WASHINGTON (CNN) - A Quinnipiac poll out Tuesday suggests Hillary Clinton holds a clear advantage over Barack Obama in Pennsylvania, the next crucial battleground in the prolonged fight for the Democratic nomination.
Clinton holds a 12-point lead over Obama in the state, 53 percent to 41 percent, according to the poll. The New York senator's lead is double what a similar poll showed in late February, though it is still less than the 18-point gap between the two candidates in a month ago.
Clinton's widest gains in the state are among white voters, who now back her over Obama by a margin of 28 points. That compares to a 19-point gap in the late February poll.
Obama has made gains among Pennsylvania African-Americans, but hasn't drawn the same level of support from them as he has in previous contests. According to the poll, Obama wins 76 percent of the black vote, up from 69 percent in late February. In most recent primary states, Obama's African-American support has hovered around 90 percent. The narrower margin may be due to Clinton's endorsement from Philadelphia's popular black mayor Michael Nutter.
When it comes to the prospect of a joint ticket between the two candidates, 32 percent of Pennsylvania Democrats say they prefer Clinton on the top of the ticket while 18 percent prefer Obama. But 43 percent say they don't want the two to run together.
The new poll is similar to other recent surveys. In a CNN analysis of three recent polls, including Quinnipiac's, Clinton holds an average lead of 13 points over Obama.
Both campaigns have attempted to set the expectations ahead of Pennsylvania's vote. Obama's campaign has repeatedly noted the state is only 1 of 10 remaining contests, while Clinton's campaign has said a win there will prove the New York senator can win crucial swing states in a general election.
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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Smart Pennsylvanians obviously recognize a STRONG LEADER!
That's what we need in these times of economy falling apart, high gas prices, healthcare so $$$$$, mortgage crisis, war, etc. HILLARY has proven she has the ability to handle it all. She has outlined the best plans according to the newspapers today. Not so, Obama's plans.
Of course Hillary is better candidate and also have more experience than Mr Obama, by the way i really want to question his wife love for this country before her husband was a president candidate
If I had any doubt about my vote , the rant allowed prior to Obama's speech certainly closed the door on him. He obviously surrounds himself with people who do not care about Demo. unity, but just speaking in a harsh, unjust and narrow ways. I think the Democrates are heading for defeat with anger and division......we cannot come together if the supporters don't speak with the same voice of the leader and on CNN they certainly didn't...or did they?
I would like to ask a question of Obama. If he is a Christian and he is ellected to be President of our Nation would he take the Oath of Office with the Bible?
The question was asked: "Is Obama black enough?" I think a lot of people are finally getting their eyes opened on that one. If Hillary doesn't prevail as the nominee, the republicans are set to rip Obama to shredds and we'll end up with another bush lover in the white house.
How is this news? Why would anyone vote for a seemingly dishonest, racist and anti-American candidate like Barack Obama? All he's ever really had was soaring rhetoric and now with all these negatives coming out...if we re-held all the Democratic primaries tomorrow Obama would be OUT.
The results show a divid in the party.
Both are sure to lose in the Fall...
Stop raping my mind with your polls.
GO HILLARY!!!
YES!!!!!!!!
BYE BYE BARACK – HILLARY IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!
GO HILLARY
GO HILLARY
GO HILLARY
Hillary – YOU ROCK!
This lead for Hillary will increase closer to the primary election. I predict a 20%+ lead for Hillary in the week up to the Penn Primary.
You go girl!
Will some state with reason and logic PLEASE out Hillary out of this race?
she who laughs last, may get the last laugh ?
Stop you bias wolf pennsylavania is not any more crucial battleground than the 31 states obama has won. You are trying to make people believe with the myth that Bigger states are better. Stop lying enough is enought.
The only thing a Clinton win proves is she can win among democrats. They make the arguement that she can carry the big states because she won the dem primary. Neither dem has a chance of carrying big states like Texas. It's republican territory. Again the clinton's are putting out flawed logic.
I live in Pennsylvania, this is embarrasing. Instead of the Liberty Bell
they must be ringing the dumb bell.
Way to go Hillary!
HILL YEAH!!!
CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!!
Speak for yourself, Obama. My country has given me my life. It's all about you and your race. Move over Republicans. If this bunch holds this country hostage. WE ALL WILL VOTE FOR JOHN MCCAIN.
i SUGGEST , OBAMA, THAT YOU GET OUT OF THIS COUNTRY AND GO WHERE EVER IT IS YOU BELONG.
A twelve, or even an eighteen point win in Pennsylvania isn't enough to make much of a dent in Obama's delegate lead. And any dent made will be undone in North Carolina.
Northwest Indiana is heavily African African and also suburban Chicago, so Obama could quite possibly get a win in Indiana too.
So What? Abent a fall from the top, she can't win.
Well this is Good news for Obama because a couple of weeks ago, he was in the mid 30's... now he's surged up to 41. Don't worry his numbers will keep surging.
AS SHE SHOULD. You would only have to look at Obamas friends and his Spiritual Advisor to know that you would be carzy to vote for him. He is still taking up for his so called PASTOR and he is only formally because he retired in Jan 08 so CNN tell the truth. Watch these so called sermons on YOUTUBE. Wheres OPRAH shes been missing for the last month from his campaign trail.
Senator Obama is finished as a candidate in my view.
she is expected to win just like he was expected to win mississippi