At the current point in the 2020 presidential election, more and more Democrat candidates are focusing on best positioning themselves for the Iowa caucuses.
These caucuses will take place on February 3 and significantly impact the trajectory of various candidacies. Therefore, competition in the current presidential election has increased in recent weeks, as Democrats take different shots at one another.
“Bernie Sanders” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore
According to a survey by CNN/Des Moines Register/Mediacom, 2020 candidate Bernie Sanders is leading his opponents amongst left-wing caucusgoers. The socialist’s newfound lead in Iowa comes as his other most competitive opponents face their own series of issues. Moreover, Sanders hasn’t hesitated to slam candidates like Biden and Warren when he thinks it’ll be politically advantageous to do so.
A Closer Look at Sanders’ Lead in Iowa
At this time, the socialist candidate is currently polling at 20% in Iowa. This places him three percentage points ahead of Elizabeth Warren, while candidates Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden come in at 16% and 15%.
This new data marks a steep decline for Biden who was initially greatly favored amongst Iowans. The plethora of legal issues and tensions surrounding Biden’s campaign and son, Hunter, could have changed certain minds, however.
Pollsters have noted that despite Sanders’ current lead, he shouldn’t get too complacent. While the socialist is leading amongst Democrat caucusgoers, the numbers show that he’s still neck-in-neck with other contenders. However, observers have also pointed out that Sanders’ supporters seem more loyal than backers of Warren, Buttigieg, or Biden.
Whether or not Sanders’ lead maintains between now and February 3 remains to be seen.
The DNC’s Change of Heart
For quite some time, Bernie Sanders was not viewed as a viable candidate for the nomination by the DNC. Higher-ups within the Democrat Party considered Biden as the “most electable” candidate and therefore, the best prospective nominee.
However, the former vice president has repeatedly shot himself in the foot with various verbal blunders, drama surrounding his past Ukraine controversies, and scandals with his son, Hunter. Biden’s lashing out at event attendees who challenge or question him hasn’t done him any favors either.
“Bernie Sanders” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Gage Skidmore
As Biden takes various hits, Sanders hasn’t shied away from going after him. The socialist took aim at the former vice president’s candidacy, stating that he brings too much baggage. Not long after professing that Biden simply doesn’t have what it takes to defeat President Trump, Sanders confirmed that if he wins the nomination, he won’t select a Republican as his running mate; this announcement came after Biden expressed an interest in a potential GOP running mate for this year’s election.
What do you think about Bernie Sanders’ new position in the Iowa caucuses? Let us know in the comments section below!
