Results So Far in the Primaries

Results So Far in the Primaries

This table shows the state-by-state results for all of the primaries and caucuses that have taken place so far this year. To win the primary nomination, the Republican candidate needs to win 1,237 delegates. Currently (as of March 15, before the day's results are all in) Donald Trump is in the lead with 469. In second is Ted Cruz, who has won 369 delegates. Then there's Marco Rubio and John Kasich with 163 and 63, respectively. The Democratic presidential nominee will need to win 2,383 delegates. Hilary Clinton is closer to that goal than Bernie Sanders; she's won 768 delegates, while Bernie's only won 554. Considering the results so far, do you think the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees are already set? If not, who do you think still has a chance at either nomination,  and why? What do you expect to happen in the remaining primaries?

Democrats and Republicans Surveyed After Voting on Super Tuesday 3

Democrats and Republicans Surveyed After Voting on Super Tuesday 3

Today (Tuesday, March 15) primary elections were held in Ohio, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and Missouri. CNN conducted exit polls to determine what both Democratic and Republican voters were thinking when they chose their candidates. Members of both parties said they were concerned about the state of the United States' economy and its economic future, but a greater proportion of Republicans responded this way than Democrats. Do you think their worries reflect on the values of the Republican Party, or on the Republican presidential candidates? Additionally, a larger percentage of Republicans than Democrats were "late-deciders," meaning they didn't know which candidate they would be voting for until recently. Again, how does this reflect on the Republican candidates? Does this show that Republican voters are disappointed with the their party?

Why Bernie Sanders needs to start winning big states- big

While Bernie Sanders has fought a formidable race against frontrunner Hilary Clinton in this presidential race he is still falling behind her in national polls and delegates won.  He needs to win some big states with a lot of delegates if he wants to catch up to her.  Where do you think it is most likely that he will win and do you really thing he has a chance of ever beating her and becoming the democratic nominee?

Marco Rubio Wins D.C. GOP Convention

Marco Rubio after falling behind in the polls now is fourth in most national polls however this recent victory has possibly helped him to reestablish his image. Does Marco Rubio have a chance at this point or should he drop out due to low poll numbers.  He is the Republican establishments first choice but right now that does not seem to be  doing him any good.

Joe Biden: The Senate’s Duty on a Supreme Court Nominee

Joe Biden: The Senate’s Duty on a Supreme Court Nominee

In this New York Times Op-Ed, Vice President Joseph Biden outlines his experience in being involved in nominating nine justices to the Supreme Court during his 36 years in the Senate. He stresses that in each of these instances the nomination process adhered to the Constitution. He feels strongly that the Constitution plainly states what politicians need to do after Justice Scalia died. Biden is also saddened that the opposition will not even consider a nominee until after the fall election. He sends a plea to Republican leaders to “take a step back and think about what they are doing.” He implores them to uphold the oath they have taken as members of Congress, especially “if they love the Senate as much as I do.” Do you think that Biden’s words will sway any Republicans to change their minds? How do you predict this stalemate may end? How might the outcome of cases that the present justices are deliberating on change now that Justice Scalia has passed away?

Mitt Romney Calls Donald Trump 'A Phony, A Fraud'; Trump Hits Back

Mitt Romney Calls Donald Trump 'A Phony, A Fraud'; Trump Hits Back

Mitt Romney is the latest Republican to criticize Donald Trump and question his fitness to be president. He called him a fraud, a phony, and a con artist. Romney also called into question Trump's economic plans, saying that his ideas to restore American jobs from offshore is "flimsy at best." In typical style, Trump retaliated soon after with name calling. He ridiculed Romney as a "choke artist." Trump also said that Romney ran "one of the worst campaigns in the history of politics." Do you think that Romney's stance will hurt Trump in the polls and the next primaries? Is Romney bucking to be a late-stage candidate? Is this a last ditch effort by the Stop Trump movement in the GOP establishment to set back Trump's momentum?

The Backlash Against Chris Christie

The Backlash Against Chris Christie

Poor poor Chris Christie. The one time esteemed governor of New Jersey has found himself in hot water again as he faces harsh criticism for endorsing Trump after speaking out against him for so long. His approval ratings have taken a dive and the GOP establishment has viciously attacked him. He most likely endorsed Trump out of the hope that he can become Trump's Vice President. Do you think Trump will pick him as a running mate? If so, was his endorsement worth it? If not, who do you think a trump might pick instead if he gets that far?

Growing Number Of GOP Politicians Refuse To Back Donald Trump In The General Election

Republicans from across the spectrum are speaking out against Trump and his growing potential for presidency. Trump is essentially dividing the GOP more and more with his popularity. As some Republicans are vowing to not support him, others are criticizing those turning their backs on their party if he is the nominee. Do you believe that party allegiance should play a role in who people support? Why or why not? The article mentions Chris Christie's recent backing of Trump. Do you think this has the potential to help or hurt Trump? Will his support have any effect? Lastly, in your opinion, what are some possible outcomes for the GOP if Trump gets the nomination. Do you think they will be able to keep their party together or are we witnessing the demise of the Republican Party?

Beneath Hillary Clinton’s Super Tuesday Wins, Signs of Turnout Trouble

Hilary Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic Party, is having major trouble attracting voters to the primaries. Since 2008, Democratic turnout in some states has decreased by as much as 50%. This could be a major problem when it comes time to face off against the GOP. The article says she may not have enough support to beat out the Republican nominee because of the low voter turnout. Do you think there is a possibility of Clinton rallying more voters? Do you have any ideas as to what she could do to attract more votes? The article focuses heavily on Clinton, do you think that New York Times is discounting Bernie too soon? Does America still have the chance to FEEL THE BERN?

Anti- Trump Republicans Call for a Third Party Option

A small group of conservative leaders are calling for a third party option if Trump wins the Republican nomination. While Trump has gained momentous support, he has also alienated a large portion of the Republican Party. His failure to condemn white supremacist  David Duke served as the tipping point for many. Foreign policy advisor to Marco Rubio, Max Boot, has said he would sooner vote for Hillary Clinton than he would for Trump. Some Republicans hope that an existing minority party such as the Libertarian Party or the Constitution Party will be able to nominate a candidate that could compete with Trump. Given the history of third party candidates, do you think there is any chance that one would be able to win the presidential election in 2016? Do you think the consequences of a Trump nomination could signal an end to the modern day republican Party?

4 Reasons Chris Christie Endorsed Donald Trump

Chris Christie's endorsement of Donald Trump came as an initial shock to many, but on a second glance it starts to make sense. This article goes on to describe several reasons why Christie would endorse Trump such as Christie being a political realist and wanting to be in the running for vice president. This endorsement has caused some backlash for Christie and prompted several articles describing Christie's "awkward" appearance while stumping for Trump. Do you think there are any other reasons for Christie endorsing Trump? How do you think a Trump/Christie White House would change the nature of American politics?

Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell call out Trump on KKK

Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell call out Trump on KKK

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have both condemned Donald Trump's failure to speak out against David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan in reference to their support of him. However, Donald Trump has claimed that technical issues resulted in him not being able to hear what his interviewer was talking about when the issue was brought up. Do you think this controversy will hurt Donald Trump (either in the primaries or the general election)? Also, do you think that it makes a difference that Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell have spoken out against Trump in this instance? Or does this just play to Trump's strength among those who see him as an "outsider"?