Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 01:54 pm
A second poll of Nevada Democrats reveals that Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are locked in a virtual tie with only a few days until the state’s caucus.
Clinton leads Sanders 48%-47% in Nevada, and a split among Democrats over the economy is the reason the caucus is so close.
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The economy is rated the top issue by 42% of likely Democratic caucusgoers, and which candidate would better handle it seems a central division in the race.
Overall, Clinton holds broad advantages as more trusted on foreign policy, race relations, immigration and health care, but likely caucusgoers are split 48% for Clinton and 47% for Sanders on the economy. Among those likely caucusgoers who call the economy their top issue in choosing a candidate, more support Sanders: 52% back him vs. 43% for Clinton.
When asked who would do more to help the middle class, Sanders narrowly tops Clinton among all likely caucusgoers, 50% to 47%. Likely caucusgoers are also split on which candidate best represents Democratic values, 50% say Clinton does, 49% Sanders.
The CNN poll confirms the results of a poll done last week which showed the race tied at 45%.
Nevada Democratic caucusgoers view both Clinton and Sanders as representing Democratic values, so the idea that Clinton is more of a “real Democrat” than Sanders isn’t swaying voters. The main argument behind Sanders’ candidacy revolves around the economy, so it isn’t surprising in the least that in a state where the economy is listed as the top issue of likely caucusgoers, Sen. Sanders would be doing well.
Twenty-five percent of caucusgoers have not made up their minds yet, which means that Nevada is anyone’s ballgame.
The race is so close in Nevada because Clinton has been organizing the state since April 2015, but Sanders is outspending Clinton 2 to 1 in television advertising.
Thanks to Hillary Clinton’s huge superdelegate advantage, Bernie Sanders loses even if he wins a close race. Delegate count is what matters in the Democratic primary. The Bernie Sanders momentum is real, but he is going to need a turnout surge in Nevada if he is going make a dent in Hillary Clinton’s delegate lead.
An election that very few thought would be close has turned into a barn burner, as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have given the Democratic Party two good candidates who are both capable of winning in November.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
