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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Five weeks is a long time and I would not hold my breath on a Clinton landslide...more like a squeaker.
Can't keep a Clinton down!
Go Hillary God Hillary.
Keep digging Obama!
To Christain
Yes he will take the oath with a bible!!!
He is not muslim, that is a false claim, that he has stated. He actually used the Bible to be sworn in as a senator. The photo that is cirulating is when he was leaving the stage. That is why his back is to it.
Based on Obama's campaign of the last two weeks, and his speech this morning concerning his continuing relationship with his divisive pastor, Hillary's lead will continue to grow, not only in PA but in primaries to come.
Unless Hillary's margin of victory over Obama is greater than 32% it won't matter; as the delegate lead that Obama already has will be sufficient to win the nomination.
That said, Hillary should thank Rev. Wright's racism and bigotry for galvanizing her campaign.
However, her growing support says something about her supporters as well.
She won't get my vote. We need a leader and not a follower.
This isn't just about Obama, Hillary, or McCain.
This was a very relevant speech and speaks of America at its very core. It doesn't matter who you support to appreciate this speech.
This isn't just about Wright or Ferraro, its about race in America.
God Bless America! We truly have the opprotunity to make it better.
Double-digit lead, yes......but it's shrinking with each new poll!
Where are those tax returns, Hillary? Any other records you care to share? Oh, that's right, you're busy. What a crock.
Hate to break it to you folks, but she's gonna have to win by WAY more than that to significantly cut into Obama's delegate lead. Obama has won states by far larger margins than that. He'll probably win by enough in NC to cancel out her gains after PA.
Can someone explain to me WHY they are excited about Hillary(Other than simply not liking Obama)?
I've been trying to get behind her, but I just can't get it.....anyone?
CNN NEED TO LOOK AT PPP
IT"S CLINTON 56
OBAMA 30
UNDECIDE 14
PPP IS ONE OF THE MOST ACCURATE POLL AS THEY DID IN TX AND OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is obama dumb? He knew this stuff about his preacher was out there and he is still a member of this church. Talk about naive. How the hell did he expect to win a general election.
Go Hillary!!!
Vote for Hillary and we LOVE America!!
God Bless America!!
Is a pstor any worse than a husband? Her husband lied in court and had cheated the American public by doing so. Yet he gets condemned for what a church leader says???
Clintons are sleeze-both of them, Have YOU forgotten?
Hillary number 1 now that Obama has shot himself in the foot. I hope you do not ask him to be your Vice President now.
Goooo Hillary 2008 !!!
I like Hillary than Obama period.
Ummm. While it is true that Senator Clinton is up by 12 points, I think the bigger story is that her lead has dropped by 6 points and Obama really hasn't started campaigning in the state yet. He has over a month to close the gap. After today's speech, I suspect her lead will shrink even more.
She won't be leading for long after that speech Barack just gave. I can't express enough my admiration for the man. He just gave the best speech I have ever heard and there are tears in my eyes.
Let's face it. Hillary Clinton is the best thing to happen to the Republican party since Howard Dean's scream.
After hereing what Obama's pastor said, he lost my vote. I new this was to good to be true. If a pastor would say such things, what does the average black person think. White America wake up.
There are 5 weeks to go before Pennsylvania. The gap is closing as we speak!!!
YAY!!!!!!!!!
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!
This country needs a WOMAN'S TOUCH RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
What church does Mc Cain and Clinton belong? Do they attend a particular church on a regular basis and do they have a favorite religious leader? Just curious!!
Go Hillary....we love you in PA!!!!!!
After listening to Obama's speech, I'm still routing for Hillary. She still is the more EXPERIENCED candidate. Obama had no choice but to
speak on the racial issue regarding Reverend Wright's outlandish comments! In my opinion, Hillary is still the better candidate for being
"Commander in Chief"!