In any election or contest there are crunch points, points where individuals step to the fore and all future events are decided. Tomorrow is one such event.
The political bloodbath that is known as Super Tuesday takes place tomorrow morning in 12 American states and one overseas territory. By the end of tomorrow, we should know definitively who America wants to be its candidates on both the Demoratic and Republican tickets.
The long road of caucusing, campaigning, mudslinging and debating which began prior to the first New Hampshire primary will end. Everything comes down to this and potentially the next four years of US government will be shaped tomorrow, when voters from Alabama to Wyoming cast their ballots.
So, what can we expect?
Concession speeches on an almost hourly basis, words of congratulation and commiseration on both sides, a practical re-purposing of existing campaigns to a more election facing slant and a great deal of column inches and editorials.
Who are the potential winners?
The Republican field of candidates has dominated both the US and international media with one candidate being thrust into the public eye: Donald J Trump. Mr Trump’s predominantly extreme views and election campaigning style have undoubtedly appealed to American voters, keen to return to the “good ole days” when America commanded the world. This brash, Pope bothering and gaffe prone pseudo-political heavyweight has been keen to exploit what many see as the failings of the Obama administration and the fears of ordinary Americans in a post 9/11 world.
While he has garnered votes and won districts, his rivals have appeared almost impotent in their inaction. Their failure to play the campaign his way has cost them potential nominations. Only Marco Rubio seems to have got that message, but it’s too little too late for his candidacy. Trump should win and win comfortably.
The loudness of the Republican campaign has been in stark contrast to the quiet and dignified Democratic campaign and its two largest candidates: Hillary Clinton and the businessman Bernie Sanders.
Clinton, a onetime first lady and secretary of state under President Obama has won 3 out of the 4 presidential primaries, with the only exception being her dead heat with Sanders in New Hampshire. She is a seasoned politician and has raised almost $130m for her campaign, raising almost $21m more than when she ran against Barack Obama in 2008. It’s hard to see any other result than a Clinton victory but expect a few minor shocks from Sanders along the way.
The popular HBO series Game of Thrones has a saying “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die”. In many senses this can be applied to the forthcoming contest, with the exception that the only deaths will be political ones (hopefully). Once America chooses its respective candidates on both sides then the game will truly begin, culminating on November 8th when one will rise above the other and claim the ultimate prize: The Presidency of the United States.
© R Simmons. All Rights Reserved.
