Barack Obama’s landslide victory speech in North Carolina moved into the general election phase, graciously pandering to Hillary Clinton, but moving on to attacking his forthcoming opponent, John McCain.

Obama is now less than 200 delegates away from the nomination.

In a veiled way he called on the party to unite behind him, noting that the country is tired of division and distraction politics, which he says his campaign has overcome. He said, in effect, this is the difference between him and all others because he says this is the ‘way we intend to change this country.’

The tone change was obvious in this speech, Hillary was no longer the target and Obama put John McCain on his radar.

He said he would change divisive and polarizing politics by telling the truth.

Obama’s speech was presidential projecting hope for the future.

In contrast, at about 10:30 EST Hillary took the podium, declared victory, before anyone else did, in Indiana with what appeared to be a lack of vigor or enthusiasm in her delivery.

She talked about the past and her family, the gas, the health care, all the old saws. The comparison with Obama was striking.

She quoted Obama as saying at one point that Indiana was a tie breaker and then thanked the audience and said, “full speed onto the White House.” But it wasn’t delivered with much conviction.

She noted that Obama was outspending her massively and again pleaded for contributions and directed the audience to her website.

Obama’s speech was directed to the future, Hillary’s to the past even mentioning Bush, but not addressing McCain.

Among other old issues Clinton did mention Michigan and Florida, noting that it would be strange to select a candidate by 48 States.

She took a double digit licking in North Carolina.

What is left for Hillary? A major blunder by Obama, followed by the inclusion of delegates from Michigan and Florida for Hillary, both of which is highly unlikely.

Political pundits quickly noted that to take this nomination away from Barack Obama at this time would result in the destruction of the Democratic Party.