Monday was a big day for those closely following the 2016 presidential campaigns; Monday, Feb. 1 kicked off this year's caucus season and tensions were high in both the Republican and the Democratic parties. Candidates in the Republican party ended a big chunk of their campaigns with the conclusion of the 7th Republican debate in Des Moines, Iowa last Thursday evening. The Democratic candidates made their closing arguments in an Iowa town hall meeting hosted by the Iowa Democratic Party last Monday. Americans across the country are sitting on the edges of their seats to see how Trump fares in the first caucus, as well as how Sanders' movement #IowaforBernie competes with Clinton's political prowess.
After Trump decided to boycott the 7th and final debate, the other Republican candidates were able to redefine and reestablish themselves in a Trump-free environment which (hopefully) gave voters some perspective and the ability to take the issues and candidates seriously. It was very clear that the candidates used this bully free environment to attack and challenge Clinton, commenting on everything from Benghazi to her husband's infidelity. Without hardly a word on Bernie, they clearly established that they see her as the bigger threat.
Many may not take Sanders seriously, but he is neck and neck with Clinton in the first polls in Iowa; his movement #IowaforBernie has awoken passions in the youth and disenfranchised. At the town hall meeting Clinton took a break from ragging on Sanders to appeal to voters that she is the clear successor to the legacy Obama has started during his presidencies. Bernie follows up and promises to continue the attacks on the issues that Obama first attacked in his 2008 campaign; while his promises seem wonderful to young voters now, many worry about whether his plans can have added depth and implementation. Nothing much was seen from Martin O'Malley.
Leading up to Monday's main event, Clinton was ahead of Sanders by a slim margin in the Democratic polls and Trump was ahead by an even larger margin in the Republic polls, with Ted Cruz as the second choice. NYTimes editorial board endorsed Clinton last week for the Democratic nominee and John Kasich as the Republican nominee.
As the polls closed Monday night, we saw a clear winner for the Republicans and a virtual tie for the Democrats. Cruz secured 27.7% of the vote, while Clinton and Sanders both earned roughly 49% and split the delegates, respectively.
The tie may mean bad things for Sanders' campaign, as Iowa was a state where he expected strong support. New Hampshire may offer him stronger support, although nothing is for sure until voting day comes. If he can continue to hang in a strong second, he may have a shot at a successful run as an Independent. With Rubio coming in as a strong third, many Republicans who are unsure of Cruz and Trump began to feel some reassurance; however, further caucuses can give a better indication of where he stands.
The next stop is New Hampshire!
