STALEMATE OR STUBBORN? Clinton plans to hold on until June 3rd

The results of the May 20th primary are in and again the results are split - Clinton trumping Obama by over 30% in Kentucky - a state with over 4 million residents, versus Obama's 18% win over Clinton in Oregon - a state of 3.4 million. The delegate count (including super delegates) currently stands at Obama 1,962 versus Clinton's 1,777 with 2026 needed to clinch the DNC nomination. (Numbers courtesy of CNN's Election Center)

At this time Obama clearly has an unbeatable lead in delegate count but again the argument is beginning to surface with regards to his electability when pitted against John McCain. Some pundits suggest that disillusioned Clinton supporters may chose to either not vote in the November election, or switch support to John McCain rather than vote for Obama.

One can not forget what happened in the 2004 elections: John Kerry (another junior senator) won the DNC nomination, but could not deliver the presidency. Some registered Democrats did not feel he was a strong enough candidate on the issues and failed to convince the swing voters and independents – thereby giving a second win to G.W. Bush.

Clinton's argument is she CAN win the large states and has a strong following with the working class and the Hispanic vote (the largest minority) - a feat Obama has yet to master. His win in the delegate count has been on the backs of the less populous states - if he is sanctioned as the DNC candidate - will he still have the 'rock star' appeal to deliver them again? Also, will he alienate Clinton voters in large urban areas if he is declared the DNC presidential candidate?

Obama's wild card could be independents and swing voters - he appeals to them and they may be the group to court during the weeks leading up to Super Tuesday in November.

One area of uncertainty - we have yet to see how Obama performs in a debate against John McCain. Although Obama is a polished, confident and strong speaker when presenting a prepared speech, he has a tendency to come across as hesitant and struggling when put on the spot in live one-and-one debates. This is one area that Clinton has shined - during debates she regularly comes across decisive, articulate and very determined.

With all of these elements for both DNC candidate hopefuls we really have to ask ourselves – is Clinton’s determination to stick it out until June the act of one who feels she has a better chance at the general elections, or one who refuses to back down because everyone says she should?

Stalemate or stubborn – you decide.