Is the Democratic Primary a Three Person Race or Could Another Candidate Break Through?
Not much has changed since the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination began over the summer. Former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders still lead the field and the debate last night in Texas didn't change that. Elizabeth Warren's support has increased since June, but Biden retains the lead and support for he and Sanders hasn't changed much since the Spring.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Kamala Harris had spikes after good debate performances, but have since returned to single digit support. The rest of the field is mired in the low single digits and several didn't even qualify for the debate stage last night. Some of those candidates will withdraw over the next few weeks as their fundraising drys up.
So, is this now a three-person race, or could another candidate break through? If one could, which one would it be and why?
It's difficult to imagine another progressive Democrat breaking into the top tier because Sanders and Warren have that territory staked out and neither show any signs of fading. But, there may be room for another moderate to break out of the pack. Harris and Buttigieg have attempted to gain some traction among more moderate voters, but Harris has tried to have it both ways on health care and there are still experience questions with Mayor Pete.
One possible scenario: If for any reason support for Joe Biden slides, moderate Democrats will look for another champion and that could be MN Sen. Amy Klobuchar who hasn't jumped on the "Medicare for All" train, but has outlined a reasonable program, much like Joe Biden's, to expand access to Obamacare. She's a former prosecutor, and a tough, experienced, and popular Midwestern Senator with a moderate voting record. If you were looking for the perfect nominee to take on Donald Trump and win back Iowa, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, she might be your candidate.
Election Mystery: Why hasn't Sen. Cory Booker gained more traction? He's smart, experienced and seems to do well in each debate.
By: Don Lam & Curated Content
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