WASHINGTON — Presidential politics move fast. What we’re watching heading into a new week on the 2020 campaign:
Days to Super Tuesday: 1
Days to general election: 256
THE NARRATIVE
The Democrats’ 2020 nomination fight is at a crossroads. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders remains the front-runner. And with former Vice President Joe Biden’s resounding victory in South Carolina, Biden can now make a credible case that he is the strongest Sanders alternative — especially now that Pete Buttigieg is out. But will the party’s moderate wing unite behind him? The moderate lane is still somewhat crowded even after Buttigieg’s departure given billionaire and former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s looming presence. On the eve of Super Tuesday, we’re about to learn whether this truly is a two- or three-person race or if Sanders will build an insurmountable delegate lead. Either way, this could be headed to the convention.
THE BIG QUESTIONS
How long will Biden’s moment last?
Biden probably had the best night of his political career Saturday in South Carolina. He scored his first win of 2020, which actually marked his first primary victory over three presidential runs. Now comes the hard part. Biden has little organization, paid advertising or time to help turn the South Carolina landslide into an equally strong showing on Tuesday, when 14 states, one U.S. territory and Democrats abroad weigh in on the race. Also standing in his way: Bloomberg, who draws from a similar pool of voters and will be on the Super Tuesday ballot as well.
How will Bloomberg’s billions stand up?
At last count, Bloomberg had spent more than half a billion dollars on his 2020 campaign before appearing on a ballot. That investment will finally be tested on Tuesday, when a series of states representing one third of 2020’s presidential delegates have the option of picking Bloomberg’s name. That’s even as some establishment Democrats are quietly calling for him to quit the race to allow for the anti-Sanders vote to consolidate behind Biden.