Basic Instincts

Apologies for the garbled cliche, but NC and IN primaries aren't just about "winning or losing", they're about who you win. The number of votes is important, of course. But, it's the "type" of voter that each carries that holds more significance.

NYT's Zeleny writes from IN about Obama's new "listening tour" approach aimed at broadening his appeal to those elusive (say it with us now ...) white working-class and senior voters. Meanwhile, Obama's new TV ad hits HRC for pandering on the gas tax, and he rolled out three new nods from prominent GOP Hoosiers. Doesn't this suggest that he's banking (once again) on support from indies and GOP cross-over voters to carry him to victory? And, if so, can that still be considered a "win"?

Just take a look at another candidate who secured the nomination w/out coalescing his base. After spending the last two weeks on a swing state/swing voter tour, McCain will talk guns and judicial noms next week. Is he simply tending to his roots, or does McCain still need to convince conservatives to get on board? Are those still pulling the lever - or caucusing - for Ron Paul just "dead enders" or do they foreshadow a bigger enthusiasm gap problem for McCain this fall?