Can You Smell What Clinton & Obama Are Cooking?

April 21, 2008— -- Pennsylvania Primary Polls Open: 7:00 am ET Polls Close: 8:00 pm ET Pledged Delegates at Stake in Primary: 158

It's only fitting that in the final hours before the polls open in Pennsylvania, after weeks of trying to position themselves as Friends of the Everyman Voter, Drinkers of Local Beers and Shots, and Bowlers of Strikes, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will make one last pitch to Pennsylvania voters with appearances on Monday's broadcast of WWE's Raw.

Unfortunately they will not appear together in person as a late addition to the King of the Ring, eight-man single elimination tournament. But both candidates taped a message that will run on Monday's live show and in their messages they show they (or at least a 20-something staffer) are on top of the latest WWE dramatic plot lines (see: Randy Orton).

Not a bad way to reach over 3 million eyeballs, have a little fun and compare the long Democratic nomination race to a smackdown, dragged out professional wrestling match.

Obama:

"You know, this is a historic time for America. It's not just that the reign of Randy Orton may soon be coming to an end. It's that at this moment, in this election, we have a chance to finally end business-as-usual in Washington. For a long time now, we've had a politics where our leaders go after each other like they're competing to become King of the Ring instead of coming together to provide universal health care, fix our economy, and solve our other problems. That's what I'm running for President to change. So to the special interests who've been setting the agenda in Washington for too long – and to all the forces of division and distraction that have stopped us from making progress for the American people – I've got one question: Do you smell what Barack is cooking?"

Clinton:

"This election is starting to feel a lot like "King of the Ring." The only difference? The last man standing may just be a woman…

…I've been knocked down, but I've always gotten back up. And I know how to take a hit for the American people. And if things get a little tough, I may even have to deliver the "people's elbow." Because this country is worth fighting for.

Now, I promise to stick to the political arena. So don't worry Randy Orton you're safe... for now. When it comes to standing up for the American people though, I am ready to rumble."

Clinton better be in fighting mode because the stakes in Pennsylvania are huge for her campaign. She is up in every poll in the state but in some cases only by 5-6 points. While a W is still a W in college basketball and Major League Baseball, a win for Clinton needs to be convincing (8 points or more?) so she can:

-- Convince uncommitted superdelegates that she is the stronger candidates who can win key battleground states -- Continue to push the message that voters are having second doubts about Obama's electability -- Avoid the Wednesday post-mortem punditry that she barely escaped with a win in a state where she lead by double digits just weeks ago