Obama Wants It Over by June

Barack Obama is taking a page from John McCain's playbook. After Super Tuesday when Mitt Romney dropped out, Mike Huckabee continued to stay in the race and McCain essentially said that he could stay in as long as he wants (even though it's over). It kind of made Huckabee out to be a quixotic type of character instead of a viable candidate.

Yesterday, Barack Obama used the same technique on Hillary Clinton.

Talking to reporters in Johnstown, Pa., Saturday, Barack Obama said Hillary Clinton “can run as long as she wants.”

“She should be able to compete, and her supporters should be able to support her as long as they are willing or able,” Obama said.

His comments contradicted those Friday by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) that appeared intended to nudge Clinton out of the race.

Obama said the notion that the party is divided is “somewhat overstated.” But he said Democrats must pivot quickly to the general election after the primary contests end in June.

This is a nice subtle way to start painting Clinton as a lost cause who just can't give up. It could have a psychological effect on her campaign and her supporters after awhile.