Super Tuesday saw both Trump and Biden securing victories in statewide nominating contests across the United States, setting the stage for a historic rematch in the upcoming November general election. Trump emerged victorious in 14 out of 15 states for the Republicans, including key states like California and Texas, effectively securing his third consecutive presidential nomination despite facing multiple criminal charges.
In a victory speech at his Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida, Trump criticized Biden’s immigration policies and labeled him as the “worst president” in history. Biden, on the other hand, focused on portraying Trump as a threat to American democracy, emphasizing the clear choice facing the American people.
Biden dominated the Democratic contests, winning in 15 states, although facing a protest vote in Minnesota and six other states due to concerns about his strong support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. The results showed unexpectedly strong support for the “uncommitted” vote in Minnesota, standing at 19 percent.
The potential rematch between the 77-year-old Trump and the 81-year-old Biden, the first repeat US presidential match-up since 1956, is not eagerly anticipated by many Americans. Both candidates have low approval ratings among voters, with immigration and the economy being top concerns for Republican voters.
The pressure on Nikki Haley to drop out of the race increased following Tuesday’s results, with her campaign facing challenges. In California, Adam Schiff, the lead prosecutor in Trump’s first impeachment trial, advanced to the general election, and in Arizona, independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema announced she would not seek re-election, setting up a crucial battle for her seat.
Trump-endorsed Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson won the Republican nomination for governor in North Carolina, facing Democratic Attorney-General Josh Stein in a highly contested race. Haley’s challenge has exposed some of Trump’s potential vulnerabilities in a general election, with her performing well among independent, well-educated, and suburban voters.
Despite these developments, both Trump and Biden have their weaknesses. Trump is set to begin his first criminal trial on March 25 in New York, facing charges related to falsifying business records and election interference. Biden faces concerns about his age, adding another layer of complexity to the upcoming election.
