I know others are probably talking about this, but it seems like the story in the MSM right now is what can Hillary do to not lose.
I think it is pretty clear that she needs to win Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania to have a chance at victory in this Primary fight. Her campaign has laid out that much of a strategy. Puerto Rico could be an ace in the hole for her, but she still needs to make up (potentially) a 150 delegate majority that Obama has built through February.
Other than not making major political errors, what can Sen. Obama do?
Obama's roll in the next two weeks is to do two things: Try to win either Ohio and/or Texas - or (and possibly just as important)- keep HRC's margin of victory under 10 points. If she wins Ohio OR Texas by more than 10 points those are serious victories for her. Momentum will shift and HRC can use those victory margins like a cudjel against Obama's electibility claims.
So what can or should Obama do to insure his success in Two weeks. Here is my list - many of which he is already doing:
1. Agressively Encourage Supporters to Travel to Texas and Ohio: Obama has been most successful when he has been able to engage in retail politics. Two weeks is ample time to engage the electorate in both Texas and Ohio. Obama's ground forces are now VERY well trained and experienced in the GOTV effort. Recruiting ground troops experienced from Super Tuesday, Potomac Primaries, as well as SC, NH, and IA could help greatly. (Status: Already Underway)
2. Stong Showing - Thursday, 8PM on CNN - The Texas debate might be the most critical of this campaign. Obama's job is easier than Clinton's but it's not a cake walk. He cannot make any major blunders and still needs to make a case for himself, but Clinton will be lobbing grenades at him all night. At the same time, Clinton must change her story or no one will care. (Status: We shall see, 8 PM Thursday on CNN)
3. Michelle - The worst thing you can do when a potential scandal starts is to either deny its existence or hide from it. Admitedly this is a non-issue, but it would probably difuse the issue if Michelle claimed this as a verbal gaff. This might be a bigger issue in the general - but either way it should be addressed by her, publically, and soon. (Status: Yes, I will brag if she follows my advice)
4. Issues - Obama could provide the equivalent of an open-hand slap on the Clinton campaign if he keeps talking about issues the way he did last night. 45 minutes of issues to a Texas audience - and still the rhetoric is powerful and uplifting!!! It blunts Clinton's arguement AND McCain's - and it exposes the substance and experience arguements for the code words that they are. (Status: Victory speech was a good sign)
5. Phone Banking - This is another point of differentiation between Obama and Clinton. I live in Maryland and the only calls from Clinton that I received were Robo in nature. For me that is a what I label a potential gesture to get my vote. On the other hand, I received 3 calls from the Obama campaign to secure my vote and get me to volunteer (once it was clear that my vote was secure). Voters in other states should be encouraged to call Ohio and Texas voters as much as possible. It lets people know that someone else - an individual not a mindless automoton - cares about their vote. (Status: Positive movement, but this could be stronger)
6. Financial - Last (and, actually, least) Obama should try to encourage a few more money bombs in the next few weeks - not because he needs the cash, but just to steal a news cycle. The story of the next two weeks IS how can Hillary win? That is it. BUT, Obama needs to steal every cycle he can. Having a $5 mill money day (or better) could blunt the fact that Hillary has raised $1 million a day for the past 15. Furthermore, announcing a large crop of first time donors could also serve the same effect. (Status: Looks like this in progress)
I think this is a good starting place for Obama. What else would you add? This list is certainly not comprehensive.