May 06, 2008, 13:00
On the final day before a pivotal primary in North Carolina, campaign workers for US presidential candidates, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are making their last minute appeals to voters. Inside the campaign headquarters for Obama in Wilmington, North Carolina, volunteers are making calls, answering questions and handing out information.
Linda Barnett, an Obama campaign volunteer, has been canvassing neighbourhoods, trying to sway voters who may still be undecided. Barnett says Obama is the kind of man who can bring new voters to the polls. She says, "I think he's got superior leadership skills. He is an inspirational figure who kind of inspires confidence in people, and he's able to make decisions in a real measured way. He is able to bring in a lot of new voters which normally haven't been involved in the political process.
Across town, campaign workers for Hillary Clinton are also hitting the streets and working the phones. Derrick Anderson, a campaign volunteer for Hillary Clinton says he is impressed with Clinton's experience. He says: "The last time we really had a prosperous country was when the Clinton's were in the White House. I think she learned a lot. I think as a Senator from New York, she brings a lot to the table, and I've read her platforms and I like her". In the past few weeks Clinton has been able to close the double digit lead that was once held by Obama.
Clinton volunteer Johanna Timberlake is thrilled that North Carolina is getting its time in the spotlight. "I'm originally from New York and to come to North Carolina where the primaries have never really mattered here and all of a sudden do matter," she said.
Political spotlight shifts to Indiana
As the presidential campaign puts Indiana in the political spotlight yesterday one day ahead of the important primary election, voters at the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speed-way broke away from watching rookie auto racing long enough to give their perspective on the campaign. Voters go to the polls today and at the racetrack they told Reuters they hoped the democratic campaign would wrap up soon, because they feel important issues were taking a back seat to political posturing.
Kathleen Cook said she was happy Indiana is playing such an important role in the election process but added, "It would be nice though, if it would kind of wrap up and move onto actually seeing the difference between the Republicans and the Democrats."
Analysts predict split decision
Many analysts are forecasting a split decision, Obama winning North Carolina and Clinton taking Indiana. This would mean the lengthy Democratic feud continues, but that Obama remains in position ultimately to win. Victories in both states for Obama would be even more reassuring to the party's super-delegates who can vote for the candidate of their choosing at the Democrats' August convention. But the opposite outcome, Clinton victories in both states, would further muddle the picture and give her supporters ammunition to argue to the super-delegates that she is the best candidate to face republican rival John McCain.
Race fan Laura Cook told Reuters she didn't see Hillary Clinton bowing out of the race after tomorrow's election. The latest Zogby poll of Indiana voters showed Barack Obama leading with 43%, Clinton 41% and 8% undecided. - Reuters
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