WASHINGTON- Barack Obama, by most estimates, all but secured the Democratic nomination with Tuesday's big win in North Carolina and a narrow loss in Indiana.
"We stand less than 200 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination for President of the United States" said Obama.
But despite widening his delegate count on Tuesday and picking up twice as many Superdelegates than Hillary Clinton on Wednesday, Clinton vows she'll push ahead. She says she's going to keep going full throttle for the nomination. Most believe a Clinton win would take the following: Florida and Michigan votes would have to count.
"I am running to be the President of all American, north south east west and everywhere in between, that's why it's important that we count the votes of Florida and Michigan. It would be a little strange to have a nominee chosen by 48 states" Clinton said.
Those states were stripped of Delegates, earlier this year, after the state party moved up the primaries. Clinton needs Michigan and Florida to close the gap, but most political observers say even that would likely not be enough. But despite the numbers, Clinton vows to press on until every state has voted.
"This is a dynamic electoral environment. What matters is what strength you have going into the general election. We have a lot to work out here. We have to figure out who would be the stronger candidate" said Clinton.
So far, only one prominent Democrat is calling for Clinton to step aside. The bad news, it's a long-time Clinton backer. Former Democratic nominee George McGovern is now supporting Obama and called on Clinton to quit.
"I'm proud that I endorsed Senator Clinton last October, but I think the time has come in the life of the Democratic Party, in fact in the life of nation, for us to get together on a candidate" stated McGovern.
More bad news for Clinton, it came out on Wednesday that she loaned herself another 6.4 million in recent weeks. It's just another indication that her candidacy may be coming to a close. But the next contest, this upcoming Tuesday is in West Virginia , and that's where Clinton was early yesterday morning.
"I hope next Tuesday you will give me a chance to be your president" Clinton said.
There are a half-dozen state primaries left for the Democrats. This Tuesday is West Virginia, a week later voters in Kentucky and Oregon go to the polls. Then a nearly 2-week layoff as it's not until June 1st that Puerto Rico makes its choice. Then on June 3rd, South Dakota and Montana hold primaries.
After voters in every state are finished deciding the remaining Superdelegates are likely to decide, or will be pushed to make their choice likely in June long before the Democratic National Convention in late August.
As for Obama, he's remaining upbeat and positive. Most believe only a collapse by him could throw the election into Clinton's hands. Another sign the race this fall will be between Obama and John McCain is that the two are increasingly running against each other.