Republican efforts to defeat Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, netted a victory over the weekend thanks to President Trump, say analysts.
In Saturday's primary election, Edwards didn't manage to get 50% of the vote and so will face a November 16 runoff with the top vote-getting Republican: Eddie Rispone.
Many analysts say Edwards was on his way to a likely firm victory without a runoff until President Trump got involved. At a "raucous," lively and well-attended rally in Louisiana last week, the president encouraged attendees to get out and vote for one of the two Republicans who were running.
The "Trump bump" was felt despite widespread media attention given to Democrats' efforts to disparage and impeach Trump. Several polls reportedly show a majority of Americans, or a near-majority, favors removing Trump from office over his request for Ukraine to investigate alleged corruption involving former Vice President Joe Biden. Biden, a Democrat, is running against Trump for president.
Trump has said that his request was appropriate as part of an effort to investigate who was behind efforts to interfere with the 2016 election and target his campaign.
The Media is not talking about the big Republican victory last night in Louisiana where a sitting Democrat Governor was forced into a runoff by not getting 50%. Big upset! Now @EddieRispone, who will be a great Governor, will win!
President Donald Trump Tweet, Sunday Oct. 13
While Edwards did not get 50% of the vote, he handily beat each of his opponents: he received 47%. Rispone got second place with 27%, earning the runoff spot. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham came in third with 24%.
Theoretically, if the Republican vote is added together, it bests the Edwards primary vote. It's unclear what turnout in next month's general election will look like.
Thanks to the thousands who have already supported!
"Several polls reportedly show a majority of Americans, or a near-majority, favors removing Trump from office " Actually no, the polls were biased and did not reflect likely voter turnout or voter composition.
The latest survey on the topic from Gallup, taken last month, shows that 31 percent of Americans consider themselves Democrats, 29 percent consider themselves Republicans and 38 percent consider themselves independents. The poll however was sampled 48 percent Democrats, 40 percent Republicans, 12 percent other.
A quote from Mark Twain is most apropos in this situation, "There are lies, damned lies, and statistics."
I would like to agree to disagree. I've seen the Trump rallies. Plus I've tried to take the so called polls. Would NOT register my vote unless I clicked on the demoncrates choice. What's up with that?