This is great news for Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley. Perhaps, troubling news for Hillary Clinton*.
(*See the big caveat below provided by Iowa Starting Line.)
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Results: Iowa — Statewide
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Results: Polk County (DesMoines & Suburbs)
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The big caveat:
However, and this is a big however, it’s notable that all students – Democrats, Republican and independents – participated in both the Democratic and Republican caucus. So one could obviously see how young Republicans would do an “anyone but Hillary” strategy, as they’d avoid supporting who they see as their most likely opposition next year. That may also have impacted the size of the uncommitted percentage, and perhaps boosted O’Malley as some Republicans may not want to align with either Clinton or a self-described “socialist.” The Youth Caucus was held in 22 counties, with 984 total participants for the Democrats. Also, many of those who participated won’t be old enough to vote in the real caucus in February.
Still, even with those important caveats, it was a very good night for both Sanders and O’Malley, and a worrisome one for Clinton. Everyone knows that Sanders commands strong enthusiasm among younger voters, but to win in such an overwhelming landslide should give other campaigns pause of what that demographic can do on caucus night. Sanders’ hopes largely rest on whether or not his campaign can turn out many first-time caucus-goers on caucus night. This seems to reinforce the idea that he’d clean up among younger first-timers.
The results are also particularly encouraging for O’Malley, eager to show momentum after a solid debate last weekend. O’Malley has aggressively pitched his campaign to younger voters, claiming the “new leadership” mantle and presenting himself as part of a new generation in the Democratic Party. Everyone tries to appeal to young people, and Sanders’ star power and policies, along with Clinton’s historic candidacy are tough to beat, so it was always questionable what share of that vote O’Malley could realistically get. Apparently, a good chunk of it, at least from these results. I saw a few anecdotes online of non-viable Clinton groups switching over to O’Malley’s corner, perhaps showing their concern of Sanders being her top competition. That’s also a scenario unlikely to happen in many precincts on actual caucus night, but does point to O’Malley being a consensus candidate that could gain support if either Sanders or Clinton falters.
Source: IowaStartingLine.com
http://iowastartingline.com/2015/11/19/sanders-sweeps-iowa-youth-caucus-omalley-strong-clinton-in-3rd-with-a-caveat/
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See everyone caucus night! But, first..
Go Bernie Go!!