Biden Takes Big Step as US Democratic Presidential Candidate... Sweeps 3 States Including Florida

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden won a landslide victory in the Democratic presidential primary on the 17th (local time).

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On that day, former Vice President Biden won all three state primaries in Florida, Illinois, and Arizona. With this victory, Biden was able to significantly surpass candidate Bernie Sanders, who is competing for the presidential nomination. Originally, the presidential primary was also supposed to be held in Ohio on the same day, but the governor postponed the primary schedule due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

As the Florida primary vote count was underway, former Vice President Biden received 62%, and Senator Sanders received 23%. In Illinois, Biden received 59%, and Senator Sanders 36%. Although the Arizona vote count was in its early stages, U.S. media predicted that former Vice President Biden would win.

Representative Tulsi Gabbard is still participating in the U.S. Democratic presidential primary, but practically, the race is proceeding as a two-way contest between former Vice President Biden and Senator Sanders.

Notably, this primary was the day to decide 11% (441 delegates) of the total presidential candidate delegates. Before this primary, former Vice President Biden had secured 853 delegates, and Senator Sanders had 700 delegates. With the victory in this primary, Biden's chances of winning have increased further.

Considering the COVID-19 situation, former Vice President Biden expressed his gratitude to supporters from home instead of holding large-scale rallies. He said, "Overcoming this crisis is more important than anything else," and added, "We must protect both public health and democracy." He also mentioned, "Senator Sanders and I may differ tactically, but we share a common vision," and said, "To the young voters influenced by Senator Sanders, I want to say that your voices are being heard as well."

Senator Sanders' camp has not yet released any additional messages regarding the primary results.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.