Republicans versus Democrats
In the US political system, internal elections within the Democrat and Republican parties occur before the two chosen candidates are pitted against each other so that the most desirable candidates of each party stand against one another in the presidental race. These two political ideologies differ on a wide range of issues, such as the role of government, taxation, immigration, healthcare, abortion rights, same-sex rights, and gun control.
Democrats, represented by a donkey and the colour blue, are generally more liberal and left-leaning and generally are supporters of women’s reproductive rights, same-sex rights, the belief in universal healthcare, and progressive taxation on higher income earners. Outgoing president Barack Obama is an example of a leader of a Democrat administration. Republicans, represented by an elephant and the colour red, are more conservative and right-leaning and generally oppose reproductive and same-sex rights, while advocating the death penalty, flat or constant tax rates for all citizens, and individual rights and justice. Former president George W. Bush is an example of a past leader of a Republican administration.
The significance of Super Tuesday
The results of the presidential primaries after Super Tuesday (1 March) have drawn clear battle lines, according to an article detailing the results published in The Economist on 5 March. The purpose of the US primary elections is so that political parties in each of the 50 states are able to determine their preferred presidential candidate for the elections at the end of 2016. Donald Trump, a Republican candidate, and Hillary Clinton, a Democrat candidate, both recorded significant victories and moved closer to securing the nomination of their parties.
The Trump card
Trump’s increasingly controversial comments toward immigrants, Muslims and women have led to a backlash on social media. Trends such as #NeverTrump and “dump-Trump” have surfaced on social media but have been argued by critics to be unsuccessful in hindering Trump, based on his support base within the Republican camp. Trump’s campaign has also been shadowed by controversy recently after he declined to denounce David Duke during a CNN interview. Duke is a former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan who has thrown his support behind Trump. Trump later denounced Duke as a “bad person” in an interview later in the week during another interview.
Trump’s Super Tuesday success has also created instability on Wall Street. According to an article by eNCA published on 4 March, Trump’s success has “sent a chill over the heart of American capitalism” after fears of Trump launching a trade war with China and interfering with the Federal Reserve over monetary policy. These sentiments were echoed by Greg Valliere, chief strategist for Horizon Investments, who reiterated that a Trump presidency is a fear for the markets because he represents uncertainty.
The Democrat dilemma
The Democratic frontrunner, Clinton, has been hailed as a formidable candidate by many, but her campaign is also plagued by a lack of support in parts of the Democrat camp, as well as a pending investigation into whether she mishandled classified information. Clinton is in competition with Senator Bernie Sanders, who seems to have galvanised support from the progressive left.
With the race well in motion, candidates in both camps seem set to pull out all the stops in order to secure their place in the presidential election in November this year.
Image: Shen Scott
