Just like Clinton and Obama ahead of this evening’s Pennsylvania primary, Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO) and Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) are already spinning the results of Yahoo’s upcoming earnings report. Yahoo (Clinton) is expected to do well tonight, so it’s quietly looking to play down inflated expectations. Microsoft (Obama) wants to ensure that even a “loss” is seen as no big deal. Speaking in Morocco, via AP, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer commented on this evening’s earnings: “We think we can accelerate our strategy by buying Yahoo and will pay what makes sense for our shareholders… I wish Yahoo all the success with its results, but it doesn’t affect the value of Yahoo to Microsoft.”

And Yahoo: Sources “leaked” to NYP this morning that results would be good, but that they won’t “blow the lid off.” Take that for what you will.

• In The Batter’s Box: Yahoo To Report Tomorrow