The last two Republican presidential primary contests have followed the same script: A conservative candidate wins in Iowa, a relative moderate wins in New Hampshire, and the latter — with broader appeal and all of the establishment’s resources — outlasts the former in a protracted fight for the nomination. But […] Read more »
Republicans 2016: A Contracting List of True Contenders
… The threat of terrorism may be a vital issue in the primary and general election season next year, and that could be exactly what the GOP wants as it positions itself to run against Hillary Clinton, President Obama’s former secretary of state. … As we reassess the field, we […] Read more »
Yes, the media is to blame for the GOP primary mess
The presidential nominating process has become a reality television show: Political Survivor. It’s no longer controlled by political parties or primary voters. It’s controlled by the media. The essential features of the process are debates and polls. And money? Not really. Look at former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. He raised […] Read more »
Voters Laud Clinton’s ‘Steel’ But Ask: Is She Likable Enough?
They say she’s tough. She’s got a “spine of steel” and “balls,” and her experience can’t be discounted. But it’s just not that easy to like Hillary Rodham Clinton. In a pair of focus groups in Columbus, Ohio on Monday night, general election voters from across the political spectrum praised […] Read more »
The Specter of … Normalcy
Few would argue with the premise that, in the five months since June, presidential politics have behaved in extraordinary ways. The “Feel The Bern” surge of Bernie Sanders on the left and the rise of Donald Trump and, more recently, Ben Carson on the right—none of these were developments that […] Read more »
American Values Survey: The presidential election
At this point in the GOP primary race, Ben Carson leads his opponents with more than one in four (27%) likely Republican primary voters expressing support for his candidacy. One in five (20%) likely primary voters say they would prefer Donald Trump to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate. … […] Read more »