KT edit: Biden vs Sanders will be a fight to the finish

The Democratic base had let Sanders down the last time against Hillary Clinton.

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Published: Wed 4 Mar 2020, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 4 Mar 2020, 10:17 PM

Joe Biden's stunning comeback on Super Tuesday should make Bernie Sanders, until recently the frontrunner in the Democratic race, worry about core support within the party that remains suspicious about the Vermont senator's Leftist credentials. The party has made clear that it will not embrace without question his watered-down socialist ideology yet. Hardcore Dems remain steadfastly traditional - at the centre of the ideological divide. Biden's convincing victories has made it a two-horse race with Sanders. Less clutter gives the voter some clarity on the party's agenda. The lack of strategic depth had exposed the Democrats and impeded their campaign. Super Tuesday has changed that - the alternative(s) have emerged.
The Democratic base had let Sanders down the last time against Hillary Clinton. This year could be no different unless he convinces party supporters that he is serious about toning down his liberal streak and his calls for a revolution that is rattling faithfuls who want to stick to the status quo of middle-ground politics. This strain (of politics) is represented by the likes of Biden, who is both comfortable rubbing shoulders with Washington's elite while also projecting himself as a moderate candidate. Biden is Mr Dependable who pushes a tried-and-trusted formula that has worked in the past. The results were there to see on Super Tuesday. The 77-year old Biden won because he's an insider, a former Veep, who knows how the system works. He is the natural choice among undecided voters and the elite. More importantly, he's the favourite among Blacks, which explains his strong showing in the South. Sanders on the other hand is untested in leadership. He's a star among Latinos; he flashes his liberalism with aplomb and is the anti-establishment candidate who will take a swipe at anyone standing in the way.
 If Sanders is to make a dent in Biden's armour, he will have to try harder to move to the centre while not sound like more the former VP. Biden has nursed presidential ambitions for 33 years, and thumping wins in nine of 14 states, including Texas, after being almost down and out just four days ago, should make him fancy his chances. Sanders may have won California, but now has a stronger and confident Biden blocking his path. This contest could go either way, all the way, until July. The eventual winner is hard to predict but the contest will leave him exhausted and bruised. A gleeful Trump will be waiting.
 


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