Pennsylvania Fault Lines

He spoke of campaigning by nuns around the state, of a special "Catholic conversation" hosted by some of Clinton's prominent Catholic supporters just before CNN's "Compassion Forum," and even of the fact that Chelsea Clinton had attended Mass at St. Christopher's parish in northeast Philadelphia with Catholic supporters.

The Obama campaign was slower in organizing Catholics, but this month it announced the formation of a Catholic "advisory council" whose ranks include Sharon Daly, a former top official at Catholic Charities USA, and Mary Jo Bane, who served in the Department of Health and Human Services in Bill Clinton's administration. Since Catholics have a history of backing the victorious presidential candidate, the struggle over Catholic voters will be closely tied to arguments with superdelegates over whether Clinton or Obama is more electable.

Ultimately, Obama may face a contradiction, or at least a paradox.

He has succeeded in beating back racial stereotypes by presenting himself as a cerebral and unifying figure who disdains confrontation and heated rhetoric. But many Catholic voters, particularly those in blue-collar ranks, are skeptical of his transformative oratory and cool personality. "They want to see some fight, some grit and some specifics," said one Democrat who is neutral but wishes Obama well.

There is only so much Obama can do to deal with outright racial prejudice. But in grappling with his difficulties among Catholic voters, Obama may find a way to ease the burdens of race.

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