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Joe Biden steams ahead of Bernie Sanders with primary victories – live Joe Biden steams ahead of Bernie Sanders with primary victories – live
(32 minutes later)
Former vice-president solidifies frontrunner status with wins in Michigan and elsewhereFormer vice-president solidifies frontrunner status with wins in Michigan and elsewhere
With the Democratic primaries down to two real candidates, only one state really mattered on mini-Super Tuesday: Michigan. Bernie Sanders has staked his electability on his alleged unique ability to win swing states like Michigan, the so-called “rust belt” states that had fallen to Donald Trump in 2016. In fact, some of the most questionable decisions of his 2020 campaign – doing a Fox News Town Hall and touting a controversial endorsement by Joe Rogan – were based on the rationale that Sanders alone could win back white working-class voters who had abandoned the Democratic party for Trump.
Despite trailing in the polls by 25%, he had eked out a narrow but significant win over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primaries. Sanders supporters hoped this would play out again on Tuesday night, but it was not to be. His loss to Joe Biden might not shake the belief of Sanders and his supporters that he, and he alone, can defeat Trump in November, but it most likely does end his chance at winning the Democratic nomination.
This should not really have come as a surprise. Despite all the hype after the first three primaries, in wildly unrepresentative and largely irrelevant states, Sanders was winning by pluralities between one-quarter and one-third of the vote. In several cases his support was only half that of 2016, suggesting his surprise success last time was as much anti-Clinton protest as pro-Sanders support. Even when the field started to thin, Sanders only won a majority in his home state of Vermont, and only barely so.
While Super Tuesday was brutal for the large size of the Biden wins, the modest Sanders wins were equally telling. Despite massive campaigning efforts in terms of both money and personnel and very favorable poll numbers for weeks, Sanders won just 34% of the vote in California. Biden, who had barely campaigned in the Golden State, came second with 27%, just seven points behind.
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In the days leading up to a must-win Tuesday Michigan primary, Bernie Sanders criss-crossed the state, firing up thousands of supporters and taking the stage with star surrogates in a bid to repeat his momentum-shifting 2016 upset of Hillary Clinton.
As the polls closed, it seemed to some that a surprise win might not be out of the question. But not for long.
The crushing reality of defeat hit the Michigan Sanders campaign staff at a downtown Detroit watch party by 9pm. News outlets called the race for Joe Biden, all but sealing the former vice-president’s nomination and Sanders’ now likely defeat in the race overall. Several staffers shed tears. Others left the party early.
Sanders supporter Kevin Neems called the results “depressing”.
“It’s just hard to understand. Hard to comprehend. Hard to wrap your head around,” he said.
While the loss crushed Sanders’ staff and supporters, many maintained an optimistic tone, choosing to view the candidate’s progressive campaign as part of a longer game that went beyond any single election season.
“He got millions of votes and his message resonates with young voters, but there were things that couldn’t necessarily be controlled,” Neems added. “It’s clear that the progressive movement is growing even if this is a setback.”
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While Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have been cancelling rallies because of the coronavirus, Donald Trump has booked in a new one.While Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have been cancelling rallies because of the coronavirus, Donald Trump has booked in a new one.
He will launch a “Catholics for Trump” coalition on March 19 in Milwaukee.He will launch a “Catholics for Trump” coalition on March 19 in Milwaukee.
Trump has consistently played down the risks of the coronavirus and the state of the epidemic, and claimed Democrats are exaggerating its impact in order to damage the economy and hurt his chances of re-election.Trump has consistently played down the risks of the coronavirus and the state of the epidemic, and claimed Democrats are exaggerating its impact in order to damage the economy and hurt his chances of re-election.
In addition, the president seems to get a galvanising effect from appearing live on stage in front of large gatherings of his supporters, and views his rallies in 2016 as having played a key role in his election. He often works out attack lines and policy positions on stage.In addition, the president seems to get a galvanising effect from appearing live on stage in front of large gatherings of his supporters, and views his rallies in 2016 as having played a key role in his election. He often works out attack lines and policy positions on stage.
Whether in the next week he will have to cancel this Milwaukee event – and book in far fewer public appearances over the next few months – remains to be seen.Whether in the next week he will have to cancel this Milwaukee event – and book in far fewer public appearances over the next few months – remains to be seen.
Polling earlier this week seemed to suggest that efforts by Trump and his allies to play down the threat of the virus were having a real-world impact. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that “Democrats are about twice as likely as Republicans to say the coronavirus poses an imminent threat to the United States,” and “More Democrats than Republicans say they are taking steps to be prepared, including washing their hands more often or limiting their travel plans.”Polling earlier this week seemed to suggest that efforts by Trump and his allies to play down the threat of the virus were having a real-world impact. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that “Democrats are about twice as likely as Republicans to say the coronavirus poses an imminent threat to the United States,” and “More Democrats than Republicans say they are taking steps to be prepared, including washing their hands more often or limiting their travel plans.”
Another poll, by Axios/SurveyMonkey, found that 62% of Republicans thought news reports about the seriousness of the novel coronavirus were “generally exaggerated,” double the percentage of Democrats saying the same (31%).Another poll, by Axios/SurveyMonkey, found that 62% of Republicans thought news reports about the seriousness of the novel coronavirus were “generally exaggerated,” double the percentage of Democrats saying the same (31%).
Joe Biden had an interesting exchange with a worker at an assembly plant in Detroit on Tuesday, telling the man he was “full of shit” and a “horse’s ass” after he claimed the former vice-president was planning to “take away our guns”.Joe Biden had an interesting exchange with a worker at an assembly plant in Detroit on Tuesday, telling the man he was “full of shit” and a “horse’s ass” after he claimed the former vice-president was planning to “take away our guns”.
Donald Trump’s team saw it as a gaffe, with his deputy director of communications for rapid response quickly tweeting out the clip:Donald Trump’s team saw it as a gaffe, with his deputy director of communications for rapid response quickly tweeting out the clip:
Trump’s team usually has brutally effective instincts for honing in an opponent’s weak spots – although of course they often post misleading material too.Trump’s team usually has brutally effective instincts for honing in an opponent’s weak spots – although of course they often post misleading material too.
In this instance though they may have miscalculated. The clip shows Biden at ease with a working-class crowd in a way that previous Democratic candidates – whether Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or John Kerry – have often found difficult. Winning over working-class voters in the rust belt is seen to be key to Biden’s strategy for beating Trump.In this instance though they may have miscalculated. The clip shows Biden at ease with a working-class crowd in a way that previous Democratic candidates – whether Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or John Kerry – have often found difficult. Winning over working-class voters in the rust belt is seen to be key to Biden’s strategy for beating Trump.
It also shows him giving as good as he gets, defending his position aggressively – something that may be reassuring to many Democrats nervous about Trump steamrollering over their candidate in the presidential debates and elsewhere.It also shows him giving as good as he gets, defending his position aggressively – something that may be reassuring to many Democrats nervous about Trump steamrollering over their candidate in the presidential debates and elsewhere.
And it sets out his stall as a moderate – opposed to the extremes of gun ownership but not gun ownership itself. “I support the second amendment … I have a shotgun, I have a 20-gauge, a 12-gauge. My sons hunt,” Biden said, before asking, presumably to suggest there are limits to what ordinary gun owners should be allowed: “You need 100 rounds? ... Are you able to own a machine gun?”And it sets out his stall as a moderate – opposed to the extremes of gun ownership but not gun ownership itself. “I support the second amendment … I have a shotgun, I have a 20-gauge, a 12-gauge. My sons hunt,” Biden said, before asking, presumably to suggest there are limits to what ordinary gun owners should be allowed: “You need 100 rounds? ... Are you able to own a machine gun?”
It seems unlikely to me that Biden’s team will be disappointed if the video continues to do the rounds today.It seems unlikely to me that Biden’s team will be disappointed if the video continues to do the rounds today.
North Dakota has been called for Bernie Sanders. He won 53% of the vote, to Biden’s 40%. The state only offers 14 delegates, however.North Dakota has been called for Bernie Sanders. He won 53% of the vote, to Biden’s 40%. The state only offers 14 delegates, however.
Washington is the only state not to have been called yet from last night’s crop.Washington is the only state not to have been called yet from last night’s crop.
Democratic stalwarts such as James Carville called for Bernie Sanders to drop out of the race yesterday, and South Carolina congressman Jim Clyburn – whose support for Biden in his state was instrumental there – even called for the DNC to “shut this primary down” and cancel all future debates.Democratic stalwarts such as James Carville called for Bernie Sanders to drop out of the race yesterday, and South Carolina congressman Jim Clyburn – whose support for Biden in his state was instrumental there – even called for the DNC to “shut this primary down” and cancel all future debates.
The path ahead looks very difficult for the Vermont socialist. The next major slate of primaries is on March 17, and includes Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio.The path ahead looks very difficult for the Vermont socialist. The next major slate of primaries is on March 17, and includes Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio.
In Florida, Biden is 42.5 points ahead of his rival in polling averages, while recent polling in Arizona shows Biden at +28. Sanders lost all four states to Hillary Clinton in 2016.In Florida, Biden is 42.5 points ahead of his rival in polling averages, while recent polling in Arizona shows Biden at +28. Sanders lost all four states to Hillary Clinton in 2016.
But Sanders seems unlikely to go quietly – despite his decision not to speak after the results last night. His campaign said last night that he fully intended to take on Biden in Sunday’s debate in Arizona, and he still has a fiercely loyal support base, especially among the young and Latinos.But Sanders seems unlikely to go quietly – despite his decision not to speak after the results last night. His campaign said last night that he fully intended to take on Biden in Sunday’s debate in Arizona, and he still has a fiercely loyal support base, especially among the young and Latinos.
In 2016, his decision to stay in the race all the way to the bitter end – only endorsing Clinton in July of that year – was perceived by many of his supporters as helping push Clinton’s platform to the left, for example on healthcare. He may well aim to do the same with Biden this year.In 2016, his decision to stay in the race all the way to the bitter end – only endorsing Clinton in July of that year – was perceived by many of his supporters as helping push Clinton’s platform to the left, for example on healthcare. He may well aim to do the same with Biden this year.
Clinton supporters, of course, bitterly resent the fact Sanders stayed in the race so long, believing it weakened her in the general election, perhaps crucially.Clinton supporters, of course, bitterly resent the fact Sanders stayed in the race so long, believing it weakened her in the general election, perhaps crucially.
Donald Trump’s response to last night’s primary results seemed a little off the pace, continuing to blame Elizabeth Warren for Bernie Sanders’ defeats:Donald Trump’s response to last night’s primary results seemed a little off the pace, continuing to blame Elizabeth Warren for Bernie Sanders’ defeats:
Good morning.Good morning.
Joe Biden last night continued to cement his extraordinary comeback in the race to become the Democratic presidential nominee and take on Donald Trump in November.Joe Biden last night continued to cement his extraordinary comeback in the race to become the Democratic presidential nominee and take on Donald Trump in November.
The former vice-president to Barack Obama won at least four states in last night’s primaries – most significantly Michigan.The former vice-president to Barack Obama won at least four states in last night’s primaries – most significantly Michigan.
Leftwing senator Bernie Sanders beat Hillary Clinton there in the 2016 race, and last night’s disappointing result for Sanders suggested that his victory four years ago may have had more to do with dislike for the former secretary of state than his own strength in the rust belt. Last night Biden beat Sanders 53% to 37%.Leftwing senator Bernie Sanders beat Hillary Clinton there in the 2016 race, and last night’s disappointing result for Sanders suggested that his victory four years ago may have had more to do with dislike for the former secretary of state than his own strength in the rust belt. Last night Biden beat Sanders 53% to 37%.
The centrist ex-VP also won in Idaho, Missouri and Mississippi – where he took in 81% of the vote to Sanders’ 15%.The centrist ex-VP also won in Idaho, Missouri and Mississippi – where he took in 81% of the vote to Sanders’ 15%.
Sanders is leading in North Dakota with 78% of the vote in. In Washington state, the two candidates are neck and neck on 33% with 67% in.Sanders is leading in North Dakota with 78% of the vote in. In Washington state, the two candidates are neck and neck on 33% with 67% in.
Full results are here:Full results are here:
The results put Biden on 823 delegates to Sanders’ 663 and suggest the former vice-president is now pulling decisively ahead. His polling lead over the Vermont senator has skyrocketed since the withdrawal from the race of fellow moderates Michael Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar.The results put Biden on 823 delegates to Sanders’ 663 and suggest the former vice-president is now pulling decisively ahead. His polling lead over the Vermont senator has skyrocketed since the withdrawal from the race of fellow moderates Michael Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar.
By contrast Sanders seems only to have seen a slight polling bump from the departure of his fellow leftwinger Elizabeth Warren.By contrast Sanders seems only to have seen a slight polling bump from the departure of his fellow leftwinger Elizabeth Warren.
Biden gave a measured victory speech before a small crowd, praising Sanders and his supporters for their “tireless passion” and calling on them to help him defeat Donald Trump together. Sanders did not give a speech and returned to Vermont.Biden gave a measured victory speech before a small crowd, praising Sanders and his supporters for their “tireless passion” and calling on them to help him defeat Donald Trump together. Sanders did not give a speech and returned to Vermont.
There was a signal yesterday of how the race might be transformed by the coronavirus outbreak, which has now affected over 1,000 people in the US. Both the Biden campaign and the Sanders campaign had cancelled scheduled election night rallies in Ohio as a precaution against spreading the virus.There was a signal yesterday of how the race might be transformed by the coronavirus outbreak, which has now affected over 1,000 people in the US. Both the Biden campaign and the Sanders campaign had cancelled scheduled election night rallies in Ohio as a precaution against spreading the virus.
Biden’s campaign also cancelled an event in Florida, and tthe Sanders campaign said it would evaluate future events on a “case by case basis”.Biden’s campaign also cancelled an event in Florida, and tthe Sanders campaign said it would evaluate future events on a “case by case basis”.
The impact on Trump – who seems to draw such energy from live events and uses them to hone attack lines – remains to be seen.The impact on Trump – who seems to draw such energy from live events and uses them to hone attack lines – remains to be seen.
Biden also said he would deliver a speech on the virus this week.Biden also said he would deliver a speech on the virus this week.
Here’s more on the primary results:Here’s more on the primary results:
Today Trump is meeting secretary of state Mike Pompeo and Mike Pence, as well as bankers with whom he will discuss the coronavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Dr Robert Redfield and infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci testify before the House oversight and reform committee at 9.30am ET.Today Trump is meeting secretary of state Mike Pompeo and Mike Pence, as well as bankers with whom he will discuss the coronavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Dr Robert Redfield and infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci testify before the House oversight and reform committee at 9.30am ET.