W21 Super Tuesday

Why were "superdelegates" controversial in the 2016 election?

Their commitments secured Hillary Clinton's nomination over Bernie Sanders

Who do voters vote for on Super Tuesday?

They choose their preferred Democratic candidates in 15 contests that elect 1,344 delegates to the DNC. (More than a third of the 3,979 total.)

What factors should you consider about the Democratic race?

A long nomination campaign for the Democrats advantages Trump. Now Biden is the nominee, Sanders' loyal supporters are not represented and may not vote or turn to Trump. Post Nov Election, a Democrat president would face gridlock in Congress plus divisions in Democratic party.

What was the Democratic party main strategy when looking towards choosing a candidate?

After 2016, believed it was best to have lots of candidates in order to field the best one against Trump.

What two key states does Super Tuesday include?

California and Texas, two of the most populous states with 415 & 228 delegates.

What are the unresolved intra-party struggles within the Democratic party?

Candidates have clashed on ideology - socialism/capitalist, progressivism/centrism, & policy - healthcare, climate change, China etc.

Who can vote on ST in Maine?

Closed primaries meaning only registered Democrats can vote.

What is expected of the Hispanic vote?

Expected to make largest non-white ethnic voting bloc in 2020. Sanders had a significant lead among Latino voters in both TX & CA - does this mean they will now vote for Biden or Trump?

Why have voting powers of delegates been reduce & how?

Since the 2016 controversies, their voting powers have been significantly reduced and they will only come into play in the event of a contested convention.

What happens at Primaries?

Voters show up to their polling place and check the box for the candidate of their choice.

What is important about "unpledged" delegates?

"Unpledged" or "superdelegates" are free to support any candidate they choose.

Who votes on Super Tuesday?

14 states + US territory of American Samoa.

What are "open" primaries?

17 states have "open elections", meaning any voter can show up and pick a candidate from any party. Even if you vote Republican, you can still weigh in on the field of Democratic candidates when it's your state's turn for a primary.

What are "closed' primaries?

20 states are fully/partially closed, means you can only cast a ballot in the primary of the party for which you are registered.

What will the president be in 2021?

An old, white, man.

What is Trump's approval rating among Republicans?

Between 80-90%.

Why are Latinos dissatisfied with Democrats?

Dissatisfied with the level of engagement from the Democratic primary contenders and are noticing the same kind of poor strategising by candidates that yield a disappointing turnout among Hispanic voters in 2016.

What are "partially" open primaries?

Eleven states have adopted this, when unaffiliated voters but not registered Republicans can vote in the Democratic primary.

Who can vote on Super Tuesday?

Eligibility to vote in Democratic primaries varies from state to state?

How do you win delegates?

Even if candidates don't win the state, they can still rack up delegates.

How do the democratic primaries compare with the general election?

General election = winner-take-all approach whilst the Democratic primaries & caucuses allocate delegates on a proportional basis.

What is Trump's outreach to Latinos?

He has an outreach to conservative Latinos in the South which serves as a warning sign for deeper concerns of several Latino leaders and political activists.

What is Joe Biden's performance compared to Trump on polls?

He is leading Trump in numerous head-to-head polls in key swing states and by an average of 5.4 percentage points nationally.

How has Trump's campaign attacked Biden?

His campaign has honed several lines of attack for Biden in recent months, focusing on his mental fitness and his ethics. Latched onto Biden's gaffes & stumbles to make voters question his fitness to be president. Trump administration did not originally see Biden as a threat.

How did Trump perform in previous Iowa & NH primaries?

Historic turnout. Demonstrated incumbent advantage.

Which is the first state in the industrial Midwest to vote?

Michigan

How do you secure democratic nomination?

Need 1,991 pledges out of 3,979 on 1st ballot to secure nomination.

What is the Democrats new focus?

New focus on Sunbelt (e.g. Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix) and away from Rustbelt.

Who can vote on ST in South Carolina?

Open primary system, drew attention when some conservative activists in Supreme Court urged Republicans to vote for Mr Sanders in Saturday's primary, "operation chaos".

Who can vote on ST in Texas?

Open, all voters can vote regardless of party registration.

Who can vote on ST in Cali & North Carolina?

Registered democrats & unaffiliated voters are able to cast a ballot for one of the Democratic presidential contenders - registered Republicans cannot.

What were the new rules adopted by Democrats in 2018 in regards to superdelegates?

Superdelegates will vote at the convention only if no candidate secures a majority of the 3,979 pledged delegates needed to secure the nomination on the first ballot of the convention.

What are caucuses?

Voters gather at venue to hear out supporters of various candidate & debate issues - can take hours, ultimately come to conclusion about which person will make best nominee. Voters select delegates who will represent them at the party's annual convention in July.