Nikki Haley, a rising star in the Republican Party, delivered a powerful blow to former President Donald Trump with her victory in the Vermont primary. While Trump and Democratic incumbent Joe Biden secured easy victories in most of the Super Tuesday elections, Haley’s triumph in Vermont showcased her appeal to moderate voters. Despite trailing in national and state-level polls, Haley’s recent wins in Vermont and Washington, DC have given her campaign a glimmer of hope.
On the other hand, Biden faced protests over his stance on Israel’s war in Gaza and suffered a minor loss in American Samoa. Grassroots movements in Michigan called on voters to choose the “uncommitted” option on their ballots as a rebuke to Biden’s support for Israel. The movement garnered significant support, with an estimated 101,000 votes in the Michigan primary. Similar sentiments were evident in Minnesota, a crucial swing state, where the “uncommitted” option secured second place in the Democratic primary.
Super Tuesday highlighted the vulnerabilities in both Haley’s and Biden’s campaigns. While Haley’s victories may indicate weaknesses in Trump’s bid for re-election, Biden’s decreasing poll numbers and the tight race against Trump raise concerns for the Democratic candidate. Additionally, down-ballot primaries, such as the race to replace the late Senator Dianne Feinstein in California, showcased the potential vulnerability of progressive candidates. Republican Steve Garvey, a former baseball player with no previous political experience, emerged as the winner, leaving the political careers of progressive representatives Barbara Lee and Katie Porter in question.
The Republican Party also faced internal power struggles, as seen in Texas, where the race between state Representative Dade Phelan and his opponent David Covey highlighted the battle for the soul of the party. Phelan, representing the more establishment branch of the party, faced opposition from the far-right faction due to his role in the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton. The primary race resulted in a close contest, leading to a runoff in May.
Despite setbacks for both candidates, it is likely that Biden and Trump will face off in a rematch in November’s general elections. Trump reiterated his familiar themes of American decline and positioned himself as the only one capable of reversing this trend. He criticized Biden for inflation, the immigration crisis at the US-Mexico border, and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Meanwhile, Biden warned of the existential threat Trump poses to US democracy and positioned himself as the candidate of unity.
As the primary season progresses, Haley’s unexpected victories and Biden’s vulnerabilities will continue to shape the race. The general elections in November will determine the future of the country and whether the Republicans or Democrats will gain control of the House and the Senate. Both candidates have set their campaign strategies in motion, and the battle for the presidency promises to be fierce.
