Trump and Sanders crush New Hamsphire

AP Photo

Last night was the night. After months of speculation, questioning and laugh offs, both Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders proved that they are serious candidates, and that they are here to stay for a long time. They both finished second in Iowa, but New Hampshire proved that they are in no way perennial candidates anymore. And what a way to do it, Donald Trump won more than double of his nearest competitor John Kasich, while Bernie Sanders won upwards of 60% too. The question now is if they can continue their streak in South Carolina and Nevada respectively.

On the Democratic side, there were no questions at all. After an amazing debate performance, poll leads locally for months and severe recent gains nationally, Bernie Sanders absolutely crushed Hillary Clinton. It is true that the demographics and location of New Hampshire favoured Sanders, but the size of his win is unquestionable. He won in almost every category. He won among males and females, rich and poor, and young and middle-aged. Hillary Clinton managed to win among the elders, but even there barely. The size of her loss highlights all the problems of her campaign, and her lacklustre favorability and trustworthy ratings. Hillary Clinton has a lot of work to do, despite still being the favorite to be the eventual nominee. The campaigns are now on their way to Nevada, where currently Clinton is ahead, but Bernie is the one with the big momentum now and will certainly close his gap with the voters. And there is still a week and half, so expect Nevada to be a lot closer than you would have previously thought. 

Even if Bernie Sanders won't be the nominee, he has already made enough impact that actual change might be possible. He has raised issues that otherwise no one would have talked about, and Hillary now has to take him very seriously. Bernie Sanders has only done good for this campaign and country. But he still has a lot left to do, and we believe that he can win it! But he needs everyone's support, especially from the African-American community, and that is why it is very important that he has just netted three influential endorsements. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Benjamin Jealous and Reverend Al Sharpton all just backed the Vermont Senator, as they feel he is the right man to bring about inequality. If Obama made things worst, Bernie can certainly fix it! 

However despite almost doubling Hillary's support, Bernie only received the same amount of delegates as Hillary. This is just the latest sign that shows how rigged the American political system is and how the establishment is trying to knock Sanders out and crown Hillary. So people, everyone needs to go and vote and to:

#feelthebern

On the Republican side there were no surprises like in Iowa. But to be honest the chances of an upset here were pretty low. Trump easily carried the state, and this time polls were correct too. What was interesting on the Republican side is the fight for 2nd place. Eventually John Kasich was the winner, and he deserved it (full results at the bottom)! The Ohio Governor put everything into New Hampshire and it paid off. He is actually a very sensible man, and sadly doesn't get nearly as enough recognition for his views and power. Kasich could be essential for the Republicans in regaining the White House in November, as the governor of one of the biggest swing states and/or as a VP pick. It was a close race for the silver medal, but Kasich needed this. It is unclear if he can carry this momentum into South Carolina, but without it he should have quit.

Ted Cruz came in at third. Despite winning in Iowa, he was not a favorite here due to the demographics of the state. But a third place finish for him here is a very nice achievement, and gives him a good base for the South, where he is expected to do well. Jeb Bush came in at 4th place, beating Rubio and Christie, and almost catching Cruz. 11% of the vote in such a crowded field is a very nice result, but not when you look at how much he spent on ads. But it is enough to keep Bush as a credible man, and with a strong ground game in South Carolina, Bush should be safe for now.

Marco Rubio came in at 5th place. Based on his great performance in Iowa, this is a great result. But after that debate performance, it is understandable. Sadly Rubio crashed that night, and it shows. He is still however the strongest candidate to take on Trump and Cruz, so the Marcomentum needs to pick up some speed. The number of recent endorsements for him is a great place to start. The man who wounded Rubio was Chris Christie. His attacks destroyed him on the stage, but it didn't really help him either. He came in a disappointing 6th place, and we wouldn't be surprised if he would quit before South Carolina. But more on that when he goes through with it. But he really should stop and think about if his suicide bomber mission was worth it. Rupert Murdoch's description of the event may seem shocking at first, but when you think about it, he is right!

On a side note, we refuse to talk about Gilmore because he is not a real candidate. Who is a real candidate? Carly Fiorina. We absolutely love Carly Fiorina. But the race has ended for her after coming in at 7th place with just over 4% of the vote. We love Carly, she is a great debator and can be very proud for her achievements in August and September when everyone was talking about her. We fell in love with the former HP executive too, if it wouldn't already be clear. However, sadly she failed to capitalise on her debate wins and couldn't raise enough money and generate endorsements and enough of a momentum to go past New Hampshire. 

We really hope this is not the last time we see her. And we still think that she would be a wonderful VP for someone. And would actually pay to see her debate Hillary Clinton, now that would be fun! And because she is widely considered to be on the shortlist for several campaigns, don't expect to see her endorse anyone till the field becomes more clear. Bobby Jindal endorsed Rubio too in the meanwhile, but honestly who even cares about him? But who will her supporters choose now? Probably split among the main candidates, maybe a bit more to Carson and Trump, as they are political outsiders too.

With Mrs. Fiorina's departure, the field shrinks to 8 candidates. For now, as Christie could quit as early as tonight. And Gilmore? Who? Exactly. 

Carson could be leaving too soon. He did finish 4th in Iowa, but only 8th in New Hampshire. He must be close to leaving too undoubtedly. But he may have a chance in South Carolina, as he does seem to be generating a bit of a momentum there. But he would have to do really well there to continue onto Nevada. We'll see.

The candidates now head to South Carolina. And expect to see more of the Bushes. George W. Bush already made an ad for his brother's Super PAC,  and Barbara Bush was on the campaign trail over the weekend in New Hampshire. The time is running out fast for Bush. Very fast.

This is an original material of Finchley 1959.