Election 2020: Biden vs. Trump in the Shadows of COVID-19

Strategic Insights -

As the Democratic nomination process tightens, with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders dropping out on April 8, the focus has shifted to former Vice President Joe Biden as the final candidate. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump remains the sole Republican candidate, with no serious opposition. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the election, with rules of social distancing affecting voter turnout and the need for vote-by-mail being emphasized by election officials.

Key Takeaways:

  • With Sanders' suspension of his campaign, Biden has secured 1,406 delegates, while Sanders had 974 delegates before dropping out (The Associated Press).
  • The Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August in Milwaukee, will see delegates pick the nominee.
  • The majority of voters are dissatisfied with Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 7 in 10 Americans believing the federal government should do more to address shortages in PPE and medical devices (CNN poll).
  • The pandemic has also affected the economy, with the unemployment rate rising to 3.5% from 3.5% pre-pandemic, and only 48% of Americans approving of Trump's economic handling (CNN survey).
  • Biden is facing rape allegations made by a staffer in 1993, which he has denied and called for the release of any records related to the incident (NBC News).
  • The election is still four months away, with ongoing data suggesting continued volatility in the polls.

Statistics:

  • Trump has collected 1,514 delegates, while Bill Weld has only 1 delegate in the Republican primaries (The Associated Press).
  • Biden has 1,406 delegates, while Sanders had 974 delegates before dropping out (The Associated Press).
  • 7 in 10 Americans believe the federal government should do more to address shortages in PPE and medical devices (CNN poll).
  • The unemployment rate has risen to 3.5% from pre-pandemic (CNN survey).
  • Only 48% of Americans approve of Trump's economic handling (CNN survey).
  • 14% of respondents to a CNN survey said the federal government had done a bad job of preventing the virus's spread.

Sources:

  • https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/03/politics/democrats-delegate-rules-2020-explained/index.html
  • https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/did-we-order-enough-envelopes-vote-mail-advocates-worry-time-n1190571
  • https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/us/politics/trump-polls-coronavirus.html
  • https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/biden-denies-sexual-assault-allegation-calls-release-any-records-n1197536