CNN: S.C. debate to highlight Democratic fight for black vote

[babylonsister]

S.C. debate to highlight Democratic fight for black vote


MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina (CNN) -- The top three Democratic presidential candidates face off in a Monday night debate in South Carolina, with the hearts and minds of African-American voters on the line.

Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina share the stage at Myrtle Beach's Palace Theatre as the nation honors the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a federal holiday.

The debate, put together by CNN and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, comes five days before the Democratic primary in South Carolina, where almost half of the Democratic primary voters are African-Americans.

These voters will be crucial to the outcome of Saturday's primary in South Carolina. They now appear to be leaning heavily toward Obama, who if elected, would become the country's first black president.

Having a debate on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in South Carolina "is very fitting," said David Bohrman, CNN senior vice president and Washington bureau chief, who is executive producer of the debate. "Perhaps a debate on Martin Luther King Day in South Carolina should be made a must-stop on the road to the White House every four years."

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released Friday suggested that nearly 60 percent of black registered Democrats were backing Obama as the presidential nominee, with 31 percent supporting Clinton. That's a major shift from October, when African-Americans backed Clinton over Obama, 57 percent to 33 percent.

What appears to have changed is Obama's electability.

more...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/21/debate.preview/index.html

[sunonmars]

1. Well that better than i thought

31% of 50% AA votes is about 16% of the AA vote.

So if the white vote splits Hillary's way, she may take 60-70%, if her current bidding holds that would give her an additional 30%. If this holds out then Barack will take between 44 - 50% and Clinton around 40-46%, Edwards 5-10%

I have to say, the white vote in SC is going to be very unpredictable.

I actually think John Edwards is not gonna do well in SC, I think people are realligning their votes to the big 2.

Thats not enough for him to walk away with a convincing win if its that close.