The Democratic presidential race is fast turning into a two-person affair with former Vice President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren battling for the nomination and the others hoping for a shot, according to pollster John Zogby.
Biden “did well enough this week to maintain and secure for now his front-runner status. He was vigorous, moderate, feisty, and engaged,” said Zogby.
And Warren, he added, “She is good out there. Above all, I can see her as president. She is helping herself in these debates.”
In an analysis of the race after the two Democratic debates, Zogby noted that Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is slipping the polls and California Sen. Kamala Harris hasn’t done anything to add to her first debate win.
“For now, Joe Biden is still on top; Elizabeth Warren is the main challenger,” said Zogby in an analysis shared with Secrets..
His highlights:
- Biden: “While he weathered attacks from Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Kamala Harris, he also underscored a clear advantage he carries: he was Vice-President under a President who is popular among 95% of Democratic voters.”
- Warren: “She offers the most details on her programs, is dazzlingly eloquent, and has a personal story (including attending a community college in Oklahoma) that is authentic.”
- Sanders: “He has been criticized for giving the same speech for three years. Actually, he has been giving the same speech for over 50 years. He believes in it and he has his inflamed supporters.”
- Harris: “She looked tired but she performed well. However, the attacks from Biden landed. She was especially knocked out by Tulsi Gabbard who went right for the jugular reminding the ten million who watched that Harris has been no progressive nor has she always been friendly to non-whites.”
- Pete Buttigieg: “I think he belongs in the first tier simply because he is positioned to become the next governor of Indiana and help it turn blue. As well, we are likely to see and hear from him for another 40 years. He is not hurting himself at all.”
- Booker: “He could be a contender for a ticket led by Biden but he better not come on too strong lest he look ageist or worse, disrespectful.”
