Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on what to expect from voters on Super Tuesday
PBS NewsHourMar 02
Super Tuesday: Biden, Trump Solidify Path to November
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The Facts
Pres. Joe Biden and Donald Trump gained momentum in their respective Democratic and Republican primaries across 16 states and one US Territory on "Super Tuesday," further cementing the likelihood of a 2020 rematch in November.
On the biggest day of the nomination races, GOP contender Nikki Haley scored a lone victory in the Vermont primary, while entrepreneur Jason Palmer beat Biden in American Samoa. In a major announcement, Haley suspended her presidential campaign following the contests.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Super Tuesday unsurprisingly showed Pres. Joe Biden and former Pres. Donald Trump as their respective parties' favorites. Very concerning is the GOP's clear and continued deterioration into far-right extremism. However, Trump underperformed in some areas, and Biden has major strengths that will come into play when democracy is on the line in November.
Pro-Trump narrative
Super Tuesday inflicted a historic knockout blow to Nikki Haley from former President Trump. Haley must call on her supporters to unify behind Trump, making his momentum in a showdown with Biden even stronger. Voters are clearly concerned over crime and immigration — they spoke loudly on Super Tuesday and Biden should be concerned about his weak position as election season comes into focus.
