The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Dallas

The destiny of the searing Democratic White House battle is on the line in two key states Tuesday, with Barack Obama seeking a knockout, and Hillary Clinton desperately reaching for a lifeline. Bold, brash Texas, and economically distressed Ohio have the chance to deal a decisive blow in the increasingly rancorous race, in which one hopeful will make history, as the first black, or woman presidential nominee. Obama, 46, hopes to take his winning streak to 15 straight nominating contests, on a day which also includes voting in Rhode Island and Vermont. Clinton, 60, needs to come out of Tuesday with a reason to go on, as she currently trails Obama in nominating delegates, fundraising, the popular vote and momentum, in the race to battle likely Republican nominee John McCain. Senator McCain, the Vietnam war hero who has pulled off a stunning comeback after his campaign was left for dead last year, hopes to finally nail down the Republican nomination, by dispatching pesky challenger Mike Huckabee.