I know that all the Obama supporters are riding high after three dominating victories, but let's not lose sight of tomorrow. Maine may prove to be the most decisive battle in determining the eventual Democratic nominee.
It's undeniable that Obama's credentials keep getting stronger and stronger. He's got a solid lead now in pledged delegates. He's won nearly twice as many states. He's viable north and south, east and west. He's viable in black states and white states, red states and blue states. He's cleaning up the general election swing states. He's beating McCain in head-to-head polls, while Hillary's playing him to a draw. And he's coming off an impressive string of Saturday victories.
All of this makes Maine a crucial firewall for Hillary.
If Hillary does not pull out a victory, all of the sudden it paves the way for a huge Obama winning streak. Obama is looking very strong in all 3 Chesapeake primaries, meaning that if he pulls out Maine he would be able to claim 8 straight primary victories (including Virgin Islands). Add in Hawaii and Wisconsin, which both look good for him, and you've got 10 straight!
There's simply no way to spin this in a positive way for Hillary. All the momentum will have swung to his side, and I have a feeling her tenuous leads in TX, OH, and PA will have all but evaporated. The superdelegates will also begin swinging his way.
In short, Hillary NEEDS some good news in February to stop this steamroller. Maine is her only real chance. And she knows it. That's why she cried there today -- her last-minute, back-against-the-wall secret weapon.
But Obama will have all the headlines tomorrow. And not only will the people of Maine wake up to news of a clean sweep for Obama, but they will see he did it in convincing fashion.
Will that be enough to change enough people's minds on caucus day? We shall see.
But if they do, it just may be the beginning of the end for Hillary.