In Sanders’ Rise, GOP Strategist Sees Echoes of Trump

The divide between Sen. Bernie Sanders and other candidates reminds one political strategist of the GOP 2016 presidential contenders.

Bernie Sanders in Ypsilanti 2016 4

The Michigan presidential primary is just a couple weeks away.

Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson explores how the process is playing out and talks about what to expect here in Michigan.

“It feels like a redux of 2016, just reversal of parties.” – Dennis Darnoi, Republican political consultant

In looking at Michigan’s upcoming primary, Republican political consultant Dennis Darnoi says that Warren or Sanders could compete against Trump here, as well as in other swing states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

“There’s still a lot of time to determine that nominee and it may very well go to the convention.”


Listen: Republican Strategist Dennis Darnoi talks with Henderson about Sanders’ momentum and the various Democratic candidates


Jake Neher/WDET
Jake Neher/WDET

Guest

Dennis Darnoi is a Republican political consultant who tracks voter data.

On the subject of Sen. Bernie Sanders winning the popular vote in all primaries and caucuses so far, Darnoi notes the familiarity of this moment. 

“It feels like a redux of 2016, just reversal of parties,” Darnoi says, “Bernie is tracking very closely to what Trump did in 2016. Trump finished second in Iowa and then ran the table with New Hampshire, Nevada and then South Carolina.”

Former Vice President Joe Biden is currently leading the field in South Carolina.

Darnoi and Henderson also discuss the fact that the more centrist Democratic candidates like Biden, former South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Butiigieg, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar are dividing up the vote from people who are against a Sanders nomination.

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  • Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.