What a Difference a Week Makes

It was only a week ago that Bernie Sanders was riding high as the front runner for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. What a difference a week makes.

While votes are still being counted Super Tuesday was indeed super for former Vice President Joe Biden whose candidacy is very much alive and full of momentum after likely winning 10 of the 14 states that held their primaries yesterday.

It was just a few days ago that political experts were saying that if Biden did not win last weekend’s South Carolina primary then Super Tuesday could be his swan song and yet today he is now the delegate leader in the race to challenge President Donald Trump.

There are many factors that have gone into this remarkable turnaround but the big one is the belief among Democrats that Biden has the best chance to beat Trump.  Forget about health care and the other big issues that candidates have debated.  What is now happening is a large number of party leaders and others are jumping on the Biden Bandwagon in the hope that he can be successful in November.

You would be foolish to count Sanders out but he is reeling a bit even if his supporters remain passionate and willing to donate money to the campaign.  However the Vermont Senator now has to battle the growing perception within his own party that a vote for him is like voting for Trump and will help assure the president a second term in office.

At one time there were well over 20 Democratic Presidential candidates, so many they held early debates over two days.  Names like Bill de Blasio, Tim Ryan, Beto O’Rourke, Kamala Harris and Cory Booker are long gone and they were joined in the last week by Tom Steyer, Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar.

It would seem to be only a matter of time before Michael Bloomberg and Elizabeth Warren join them on the sidelines so what we have is basically a head-to-head battle between a 78-year old socialist and a 77-year old moderate.

Next Tuesday there will be primary elections in six more states, including Michigan.  Who knows what will happen between now and then.