Republicans and Democrats in Michigan to vote in their respective party primaries Tuesday
Former President Trump secured another significant victory over Nikki Haley in the Michigan primary, while the Democratic side saw its share of drama.
A faction of Democrats, who initiated a movement opposing President Biden’s backing of Israel’s actions in Gaza, delivered a strong message in the Michigan primary. They surpassed their targeted vote count, adding complexity to the crucial battleground state ahead of the upcoming general election.
“Yesterday’s results were a clear triumph,” stated Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, a participant in the “Listen to Michigan” movement, during a news conference on Wednesday, declaring victory for the movement.
These comments follow the movement’s efforts to encourage Democratic voters to choose “uncommitted” in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, which exceeded the group’s expectations. According to Associated Press figures as of Wednesday afternoon, just over 101,000 people selected this option. This number far surpassed the group’s initial goal of 10,000 people, which was approximately the same as the margin of victory in the state in the 2016 election.
While the selection of two “uncommitted” delegates from Michigan may not significantly affect Biden’s chances of securing the nomination at the Democratic National Convention this summer, it could indicate a vulnerability for the president as he prepares for the general election.
One Day Vote
A court in President Joe Biden’s home state has declared that a state law permitting 10 days of early voting and permanent absentee voting is unconstitutional under Delaware’s constitution.
Since taking office in 2021, Biden has frequently criticized states like Georgia, referring to their voting laws as “Jim Crow 2.0” or “Jim Eagle” due to requirements such as voter ID for mail-in voting. However, it’s worth noting that Georgia allows three weeks of early voting.
Delaware Superior Court Judge Mark H. Conner stated in a 25-page opinion, “The laws passed by the General Assembly that are being challenged today are inconsistent with our Constitution and thus cannot be upheld.” Delaware’s constitution, in Article 5 Section 1, specifies that a “general election shall be held biennially on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November.” The Delaware early voting law, enacted in 2019, permits in-person voting up to 10 days before an election.
“The discrepancy between these two provisions is evident,” the judge wrote. “Our Constitution specifies the single day on which an election must be held every two years, while the Early Voting Statute permits voting at least 10 days before that date.”
ONE ENTHUSIASM GAP:
Recent national polls indicate that President Biden is facing an enthusiasm gap concerning support from his Democratic base and voters in general for the November elections.
According to a Monmouth University poll conducted this month, only 32% of registered voters express some level of enthusiasm about Biden’s candidacy. Among Democrats, this number is just 62%.
Similarly, the poll found that 32% of registered voters have at least some confidence in Biden’s physical and mental ability to serve as president. Among Democrats, confidence in Biden’s abilities has dropped significantly to 72%, compared to 91% in 2020.
ONE KEY ENDORSEMENT:
In a US Newzs Digital exclusive on Sunday afternoon, Senate Minority Whip John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican leader, announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump for re-election. Thune stated, “The primary results in South Carolina make it evident that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for president in this year’s crucial presidential election. The choice before the American people is crystal clear: It’s Donald Trump or Joe Biden.”
Until now, it was uncertain whether Thune, who is considered one of McConnell’s potential successors to lead the Senate Republican Conference, would endorse either of the two major candidates for the 2024 GOP nomination.