The Democrats' Worst Nightmare

Campaign signs outside the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia before last week's Democratic presidential debate there. (By Carolyn Kaster -- Assocated Press)

Clinton had seeded doubts about her own character long before this campaign began through her record as a polarizing figure, her secrecy and her obvious prevarications. But in the seven weeks between Ohio and Pennsylvania, a Post poll found shockingly high percentages of voters who regard Clinton as dishonest and untrustworthy. The negative attacks she has launched against Obama have hurt him but equally have added to her reputation for opportunism.

That is why so many Democrats are praying for this divisive primary campaign to end. They sense, correctly, that the longer it goes on, the better it is for John McCain.

But how does anyone persuade the first serious African American candidate, the leader in every relevant measure of popular support, to abandon a historic candidacy?

And how does anyone persuade the first serious female candidate, the possessor of the best brand name in Democratic politics, and a politician who has battled back from seeming defeat at least three times already, that she should quit?

The Democrats have to resolve this somehow. The longer this goes on, the greater the costs in November.

davidbroder@washpost.com