Charlotte Talks: After Biden’s Comeback, 2020 Race Faces Super Tuesday Lightning Round

While the voting was still underway in South Carolina on Saturday, the former vice president made a quick side trip to Raleigh.

“Put me in coach, I’m ready to play,” Biden said at a rally at St. Augustine’s University.

If North Carolina voters on Tuesday give him back-to-back Carolina victories, Biden said “it’s a straight path to a nomination for president of the United States of America.”

But recent polls indicated a close race in North Carolina between Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Biden also appeared to be out-organized and lacking resources in many Super Tuesday states, particularly delegate-rich California.

What will the South Carolina results do to the Democratic landscape with so little time before Tuesday’s vote?

GUESTS

Mary C. Curtis, Roll Call columnist, WCCB News contributor (@mcurtisnc3)

Jim Morrill, the Charlotte Observer, political reporter (@jimmorrill)

Gibbs Knotts, College of Charleston, professor of political science; co-author of “First in the South: Why South Carolina’s Presidential Primary Matters” (@GibbsKnotts)

Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Biden Seeks Comeback In SC Primary; CMS Irks Parents With Survey

The caucus results in Nevada had barely been tallied before the Democratic candidates for president packed their bags for South Carolina and Saturday’s “first in the South” primary. So Charlotte Talks has set up shop, too, at Amelie’s French Bakery in Rock Hill.

Former Vice President Joe Biden put all his chips on South Carolina in an attempt to retake frontrunner status from Sen. Bernie Sanders. The tide might be in Biden’s favor as polls show him with a commanding lead, and the state’s top African American official, Rep. Jim Clyburn, endorsed Biden.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools found itself having to explain why students in grades 6-12 were given a survey about their gender identity and sexual orientation. The school board, meanwhile, had to scale back the size of three high schools that were part of a bond package voters approved in 2017.

Also, the will-he-stay, won’t-he-stay question about Cam Newton seemed to be resolved this week, and the CIAA tipped off it’s last (for now?) tournament in Charlotte.

GUESTS

Mary C. Curtis, Roll Call columnist and WCCB News contributor (@mcurtisnc3)

Cailyn Derickson, The Herald, reporter (@cailynderickson)

Steve Harrison, WFAE political reporter, co-host of the “Inside Politics” podcast (@Sharrison_WFAE)

Jonathan Lowe, Spectrum News, reporter and anchor (@JonathanUpdates)

Ann Doss Helms, WFAE education reporter (@anndosshelms)

Will Bernie Keep Momentum; Counting Delegates

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Joe Biden hopes South Carolina can save his campaign. But after Bernie Sanders’ big win in Nevada, is there any stopping his momentum?

The Democratic Socialist is gaining ground in the Palmetto State, as moderate democrats fight to see who can emerge as a challenger to Sanders.

Click above for more with WCCB Charlotte Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis.

Will the Nevada Democratic Debate be a Game-Changer?

CHARLOTTE, NC — The democratic presidential candidates have one more shot to make their case on the debate stage ahead of Saturday’s Nevada caucuses. Political contributor Mary C. Curtis talks about what to expect ahead of Thursday’s debate.

POLITICAL WRAP: Bernie Sanders takes Front-Runner Status; Lyles Endorses Bloomberg

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Senator Bernie Sanders appeared in Charlotte on Friday, now considered a front-runner for the Democratic nomination heading into the Nevada caucuses and the South Carolina primary.

And Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles recently endorsed Mike Bloomberg. The former NYC Mayor is rising in the polls, especially as former Vice President Joe Biden falls.

But Bloomberg continues to face criticism that he’s trying to buy the nomination.

Click above for more with WCCB Charlotte Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis.

The Democratic divide is not just between moderates and progressives

Are frightened Democrats in the middle of an ugly fight to the death between the so-called progressive and moderate wings of the party? To observe the weeping and gnashing of teeth after the New Hampshire primary, you might think so. Let’s just say, that reaction is premature and missing the point.

Yet there are already calls from some in the Democratic establishment, such as it is, for consolidation of the moderates to fight a Bernie Sanders surge that would presumably cast the party into the electoral wilderness in 2020, when the main focus, the reasoning goes, is to beat Donald Trump. To be fair, that seems to be top of mind for all those who want Trump out of office. When I go to the market or gym, anyone of a certain political persuasion even vaguely familiar with what I do for a living asks me “who can beat Trump” before I get a “hello.”

New Hampshire Primary Results

CHARLOTTE, NC — Senator Bernie Sanders has won New Hampshire’s presidential primary edging out rival Pete Buttigieg. Political contributor Mary C. Curtis looks at the winners and those who fell short.

POLITICAL WRAP: Democrats Trying to Re-Group for New Hampshire After Chaotic Iowa Caucus

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – DNC Chair Tom Perez is urging patience, following a chaotic week for Democrats.

His party’s field of presidential candidates, are trying to re-group, as they prepare for Tuesday’s primary in New Hampshire.

All of this coming, after confusion in the Iowa caucuses led to a delay in results, and left two candidates declaring victory.

Click above for more with WCCB Charlotte Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis.

State of The Union & Iowa Caucus

CHARLOTTE, NC — President Trump touts the economy and what he calls a “Great American Comeback” in his state of the union address Tuesday night. Political contributor Mary C. Curtis breaks down the president’s message and gives her thoughts on the Iowa caucus.

Takeaways from the Democratic Debate

CHARLOTTE, NC —  With the Iowa caucuses less than three weeks away, six of the democratic candidates battled it out on a debate stage Tuesday night. Political contributor Mary C. Curtis discusses the biggest takeaways.