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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C N N is bias towards OBAMA.
This media coverage is too focused on analyzing voting along racial and ethnic lines. It detracts from the real issues, and instead play to our latent prejudices. C'mon CNN let's elevate the national discourse to a more meaningful, less divisive level.
No way she'll get the delegates needed though.
The speech was amazing! Win or loose that was a fantastic speech! It put to rest any concerns I had about those tapes.
CNN Won't Post this comment because CNN only posts the comments of inever-changing, even with new evidence, Clinton supporters. CNN also fails to recognize that polling numbers are biased towards the elderly (people ancient enough to still use land lines)
Go Hill!!!
how many times have we seen this???when obama starts to campaign over there,he's gonna close the gap.it's oover for the clintons.it's bin over long time ago.all this negative stuff cant stop obama.
Pennslyvania voters are seeing that Obama is a loser. If he is so lucky to win the nomination, he will be soundly defeated in the fall. He would not win any southern or border states , plus Pennslvania, Ohio and Michigan. There are some other blue states that are also in danger. His speech today did not in any way distances himself or his family from the remarks of Pastor Wright
I believe Hillary will come back because she continually hits the solutions to problems instead of the UNITY message that Obama keeps promoting. Unity is important but you can't keep garnering votes on a "feel good" speech. Sooner or later, substantive leadership has to be the issue for the more serious voter.
Obama is done.
I guess only the states which Hillary wins are important...only the voters who vote for her are important...that is the Hillary spin. Give us a break. Win some delegates and win some popular vote (without cheating) then talk about winning general election. McCain will wipe the floor with Hillary.
Obama'08
Obama rocks!!!
What a power speech!
I used to like clintons but now I shifted for obama and I'm crazy about it.
Obama 08
A "liar" Kim? I don't think anyone in the Presidential race can even approach the Clintons with regard to that label. They're in a league of their own.
If you are really paying any attention, you will see that Senator Clinton's lead is shrinking–again!
Hillary please conceded. The party will be torn in half by April. Stop the racial divide now!!!!
Dear Clinton Supporters,
Please go away with all of your negative attacks. This is getting rediculous and downright mean. If you are going to continue your attacks at least state facts and don't spread falsehoods. It makes you look silly.
Go Hillary
I do not need a 2 face obama.......
I was just reading the comments of Kim. There's a lot of hater there. I think Obama's speech is directed to her. We must all (blacks, white, Asian, Hispanics) work together to prosper as a nation. Kim perpetuates the hate and division that is causing a deterioration of our country.
4 weeks is an eternity in politics, enough time for Obama to close the gap.
Where is the majority of Obama 's MONEY coming from? Wake up America, there is a connection between the wars we fight and this man's makeup. Trojan Horse all over!
Boo Whoo Obama! If you didn't use the racecard before now you sure used it in your speech today! You are alienating anyone that is not African-American. Some war hero Rev. Wright! If you respect him you disrespect our country. God Bless America and anyone that can't see through all of your garbage talk!
El Finito, Obama. I can't believe he mentioned Ferraro and compared her to that Rev. Wright! That's a new low, Obama. Stop blaming White America for all your problems. It's 2008 not 1968.
It's really sad how ignorant people will try to bring down one of best political figures in past 50 years. I hope the American people will realize what an opportunity we have with Barack Obama as president. It doesn't happen often.
It took a while, but Obama is in process of being vetted out... FINALLY.
I think it is funny that Hillary is allowed to used her Minority!