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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I just don't get it. The Clinton campaign is being run by "Karl Rovian" Democrats and no one is willing to acknolwedge the hypocrisy of it all. Mc Cain is now a shoe in which means 4 more years of Bush. pity.
It was only a time before voters see the real Obama. I wonder who wrote that speech for him. Blah Blah Blah. I don't think it's going to change anyones mind. it won't change mine
I still dont understand how anyone can vote for him after this pastor stuff
Don't let American down Pennsylvania.
Obama 08
Hillary clearly has the momentum nationwide and in Pennsylvania. Most importantly, you can't win the election without winning neighboring Ohio. In Ohio, if it's McCain and Hillary – Hillary wins. If it's McCain and Obama – McCain wins. Obama is brilliant. He'll be back another time.
Obama's speech exemplifies candor and forthrightness. And echos the message he has stated from the beginning...hope and unity. Only then can we accomplish anything in this country. Something the Clinton campaign know nothing about.
PA is her state to lose not his to win..i mean my god it seems every big party official in PA is for Clinton....honestly she should win that state by 20 points...and this is from an obama supporter.
Hot dang! I want the market to decide! Rarr
Keep Smiling Girl.
how double is the digit. Will it wipe out Obama's lead who just started his campaing there recently as against Clinton who had been there for weeks now. Please use reasoning and sound jugment while reporting, please media people.
GO HILLARY YAY!!!!!!!!!!!
a lot can happen in 4 weeks
Philly is the only important and most populous city in PA. Obama will win Philly easily, regardless of Governor Ed Rendell and his follower, Mayor Michael Nutter supporting Hillary.
It's too bad that these smarter "Democrat Only" in the primary states are voting so late in the game and after Obama's racist pastor's comments became known. If Obama gets the nomination it's going to be a McCain sweep.
Its amazing to me how the media can make something wrong with being a member of a church for 20 years. When are we gonna open our eyes and see the light of truth.
Doesn't equal 20 years of hate. The telling remark of his speech was that he did hear the comments (huh? Didn't you say before that you didn't?) but that we've all heard "things we disagreed with" from our pastors. My pastor has NEVER spoken racist or hate filled words from the pulpit, or anywhere else for that matter.
CNN:
Clinton has had a double digit lead from the start. She did NOT just widen it. Obama has brought a 20 point lead down to 16 points. You'll spin ANYTHING for Hillary!
GO Hillary! Win PA in April!
noobama 08
The problem with Obama happens to be that he is no longer , a man running for President that is black, but now he is a black man running for President. Therefor the votes are now white vs black , with occasion cross over by either race. Todays speech made that more clear. White American is not the root of all black Americans ills.
A Dejas Vu. 12 points?
OBAMA will overtake her. Just wait and see.
Remember he overtook Clinton and won TEXAS
The PEOPLE ARE LISTENING TO BARACK.
Hillary is evil. CNN please post my comment.
OBAMA will start to go DownHill from here.
Thanks to Jeremiah Wright revealing the Ultimate Race Card
that was carefully hidden in the Trinity United Church of Christ these past 20 years !!!!
THOSE WERE NOT JUST WORDS. !!!!
She's not running for the President of Pennsylvania.
Obama 08
He has jumped the shark...