Clinton wins Nevada caucus, Republicans vote in S Carolina

[rooster59]

Clinton wins Nevada caucus, Republicans vote in S Carolina

JULIE PACE, Associated Press
BILL BARROW, Associated Press


COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Hillary Clinton captured Nevada's Democratic caucuses Saturday, overcoming an unexpectedly strong surge by Bernie Sanders and potentially easing the anxiety of some of her supporters.

Clinton won the backing of voters who said electability and experience were important in their vote. But in a continuing sign of her vulnerability, Sanders did best with voters looking for a candidate who is caring and honest.

The polling of voters was conducted for The Associated Press and the television networks by Edison Research as voters arrived at 25 randomly selected caucus sites.

She capitalized on a more diverse Democratic electorate who helped her rebound after a second-place finish to Sanders in the New Hampshire primary.

"Some may have doubted us, but we never doubted each other," Clinton told her cheering supporters during a victory rally in Las Vegas. "This one is for you."

She said Americans are "right to be angry," but are also hungry for "real solutions."

Sanders said in a statement that he'd congratulated Clinton on her victory, but then declared his campaign has "the wind at our backs as we head toward Super Tuesday" — the multi-state voting contests on March 1.

Clinton's victory in Nevada could be vital in holding off a challenge from Sanders that has been tougher than almost anyone expected. Clinton narrowly won the leadoff caucuses in the Midwestern state of Iowa, but the Vermont senator had a runaway victory in the tiny northeastern state of New Hampshire. Clinton now leads in delegates pledged to her at the Democratic Party's national convention in July, but only has a fraction of the number needed to secure the nomination.

The contest in Nevada was the first of two presidential primary contests being held Saturday. Republicans were voting in South Carolina, the first Southern state to vote in the 2016 primary race. The contest was seen as billionaire Donald Trump's to lose and one that could start to clarify who, if any, of the more mainstream candidates might emerge to challenge him and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

For both parties, the 2016 election has laid bare voters' frustration with Washington and the influence of big money in the political system. The public mood has upended the usual political order, giving Sanders and Trump openings while leaving more traditional candidates scrambling to find their footing.

No candidate has shaken the establishment more than Trump. The billionaire businessman spent the week threatening one rival with a lawsuit, accusing former President George W. Bush of lying, and even tangling with Pope Francis on immigration.

The prospect of a Trump win alarmed rival Jeb Bush, the former Florida governor trying mightily for a strong showing in the first Southern state to vote.

"Trump can't win, plain and simple," Bush told reporters outside a polling place in Greenville, South Carolina. "This isn't about appealing to people's deep anxiety. ... He can't be president. A ton of people would be very uncomfortable with his divisive language and with his inexperience in so many ways."

A Trump victory could foreshadow a solid performance in the collection of Southern states that vote on March 1. Victories in those Super Tuesday contests could put the billionaire in a commanding position in the delegate count, which determines the nomination at the party's national convention in July.

Cruz, who has challenged Trump's conservative credentials, banked on a well-regarded get-out-the-vote operation and 10,000 volunteers to help overtake Trump on Saturday, as well as in the Southern states that follow.

A failure to top Trump in South Carolina could puncture that strategy, though Cruz, who sidetracked briefly to Washington to attend the funeral Mass for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, will still have more than enough money to run a long campaign.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Bush were fighting to establish themselves as credible alternatives to Trump and Cruz, candidates some Republican leaders believe are unelectable in November.

Neither Bush nor Rubio expected to win South Carolina. But they wanted to finish ahead of one another; otherwise, there would be tough questions about long-term viability.

Rubio scored the endorsements of several prominent South Carolina politicians, including Gov. Nikki Haley, and seemed to have rebounded after a dismal debate performance two weeks ago that contributed to a disappointing fifth-place finish in the New Hampshire primary..

Bush hoped his deep family ties to South Carolina — his brother and father each won two primaries here — would be a lifeline for his struggling campaign.

Also in the mix was Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who had low expectations in South Carolina. He was looking toward more moderate states that vote later in March. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson had a small but loyal cadre of followers.

For Democrats, the contest between Clinton and Sanders had grown closer than expected.

Sanders, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, had energized voters, particularly young people, with his impassioned calls for breaking up Wall Street banks and providing free tuition at public colleges and universities.

But Clinton prevailed in Nevada with the backing of women, union workers, minorities, moderates and voters who are certain that the former secretary of state will have a better shot at winning in November, according to entrance polls. Sanders won three-fourths of voters 45 and under, but Clinton offset that by picking up two-thirds of voters over 45.

A large majority of blacks supported Clinton, an outcome that bodes well for Clinton in upcoming Southern state primaries. Hispanics were relatively closely divided between the two candidates.

Clinton's win means she will pick up at least 18 of Nevada's 35 delegates.

Democrats and Republicans will swap locations in the coming days. The Republicans holds their caucuses in Nevada on Tuesday, while Democrats face off in South Carolina on Feb. 27. On Super Tuesday, both parties will hold contests in multiple states.

-- (c) Associated Press 2016-01-21

[Chicog]

Thank heavens Jeb has finally knocked it on the head.

I was starting to feel sorry for the poor fellow.

[SgtRock]

Bush gone. Carson and Kasich should do likewise.

Which should make Nevada on Tuesday very interesting.

[keemapoot]

Thank heavens Jeb has finally knocked it on the head.

I was starting to feel sorry for the poor fellow.

Yeah, though I reckon the Bush family still has huge political clout in their big block of financiers, blocks of voters, and other party capital. It will be interesting to see how they use that, and whether they would get behind Rubio, or even whether that would help the republicans to win the general election ultimately.

[NeverSure]

This is the year of the outsiders. The big boys who've controlled the Repub party for decades are getting whipped. First they anointed Bush and when it became apparent that he was hurting they began to back Rubio. Today the votes of both Bush and Rubio wouldn't have beaten Trump.

The people have had it. They've had enough. Enough of massive illegal immigration. Enough of shipping jobs to China and Mexico. Enough of starting useless wars around the globe. Enough of a shrinking middle class. Enough of losing pride as a country.

Enough.

Say "Hello" to President Trump.

Cheers.

[NeverSure]

Projection by the press: Trump has won all 50 S. Carolina delegates.

Cheers.

[Si Thea01]

Good on Trump, the only one who has the kahunas to tell it like it is. A shame Australia does not have someone of the same calibre to give our mealy mouthed gutless pollies a run for their money. We're going down the same track as America, yet our people are still asleep at the wheel. I just hope they wake up before it's too late.

[NeverSure]

Trump is working the entire Republican power structure over with a flame thrower and that's a good thing. This is that revolt against Wall Street and other big donors and powerful people that the grass roots has wanted for so long.

Hillary is married to Wall Street and huge donors. She has been for a long time. Trump is going to drag out her fat dirty laundry and give it a good airing.

Cheers.

[Srikcir]

The Nevada Democrat primary is a proportional caucus - there is no winner take all.

That means of the total 43 delegate votes available, Hillary won 23 and Bernie 16 with 4 unpledged.

That keeps Bernie within easy range of Hillary going into Super Tuesday in terms of total national delegate count.

This race isn't over yet.

[wabothai]

Isn't Nevada mostly desert?

[NeverSure]

Isn't Nevada mostly desert?

Maybe mostly, but it includes its share of the Sierra Nevada Mountains which are spectacular. Part of Lake Tahoe is in Nevada.

Not sure what that has to do with an election...

[cgtours]

To Chicog, That classic photo is a winner. I have a chuckle every time your comments appear. Reminds me of a woman that lived in our neighborhood and used to be called "Mrs. Hellfire" . What a character she was and always at loggerheads with the Council Officials for not doing their duty. She always won, much to the delight and the benefit of us all. Thanks for that.

[Publicus]

Although not every one of 'em remains in the race, supporters of Bush, Rubio, Kasich, Christie, Paul, Fiorina, could vote for any one of 'em as nominee. But most of 'em definitely will not vote for Trump for potus. Conversely, 90% of Trump supporters could never vote for any of the remaining candidates of the original bunch cause each one is an establishment hack, whore or crony.

Cruz has a ceiling problem too, same as Trump does. Cruz appeals to the philosophical conservative Republican right which turns off supporters of the establishment candidates. And if Trump runs close to Cruz in Texas as he's beginning to do, or if Trump actually wins Texas Cruz is toast. Carson wants to stay in the contest so he can get a speaking role at the convention to help sell his story books.

Sanders will win a few more states (probably only three: VT, MA, MN). Bernie will get enough votes in enough states to stay in to the convention where his magnificently rousing convention speech will rightfully bring down the house. However, it is HR Clinton who will be giving the convention's historic and wildly received acceptance speech.

It looks like the only suspense is who Trump and Clinton will select to be respective vp with 'em. Republicans should put their money on Kasich and D's might want to consider the likelihood of Sec of HUD Julian Castro of Texas, former mayor of San Antonio.

President Hillary Clinton...the rightwhingers need to get used to it so go ahead and say President Hillary Clinton -- say it three times then click your right heel against the left one and do it gently lest you break that cracked right one again.

[sirineou]

Although not every one of 'em remains in the race, supporters of Bush, Rubio, Kasich, Christie, Paul, Fiorina, could vote for any one of 'em as nominee. But most of 'em definitely will not vote for Trump for potus. Conversely, 90% of Trump supporters could never vote for any of the remaining candidates of the original bunch cause each one is an establishment hack, whore or crony.

Cruz has a ceiling problem too, same as Trump does. Cruz appeals to the philosophical conservative Republican right which turns off supporters of the establishment candidates. And if Trump runs close to Cruz in Texas as he's beginning to do, or if Trump actually wins Texas Cruz is toast. Carson wants to stay in the contest so he can get a speaking role at the convention to help sell his story books.

Sanders will win a few more states (probably only three: VT, MA, MN). Bernie will get enough votes in enough states to stay in to the convention where his magnificently rousing convention speech will rightfully bring down the house. However, it is HR Clinton who will be giving the convention's historic and wildly received acceptance speech.

It looks like the only suspense is who Trump and Clinton will select to be respective vp with 'em. Republicans should put their money on Kasich and D's might want to consider the likelihood of Sec of HUD Julian Castro of Texas, former mayor of San Antonio.

President Hillary Clinton...the rightwhingers need to get used to it so go ahead and say President Hillary Clinton -- say it three times then click your right heel against the left one and do it gently lest you break that cracked right one again.

Where do you think Bush's 8% support will go? Certainly not Trump IMO

Keep an eye on Rubio

I hope you are wrong about HRC. Though you are probably right.

If it comes to HRC and Rubio, . I might have to vote for Rubio simply so I dont have to look at her for the next 4 years

I still have not forgotten about NAFTA, among other things, she is just as bad as Trump.

[Chicog]

This is the year of the outsiders. The big boys who've controlled the Repub party for decades are getting whipped. First they anointed Bush and when it became apparent that he was hurting they began to back Rubio. Today the votes of both Bush and Rubio wouldn't have beaten Trump.

The people have had it. They've had enough. Enough of massive illegal immigration. Enough of shipping jobs to China and Mexico. Enough of starting useless wars around the globe. Enough of a shrinking middle class. Enough of losing pride as a country.

Enough.

Say "Hello" to President Trump.

Cheers.

If I might be permitted to use those immortal words, "Yeah right".

Edited February 21, 2016 by Chicog

[Rancid]

I liked that voters found electability and experience more important than caring and honest. Sort of explains why the evil doers keep getting elected by not too bright electorates, that can apply to most countries of course .

[wwest5829]

This is the year of the outsiders. The big boys who've controlled the Repub party for decades are getting whipped. First they anointed Bush and when it became apparent that he was hurting they began to back Rubio. Today the votes of both Bush and Rubio wouldn't have beaten Trump.

The people have had it. They've had enough. Enough of massive illegal immigration. Enough of shipping jobs to China and Mexico. Enough of starting useless wars around the globe. Enough of a shrinking middle class. Enough of losing pride as a country.

Enough.

Say "Hello" to President Trump.

Cheers.

Agree that the working, American middle class is justified in the frustration and anger. I think that is where the support for Trump and Sanders is rooted. I am hopeful that the groundswell will be supported by the majority doing some thinking and research. Trump is giving vent with his vocalizing, Sanders has a lifelong record of the good fight against the established special interests. Of the two, Sanders has forgone the drive to become wealthy through his political position. We will see. I am hopeful that Republicans will nominate either Trump or Cruz...I want to see Bernie elected.

[metisdead]

A nonsense post has been removed as well as a reply.

[Usernames]

Why no topic on Trump wins in SC?

[chuckd]

Honest and trustworthy still mean something...even to Democrats.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clinton loses voters who value honesty by 70 points in Nevada

By CURT MILLS

2/20/16 7:24 PM

Hillary Clinton may have won Nevada, but entrance polls of the state carry a troubling sign for what is considered her chief weakness heading into a general election: trustworthiness.

Among the 25 percent of Nevada Democratic voters who cited "honest and trustworthy" as the top quality they were seeking in a president, they favored Sen. Bernie Sanders 82-12 percent, according to the CNN entrance poll.

Continued questions surrounding Clinton's use of a private email server while secretary of state have eroded many voters' trust in her. In New Hampshire, where Sanders dominated Clinton, he captured voters who were seeking honesty and trustworthiness by an even wider margin — 93-5 percent.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/clinton-loses-voters-who-value-honesty-by-70-points-in-nevada/article/2583768

[otherstuff1957]

This is the year of the outsiders. The big boys who've controlled the Repub party for decades are getting whipped. First they anointed Bush and when it became apparent that he was hurting they began to back Rubio. Today the votes of both Bush and Rubio wouldn't have beaten Trump.

The people have had it. They've had enough. Enough of massive illegal immigration. Enough of shipping jobs to China and Mexico. Enough of starting useless wars around the globe. Enough of a shrinking middle class. Enough of losing pride as a country.

Enough.

Say "Hello" to President Trump.

Cheers.

NeverSure, I agree with you 100%...

except for the President Trump. Which is why I am voting for Bernie Sanders.

I think we can all agree about the problems, it's just the solution that we are arguing about. The way I see, Trump and Sanders are opposite sides of the same coin. We have lost confidence in the 'Establishment' and don't see much difference between Bush, Rubio, Kasich or HRC.

[sirineou]

This is the year of the outsiders. The big boys who've controlled the Repub party for decades are getting whipped. First they anointed Bush and when it became apparent that he was hurting they began to back Rubio. Today the votes of both Bush and Rubio wouldn't have beaten Trump.

The people have had it. They've had enough. Enough of massive illegal immigration. Enough of shipping jobs to China and Mexico. Enough of starting useless wars around the globe. Enough of a shrinking middle class. Enough of losing pride as a country.

Enough.

Say "Hello" to President Trump.

Cheers.

NeverSure, I agree with you 100%...

except for the President Trump. Which is why I am voting for Bernie Sanders.

I think we can all agree about the problems, it's just the solution that we are arguing about. The way I see, Trump and Sanders are opposite sides of the same coin. We have lost confidence in the 'Establishment' and don't see much difference between Bush, Rubio, Kasich or HRC.

except that Bernie offers specific solutions and Trump offers BS

[sgtsabai]

Those that vote for any of the clown/buffoon car or Hillary are fools, stupid, are even worse, know what they are doing. All of those people are evil and will continue the destruction of America. So be it, som na naw for the American dream. Bernie is still well in the running and yes, he will lose in NC as expected. Hell, he could win every damn delegate and Hillary's "superdelegates" would win it for her. He would win hands down in the general election, all Americans aren't stupid, evil, vile people. And yes I will say it to your face.

[up-country_sinclair]

I just read that fewer than 12,000 people actually voted/caucused in Nevada yesterday. That's an incredibly small amount of people.

[Johpa]

The only rational response to American politics.

[NovaBlue05]

Sadly, Bernie's following isn't diverse enough. When they get to South Carolina where half the voters are black, Hillary will start running up the score. By close of business march 1st, it will be over

[Jingthing]

Well, I don't think Bernie will win the nomination but I think he'll make it to the convention with at least 40 percent of the delegates. So what does that get him? I'm sure he's got some ideas and they might be very good ones. Clinton running on some of Bernie's issues with Bernie working hard for her, you might just see some of the Feel the Bern "revolution" after all, and take back the senate.

Edited February 21, 2016 by Jingthing

[NovaBlue05]

Too bad I can't, in good conscience, vote for Hillary.

I can't imagine Bernie working too enthusiastically for a Presidential candidate so completely woven into the fabric of the Oligarchs apparatus as she is.

[NeverSure]

-snip- you might just see some of the Feel the Bern "revolution" after all, and take back the senate.

Poor ole Bern who never had a real job until age 40 and then that was working for the government. He's a lifelong loser who lives off the toil of other people and advocates that others do the same.

I have news for you. Americans are tired of that lazy blood sucking class. They are tired of the power brokers in DC.

They want someone who will go to DC and kick over the kitchen table and they are hoping that President Trump will be that guy.

That's WHY and that's HOW he's getting away with all of his rough talk calling people liars and losers. People want that tough guy who's an outsider. They want that guy that DC and the power brokers are trying so hard to get rid of.

BTW the first pick of the power brokers is history - Jeb. The next chosen one is Rubio so just watch what happens to that loser.

Hillary can barely beat that low energy loser-socialist even with her cache of superdelegates, so just watch what happens to her when Trump gets her by the throat. If she wins the nomination.

President Trump.

Cheers.

[bendejo]

I am really, really surprised Jeb didn't stick around for Super Tuesday.

So much for passing W off as the wise elder statesman.

Now it's down to Rubio as Kasich as legit GOP candidates.