Tipsheet

The End of the Honeymoon?

The press has finally begun pelting Barack with questions, rather than with love-bombs, a phenomenon that was bound to happen at some point.  The question is whether the scrutiny has begun too late for Hillary Clinton -- who, given the electoral math, would have to rely on superdelegates to win the nomination.

How ironic it would be if the press -- which tilts left, as everyone knows -- ends up creating a Democratic internecine bloodbath by prolonging the Hillary/Barack race.  Only time will tell whether Obama's handling of some tough questions will provoke "buyer's remorse" on the part of some voters, or whether Dems are so caught up in Obama euphoria (or so certain of their chances of victory, no matter what) that they ignore any and all warning signs.

In any case, by raising these issues, the press has at least offered Hillary a real rationale for doing what she plans to do anyway, that is, staying in the race in case Obama falters.