The Nevada Democratic caucus saw such a tight race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders that results were too close to immediately call after doors slammed shut. Also complicating matters? People were still in line when the caucus was scheduled to close, but anyone in line by noon would still be allowed to caucus. Nevada was predicted to be a squeaker, and although Clinton was long ago presumed to take the easily state, Sanders’ rise — along with a “virtual tie” and a Sanders win in New Hampshire — proved anything can (and will) happen in the race to take the Democratic nomination.
About ninety minutes after the caucus doors closed, CNN projected Clinton as the Nevada winner with a narrow lead. Once 68% of the results trickled in, CNN called the state as a clear win for Clinton with 52.3% and Sanders with 47.6%. Bernie Sanders took the initial news well with a vow to wind up and prepare for the upcoming Super Tuesday fight.
Proud that we brought many working and young people into the political process. We have the wind at our back as we head into Super Tuesday.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 20, 2016
Earlier on Saturday, early CBS entrance polls showed Sanders leading with 73% among women under the age of 45. However, this week saw a big push by Hookers for Hillary, and Will Ferrell switched sides by dumping Sanders in favor of Clinton. Indeed, Clinton posted a video of Ferrell supporting his chosen candidate in Las Vegas. Likewise, the caucus room at Caesar’s Palace also appeared to be filled with enthused Clinton voters.
Sanders v. Clinton corners of caucus room…Hillary clear winner at Caesars Palace location. pic.twitter.com/s9jioS7Pca
— Clare Malone (@ClareMalone) February 20, 2016
Once first results started popping up at results headquarters, the two candidates were shown with a 50-50 split.
First results pop up at results headquarters #NVelectionHQ #NVDEMScaucus @FOX5Vegas pic.twitter.com/YnigCdb2fH
— Elizabeth Watts Schrack (@ElizabethWatts5) February 20, 2016
For the next hour or so, the results stayed close with Clinton and Sanders taking turns with a narrow lead, but in the end, only one candidate could win.
The day wasn’t without its SNAFUs. Reno ran out of English registration forms, so they had to use Spanish ones. The Latino vote was said to be key in this state, which was one big reason Clinton invested resources to claim she’s just like your abuela.
Reno reports higher turnout than 2008, runs out of forms in English. (They used Spanish ones.) #NVDemsCaucus pic.twitter.com/5Uk2rM3yw3
— Tampa Bay come together (@BernieTampaBay) February 20, 2016
Are you kidding me with these forms right now Reno?! 😲One job! #NVDemsCaucus
— ⚛Kuro, Hand of Lucifina🤘🏾🏴 (@BlackBanner666) February 20, 2016
FYI, Clinton was serious about appealing to the Latino voters. She tweeted in Spanish about how the country shall not allow a Republican to take the highest office in the land.
No podemos permitir que un republicano gane las elecciones.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 20, 2016
During her victory speech, Clinton said, “Some may have doubted us, but we never doubted each other.” She also said Americans have every right to be “hungry for real solutions.” Was this a diss on Sanders?
(Via CNN)