Lastly, I think he truly believes that we as Americans are just smarter than we were in previous elections and will not fall for "politics as usual." This was definitely proven last night IMHO. Hope can go a long way.

[Wapsie B]

12. He needs these battle scars for November.

Because believe me they're coming.

[TeamJordan23]

14. We increased Dem registration in a lot of key states. That is priceless. nm

[yardwork]

16. I think that the proof of this is in last night's results.

The Wright "thing" has come and gone and done minimal damage.

[sweetrage1913]

17. Good observation...

I would also have to point out that he was one of the first people I heard admit that Clinton has made him a stronger candidate due to the fight she put up. Last night was a great night!

[applegrove]

18. I believe it. Obama was untested. He's now had a few tests. I just

wish we could see him put this away himself. That would really make me jump ship to his camp.