Clinton wins five states in disappointing evening for Sanders. Trump slowed by Kasich win in Ohio

[updated at 8:30 am]

Hillary Clinton had a blowout night with wins in Florida, North Caroliona, Ohio, and Illinois -- and an essentially tied race in Missouri, but she squeaked out a slight advantage in the end.   I had thought Sanders was going to repeat his Michigan upset in Ohio and perhaps win Illinois and Missouri;  but it didn't materialize.

Trump won big in Florida, and Rubio bowed out of the race.   But Trump's momentum was slowed by the loss of Ohio to Kasich's solid win there.   It is still a mathematical possibility for Trump to reach the magic 50%+ in delegates before the convention, but it will be a much, much steeper climb than had he won Ohio.

On the Democratic side, Sanders' losses to Clinton make it very difficult for him to overtake her for the nomination, even though the next races coming up are not especially good for her.   Sanders did not get the momentum or delegates he needed tonight.

Rubio made a graceful, passionate exit speech, acknowledging that it just was not the year for a positive, optimistic campaign.   He cast no blame in accepting his defeat.

Cruz made a speech trying to crown himself as the only one who can stop Trump;  but he has even less chance of winning the required delegates than Trump.   So how is it that he thinks he gets there, if he doesn't beat Trump in any of the five states -- or win over the establishment, who now are more likely to coalesce around Kasich? 

So, the only real clarity that came from tonight seems to be Clinton's better-than-expected enhancement of her already formidable delegate count -- and the fact that she, not Sanders, is going to get the momentum from this Super Tuesday II.

Ralph