Today on the presidential campaign trail

[Ron Burgundy]

AP - IN THE HEADLINES

Clinton, Obama go on attack in last-minute scramble for Pennsylvania votes ... Michael Moore announces his endorsement of Obama in Web post ... North Carolina Democrats ditch effort to host debate

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Clinton, Obama on attack in Pa.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama questioned each other's character and readiness to be commander in chief in last-minute television ads as the six-week Pennsylvania primary campaign steamed toward an uncertain conclusion Tuesday.

The two Democratic hopefuls barnstormed the state in a final pitch for votes in the most populous and delegate-rich state remaining in the nominating contest. Some 4 million Democrats were eligible to cast ballots, with 158 delegates at stake.

Clinton was relying on a decisive win to save her flagging candidacy, while Obama hoped for an upset or a strong enough finish to secure the delegates needed to maintain his overall lead.

Late polling showed Clinton with a single-digit lead in the state, after besting Obama by 20 points or more in earlier surveys.

As polls opened at 7 a.m., both candidates were to appear on all the network TV morning shows Tuesday.

The Illinois senator and his wife, Michelle, addressed a rally at the University Pittsburgh on Monday night. They were joined by Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of 2004 Democratic nominee John Kerry.

Heinz Kerry noted that her husband carried Pennsylvania in the general election. "I'm asking you to keep this streak going," she said.

In Philadelphia, Clinton appeared with her husband, the former president, and their daughter, Chelsea, before a crowd at the University of Pennsylvania.

"It's not enough to say 'Yes we can.' We have to say how we can," Clinton told the crowd, putting a twist on Obama's popular slogan of hope.

The Pennsylvania contest turned sharply negative in its closing days as Obama cast doubts on his rival's honesty and trustworthiness. Clinton, in turn, questioned whether Obama was tough enough for the rigors of the Oval Office.

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Michael Moore endorses Obama

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Moore wants voters in Pennsylvania to cast their ballots for Barack Obama.

Moore endorsed Obama in a 1,100-word posting on his Web site Monday. It includes praise for the Illinois senator and harsh words for Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic Party and the Bush administration.

Lamenting the lack of a valid primary in his home state of Michigan, Moore writes that Obama's experience and voting record aren't as important as his "basic decency" and ability to inspire.

"What we are witnessing is not just a candidate but a profound, massive public movement for change," Moore writes. "My endorsement is more for Obama The Movement than it is for Obama the candidate."

The 54-year-old Oscar-winning filmmaker was hardly as kind to Clinton.

"Over the past two months, the actions and words of Hillary Clinton have gone from being merely disappointing to downright disgusting," he writes, saying that she has tried to "smear" Obama — "Like you were nuts. Like you were a bigot stoking the fires of stupidity."

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North Carolina Dems drop debate

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The North Carolina Democratic Party has dropped plans to host a presidential debate this weekend, citing time constraints and logistical issues.

Barack Obama had declined to commit to the event, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, saying he wasn't sure it would fit into his schedule. The Illinois senator previously had agreed to debate in North Carolina on April 19.

Hillary Rodham Clinton had agreed to the later date, and the state's Democratic leaders had urged Obama to join her.

The forum would have been the first moderated by CBS News anchor Katie Couric.

Obama and Clinton have debated 21 times during the campaign, including last Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

Both have committed to attending the North Carolina Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on May 2 in Raleigh, officials said.

North Carolina holds its primary on May 6.

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THE DEMOCRATS

Hillary Rodham Clinton holds an election night party in Philadelphia. Barack Obama campaigns xxx.

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THE REPUBLICANS

John McCain speaks to voters in Youngstown, Ohio.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"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." — Hillary Rodham Clinton, in a taped message on World Wrestling Entertainment's "Monday Night Raw."

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STAT OF THE DAY:

The last time Pennsylvania voted Republican in a presidential election was in 1988. George H.W. Bush garnered almost 51 percent of the vote, while Michael Dukakis grabbed 48 percent.

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Compiled by Ann Sanner and Jerry Estill.

source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080422/ap_on_el_pr/2008_race_rundown [link]