President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are surging towards clinching their party nominations on Super Tuesday, defying the voters' desire for an alternative to the 2020 election rematch.
The primary campaign, spanning 16 states and one territory, has become the focal point of the race, with both candidates eager to secure a decisive victory.
While the nation watches the presidential race closely, critical down-ballot contests in California, North Carolina, and Los Angeles inject additional significance into Super Tuesday.
California voters are poised to determine candidates for the Senate seat held by Dianne Feinstein, shaping the gubernatorial race in North Carolina, and witnessing a progressive prosecutor's fierce battle for reelection in Los Angeles.
The spotlight, however, remains firmly on the 81-year-old Biden and the 77-year-old Trump, despite questions swirling around their age and broad popularity. Both candidates are already looking ahead to a potential reprise of the 2020 general election, emphasising their dominance in their respective parties.
"We have to beat Biden — he is the worst president in history," declared Trump on the Fox & Friends cable morning show, illustrating the intensity of the competition. Biden, in response, sought to solidify his support among Black voters in radio interviews, asserting, "If we lose this election, you’re going to be back with Donald Trump."
However, the electorate's desire for change is palpable, with a majority rejecting the notion of an identical 2020 election rematch. A recent AP-NORC poll highlights concerns about the mental acuity of both Biden and Trump, reflecting a broader sentiment that neither candidate is perceived as an ideal choice.
The unique dynamics of this year's campaign were evident in the final days leading up to Super Tuesday. Instead of traditional barnstorming, Biden and Trump held rival events along the US-Mexico border, strategically navigating the contentious immigration debate.
Trump's recent triumph in the Supreme Court, restoring him to primary ballots, provided a platform to accuse Biden of weaponising the courts. "Fight your fight yourself. Don’t use prosecutors and judges to go after your opponent," Trump admonished, setting the tone for the escalating rhetoric.
As the candidates gear up for the next phase, including Biden's upcoming State of the Union address and campaign stops in swing states, the Super Tuesday results are poised to reshape the political landscape.
The battle is not only a test of dominance for Biden and Trump but a crucial juncture where vulnerabilities in their campaigns may come to the forefront, influencing the trajectory of the race in the run-up to November.
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