Primed for New Hampshire
February 11, 2016

Donald Trump delivered on his promise of a fantastic, amazing and huge victory in New Hampshire, winning 35% of the vote – mostly thanks to his xenophobic and controversial policies against Muslims, immigrants and general non-Americans. This has helped to create the perfect scenario for a Trump takeover; not only did he rake in the votes this week, winning by double digits, but the continued failure of the GOP to provide a single establishment candidate for the party to rally around has allowed Trump to run even farther ahead of the pack.
The epic smack down of Marco Rubio’s too-rehearsed sound bites in this week’s Republican debate, and the continued attacks by the other establishment candidates due to the target painted on his back in Iowa, shredded his hard-fought-for momentum. Instead, middle-of-the-road John Kasich emerged in second place which will probably earn him some good money to stick around for a while longer. Jeb Bush was super happy to make it to fourth place, no doubt telling donors their fears are unfounded and he is in it to win it. And Chris Christie and Carly Fiorina dropped out once 1% of America’s vote made it clear that they aren’t cool enough to be president.
Hillary Clinton meanwhile had a terrible, no good, very bad day. A large turnout of women, young voters and super left voters led to a very humbling defeat for her in the Granite state – which was not that surprising for those following the polls in the last few weeks. Her backers probably have confidence that she will prevail in the south and on Super Tuesday, so the important thing is for her not to panic and to keep running a smooth, well-oiled campaign.
Republican heads are now turning to South Carolina, where a fight is brewing between Kasich, Bush and Rubio as a very different demographic of voters is likely to upset the Republican race still further. Democrats meanwhile are heading to Nevada where Clinton will stage a comeback thanks to those all-important minority voters. With so much at stake the remaining contenders are sure to leave the gloves off in what is promising to be an exciting round three rumble.
Spoiling for a fight? Just remember what the first rule is. Movie for your mood: Fight Club