WASHINGTON: Former US president Donald Trump looked to cement his hold on the Republican presidential nomination with a sweep of Super Tuesday primaries, all but kicking off the formal campaign against President Joe Biden and an attempted shock return to the White House.
Fifteen states and one US territory are holding nomination contests, offering a significant number of delegates that typically sees one candidate emerge as the frontrunner. With his sole remaining challenger Nikki Haley struggling to maintain momentum, Trump aims to secure a decisive victory and extinguish any lingering competition.
“I think that Trump will win overall, nationally,” remarked supporter Richard Peterson, 72, casting his vote in Quincy, Massachusetts.
The anticipated surge for Trump follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of a bid by several states to bar him from the ballot due to his contentious actions following the 2020 election. Despite facing scrutiny over his refusal to concede defeat and the Capitol riot he incited, Trump is poised for a formidable return to the campaign trail.
A potential rematch between Trump and Biden in November appears increasingly likely, as Biden faces little opposition in the Democratic primaries on Tuesday.
While Biden awaits his re-nomination, he is set to deliver the State of the Union address to Congress on Thursday, offering a platform to outline his campaign agenda and critique Trump’s tenure.
Trump’s White House Campaign
The lineup of states up for grabs on Super Tuesday includes crucial battlegrounds such as California and Texas, representing a substantial portion of the delegates required to secure the presumptive nominee status.
Although Trump may not mathematically clinch the nomination on Tuesday, his campaign anticipates his anointment by March 19 at the latest.
“We’ve been sort of in a rocket, we’ve been launching like a rocket, to the Republican nomination,” Trump asserted at a recent rally in Richmond, Virginia, underscoring his eagerness to pivot towards the presidential election in November.
While Trump enjoys unwavering support from his base, questions linger over his appeal to moderate Republicans. Haley’s campaign has raised doubts about Trump’s electability, citing concerns over his divisive rhetoric and legal controversies.
In Arlington, Virginia, voter Sarah, 64, expressed hesitation about supporting Trump again, opting instead for the more moderate Haley. “I cannot in good faith vote for him again,” she stated.
Haley, however, remains determined to challenge Trump’s candidacy, emphasizing the need for unity and stability in the face of potential chaos.
