Skip to main content
for

Senator Sanders’ debate performance will likely keep him competitive in South Carolina

The dynamics of the debate in South Carolina confirmed Senator Bernie Sanders’ status as the frontrunner, as all of the other candidates ardently worked to score points against him, said Northwestern University political science professor Alvin Tillery. “While Senator Sanders was roughed up a bit, he did not have a disastrous performance, and that will likely keep him competitive in South Carolina,” he said.

Tillery and political science professor Jaime Dominguez are available to comment on last night’s debate, the upcoming South Carolina primary and Super Tuesday.

Alvin Tillery is an associate professor of political science and director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern. His research in American politics focuses on American political development, racial and ethnic politics, and media and politics. He can be reached at alvin.tillery@northwestern.edu

Quote from Professor Tillery
“Despite one or two noticeable gaffes, Joe Biden had by far his best debate performance and likely did enough to secure his win in South Carolina. Beyond Biden and Sanders, there were no other winners on Tuesday night. Both Senator Klobuchar and Mayor Pete continued to peddle the argument that it is going to take a dose of ‘Midwesterner nice’ to win the election, and they came across as level-headed and centrist, but neither one displayed any new ideas or rhetoric that will likely move voters of color to embrace them. 

“Senator Warren continued to launch attacks against Mike Bloomberg and showed incredible vigor on stage, but I am doubtful that she can move into the top two nationally at this point if she doesn’t win in South Carolina. Finally, while Mike Bloomberg performed better than he did in Nevada, he still had a poor showing. Unlike the other billionaire buying name recognition in the race, Tom Steyer, Bloomberg comes across as disingenuous and unprepared. We will learn on Tuesday if his money buys votes or just TV ads.”

Jaime Dominguez is an assistant professor of instruction in the department of political science in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern. His teaching and research focus on race and ethnicity, immigration, urban politics, Latino politics and Chicago politics. He can be reached at j-dominguez@northwestern.edu

Quote from Professor Dominguez
“Vice President Biden’s campaign needs a huge jolt, and a victory in South Carolina could provide the momentum that has been sorely lacking. Senator Sanders only needs to be competitive. If he can stay within single digits of Biden, he will put immense pressure on the rest of the field and may even force some to drop out of the race.”