President Joe Biden and Donald Trump moved a step closer to their party conventions on Tuesday as they secured victories in five states: Ohio, Florida, Arizona, Illinois, and Kansas.
Both men have already secured the nominations for president based on their delegate totals from previous contests. Nikki Haley, Mr. Trump’s last active challenger, withdrew from the race after Super Tuesday. On the Democratic side, author Marianne Williamson still holds events, but she has no realistic chance of winning the nomination.
Despite the clear opposition of the majority of Americans, their wins on Tuesday and in the future will only hold ceremonial significance. It is highly likely that the 2024 election will be a rematch of the 2020 election.
Both Mr. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have shifted their focus towards the upcoming general election. They have begun actively campaigning for re-election, with Vice President Harris recently making history by becoming the first sitting or former vice president to visit and speak at an abortion clinic. This move highlights the Democratic Party’s intention to prioritize reproductive rights as a significant topic in their 2024 campaign.
Continuing to criticize Democrats, President Trump remains vocal about the numerous legal challenges he is currently confronting. Over the weekend, the former president made an impromptu appearance in Dayton, Ohio, to rally support for his favored Senate candidate, Bernie Moreno, in the state primary. At the end of the night, Moreno had a slight lead over his closest competitor, state Senator Matt Dolan.
In the Ohio Senate primary, the big prize of the night is up for grabs. It will put Mr. Trump’s endorsement to the test against a member of the GOP establishment in the Buckeye State. This establishment figure is backed by the governor and other prominent Republicans.
In his victorious acceptance speech, Mr. Moreno took the opportunity to express his admiration for the former president and commend Mr. Dolan and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose for their well-run campaigns.
In a rallying call to his party, Mr. Moreno urged for unity in order to defeat Sherrod Brown, the Democratic Senator from Ohio. He expressed the opportunity at hand, stating that they can retire the “old commie” and send him to a retirement home. The crowd cheered in agreement, as they were determined to save the country.
Mr. Brown was referred to as President Biden’s “absolute enabler” in the Senate and as liberal Senator Elizabeth Warren’s “lapdog.”
In response to the news on X, Mr. Brown expressed his viewpoint, stating, “The decision facing Ohio is straightforward: Bernie Moreno has consistently prioritized himself throughout his professional career and campaign, and he would continue to do so if elected. On the other hand, I am committed to always advocating for the best interests of Ohio.”
Mr. Moreno’s victory on Tuesday evening is a clear indication of the enduring influence of Donald Trump’s endorsement, particularly in the Midwest and in states where he has had less direct conflicts with local Republican leaders.
