Obama wins N.C, Clinton barely takes Indiana

WASHINGTON — Barack Obama won North Carolina’s primary Tuesday, and Hillary Clinton pulled out a surprisingly close victory in Indiana, triggering speculation that Clinton’s candidacy is staggering and perhaps nearing its end.

On a night when Clinton hoped for a sweep, Obama beat her decisively in North Carolina. With 99 percent of precincts reporting, the Illinois senator had 56 percent to Clinton’s 42 percent.

But the big Clinton stumble was in Indiana, a state where she had counted on a strong win. Instead, she barely beat Obama.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, she led 51 percent to 49 percent. The New York senator abruptly canceled her morning talk show appearances and had no public appearances planned for today. She was expected to meet with superdelegates, top Democratic officials, in Washington.

For more, read Wednesday's Tribune.