Today's Indiana primary was meaningless. Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump had already locked up the nominations of their party. Even so, the results tonight say a great deal. First of all, Trump beat Cruz decisively. It was enough for Cruz to finally recognize the obvious and to suspend his campaign. Among Democrats, Indiana also showed the true nature of their campaign. Sanders beat Hillary by roughly 53 to 47%. Because the Democrat primaries are rigged to favor Hillary, however, Clinton got one more delegate than Sanders. The people picked Sanders, but the party insiders picked Hillary.
Another important bit of information can be seen in the turnout numbers. Donald Trump alone got more votes than Clinton and Sanders combined. Indeed, Cruz (who lost badly) had more votes than either Clinton or Sanders. Remember that in 2008, Obama carried Indiana. Eight years later, the Democrat turnout for a contested primary is much much lower than the GOP turnout.
Also important to note is that while the polls showed Hillary winning in Indiana, she lost by roughly 6%. It's hard to say exactly why the polls were so wrong, but it looks like many voters who supported Clinton just did not even bother to go to the polls. If that lack of enthusiasm remains the case in November Clinton's chances to carry Indiana are dim at best.
Another important bit of information can be seen in the turnout numbers. Donald Trump alone got more votes than Clinton and Sanders combined. Indeed, Cruz (who lost badly) had more votes than either Clinton or Sanders. Remember that in 2008, Obama carried Indiana. Eight years later, the Democrat turnout for a contested primary is much much lower than the GOP turnout.
Also important to note is that while the polls showed Hillary winning in Indiana, she lost by roughly 6%. It's hard to say exactly why the polls were so wrong, but it looks like many voters who supported Clinton just did not even bother to go to the polls. If that lack of enthusiasm remains the case in November Clinton's chances to carry Indiana are dim at best.
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