Archive

This 2014 House Race May Have Predicted Trump’s Success

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 10, 2016 · 8:30 AM EDT

Sixteen months ago, no one predicted Donald Trump would become the favorite for the Republican presidential nomination. But back in 2014, a seemingly random Illinois House race should have been an early indicator of an angry electorate that would be receptive to the billionaire businessman’s…

The Beginning of the End for Donald Trump

by Stuart Rothenberg April 7, 2016 · 9:10 AM EDT

For months, Donald Trump has led in polls, eventually piling up enough delegates to become a serious threat to win the Republican nomination in Cleveland in July. But now it appears that the wealthy businessman and reality television star’s candidacy is in jeopardy, the result of months of crude…

Maybe It Really Is the Media’s Fault

by Stuart Rothenberg April 5, 2016 · 9:22 AM EDT

Reporters like to snicker when members of the public — or even better, folks in the political class — blame the media for an unexpected development or unwelcome outcome. Don’t blame us, they respond, acting as if they are mere observers who have little or no responsibility for the political wars.

‘14 Losers Looking for Second Chance in ‘16

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 31, 2016 · 9:07 AM EDT

In sports and in politics, losing by a little can be harder than losing by a lot. At least a dozen 2016 candidates are hoping that their close calls in 2014 were more than a mirage of a missed opportunity.

California Republican Paul Chabot could barely get national GOP strategists to acknowledge…

A Party Divided Is a Party Defeated—Usually

by Stuart Rothenberg March 30, 2016 · 9:00 AM EDT

The question is no longer whether the GOP will be torn apart by the 2016 nominating process but how badly hurt its presidential nominee will be and whether defeat in November will be inevitable.

The answer depends on the nominee and on the ultimate extent of the divide. But there is little reason…

Rush Wins Primary, Other Black Caucus Members Also Face Challenges

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 27, 2016 · 9:00 AM EDT

Long-time Rep. Bobby L. Rush survived a primary challenge on March 15, and he’s just the first in a series of Congressional Black Caucus members facing an opponent from within the Democratic Party.

Rush won the Illinois primary 71-19 percent over Chicago Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. for the South…

GOP Incumbents Brace for Primary Losses, But Survive So Far

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 11:00 AM EDT

As Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and even Ben Carson harnessed the energy of anti-establishment voters in the Republican presidential race, GOP incumbents have grown worried they will be simultaneously swept out of office. But in spite of the volatility at the top of the ticket, Senate and House…

The Dust Clears: Hillary vs. Trump or Cruz

by Stuart Rothenberg March 25, 2016 · 10:59 AM EDT

The most bizarre presidential race in the history of the universe is starting to gel.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton’s delegate lead looks solid enough, and she appears to be pivoting to the general election. Bernie Sanders will win more delegates and carry more states, but Clinton’s…

Is an Anti-Trump Wave Putting the House Into Play?

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 10:58 AM EDT

The closer Donald Trump or Ted Cruz gets to winning the Republican presidential nomination, the more Democrats talk about control of the House being in play. But even though the duo may deliver Democrats an electoral wave of historic proportions, it’s still not clear whether one will develop or…

Senate Matchups Start to Solidify, But Landscape Unclear

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 10:57 AM EDT

The playing field for competitive Senate races could still change and grow, particularly if the bottom falls out of the election for Republicans because of Donald Trump or Ted Cruz. But in three of the eight most competitive contests, the general election matchups are set after a series of early…