Biden his time now

Sweeping victories help Democratic candidate widen his lead

JOE Biden swept to victory in Florida, Illinois and Arizona on Tuesday, increasingly pulling away with a Democratic presidential primary upended by the coronavirus and building pressure on Bernie Sanders to abandon his campaign.

The former vice president’s third big night in as many weeks came amid tremendous uncertainty confronting the Democratic contest as it collides with efforts to slow the spread of the virus that have shut down large swathes of American life. Polls were shuttered in Ohio, and although balloting went ahead as scheduled in the three other states, election workers and voters reported problems.

Still, Mr Biden’s quest for his party’s nomination now seems well within reach.

His trio of wins doubled his delegate haul over Mr Sanders, giving the former vice president a nearly insurmountable lead.

Top Democratic leaders and donors have also increasingly lined up behind Mr Biden as the best option to square off against President Donald Trump in November.

Using a livestream to address supporters from his home state of Delaware, Mr Biden seemed ready to move past the primary.

He paid tribute to Mr Sanders for advancing key issues like affordable health care and combating climate change.

“Sen Sanders and his supporters have brought a remarkable passion and tenacity to all of these issues. Together they have shifted the fundamental conversation in this country,” he said. “So let me say, especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen Sanders, I hear you. I know what’s at stake.”