Peaches & Cheeks

Dems talked unity last p.m. in Boston, but the party faces divisive primaries today in two states they're targeting this fall (GA and MI). Obama has treaded carefully in both races, each of which features racial undertones. But how will today's votes affect his chances in each state?

-- In GA, Obama rebuked Vernon Jones, a conservative black Dem who backed Pres. Bush twice, for trying to share his "Yes We Can!" mantra. But he has declined to back Jones' rival, Jim Martin, whose base of white, rural Dems is key to Obama this fall. If Jones wins today, will it complicate Obama's plans to compete in GA as part of a mainstream, united ticket?

-- A stickier situation is going down in Motown, where Rep. Kilpatrick faces Dem challengers who attack her and her son, Mayor Kwame. The congresswoman - who stayed neutral in the WH primary, but was a tacit HRC supporter - sure could use Obama's help. But he has studiously avoided taking sides in a state where he's struggling to overcome McCain's head start. The last thing he needs are more bruised feelings among defeated Dems.

-- Obama's birthday party raised $5M, some of it from HRC supporters who he has recently brought aboard. But the harsh light of today reminds us he may still have to tend to a few bruises.