President Joe Biden and Donald Trump Lead Super Tuesday Results
On Super Tuesday, President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, showcased their dominance by winning in over a dozen states. Their victories included delegate-rich states such as California and Texas, solidifying a likely November rematch. The results put pressure on Nikki Haley, Trump’s last major rival, to consider exiting the Republican race. Only the tiny U.S. territory of American Samoa’s Democratic caucus was won by previously unknown candidate Jason Palmer, defeating Biden by a margin of 51 votes to 40.
Clear Trajectory: Biden and Trump Lead the Race
The results of Super Tuesday leave little doubt about the trajectory of the race. Both Biden, 81, and Trump, 77, continue to dominate their parties despite concerns about their age and limited popularity across the general electorate. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate hosted a victory party, and he used the opportunity to attack Biden over issues like the U.S.-Mexico border and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Biden, on the other hand, warned about the consequences of a Trump presidency and portrayed himself as a champion of progress.
Down-ballot Contests and Voters’ Concerns
While the focus was mainly on the presidential race, other important down-ballot contests took place. The gubernatorial race in North Carolina saw Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein securing their spots in the general election. In California, Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey clinched a place in the general election race for the Senate seat previously held by Dianne Feinstein.
Despite Biden’s and Trump’s dominance in their parties, a majority of Americans don’t view them as the ideal candidates for the job, according to a recent AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. The electorate wishes for alternatives to Biden and Trump, indicating a desire for a fresh generation of leaders. In the final days before Super Tuesday, both candidates focused on events addressing specific issues, such as immigration, to gain an edge in the race.
Challenges and Reactions
Trump’s victories on Super Tuesday showed vulnerabilities in areas with influential voter blocs, especially in college towns and among independent voters. The GOP race now mainly boils down to Trump and Nikki Haley, his former U.N. ambassador. Trump mocked Haley’s victories, and she emphasized the need for change in the GOP. Some voters, like Seth De Penning from Minnesota, voted for Haley because they want the Republican party to take a different course.
The ongoing concerns about the mental acuity and fitness of both Biden and Trump adds to the complexity of the race. Both candidates have faced scrutiny over their age and occasional verbal slips. Some voters, such as Susan Steele, believe it’s time for the next generation to take up leadership roles.
The road to the November election continues to unfold as Biden delivers the State of the Union address and campaigns in key swing states like Pennsylvania and Georgia. Trump’s low approval ratings and concerns about Biden’s capabilities have set the stage for a higher stakes rematch. The results of Super Tuesday have shed light on the challenges faced by both candidates and the desire for change among the electorate.
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6 in 10 US adults doubt mental capability of Biden and Trump, AP-NORC poll finds
Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Steve LeBlanc in Boston; David Sharp in Portland, Maine; Gary D. Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina; Sarah Rankin in Richmond, Virginia; Trisha Ahmed in Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and Seung Min Kim in Washington contributed to this report.
