No, it is not over for the Republican nominee for President. Yes, it is over for socialist Bernie Sanders.
Super Tuesday proved to be an impressive win for Donald Trump. He won seven States while Cruz won three and Rubio won one. Five States won by Trump are southern States. But, keep this in mind. It is not how many States you win. It is how many delegates you win heading for the clinching total of 1,237. That’s the big deal. Last night Trump won 210 for 316 total delegates. Cruz won 171 for a total of 226. Rubio won 17 for a total of 106. Kasich won no States for a total now of 25.
While Joe Scarborough on his morning show is spouting off how Trump has it “in the bag” so to speak, two of the sharpest minds in politics, Democrat’s Mark Halperin and John Heilemann still believe there is a CHANCE it is not over yet. The hosts of With All Due Respect agree not one candidate will beat Trump for the nomination out right. However, they do see a three way battle of Cruz, Rubio and Kasich dividing up enough delegates to keep Trump from a direct win.
Here’s their thinking. Says Halperin, “There are some indications from the results last night that he (Trump) was not as strong as he would be last night.” He sights the possibility of Ohio Gov. John Kasich winning his winner take all home State. Ted Cruz was thought to be winning Texas by 7-9%. He slaughtered Trump by 17% and took Oklahoma as well. In Virginia, polling showed Trump with over a 20% lead. He only beat Rubio by 2-3%. Kasich’s total kept Rubio from the out right win. In most States, late deciders overwhelmingly showed Cruz, Rubio and Kasich tied with Rubio easily gaining the most late deciders. Especially in Virginia indicating Rubio’s bashing of Trump likely did help him. Says John Heilemann, “The question is now, can the Party keep Trump from getting the needed 1,237 delegates needed?” “It’s not about how many States you win.”
Saturday there is a handful of States with proportionate primaries. Kentucky, Louisiana, Kansas and Maine. Next Tuesday is Michigan also proportional. Then comes March 15th with the winner take all primary huge in Illinois, Ohio, Florida, Missouri and North Carolina. After March 15th much will finally be known. Rubio must win his home State of Florida. A State where he is supposed to be behind by 20%. Trump has huge business holdings in Florida. But, lately, Rubio is showing definite momentum. The Republican Party will throw everything they have for Rubio in Florida. Rubio’s a scrapper and could pull it off.
Not much to add on Hillary Clinton versus Sen. Bernie Sanders. She won seven to Bernie winning four. But the delegate count is 1,001 to 371 in her favor. It’s over except for the FBI report endlessly still awaiting.
Of interest, in all voting, Republican votes are up 25% while Democrat voting is down 25%. Lines and running out of ballots for Republican’s. Democrat’s ho hum.
Don’t forget the Thursday debate on Fox News Channel with Megyn Kelly (will she question Trump again?) Chris Wallace and Bret Baier. If it’s anything like the last debate, this could be a slugfest.
Stay with www.jacksjargon for the up to date news and summaries of this wacky political season. Also on my Facebook page.