A very interesting point is made by Jordon Cooper as he describes the current scenario working itself out between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama:

While I think Barack Obama will win the Democratic primary, Clinton(s) is showing the Republican how to beat him or at least draw some blood. and testing out the strategy that McCain will be able to use in the general election. The longer Clinton stays in the race the more blood she draws, she drains Obama’s money and time from focusing on John McCain who is hitting Barack Obama daily.

Not that I think McCain is a really strong candidate in the first place, but it’s going to be tough for Obama if he emerges in April or May (or June, July, or August) with all the battle scars of a rough primary season. Clinton has laid the groundwork for what might be an effective strategy to take down Obama. He might not have what it takes to punch back, especially if Clinton is able to open up cuts on issues like the whole, “Who do you want answering the phone at 3am?” question. I think McCain can make the case that HE is the best one to answer the phone.

But that general election is still a long ways away.