4 Important Takeaways From Michigan's Democratic And GOP Primaries
Tuesday saw the victories of Joe Biden and Donald Trump in their respective primaries in Michigan, but a closer look at the numbers raises serious questions for both campaigns as they prepare for what is expected to be an increasingly unpredictable rematch in November. Here are four important takeaways from Michigan's democratic and GOP primaries.
Author:Rhyley CarneyReviewer:Paula M. GrahamFeb 29, 20246.6K Shares120.2K Views
Tuesday saw the victories of Joe Biden and Donald Trump in their respective primaries in Michigan, but a closer look at the numbers raises serious questions for both campaigns as they prepare for what is expected to be an increasingly unpredictable rematch in November. Here are four importanttakeaways from Michigan's democratic and GOP primaries.
Progressives, young voters, and Arab American Democrats sent Biden a warning during the Democratic primary in the form of a "uncommitted" protest vote: change your stance on Israel's war in Gaza or face losing a sizable portion of support in a state that could be crucial for the general election.
Why This Matters
Voters who identify as Arab Americans and young people, who are crucial to Biden's victory in Michigan in 2020, came out in large numbers on Tuesday to support "uncommitted" in the Democratic primary rather than Biden.
With 98.5% of the votes counted, the protest vote, which was sparked by resentment over Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war, had attracted more than 100,000 supporters – several times more than the organizers had anticipated.
That lessened the glimmer of victory for Biden, who received over 80% of the vote, and indicated that he will need to do a lot of convincing between now and November.
Michigan campaign manager Layla Elabed said:
“„We need more than just nice words and hope. We need a permanent ceasefire (in Gaza).- Layla Elabed
Additional lessons learned from Michigan:
Biden Also Faces Additional Issues
- A startling discrepancy in enthusiasm between the Democratic and Republican primaries provided another shock to the president's campaign on Tuesday.
- Despite the Democratic side's protest effort encouraging voter turnout, about 40% more individuals cast ballots in the Republican primary than in the Democratic one.
- More Republican votes were cast for Trump, who again defeated former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, than for Biden, "uncommitted," and the other two candidates combined in the Democratic primary.
Trump's Announcement Wasn't Entirely Positive
About 27% of Republicans voted for Haley, which may not be nearly enough to win the Republican nomination but is still enough to indicate that a significant portion of the GOP may never back Trump, contributing to the spike in GOP voters.
Super Tuesday is next week, and while contests are being held in 16 states, Trump is predicted to win hundreds of delegates and almost secure the GOP candidacy. As a result, Haley's campaign may not survive.
However, Haley's level of popularity indicates that a large portion of her supporters would abstain from voting in November or, in the event that Trump is on the ballot, even support Biden.
Not A Great Night For Dean Phillips
Democrat from Minnesota, Phillips resigned from the House in October of last year to pursue a presidential bid. He started criticizing the 81-year-old Biden frequently, stating that he ought to make way for a new generation of leaders and that he was too old to run for office again.
The 55-year-old Phillips said that Biden ought to face opposition in the Democratic primary.
It hasn't quite worked out: Democrats have harshly criticized Phillips for his lack of success in his campaign and for allegedly aiding Trump in his preparations for what is expected to be a rematch with Biden.
The Democratic primary in Michigan seemed to be the last one. With Biden, "uncommitted," and spiritual teacher and author Marianne Williamson ahead of her, Phillips seemed destined for fourth place.
Conclusion
The results of Tuesday's Michigan primary between President Biden and former President Trump were almost certain. However, Biden's victory highlighted his weaknesses in a pivotal swing state that might determine the presidential outcome in November. Four important takeaways from Michigan's democratic and GOP primaries also suggest the same.
Rhyley Carney
Author
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
Latest Articles
Popular Articles