If CNN/WMUR's post-Iowa poll is roughly correct, then Hillary Clinton will go down next Tuesday, and her fall will be ugly. Still, there's this, especially the concluding segment:
Those who plan to participate in the Democratic primary are … more open to both of their party's remaining candidates than Republicans are to their party's current front-runner, Donald Trump. Overall, just 19% of likely Democratic voters said they would never back Clinton, 8% would never back Sanders, and 52% say both candidates are OK. On the GOP side, 37% said they had ruled out Trump, and only 13% feel the entirety of the field is acceptable.
The fragmentation of the GOP base is leaving an unrecognizable rubble. Pulling together its mess of post-nomination resentments should prove to be one of the more entertaining spectacles in the history of American politics. Should the nominee be Trump or Ted Cruz, the establishment will freak; and should the establishment prevail with Marco, Chris, John or Jeb, upwards of two thirds of the base will positively unravel in outrage and despair.
You gotta love it.
The GOP's only possible salvation? That Democrats play with hopelessly idealistic things that go boom and nominate an avowed socialist. The rubble might then reassemble, conservative and centrist Democrats might ultimately flee, independents might join the preceding in flight, and thus President Rubio might well become our next nightmare. As it stands, the bluish electoral map says no. The question you must ask yourself, however, is rather Eastwoodian:
You may count me among those who would back Bernie if such befall. But I'd feel a lot better about it if I thought he actually knew what he was talking about when it came to policy.
Posted by: Peter G | February 05, 2016 at 10:03 AM
There's little need to worry about Bernie actually getting the nomination. His role is most probably sparring partner, popularizer and progressive, bless his old socialist heart. As long as everyone sobers up by the general we'll be OK.
In the mean time the Republican Show is unexpectedly fine entertainment. No matter which molted husk emerges as the candidate it's hard to imagine it not being crushed. If all is sacrificed to make Marco the candidate of the future, the Republican horizon is still none too bright.
Posted by: Bob | February 05, 2016 at 11:26 AM
I have always hoped the Republican nominee would be Bush, such an easy target.
Posted by: Michael Stein | February 05, 2016 at 12:52 PM
The response to a "yes" answer might also be Eastwoodian: "Go ahead. Make my day."
Posted by: Neon Vincent | February 05, 2016 at 01:08 PM