Joe Biden close to sealing nomination after primaries hat-trick
Bernie Sanders under pressure to drop out after losing string of primaries
Joe Biden swept three key primaries last night, dominating a third week of consecutive presidental nomination elections.
Biden’s comfortable victories in Florida, Illinois and Arizona all but eliminated his rival Bernie Sanders, and came as Donald Trump formally sealed the Republican presidential nomination.
Biden now has more than 1,100 delegates, more than half of those needed to clinch the nomination. Sanders, who trails with just over 800, would need to win several of the upcoming primaries by huge margins to remain in the race.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“Biden is well on his way to being the presumptive Democratic nominee,” said USA Today, with CNN adding that he has a “near-insurmountable lead” over Sanders.
“Our campaign has had a very good night – and is a little closer to securing the Democratic party’s nomination for president,” Biden said in a speech from his home in Wilmington, Delaware.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Yesterday’s primaries took place to the backdrop of stringent measures to control the spread of coronavirus in the US, with President Trump advising Americans not to gather in groups of more than 10.
Mike DeWine, the Republican governor of Ohio, announced on Monday afternoon that he would seek to postpone his state’s election until 2 June. An Ohio county judge rejected the request, saying it would set a “terrible” precedent, however the vote was delayed after DeWine instructed the state’s director of health to declare a public health emergency.
Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, attacked the delay, claiming that it caused “more chaos and confusion”.
Meanwhile, pressure is now growing on Sanders to drop out of the race so that Democrats can unite behind one candidate.
“#DropOutBernie” was trending on Twitter last night, with The Guardian reporting that the Vermont senator is facing calls “to make a gesture worthy of wartime and call it quits for the national good”.
The paper notes that Biden has built up a “nearly indomitable lead”, with former George W. Bush aide, Lloyd Green, writing: “Biden has now amassed more than 1,000 delegates, more than half way to clinching the nomination. The primary battle is over in all but name. November looms.”
Sanders “needs to take a long, hard look at how and why he would stay in the race,” Chris Meagher, a former adviser to ex-presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, told CNN.
“And given how long he waited to drop out of the race in 2016, that pressure to drop out of the race when the writing is clearly on the wall is even greater.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 12, 2024
Cartoons Tuesday's cartoons - judgemental looks, Europe's bumpy ride, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Will Gary Lineker's departure be an own goal for the BBC?
Today's Big Question Former star striker turned highest-paid presenter will leave Match of the Day after 25 years, with BBC head of sport reportedly declining to offer him a contract
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The potential impact of Trump tariffs for the UK
The Explainer UK goods exports to the US could be hit with tariffs of up to 20% seriously affecting the British economy
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
The potential impact of Trump tariffs for the UK
The Explainer UK goods exports to the US could be hit with tariffs of up to 20% seriously affecting the British economy
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Trump tells next Senate GOP leader to skip confirmations
Speed Read The president-elect said the next Senate majority leader must allow him to make recess appointments
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump victorious: 'a political comeback for the ages'
In Depth The president-elect will be able to wield a 'powerful mandate'
By The Week UK Published
-
Where does Elon Musk go from here?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION After gambling big on Donald Trump's reelection bid, the world's wealthiest man is poised to become even more powerful — and controversial — than ever
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Usha Vance: a political spouse with a 'conspicuous resume'
In the Spotlight The new second lady plays a behind-the-scenes role
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Fed cuts rates, chair says he won't quit if Trump asks
Speed Read Jerome Powell was noncommittal on future rate cuts that were expected before Trump won the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'The problem with deliverism is that it presumes voters will notice'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Melania Trump: the second coming of the first lady
The Explainer Melania was absent from Washington for large chunks of her husband's first reign
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published