Super Tuesday Response
Super Tuesday, a day on which numerous US states hold their primary elections, occurred on March 1 for this year’s 2016 elections. On this major day of the primary season, the running candidates can win more delegates than on any other single day of the primary calendar, making it an essential day for the party leaders, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The delegates awarded on Super Tuesday represent nearly a quarter of the total Democratic delegates and just under a third of Republican delegates, making the previously held contest appear insignificant.  Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Virginia all held contest for both Republicans and Democrats. However, Alaska only held Republican elections and Colorado only held Democratic elections. The American Samoa also held their Democratic elections. Each of these states also differed on whether they heal a primary or a caucus.
Both Republicans and Democrats increased the front-runners on Super Tuesday, creating substantial leads for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in their respective parties. Trumps gain of seven states across the nation managed to create a larger margin between him and his competitors such as Cruz whom only picked up three, including Texas, his home state, and Rubio, who scored his first win of the season. Likewise, Clinton strengthened her standings by winning seven states, including Massachusetts, while also appealing to the minorities in the South. However, Sanders vowed to continue on after triumphing over four states.