How Bernie won New Hampshire

[JoeOtterbein]

Politico

Sanders' hard-fought win in the first-in-the-nation primary also exposed his vulnerabilities.

By HOLLY OTTERBEIN

02/12/2020 10:22 AM EST

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire — Bernie Sanders dominated the youth vote, consolidated the liberal base, and benefitted from a knife fight among his more moderate rivals.

But the Vermont senator rode to victory in New Hampshire on Democrats’ dissatisfaction with the health care system: He won a plurality among those who said health care was their top concern, and six of 10 voters overall backed single-payer, according to exit polls.

It’s a powerful position to occupy in a party where voters routinely rank health care as their top issue. But as Sanders’ campaign now turns its focus on Nevada, South Carolina and Super Tuesday states, his triumph in the first-in-the-nation primary also illuminated his vulnerabilities.

While he received more support from 18- to 29-year-old voters than all the other 2020 candidates combined, he only won 14 percent of the vote from those over 65. He carried the popular vote by only narrow margins in both New Hampshire and Iowa. And the fact that his signature issue is single-payer health care means that industry lobby will continue to work diligently to stop him.

snip

more great reporting at link

[George II]

1. Put into relative terms he actually lost New Hampshire.

[NurseJackie]

12. The ethnic demographics of NH were tailor-made for BS... yet he still only tied.

The ethnic demographics of NH were tailor-made for BS... yet he still only tied. This tells me that even with the natural and historical advantage that he has in a non-diverse state like New Hampshire... and the fact that he should have had a BLOWOUT victory (but didn't)... it's clear that his campaign doesn't have what it takes to mount a successful run for the presidency.

If he's already having trouble in "Bernie-friendly" New Hampshire... then he's definitely NOT the one that can lead the Democratic party to victory.

As Democrats, we need to put DEMOCRATS first when it comes to choosing our party's nominee. We don't need a Socialist... we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to our own loyal and stalwart Democrats.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Bernie didn't win New Hampshire. He tied with Buttigieg for delegates,

which are what count (and Buttigieg beat him in Iowa). Bernie should have done better in NH but he barely squeaked by.

[Kaleva]

3. I think the argument can be made that Bernie benefited from a crowded field in NH

[squirecam]

6. Without Amy surging

Pete would clearly have won.

[denem]

8. And without Biden's poison pill attack ad.

[bucolic_frolic]

4. Issues to confront Trump

Health care/family economics (including college costs), foreign policy, the DOJ/Rule of Law crisis. The primaries will filter for experience, patriotism, electability, age and all the rest. Beating Trump is voters' #1 concern now and forever. Any candidate must go head to head with Trump on Rule of Law, corruption, DOJ. The economy/equality is fading as an issue. I think these realities favor some candidates over others.

[ismnotwasm]

5. Your daughter writes well

I foresee a good future for her

[denem]

7. "his moderate rivals had spent the last week brawling"

I Agree. Biden poison-pilled Buttigieg with GOP worthy attack ad. Sanders had luck on his side.

AFAIK, Holly is the only journalist reporting on the crucial role being played but the Sunrise Movement PAC.

[denem]

9. Gotta say, it takes a lot of chutzpah for someone on the Bernie Beat

to quote Matt Bennett. There's that pesky, without fear or favor thing again. Kudos.

[BusyBeingBest]

10. DU Rules: When Bernie loses, he loses. When Bernie wins, he's also still losing.

As long as we don't admit he won, he lost.

[Laelth]

11. Interesting. Thanks for posting. n/t

-Laelth