Thirty Chicago African-American pastors, from Pentecostal, Baptist and Episcopal faiths, gathered at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church on the South Side in an effort to turn the tide from Rev. Wright’s incendiary comments to the real issues of the American people. Rev. Leon Finney Jr., pastor of Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church, said that voters need to direct their attention to today’s national crisis: the Iraq war, the economy, the rising unemployment, the foreclosures and the continuing price increase of gasoline. It is evident that African-Americans are afraid that Wright’s remarks will harm Obama’s chance for the White House, despite the latter effort to distance himself from his twenty plus years pastor, mentor and longtime friend. Tuesday Primaries should tell the end story of Wright’s controversy.

By Margaret Ramirez (Chicago Tribune 5/3/08)
Adapted by Johana Nadler
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Joe Andrew, former DNC chairman, switched his endorsement: the clicker was the way Obama handled the Wright controversy and his stance on the summer gas relief. “Barack Obama took on the heavy and difficult task of doing what is right on an energy policy and environmental policy and not doing what is politically expedient in order to give a quick pander to Hoosier voters to say we ought to have a cut in the gas tax reconfirmed to me in my mind that it is time for change.” Andrew said. He also sent a letter to other superdelegates to advise them to support Obama as it is obvious that voting for Clinton would not bring any changes. On Wednesday, Indiana Rep. Baron Hill endorsed Obama while Clinton was backed up by Indiana Sen. Even Bayh, who is campaigning with her.

Obama is catching up with Clinton on the number of superdelegates by just 16, thanks to Andrew’s switch and additional endorsement by Texas superdelegate John Patrick. (Obama 247 - Clinton 263)

By AP (as reported on FOXNews.com 5/1/08)
Abstract by Johana Nadler
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Averell “Ace” Smith’s presence in North Carolina tells the importance of this state for Clinton. Smith’s company, SCN Public Relations, earned so far $140,000 from the Clinton’s campaign since 2007. Though specializing in California races, Ace works all over the country. Charming, polite and suave, he is also thorough, detailed and ruthless in his “vulnerability studies.” “He is enormously talented at looking at voting patterns and demographics and figuring out where you can actually put votes together,” said Chris Lehane, a Democratic strategist and friend of Smith’s who has worked for the Clintons.

Because small towns are crucial in this year campaign strategy, Smith is renown for studying their every tiny aspects. He starts with “Inside U.S.A.,” a 1947 guide book by journalist John Gunther and finishes with AAA guidebook: “I read that start to finish ’cause it has all these odd little facts and pieces about small towns and you get a real flavor for what’s going on.” states Smith.

Demographically, Obama seems to have the advantage but if Smith gathers the winning votes for Clinton, he will definitely justify his nickname “Ace.”

By Robin Abcarian (LA Time 5/3/08)
Abstract by Johana Nadler
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