05 May 2016
They Think It’s All Over
Cruz pulls out after Indiana
by J.R.Thomas
The Republic Primary contest came to an unexpected swerve in Indiana on Tuesday night when Ted Cruz threw in the towel – or rather, threw the towel ungraciously at Donald Trump. Trump had scored a victory overwhelming in terms of delegates but less so in terms of votes: – 54% to Trump, 37% Cruz, 8% Kasich (1% Rubio!). But Cruz seemed to feel he is beat, and more likely, his financial backers probably decided to turn the money tap off. Kasich looked as though he might carry on, whether in hope of the vice Presidential nomination or just as a matter of principle is not clear, but then overnight he too gave up. So now we await the coronation of King Donald and watch the Republican leadership move to build bridges and explain that all of the nasty things that were said about The Donald previously were much misunderstood.
But no such pleasing result for Hillary Clinton. Almost a disaster, indeed. The polls said she was narrowly leading, but wrong: she lost, by 5%, with Bernie Sanders catching up by another 6 delegates. She is 321 elected delegates ahead, and with over 500 super-delegates on her side it is almost impossible, arithmetically, for her not to win. But the lady has not shaken off the gentleman of politics yet. And what effect Mr Trump’s victory will have on Democrat voters is to be seen; (probably not great for Bernie).
Next week, we will look more closely at the result, at the remaining race in a new and shrinking landscape, at Mr Trump’s new friends – and as to whether an independent candidate may yet emerge to spike both big guns
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