Clinton and Trump's Super Week

Politico

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were the big winners on Super Tuesday. Both the Republican and Democratic frontrunner made their lead stronger, as each won 7 states. It looks like it will be Hillary Clinton vs. Donald Trump in the November general election. Can anyone stop them still? It's possible, however the likelihood of that happening is decreasing day by day. It looks like America narrowed its choice down. The question now is, who will you support now?

Hillary Clinton knew it was going to be a big night for her, but she was still cautious. Why? Because Bernie Sanders is showing no signs of a slow-down. He is still dangerously close to her, but it looks like she is able to keep the lead steadily. However, she needs to work on gaining his voter's support. It is not guaranteed at all, that if he drops out, that they will all just flock behind her. Although Trump has the same problem. Nevertheless, she is in a very good place right now, but still far from 100% there.

Donald Trump too is in a very good place right now. He won Super Tuesday overwhelmingly. It is now clear that he is the front runner as he can win among every group of electorates, and at every part of the country. And by a lot. He is also bringing lot's of new people to the Republican Party, which is much needed for them. Cruz is doing well again. He had a bad February after Iowa, but he is back now. He carried his home state of Texas, as well as Oklahoma and Alaska. He is the best challenger to Trump at this point, and that frightens even more people than the idea of Trump. And that is bad.

There is also a possible opening for a 3rd party candidate. Something, or someone like Ross Perot. Trump and Hillary are both so polarizing and hated by so many people, that someone else could impact the race greatly. They will never win against these two, but could split the votes, and catapult someone to the White House.

Rubio though is in growing trouble. He has only won Minnesota so far, and that won't be enough. He is now focusing on Florida. If he can't win that, he is out. Kasich should already be out. While Carson is already actually out, as only 4 candidates remain in the race now. We'll talk about his exit too soon, over the next few days. But Florida will be deciding factor for sure. Rubio was already campaigning there on Super Tuesday. As was Trump. And Hillary. 2016, as a whole, could be decided by Florida. Something like 2000, but for vastly different reasons.

The Republicans also had a debate this week. Without Carson already, but that is just better that way anyways. Rubio and Cruz kept attacking Trump. Trump attacked back. It was all pathetic and sans actual policy issues. We will not discuss some of the debate topics that were discussed on stage. It is not suitable for this blog. It was that bad. But will it be enough to stop Trump? Maybe. Cruz had a good Super Saturday afterwards.

Slate.com

Speaking of Super Saturday, Cruz was the big winner. He won in Kansas and Maine, and came a lot closer to Trump in Kentucky and Louisiana, than previously expected. He fortified his message from Tuesday, which is that he is the only viable candidate who can beat Trump. And at this point, he may actually be. Rubio hasn't won any new states, and Kasich is dangerously close to him. One of them would need to drop out now, so that the other one has a chance. And even then, it would be a very small chance at this point. But neither will drop out before March 15, when their home states, Ohio and Florida vote. And right now it looks like it won't even matter that much what happens that night. They might both loose and drop out.

It's a shame though, because Rubio is really the only candidate who Hillary, or even Bernie, should fear. He is young, latino, had a poor/immigrant childhood, and is conservative. It is a bombshell for the Democrats. If anyone can beat them, it's him. Although we don't know what Trump is capable of. He has broken avery rule and expectation so far. Why shouldn't he be able to beat Hillary too at this point? But the problem is that Rubio can't get through Trump and Cruz first. It's a real shame, because Hillary would be scared of him for sure. Many republicans don't want Trump and dislike Cruz too, but for some reason, Rubio is unable to gather those votes behind him. Unfortunately for the Republicans, Cruz will never win a general election. Period. So at this point if not Marco, they might as well just stick with Trump.

On the Democrat's side, Bernie won Kansas and Nebraska. But Hillary won Louisiana. It was all expected, but it is still a much needed boost for Sanders. He will probably win in Maine as well tonight. But Bernie's problem is that he has to win more of the non-white votes. And Michigan next week will tell us a lot about that. At the same time, Hillary needs to do better with the white vote. Sure she is about equality and all, but you can't just ignore the white vote either. This is not 2060. Yet. 

                                      This is how the races look right now (Wikipedia):

What's ahead:

The Democrats debate tonight in Flint, Michigan. It will be a symbolic event, and will make Michigan even more important in this years's primary race calendar. The polls show a close race between Clinton and Sanders, but a good performance from someone might be able to give some the much needed lead.

Reagan Library/Getty Images

On the Republican's side, more campaigning as several key races will occur soon in March. Also, with passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan, Ronald Reagan's life and policies will be even more prominently featured on the campaign trail. If that is even possible. We would also like to take this moment to say goodbye to Nancy Reagan, as she was a formidable First Lady, and a marvellous woman! Many people can thank her for changing their life. She will be greatly missed, but has left behind a very influential legacy.

Rest in Peace Nancy Reagan (1921-2016)!

This is an original material of Finchley 1959.