Buttigieg, Sanders Charge Forward; Biden on the Ropes?

Much is on the line this weekend, with Friday evening, Feb. 7, as we went to press, seeing the Democratic Party’s debate in New Hampshire. The Granite state’s primary is next Tuesday and much is on the line, especially for Vice President Biden.

The Iowa Caucuses were a disaster, and with the troubles counting the votes I think its importance was somewhat diminished, though former Indianapolis Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Bernie Sanders were clearly winners, with former vice-president Joseph Biden a loser. I think it also confirmed the growing belief that Senator Sanders has become the clear choice of Democratic progressives over Senator Elizabeth Warren.

Tuesday’s primary could be critical for Biden as he tries to remain viable as the moderate candidate and do well enough to maintain some momentum with races in South Carolina and Nevada, where he is expected to do well. The candidates face two factors that have no parallel in past races: delegate rich states of California and Texas voting early on Super Tuesday March 4, and the unprecedented candidacy of former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. He has skipped the early primaries and has made large television ad buys in the Super Tuesday states. The potential fall of Vice President Biden is likely to provide a momentum boost to Bloomberg.

State of the Union (SOTU) Speech and Impeachment Acquittal

President Donald Trump demonstrated his renowned showmanship with a SOTU speech performance in Congress last week. I believe this is a preview of the stump speeches he will give at re-election rallies. His economic and socially conservative record is strong and he delivers his message with flair.

Trump also demonstrated unusual restraint in sticking to the prepared text and not going after the Democrats who voted to impeach him, though he more than made up for it on Thursday at both the National Prayer Breakfast and his White House victory lap.

His failure to shake hands with the House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and then her tearing up the copy of the speech demonstrated just how bitter the partisan divide has become. My first job in politics was 50 years ago, and I don’t remember any time when the divide was as sharp as it is today. While the President talks about coming together to pass bills on prescription drugs and infrastructure I think that will be a big challenge and likely impossible to accomplish prior to the November elections.

Figure: Top Trump Tweets

Buttigieg, Sanders Charge Forward; Biden on the Ropes?
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