csmonitor--2020-03-11--Joe Biden takes Michigan, consolidates 2020 front-runner status

Joe Biden decisively won Michigan ’ s Democratic presidential primary , seizing a key battleground state that helped propel Bernie Sanders ’ insurgent candidacy four years ago .
The former vice president 's victory there , as well as in Missouri , Mississippi , and Idaho , dealt a serious blow to Sanders and substantially widened Mr. Biden 's path to the nomination .
Mr. Biden again showed strength Tuesday with working-class voters and African Americans , who are vital to winning the Democratic nomination .
Mr. Sanders ' narrow hopes for good news rested on North Dakota and Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early to call , and because all votes there are cast by mail or by dropping them off in a ballot box , many ballots were marked for candidates who have since dropped out of the race .
The six-state contest Tuesday marked the first time voters weighed in on the primary since it effectively narrowed to a two-person race between Mr. Sanders and Mr. Biden .
And the first four states on Tuesday went to Mr. Biden , a dramatic reversal for a campaign that appeared on the brink of collapse just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Sanders , whose candidacy was ascendant so recently , who must contemplate a path forward .
Addressing supporters in Philadelphia , Mr. Biden noted that many had “ declared that this candidacy was dead ” only days ago , but “ now we 're very much alive.
” He also asked Mr. Sanders supporters to back him going forward .
“ We need you , we want you , and there ’ s a place in our campaign for each of you .
I want to thank Bernie Sanders and his supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Mr. Biden said .
`` We share a common goal , and together we ’ ll beat Donald Trump.
” It marked a high point for the former vice president 's staff .
They broke into an impromptu dance party after his speech , which was held close to his Philadelphia headquarters .
Even as the contours of the race came into shape , however , new uncertainty was sparked by fears of the coronavirus .
Both candidates abruptly canceled rallies in Ohio that were scheduled for Tuesday night .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks in Philadelphia , while Mr. Sanders flew home to Vermont and did n't plan to address the public .
Mr. Sanders ' campaign also said all future events would be decided on a case-by-case basis given public health concerns , while Mr. Biden called off a scheduled upcoming Florida stop .
Still , the former vice president said Tuesday night that he 'd be announcing plans to combat the coronavirus later this week .
The Democratic National Committee also said that Sunday 's debate between Mr. Sanders and Mr. Biden would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House hopefuls and leaders of powerful liberal groups , however , Mr. Biden 's momentum is now undeniable .
Bradley Beychok , president and co-founder of American Bridge 21st Century , a liberal super PAC , said his group `` will be ALL IN to elect @ JoeBiden as our next president . ''
The organization is spending millions of dollars trying to win over people who backed President Donald Trump in key states in 2016 .
Guy Cecil , chairman of the flagship Democratic outside political organization Priorities USA , tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe Biden is going to be the Democratic nominee for President and @ prioritiesUSA is going to do everything we can to help him defeat Donald Trump in November.
” There were other major warning signs for Sanders on Tuesday .
He again struggled to win support from black voters .
About 70 % of Mississippi 's Democratic primary voters were African American , and 86 % of them supported Biden , according to an AP VoteCast survey of the electorate .
After Mr. Sanders upset Hillary Clinton in Michigan four years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly sobering .
It undermined his argument that he could appeal to working-class voters and that he could expand the electorate with new young voters .
One of the few bright notes for Mr. Sanders was his strength among young voters , but even that has a downside because they did n't turn out enough to keep him competitive .
Mr. Sanders won 72 % of those under 30 in Missouri and 65 % in Michigan , according to AP VoteCast .
The senator was also about even with Mr. Biden among voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's no sugarcoating it .
Tonight 's a tough night , '' New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , one of Sanders ' highest-profile supporters , said on Instagram .
`` Tonight 's a tough night for the movement overall .
Tonight 's a tough night electorally.
” Another top Sanders backer , Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar , tweeted : “ Yes we are a family , united in restoring our democracy and committed to defeating Trump , but that doesn ’ t mean we should stop fighting for the candidate that best represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' According to an Associated Press analysis , Mr. Biden had picked up at least 153 new delegates : 53 in Michigan , 40 in Missouri , 29 in Mississippi , five in North Dakota , 17 in Washington , and nine in Idaho on Tuesday .
Sanders got 89 : 35 in Michigan , 23 in Missouri , two in Mississippi , seven in Idaho , five in North Dakota , and 17 in Washington .
Although six states voted , Michigan , with its 125 delegates , got most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by only 10,704 votes during the general election , his closest margin of victory among Michigan , Pennsylvania , and Wisconsin .
Those states gave Mr. Trump the narrow edge in the 2016 Electoral College after Clinton won the popular vote .
Mr. Sanders has vowed not to drop out regardless of Tuesday 's results and frequently railed against the “ Democratic establishment ” that he says has aligned against him .
In addition to the powerful groups now siding with Mr. Biden , the former vice president has picked up the endorsements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Sen. Kamala Harris , Sen. Cory Booker and , as of Tuesday , entrepreneur Andrew Yang .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , sometimes mentioned as a possible vice presidential choice , also endorsed Biden and campaigned with him ahead of Tuesday 's primary .
Mr. Biden also gave a nod to all his former competitors , saying , “ We ’ re bringing this party together . ''
“ That ’ s what we have to do , ” he said .
Not every Democrat was lining up behind Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dingell , who represents a sprawling district from the college town of Ann Arbor to the Detroit suburbs , said Tuesday that she 's staying neutral .
`` I remember what it was like four years ago and the vitriol and the anger , the people mad at each other the whole election cycle .
We can ’ t afford that , '' Representative Dingell said .
“ It 's about getting out and voting in November.
” Like Mr. Sanders , Mr. Biden has no public events scheduled for Wednesday .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead , he 's still confronting voters who question his positions , which include a gun control plan that reinstates an assault weapons ban and includes a voluntary buyback program for assault weapons .
That issue was at the center of a testy exchange with a worker while Mr. Biden was rallying earlier Tuesday in Detroit .
The man accused him of “ actively trying to end our Second Amendment right.
” Mr. Biden said the man did n't know what he was talking about , but went on to say that while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Do you need 100 rounds ?
” This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writers Mike Householder in Detroit and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed to this report .

Joe Biden decisively won Michigan’s Democratic presidential primary, seizing a key battleground state that helped propel Bernie Sanders’ insurgent candidacy four years ago. The former vice president's victory there, as well as in Missouri, Mississippi, and Idaho, dealt a serious blow to Sanders and substantially widened Mr. Biden's path to the nomination.
Mr. Biden again showed strength Tuesday with working-class voters and African Americans, who are vital to winning the Democratic nomination. Mr. Sanders' narrow hopes for good news rested on North Dakota and Washington state. Washington's primary was too early to call, and because all votes there are cast by mail or by dropping them off in a ballot box, many ballots were marked for candidates who have since dropped out of the race.
The six-state contest Tuesday marked the first time voters weighed in on the primary since it effectively narrowed to a two-person race between Mr. Sanders and Mr. Biden. And the first four states on Tuesday went to Mr. Biden, a dramatic reversal for a campaign that appeared on the brink of collapse just two weeks ago. Now it is Mr. Sanders, whose candidacy was ascendant so recently, who must contemplate a path forward.
Addressing supporters in Philadelphia, Mr. Biden noted that many had “declared that this candidacy was dead” only days ago, but “now we're very much alive.” He also asked Mr. Sanders supporters to back him going forward.
“We need you, we want you, and there’s a place in our campaign for each of you. I want to thank Bernie Sanders and his supporters for their tireless energy and their passion,” Mr. Biden said. "We share a common goal, and together we’ll beat Donald Trump.”
It marked a high point for the former vice president's staff. They broke into an impromptu dance party after his speech, which was held close to his Philadelphia headquarters.
Even as the contours of the race came into shape, however, new uncertainty was sparked by fears of the coronavirus. Both candidates abruptly canceled rallies in Ohio that were scheduled for Tuesday night. That set the stage for Mr. Biden's remarks in Philadelphia, while Mr. Sanders flew home to Vermont and didn't plan to address the public.
Mr. Sanders' campaign also said all future events would be decided on a case-by-case basis given public health concerns, while Mr. Biden called off a scheduled upcoming Florida stop. Still, the former vice president said Tuesday night that he'd be announcing plans to combat the coronavirus later this week.
The Democratic National Committee also said that Sunday's debate between Mr. Sanders and Mr. Biden would be conducted without an audience.
Among former White House hopefuls and leaders of powerful liberal groups, however, Mr. Biden's momentum is now undeniable.
Bradley Beychok, president and co-founder of American Bridge 21st Century, a liberal super PAC, said his group "will be ALL IN to elect @JoeBiden as our next president." The organization is spending millions of dollars trying to win over people who backed President Donald Trump in key states in 2016.
Guy Cecil, chairman of the flagship Democratic outside political organization Priorities USA, tweeted: “The math is now clear. Joe Biden is going to be the Democratic nominee for President and @prioritiesUSA is going to do everything we can to help him defeat Donald Trump in November.”
There were other major warning signs for Sanders on Tuesday. He again struggled to win support from black voters. About 70% of Mississippi's Democratic primary voters were African American, and 86% of them supported Biden, according to an AP VoteCast survey of the electorate.
After Mr. Sanders upset Hillary Clinton in Michigan four years ago, his loss there Tuesday was particularly sobering. It undermined his argument that he could appeal to working-class voters and that he could expand the electorate with new young voters.
One of the few bright notes for Mr. Sanders was his strength among young voters, but even that has a downside because they didn't turn out enough to keep him competitive. Mr. Sanders won 72% of those under 30 in Missouri and 65% in Michigan, according to AP VoteCast. The senator was also about even with Mr. Biden among voters ages 30 to 44.
“There's no sugarcoating it. Tonight's a tough night," New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of Sanders' highest-profile supporters, said on Instagram. "Tonight's a tough night for the movement overall. Tonight's a tough night electorally.”
Another top Sanders backer, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, tweeted: “Yes we are a family, united in restoring our democracy and committed to defeating Trump, but that doesn’t mean we should stop fighting for the candidate that best represents our policy priorities in this Primary."
According to an Associated Press analysis, Mr. Biden had picked up at least 153 new delegates: 53 in Michigan, 40 in Missouri, 29 in Mississippi, five in North Dakota, 17 in Washington, and nine in Idaho on Tuesday. Sanders got 89: 35 in Michigan, 23 in Missouri, two in Mississippi, seven in Idaho, five in North Dakota, and 17 in Washington.
Although six states voted, Michigan, with its 125 delegates, got most of the attention. Mr. Trump won the state by only 10,704 votes during the general election, his closest margin of victory among Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Those states gave Mr. Trump the narrow edge in the 2016 Electoral College after Clinton won the popular vote.
Mr. Sanders has vowed not to drop out regardless of Tuesday's results and frequently railed against the “Democratic establishment” that he says has aligned against him.
In addition to the powerful groups now siding with Mr. Biden, the former vice president has picked up the endorsements of many of his former presidential rivals, including Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Cory Booker and, as of Tuesday, entrepreneur Andrew Yang. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, sometimes mentioned as a possible vice presidential choice, also endorsed Biden and campaigned with him ahead of Tuesday's primary.
Mr. Biden also gave a nod to all his former competitors, saying, “We’re bringing this party together."
“That’s what we have to do,” he said.
Not every Democrat was lining up behind Mr. Biden, though. Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell, who represents a sprawling district from the college town of Ann Arbor to the Detroit suburbs, said Tuesday that she's staying neutral.
"I remember what it was like four years ago and the vitriol and the anger, the people mad at each other the whole election cycle. We can’t afford that," Representative Dingell said. “It's about getting out and voting in November.”
Like Mr. Sanders, Mr. Biden has no public events scheduled for Wednesday. And though he's celebrating a growing delegate lead, he's still confronting voters who question his positions, which include a gun control plan that reinstates an assault weapons ban and includes a voluntary buyback program for assault weapons.
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That issue was at the center of a testy exchange with a worker while Mr. Biden was rallying earlier Tuesday in Detroit. The man accused him of “actively trying to end our Second Amendment right.” Mr. Biden said the man didn't know what he was talking about, but went on to say that while he supports the Second Amendment and asked, “Do you need 100 rounds?”
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writers Mike Householder in Detroit and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed to this report.


csmonitor--2020-03-13--Louisiana to become first state to postpone primaries amid virus

Louisiana ’ s governor said Friday that he intended to postpone the state ’ s presidential primaries due to fears of the coronavirus , which would make it the first state to do so .
Democratic Gov .
John Bel Edwards planned to sign an executive order delaying the April 4 primary until June 20 , he said in a statement .
He described the step as “ necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana from the risk of COVID-19 , ” the disease caused by the coronavirus .
Louisiana also postponed elections in 2005 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2008 after hurricanes Gustav and Ike .
Early voting in Louisiana ’ s election was scheduled to start in a week .
But with a large number of elderly poll workers and worldwide concerns about people gathering in groups , Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin asked Edwards to sign the executive order , saying he didn ’ t feel comfortable continuing with the election plans .
“ This weighty decision has been made out of an absolute abundance of caution for Louisiana ’ s voters , voting officials and the general public as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Republican .
As of Friday , the number of residents testing positive in the state had jumped to 33 , centered largely in the New Orleans area , according to the state health department ’ s latest figures .
The tests are awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Governor Edwards had already declared a public health emergency for the state .
On Friday , he announced that he was closing public schools through April 13 and banning large events with more than 250 people .
State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nursing homes were limiting visitor access .
As they were around the country , universities were moving to all-online classes .
Louisiana ’ s decision to delay the primary puts the state outside the Democratic National Committee ’ s deadline for holding primaries and naming delegates to be credentialed for the July 13-16 convention in Milwaukee .
Current rules require states to hold nominating contests by June 9 and submit delegate rosters for convention floor credentials by June 20 , the new date that Louisiana has selected for its primary .
Missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losing half of its votes on the convention floor .
In this case , that almost certainly would affect former Vice President Joe Biden negatively , since he is a heavy favorite to score a large net-delegate gain over Bernie Sanders in Louisiana .
It ’ s also possible , however , that Louisiana simply renders itself moot , with Mr. Biden pulling away in delegates and in position to make big gains , given that the March 17 primaries will take place as planned .
Jim Roosevelt , co-chairman of the DNC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Friday that , for now , the deadlines remain in place .
But , he added , “ We are sort of playing this process by ear.
” Mr. Roosevelt said the priority is to ensure “ a fair process ” that the campaigns can accept .
There is precedent for the national party cutting a state ’ s delegates : Michigan and Florida suffered that outcome in 2008 , but not because of a public health emergency .
The two states moved their primaries into a window the DNC had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP reporter Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report .

Louisiana’s governor said Friday that he intended to postpone the state’s presidential primaries due to fears of the coronavirus, which would make it the first state to do so.
Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards planned to sign an executive order delaying the April 4 primary until June 20, he said in a statement.
He described the step as “necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana from the risk of COVID-19,” the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Louisiana also postponed elections in 2005 after hurricanes Katrina and Rita and in 2008 after hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
Early voting in Louisiana’s election was scheduled to start in a week. But with a large number of elderly poll workers and worldwide concerns about people gathering in groups, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin asked Edwards to sign the executive order, saying he didn’t feel comfortable continuing with the election plans.
“This weighty decision has been made out of an absolute abundance of caution for Louisiana’s voters, voting officials and the general public as a whole,” said Mr. Ardoin, a Republican.
As of Friday, the number of residents testing positive in the state had jumped to 33, centered largely in the New Orleans area, according to the state health department’s latest figures. The tests are awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Governor Edwards had already declared a public health emergency for the state. On Friday, he announced that he was closing public schools through April 13 and banning large events with more than 250 people. State prisons have suspended visitation, and hospitals and nursing homes were limiting visitor access. As they were around the country, universities were moving to all-online classes.
Louisiana’s decision to delay the primary puts the state outside the Democratic National Committee’s deadline for holding primaries and naming delegates to be credentialed for the July 13-16 convention in Milwaukee.
Current rules require states to hold nominating contests by June 9 and submit delegate rosters for convention floor credentials by June 20, the new date that Louisiana has selected for its primary. Missing those deadlines could result in a state losing half of its votes on the convention floor.
In this case, that almost certainly would affect former Vice President Joe Biden negatively, since he is a heavy favorite to score a large net-delegate gain over Bernie Sanders in Louisiana. It’s also possible, however, that Louisiana simply renders itself moot, with Mr. Biden pulling away in delegates and in position to make big gains, given that the March 17 primaries will take place as planned.
Jim Roosevelt, co-chairman of the DNC’s powerful Rules & Bylaws Committee, said Friday that, for now, the deadlines remain in place. But, he added, “We are sort of playing this process by ear.” Mr. Roosevelt said the priority is to ensure “a fair process” that the campaigns can accept.
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There is precedent for the national party cutting a state’s delegates: Michigan and Florida suffered that outcome in 2008, but not because of a public health emergency. The two states moved their primaries into a window the DNC had reserved for early nominating states.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP reporter Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.


csmonitor--2020-03-13--Florida might be the end for Sanders campaign. Then what?

Florida has never been known as a place of stability , especially in its politics .
And yet stability is what has been on the minds of many Democrats in the state who say they 'll vote for former Vice President Joe Biden in Tuesday 's presidential primary election instead of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders .
`` I like some of Sanders ' ideas , but he ’ s a little too extreme for me , '' said Jeanne Hilburn , a retired teacher who lives in the suburbs of Tampa .
`` A lot of Democrats are like me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race for the Democratic nomination enters a penultimate phase , with Mr. Sanders ' campaign on the brink of collapse and Mr. Biden 's ascendant , attention is turning to places like Florida , which is holding its primary on Tuesday along with Ohio , Illinois , and Arizona .
Florida has 219 delegates , the biggest prize of next week 's election .
Few places hold the electoral cachet of Florida , which has been among the most coveted swing states in the last three decades , including during the contentious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a vital state for President Donald Trump , who would have almost no path to reelection without it , say some analysts .
Mr. Biden 's advisers are banking on a decisive Florida victory that sends a clear message that he is much better positioned to win the state and deny Mr. Trump a second term .
In 2016 , Mr. Trump defeated Hillary Clinton here by 1.2 percentage points .
`` Florida , as always , is pivotal in the outcome , '' said Nikki Fried , who is the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and who endorsed Mr. Biden .
`` We are the ultimate swing state . ''
Mr. Sanders ' support in Florida has always been tenuous .
In the 2016 primary , he lost to Ms. Clinton by a nearly 2-to-1 margin .
This year , Mr. Sanders angered a potentially large voting bloc – Cuban Americans – by praising Fidel Castro for implementing a literacy program in the communist nation .
`` There is nothing positive you can say about the conditions in Cuba .
If he doesn ’ t understand that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get any votes , '' said Xavier Suarez , who was the first Cuban-born mayor of Miami and is now running as an independent in the county mayoral race .
`` It ’ s gon na be a massacre . ''
That leaves many Florida Democrats looking beyond the primary to November .
Several groups have banded together to register people to vote and mobilize for November .
One of the four groups , Organizing Together 2020 , is led by Ms. Fried .
It will hire employees , register voters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to the party after the July convention .
Another of the groups is For Our Future , a super PAC that is made up largely of Mike Bloomberg 's campaign apparatus .
A strong turnout in the Florida primary could give hope to Democrats , though it would be difficult to draw any conclusions for November given the state 's high number of independents .
And , to be sure , the coronavirus outbreak could keep some voters away from the polls and muffle any message from the turnout .
Democrats know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters here .
About 3.6 million of the state 's 13.6 million voters are registered independents , which means they ca n't vote in Tuesday 's primary but are eligible to cast ballots in the general election .
`` Florida is an interesting state .
Depending on where you 're at , we can be very conservative , or we can be very progressive , '' said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman , a Democrat .
`` We also have a strong moderate and independent streak .
Biden , I think he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independents .
And with Republicans who are looking for an alternative to President Trump . ''
Ashley Walker , of Organizing Together , said a priority is grassroots door-knocking in counties that were close in 2016 , like Pinellas , home to St. Petersburg , which Mr. Trump won by 5,500 votes , and in Pasco , a suburban county just north of Tampa where voters moved to Republican candidates in the 2018 Senate and gubernatorial races .
Ms. Walker says the aim is to siphon off votes there .
`` The margins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to win Pasco County , but we ’ re going to need to close the margins so we lose less badly , '' she said .
`` And in those counties that go back-and-forth between red and blue , like Pinellas , it 's especially important to get organized early .
To build relationships early.
” Similarly , Mr. Biden 's supporters have been paying visits to Spanish-language TV shows and broadening `` diaspora outreach '' efforts in South Florida .
John Kerry , the former secretary of state and the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latin America policy on behalf of Mr. Biden 's campaign at a restaurant in Doral , the hub of Venezuelan exiles .
`` We feel good about where we are in the state , but we are not taking anything for granted , '' said Carmen Torres , of Florida Hispanics for Biden .
Democrats do n't have a lock on the Latino vote in Florida , particularly among the nearly 2 million residents who are originally from Cuba , Venezuela , and Nicaragua , where authoritarian socialist regimes have soured many exiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Cuban American midterm voters identify as Democrats , according to AP Vote Cast , a wide-ranging survey of the electorate .
But the survey said a majority , 56 % , of Cuban American midterm voters expressed approval of the way Mr. Trump was handling his job as president .
Daisy Baez , a former Democratic state lawmaker , is leading a group called `` Dominicanos con Biden '' to rally her fellow Dominican Americans to support the former vice president .
A similar effort to rally Venezuelans will roll out on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our message to a specific community , '' Ms. Baez said .
`` We needed to piece it down in smaller parts . ''
As Mr. Sanders ' chances diminish , Mr. Biden may also need to win over his challenger 's fervent supporters if an endorsement follows .
Some may not follow suit .
Nick Mora , a Florida International University Student , marched alongside 20 students on a recent afternoon on campus to persuade others to vote early for Mr. Sanders .
Mr. Mora acknowledged Mr. Sanders ' defeat in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were not ready to give up yet .
`` Let 's just say Joe Biden does not have the same policy proposals as Bernie , '' Mr. Mora said .
`` I feel like the progressive movement is being pushed down , and there 's not much we can do about it if we vote for Joe Biden , so we are still trying to fight till the end . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writer Tamara Lush reported from St. Petersburg , Florida .

Florida has never been known as a place of stability, especially in its politics.
And yet stability is what has been on the minds of many Democrats in the state who say they'll vote for former Vice President Joe Biden in Tuesday's presidential primary election instead of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
"I like some of Sanders' ideas, but he’s a little too extreme for me," said Jeanne Hilburn, a retired teacher who lives in the suburbs of Tampa. "A lot of Democrats are like me – we want stability."
As the race for the Democratic nomination enters a penultimate phase, with Mr. Sanders' campaign on the brink of collapse and Mr. Biden's ascendant, attention is turning to places like Florida, which is holding its primary on Tuesday along with Ohio, Illinois, and Arizona. Florida has 219 delegates, the biggest prize of next week's election.
Few places hold the electoral cachet of Florida, which has been among the most coveted swing states in the last three decades, including during the contentious, chaotic recount of 2000. It is a vital state for President Donald Trump, who would have almost no path to reelection without it, say some analysts.
Mr. Biden's advisers are banking on a decisive Florida victory that sends a clear message that he is much better positioned to win the state and deny Mr. Trump a second term.
In 2016, Mr. Trump defeated Hillary Clinton here by 1.2 percentage points.
"Florida, as always, is pivotal in the outcome," said Nikki Fried, who is the state's agriculture commissioner and top elected Democrat and who endorsed Mr. Biden. "We are the ultimate swing state."
Mr. Sanders' support in Florida has always been tenuous. In the 2016 primary, he lost to Ms. Clinton by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. This year, Mr. Sanders angered a potentially large voting bloc – Cuban Americans – by praising Fidel Castro for implementing a literacy program in the communist nation.
"There is nothing positive you can say about the conditions in Cuba. If he doesn’t understand that, it is hard to conceive that he will get any votes," said Xavier Suarez, who was the first Cuban-born mayor of Miami and is now running as an independent in the county mayoral race. "It’s gonna be a massacre."
That leaves many Florida Democrats looking beyond the primary to November. Several groups have banded together to register people to vote and mobilize for November.
One of the four groups, Organizing Together 2020, is led by Ms. Fried. It will hire employees, register voters, train volunteers, and then turn everything over to the party after the July convention. Another of the groups is For Our Future, a super PAC that is made up largely of Mike Bloomberg's campaign apparatus.
A strong turnout in the Florida primary could give hope to Democrats, though it would be difficult to draw any conclusions for November given the state's high number of independents. And, to be sure, the coronavirus outbreak could keep some voters away from the polls and muffle any message from the turnout.
Democrats know it will be a challenge to sway voters here. About 3.6 million of the state's 13.6 million voters are registered independents, which means they can't vote in Tuesday's primary but are eligible to cast ballots in the general election.
"Florida is an interesting state. Depending on where you're at, we can be very conservative, or we can be very progressive," said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, a Democrat. "We also have a strong moderate and independent streak. Biden, I think he’ll do well here with Democrats and independents. And with Republicans who are looking for an alternative to President Trump."
Ashley Walker, of Organizing Together, said a priority is grassroots door-knocking in counties that were close in 2016, like Pinellas, home to St. Petersburg, which Mr. Trump won by 5,500 votes, and in Pasco, a suburban county just north of Tampa where voters moved to Republican candidates in the 2018 Senate and gubernatorial races.
Ms. Walker says the aim is to siphon off votes there.
"The margins matter. We’re probably not going to win Pasco County, but we’re going to need to close the margins so we lose less badly," she said. "And in those counties that go back-and-forth between red and blue, like Pinellas, it's especially important to get organized early. To build relationships early.”
Similarly, Mr. Biden's supporters have been paying visits to Spanish-language TV shows and broadening "diaspora outreach" efforts in South Florida. John Kerry, the former secretary of state and the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004, spoke about Latin America policy on behalf of Mr. Biden's campaign at a restaurant in Doral, the hub of Venezuelan exiles.
"We feel good about where we are in the state, but we are not taking anything for granted," said Carmen Torres, of Florida Hispanics for Biden.
Democrats don't have a lock on the Latino vote in Florida, particularly among the nearly 2 million residents who are originally from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, where authoritarian socialist regimes have soured many exiles toward any left-leaning politicians.
A third of Cuban American midterm voters identify as Democrats, according to AP Vote Cast, a wide-ranging survey of the electorate. But the survey said a majority, 56%, of Cuban American midterm voters expressed approval of the way Mr. Trump was handling his job as president.
Daisy Baez, a former Democratic state lawmaker, is leading a group called "Dominicanos con Biden" to rally her fellow Dominican Americans to support the former vice president. A similar effort to rally Venezuelans will roll out on Sunday.
"We wanted to address our message to a specific community," Ms. Baez said. "We needed to piece it down in smaller parts."
As Mr. Sanders' chances diminish, Mr. Biden may also need to win over his challenger's fervent supporters if an endorsement follows. Some may not follow suit.
Nick Mora, a Florida International University Student, marched alongside 20 students on a recent afternoon on campus to persuade others to vote early for Mr. Sanders. Mr. Mora acknowledged Mr. Sanders' defeat in several earlier primaries this week was disappointing but said they were not ready to give up yet.
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"Let's just say Joe Biden does not have the same policy proposals as Bernie," Mr. Mora said. "I feel like the progressive movement is being pushed down, and there's not much we can do about it if we vote for Joe Biden, so we are still trying to fight till the end."
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Tamara Lush reported from St. Petersburg, Florida.


csmonitor--2020-03-13--US-Iran tensions escalate: US airstrike targets Shiite militia

The United States launched airstrikes in Iraq , targeting the Iranian-backed Shiite militia members believed responsible for the rocket attack that killed and wounded American and British troops at a base north of Baghdad , the Pentagon said .
U.S. officials said multiple strikes by U.S. fighter jets on Thursday hit five locations and mainly targeted Kataib Hezbollah weapons facilities inside Iraq .
A Defense Department statement said the strikes targeted five weapons storage facilities `` to significantly degrade their ability to conduct future attacks . ''
The strikes marked a rapid escalation in tensions with Tehran and its proxy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Iran carried out a massive ballistic missile attack against American troops at a base in Iraq .
They came just hours after top U.S. defense leaders threatened retaliation for the Wednesday rocket attack , making clear that they knew who did it and that the attackers would be held accountable .
`` The United States will not tolerate attacks against our people , our interests , or our allies , '' Defense Secretary Mark Esper said .
`` As we have demonstrated in recent months , we will take any action necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region . ''
The Pentagon statement said the facilities hit in the precision strikes were used to store weapons used to target the U.S. and coalition forces .
It called the counterattack `` defensive , proportional , and in direct response to the threat '' posed by the Iranian-backed Shiite militia groups .
U.S. officials said the locations of the strikes were largely around the Baghdad region .
One U.S. official said there were two strikes at Jurf al-Sakher , one in Karbala , one at Al-Musayib , and one at Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. expected casualties would be lower than 50 , and said the main effort was to hit the weapons .
The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because some details about the operations had not yet been made public .
An official with the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Units told The Associated Press that two Iraqi federal police personnel were killed in Jurf al-Sakher .
An Iraqi military statement said the aerial `` aggression '' occurred at 1:15 a.m. in the areas of Jurf al-Sakher , Al-Musayib , Najaf , and Alexandria on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , emergency regiments and commandos of the 9th division of the Iraqi army .
Mr. Esper told reporters at the Pentagon earlier Thursday that President Donald Trump had given him the authority to take whatever action he deemed necessary .
`` We 're going to take this one step at a time , but we 've got to hold the perpetrators accountable , '' Mr. Esper said .
`` You do n't get to shoot at our bases and kill and wound Americans and get away with it . ''
At the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a U.S. counterpunch could be coming , telling reporters , `` We 'll see what the response is . ''
And Army Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , told Pentagon reporters the U.S. knows `` with a high degree of certainty '' who launched the attack .
On Capitol Hill earlier in the day , Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie , the top U.S. commander for the Middle East , told senators the deaths of U.S. and coalition troops created a `` red line '' for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think Iran has `` a good understanding of where our red line is . ''
Asked if any counterattack could include a strike inside Iran , Mr. Esper said , `` We are focused on the group that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq . ''
Two U.S. troops and one British service member were killed and 14 other personnel were wounded when 18 rockets hit the base Wednesday .
The U.S. military said the 107 mm Katyusha rockets were fired from a truck launcher that was found by Iraqi security forces near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have not publicly said what group they believe launched the rocket attack , but Kataib Hezbollah , an Iranian-backed Shiite militia group , was the likely perpetrator .
And the U.S. strikes , which came in the middle of the night in Iraq , targeted that group .
Kataib Hezbollah was responsible for a late December rocket attack on a military base in Kirkuk that killed a U.S. contractor , prompting American military strikes in response .
That in turn led to protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad .
They were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airstrike that killed Iran 's most powerful military officer , Gen. Qassem Soleimani , and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , a leader of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq , of which Kataib Hezbollah is a member .
In response to the Soleimani killing , Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Jan. 8 , at al-Asad air base in Iraq , that resulted in traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 American troops .
Mr. McKenzie told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday morning that the killing of Soleimani and the increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region has made clear to Iran that the U.S. will defend its interests there .
He said the U.S. has re-established a level of deterrence for state-on-state attacks by Iran .
However , he said : `` What has not been changed is their continuing desire to operate through their proxies indirectly against us .
That is a far more difficult area to deter . ''
On Thursday , Mr. Esper and Mr. Milley said they spoke with their British counterparts about the attack , but declined to provide details .
Asked why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Milley said there are no systems on the base capable of defending against that type of attack .
He also said the 14 injured personnel were a mix of U.S. and allied troops as well as contractors , and they will also be monitored for possible traumatic brain injury in the wake of the blasts .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writer Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report .

The United States launched airstrikes in Iraq, targeting the Iranian-backed Shiite militia members believed responsible for the rocket attack that killed and wounded American and British troops at a base north of Baghdad, the Pentagon said.
U.S. officials said multiple strikes by U.S. fighter jets on Thursday hit five locations and mainly targeted Kataib Hezbollah weapons facilities inside Iraq. A Defense Department statement said the strikes targeted five weapons storage facilities "to significantly degrade their ability to conduct future attacks."
The strikes marked a rapid escalation in tensions with Tehran and its proxy groups in Iraq, just two months after Iran carried out a massive ballistic missile attack against American troops at a base in Iraq. They came just hours after top U.S. defense leaders threatened retaliation for the Wednesday rocket attack, making clear that they knew who did it and that the attackers would be held accountable.
"The United States will not tolerate attacks against our people, our interests, or our allies," Defense Secretary Mark Esper said. "As we have demonstrated in recent months, we will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region."
The Pentagon statement said the facilities hit in the precision strikes were used to store weapons used to target the U.S. and coalition forces. It called the counterattack "defensive, proportional, and in direct response to the threat" posed by the Iranian-backed Shiite militia groups.
U.S. officials said the locations of the strikes were largely around the Baghdad region. One U.S. official said there were two strikes at Jurf al-Sakher, one in Karbala, one at Al-Musayib, and one at Arab Nawar Ahmad. The official said the U.S. expected casualties would be lower than 50, and said the main effort was to hit the weapons.
The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because some details about the operations had not yet been made public.
An official with the paramilitary Popular Mobilization Units told The Associated Press that two Iraqi federal police personnel were killed in Jurf al-Sakher. An Iraqi military statement said the aerial "aggression" occurred at 1:15 a.m. in the areas of Jurf al-Sakher, Al-Musayib, Najaf, and Alexandria on the headquarters of the Popular Mobilization Units, emergency regiments and commandos of the 9th division of the Iraqi army.
Mr. Esper told reporters at the Pentagon earlier Thursday that President Donald Trump had given him the authority to take whatever action he deemed necessary.
"We're going to take this one step at a time, but we've got to hold the perpetrators accountable," Mr. Esper said. "You don't get to shoot at our bases and kill and wound Americans and get away with it."
At the White House, Mr. Trump had also hinted that a U.S. counterpunch could be coming, telling reporters, "We'll see what the response is." And Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Pentagon reporters the U.S. knows "with a high degree of certainty" who launched the attack.
On Capitol Hill earlier in the day, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top U.S. commander for the Middle East, told senators the deaths of U.S. and coalition troops created a "red line" for the U.S., but said he didn't think Iran has "a good understanding of where our red line is."
Asked if any counterattack could include a strike inside Iran, Mr. Esper said, "We are focused on the group that we believe perpetrated this in Iraq."
Two U.S. troops and one British service member were killed and 14 other personnel were wounded when 18 rockets hit the base Wednesday. The U.S. military said the 107 mm Katyusha rockets were fired from a truck launcher that was found by Iraqi security forces near the base after the attack.
U.S. officials have not publicly said what group they believe launched the rocket attack, but Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite militia group, was the likely perpetrator. And the U.S. strikes, which came in the middle of the night in Iraq, targeted that group.
Kataib Hezbollah was responsible for a late December rocket attack on a military base in Kirkuk that killed a U.S. contractor, prompting American military strikes in response.
That in turn led to protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. They were followed on Jan. 3 by a U.S. airstrike that killed Iran's most powerful military officer, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a leader of the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, of which Kataib Hezbollah is a member. In response to the Soleimani killing, Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Jan. 8, at al-Asad air base in Iraq, that resulted in traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 American troops.
Mr. McKenzie told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday morning that the killing of Soleimani and the increase in U.S. troops and assets in the region has made clear to Iran that the U.S. will defend its interests there. He said the U.S. has re-established a level of deterrence for state-on-state attacks by Iran.
However, he said: "What has not been changed is their continuing desire to operate through their proxies indirectly against us. That is a far more difficult area to deter."
On Thursday, Mr. Esper and Mr. Milley said they spoke with their British counterparts about the attack, but declined to provide details.
Asked why none of the rockets was intercepted, Mr. Milley said there are no systems on the base capable of defending against that type of attack.
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He also said the 14 injured personnel were a mix of U.S. and allied troops as well as contractors, and they will also be monitored for possible traumatic brain injury in the wake of the blasts.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.


csmonitor--2020-03-16--Biden and Sanders debate how government should tackle a virus

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders sought in Sunday 's Democratic debate to cast themselves as best-positioned to lead the nation through a global pandemic , uniting in their criticism of President Donald Trump 's response to the fast-moving coronavirus but diverging in how they would confront the spiraling public health and economic crisis .
Biden pledged to deploy the United States military to help with recovery efforts and warned that a federal financial bailout may be necessary to stabilize the economy .
Sanders leaned into the same domestic policy proposals that have dominated his campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has long championed would allow the U.S. to respond faster to a health crisis .
The coronavirus outbreak has rapidly reshaped nearly all aspects of American life , shuttering schools across the country and significantly curtailing travel .
Virus fears have also halted campaign rallies and prompted some states to delay upcoming primaries because of warnings from public health officials against large gatherings .
“ This is bigger than any one of us — this calls for a national rallying for one another , '' Biden said .
Indeed , the stakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination have shifted dramatically since Biden and Sanders last debated less than three weeks ago — as have the contours of the contest .
After a sluggish start to the primary season , Biden has surged to the front of the field , drawing overwhelming support from black voters and consolidating the backing of several more moderate rivals who have dropped out of the race .
He 's also actively courting the endorsement of Sen. Elizabeth Warren , a liberal ally of Sanders who dropped out without throwing her support behind him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday 's contest to keep his focus on the general election , making direct overtures to Sanders ' loyal supporters and committing for the first time to select a woman as his running mate if he becomes the Democratic nominee .
After Biden 's announcement , Sanders said he would “ in all likelihood ” do the same .
For Sanders , the reality is that his path to the nomination is rapidly shrinking , and he faces the prospect of more stinging defeats in the four states that vote on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharp contrasts with Biden throughout the debate , challenging him aggressively on the Iraq War and free trade deals .
He argued that “ I have taken on every special interest that ’ s out there , '' adding , `` That ’ s a very different record than Joe ’ s. ” Though Sunday 's debate was the first one-on-one contest of the Democratic primary , Biden and Sanders have been the leaders of their party 's ideological poles throughout the yearlong campaign .
Their prescriptions for addressing the coronavirus outbreak highlighted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring to the White House .
Biden , a centrist who backed the 2008 bailout of the financial industry during the recession , warned that another government-backed rescue plan may be needed in the coming months to shore up the economy .
Sanders , a fierce liberal critic of Wall Street , opposed the earlier bailout and said it would be a mistake to take a similar approach now ; instead , he suggested a tax on the wealthiest Americans .
The Vermont senator also repeatedly pushed questions regarding the coronavirus toward a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care .
Sanders argued that the troublesome shortages in coronavirus tests and anxiety over the preparedness of the nation 's health care system to deal with an impending increase in patients highlight why the U.S. should move to the government-run , “ Medicare For All ” system he has long championed .
“ One of the reasons that we are unprepared , and have been unprepared , is we don ’ t have a system .
We ’ ve got thousands of private insurance plans , '' Sanders said .
“ That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide health care to all people in a good year , without the epidemic.
” Biden , who supports adding a public insurance option to the current system , argued that a pandemic was not a moment to attempt to push through an overhaul of the American health insurance system , a politically arduous endeavor .
“ This is a crisis , ” Biden said .
“ We ’ re at war with a virus .
It has nothing to do with copays or anything.
” As the debate opened , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other instead with an elbow bump .
They took their positions at podiums spaced 6 feet apart in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus .
They addressed the nation , and each other , from a television studio in Washington without an in-person audience .
The pandemic has upended the campaign for days , prompting Biden and Sanders to cancel rallies and instead hold virtual events with voters around the country .
Their campaign staffs are also working remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their late 70s — said they were taking personal precautions to guard against a virus that is a greater risk to the elderly .
“ I ’ m using a lot of soap and hand sanitizer , '' Sanders said .
The senator found himself on the defensive at several points in the night , including about favorable comments he 's made about authoritarian regimes in Cuba and other Latin American countries — remarks that could hurt Sanders in Tuesday 's key primary in Florida , a state with a large population of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a self-described democratic socialist , said that while he condemns authoritarianism in Cuba and elsewhere , it ’ s possible to recognize positive changes made by their governments .
“ To simply say that nothing ever done by any of those administrations had a positive impact on their people would , I think , be incorrect , ” Sanders said .
Sanders also responded to criticism about his inability to draw support from black voters by raising questions about whether Biden can rally young people and new voters , saying he has doubts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and excitement and voter turnout.
” Still , he vowed to mobilize behind Biden if he becomes the party 's nominee .
“ If I lose this thing , Joe wins , Joe , I will be there for you , ” Sanders said .

Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders sought in Sunday’s Democratic debate to cast themselves as best-positioned to lead the nation through a global pandemic, uniting in their criticism of President Donald Trump’s response to the fast-moving coronavirus but diverging in how they would confront the spiraling public health and economic crisis.
Mr. Biden pledged to deploy the United States military to help with recovery efforts and warned that a federal financial bailout may be necessary to stabilize the economy. Mr. Sanders leaned into the same domestic policy proposals that have dominated his campaign, arguing that the government-run health insurance system he has long championed would allow the U.S. to respond faster to a health crisis.
The coronavirus outbreak has rapidly reshaped nearly all aspects of American life, shuttering schools across the country and significantly curtailing travel. Virus fears have also halted campaign rallies and prompted some states to delay upcoming primaries because of warnings from public health officials against large gatherings.
“This is bigger than any one of us – this calls for a national rallying for one another,” Mr. Biden said.
Indeed, the stakes in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination have shifted dramatically since Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders last debated less than three weeks ago – as have the contours of the contest. After a sluggish start to the primary season, Mr. Biden has surged to the front of the field, drawing overwhelming support from black voters and consolidating the backing of several more moderate rivals who have dropped out of the race. He’s also actively courting the endorsement of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a liberal ally of Mr.Sanders who dropped out without throwing her support behind him.
The former vice president appeared determined throughout Sunday’s contest to keep his focus on the general election, making direct overtures to Mr. Sanders’ loyal supporters and committing for the first time to select a woman as his running mate if he becomes the Democratic nominee. After Mr. Biden’s announcement, Mr.Sanders said he would “in all likelihood” do the same.
For Mr. Sanders, the reality is that his path to the nomination is rapidly shrinking, and he faces the prospect of more stinging defeats in the four states that vote on Tuesday. Still, he appeared determined to draw sharp contrasts with Mr. Biden throughout the debate, challenging him aggressively on the Iraq War and free trade deals. He argued that “I have taken on every special interest that’s out there,” adding, “That’s a very different record than Joe’s.”
Though Sunday’s debate was the first one-on-one contest of the Democratic primary, Biden and Sanders have been the leaders of their party’s ideological poles throughout the yearlong campaign. Their prescriptions for addressing the coronavirus outbreak highlighted the contrasting approaches they are pledging to bring to the White House.
Mr. Biden, a centrist who backed the 2008 bailout of the financial industry during the recession, warned that another government-backed rescue plan may be needed in the coming months to shore up the economy. Mr. Sanders, a fierce liberal critic of Wall Street, opposed the earlier bailout and said it would be a mistake to take a similar approach now; instead, he suggested a tax on the wealthiest Americans.
The Vermont senator also repeatedly pushed questions regarding the coronavirus toward a now-familiar debate between him and Mr. Biden over health care. Mr. Sanders argued that the troublesome shortages in coronavirus tests and anxiety over the preparedness of the nation’s health care system to deal with an impending increase in patients highlight why the U.S. should move to the government-run, “Medicare For All” system he has long championed.
“One of the reasons that we are unprepared, and have been unprepared, is we don’t have a system. We’ve got thousands of private insurance plans,” Mr. Sanders said. “That is not a system that is prepared to provide health care to all people in a good year, without the epidemic.”
Mr. Biden, who supports adding a public insurance option to the current system, argued that a pandemic was not a moment to attempt to push through an overhaul of the American health insurance system, a politically arduous endeavor.
“This is a crisis,” Mr. Biden said. “We’re at war with a virus. It has nothing to do with copays or anything.”
As the debate opened, Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders skipped a handshake, greeting each other instead with an elbow bump. They took their positions at podiums spaced 6 feet apart in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus. They addressed the nation, and each other, from a television studio in Washington without an in-person audience.
The pandemic has upended the campaign for days, prompting Biden and Sanders to cancel rallies and instead hold virtual events with voters around the country. Their campaign staffs are also working remotely, and the candidates – both in their late 70s – said they were taking personal precautions to guard against a virus that is a greater risk to the elderly.
“I’m using a lot of soap and hand sanitizer,” Mr. Sanders said.
The senator found himself on the defensive at several points in the night, including about favorable comments he’s made about authoritarian regimes in Cuba and other Latin American countries – remarks that could hurt Mr. Sanders in Tuesday’s key primary in Florida, a state with a large population of residents from those nations. Mr. Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, said that while he condemns authoritarianism in Cuba and elsewhere, it’s possible to recognize positive changes made by their governments.
“To simply say that nothing ever done by any of those administrations had a positive impact on their people would, I think, be incorrect,” Mr. Sanders said.
Mr. Sanders also responded to criticism about his inability to draw support from black voters by raising questions about whether Mr. Biden can rally young people and new voters, saying he has doubts about whether Mr. Biden can generate “energy and excitement and voter turnout.” Still, he vowed to mobilize behind Mr. Biden if he becomes the party’s nominee.
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“If I lose this thing, Joe wins, Joe, I will be there for you,” Mr. Sanders said.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.


csmonitor--2020-03-16--After shaky start, federal and state authorities start to work in tandem

“ The coronavirus pandemic isn ’ t totally out of the blue , ” says Mr. Roberts .
“ Planning should be done ahead of time at the level of experts for how government , as well as the private sector and nonprofits , should respond.
” The American system of government is not designed for efficiency or unilateral decision-making , says Patrick Roberts , author of “ Disasters and the American State.
” Preparing in advance for disaster is key , at all levels of government , he says .
And so it may ultimately be with the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump won praise for his Jan. 31 decision to ban travel to the U.S. from China , but has since faced fierce criticism over his initial downplaying of the threat on American soil .
But over time , experts in crisis management say , the United States has a history of getting it right .
See the 9/11 attacks of 2001 , the financial meltdown of 2008 , and , in an earlier era , the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor .
When crisis hits , people often look to government for guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system – with power divided among national , state , and local government – the layers can make for confusion and an uneven initial response .
When crisis hits , people often look to government for guidance and answers .
In the American federalist system – with power divided among national , state , and local government – the layers can make for confusion and an uneven initial response .
But over time , experts in crisis management say , the United States has a history of getting it right .
See the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meltdown of 2008 , and , in an earlier era , the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor .
And so it may ultimately be with the global outbreak of the lethal COVID-19 virus , which originated in China last December .
President Donald Trump won praise for his Jan. 31 decision to ban travel to the U.S. from China , but has since faced fierce criticism over his initial downplaying of the threat on American soil , the delayed access to widespread testing , and missteps in communication .
With the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefings , and with testing ramping up , the federal response appears to be getting more on track .
At the same time , many governors , mayors , and other local officials around the country have essentially taken matters into their own hands – closing schools and ordering restaurants , bars , gyms , and other establishments to close .
To some , this piecemeal effort reflects the American federalist system at work , allowing local authorities to address local circumstances as they see fit .
To others , it reflects a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak that knows no geographic borders .
“ The feds have been asleep at the switch .
If we do this on a regional basis , we are going to get through it , ’ ’ New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Monday , after announcing a series of closures in concert with the governors of neighboring Connecticut and New Jersey .
San Francisco Mayor London Breed , meanwhile , declared a lockdown until at least April 6 – the most stringent measure to date in the country .
On Monday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s governors in a teleconference that they should work on getting respirators and ventilators on their own , and not wait for the federal government .
At a press conference Monday afternoon , the White House issued new guidelines for behavior , including home-schooling children , avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people , avoiding unnecessary travel , and avoiding eating in bars and restaurants .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 13 % on Monday , falling nearly 3,000 points in the second worst day in its 124-year history .
To Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disasters and the American State , ” the American system of government is not designed for efficiency or unilateral decision-making .
Preparing in advance for disaster is key , at all levels of government , he says .
“ The coronavirus pandemic isn ’ t totally out of the blue , ” says Mr. Roberts , a political scientist at the Rand Corp. think tank .
“ Planning should be done ahead of time at the level of experts for how government , as well as the private sector and nonprofits , should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slammed for eliminating the National Security Council ’ s office on pandemic response in 2018 .
Former national security adviser John Bolton , who was fired last September , defended the decision in a tweet .
“ Global health remained a top NSC priority , ” he wrote , citing the response to the 2018-19 Ebola crisis in Africa .
Mr. Roberts notes that Americans ’ expectations of the president during a crisis have grown since the founding of the republic , as the presidency and executive branch have taken on more power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were the responsibility of states and localities , ” he says .
“ In the 20th century , particularly the second half , the president really became a central figure in managing the response to large-scale disasters.
” A key ingredient , experts say , is trust – between citizens and government , and among different levels of government .
“ The most important quality [ in a response ] is credibility , ” says Joshua Sharfstein , vice dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially in a presidential election year .
Earlier this month , President Trump referred to Washington ’ s Democratic governor , Jay Inslee , as a “ snake ” after the governor issued a critical tweet .
Seattle is the original coronavirus “ hot spot ” in the U.S. , logging the most deaths so far , though now second to New York in total cases .
Yet amid the biggest national crisis since 9/11 , there has also been praise across the aisle .
California ’ s Democratic governor , Gavin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his handling of an outbreak of COVID-19 on a cruise ship that docked in Oakland , California .
Specifically , Governor Newsom – who has been strongly critical of Mr. Trump on other occasions – thanked the president for the logistical support that allowed the passengers to disembark and then go into 14-day quarantine .
“ I am working to solve problems , ” Governor Newsom told reporters last Thursday .
“ I ’ m willing to put aside our differences on a lot of issues to meet this moment.
” Carey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young sons , Waylon and Walker , to a playground at Hard Labor Creek State Park .
But since Georgia ’ s Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp decided to place a quarantine facility there , “ needless to say , we ’ re not going there anymore , ” Ms. Holmes deadpans .
With seven trailers in a glade at the back of the 5,800-acre park , the containment camp is a unique and controversial move – managed not by public health officials , but the state ’ s Department of Natural Resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an asymptomatic person last week who had tested positive was the first known case of COVID-19 in the county , adding , “ We didn ’ t have a choice in the matter.
” ( That individual is now heading home . )
Indeed , as states like Georgia take the lead in responding to the pandemic , the placement of a coronavirus containment camp in a county with no known cases underscores the degree of trust that residents have to maintain in their government ’ s response .
Outside the entrance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trooper talks briefly to a photographer and then promptly sanitizes his hands .
His demeanor is friendly , but firm .
Small , rural , yet close to both the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) and state government in Atlanta 58 miles away , Rutledge , Georgia , in many ways makes sense .
State officials have tried to be as transparent as possible about the camp , but Governor Kemp acknowledged last week that there has been widespread pushback .
Resident Lakeisha Daniel , taking a walk through the largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions about the potential impact on residents .
“ Right now , it ’ s more like a wonder , rather than just venting on it , ” she says .
Since early February , Texas has had a front-row seat for federal containment efforts through accepting repatriated Americans from COVID-19 hot spots overseas and placing them into quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio .
In terms of Texas itself , there have been 68 confirmed cases , and on Friday Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott declared a statewide public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , a relative lack of testing capacity in the nation ’ s second-largest state means there could be many more positive tests that haven ’ t been conducted yet .
There are nine laboratories in the state currently able to test 273 specimens per day , according to the Texas Department of State Health Services ( DSHS ) .
That testing capacity “ is expected to increase here shortly to as much as 500 to 700 ” specimens per day , added William Ayres , a spokesman for the department , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited testing , you won ’ t know how many cases are in Texas , ” says Rodney E. Rohde , an infectious disease expert at Texas State University .
“ We haven ’ t had an explosion in Texas yet , but I have no doubt we ’ re going to have more cases.
” A chaotic initial response means Texas has been contending with not only a limited testing capacity , but also an uphill public relations battle in recent weeks .
Two weeks ago , the CDC released a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , China , from quarantine at Lackland only to discover on a second retest – after she had visited a San Antonio mall – that she was still “ weakly positive ” for the virus .
San Antonio and Bexar County declared a public health emergency days later , delaying the release of more evacuees brought from overseas for quarantine at Lackland .
The next day , the CDC changed its quarantine release policy so that no one could be released with test results still pending , or without two sequential negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while pandemics are by definition rapidly evolving , and thus guidance from the CDC around testing has to change frequently to keep pace , these frequent changes are what state agencies are working to stay on top of .
Tests from public health labs in the state now no longer are required to go to the CDC for confirmation , Chris Van Deusen , director of media relations at the Texas DSHS , said in an email Monday .
If the federal government approves automating part of the testing process , the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expand , said Mr. Van Deusen .
And as more private health lab testing comes online , “ that will far exceed the capacity of the public labs.
” Texas received $ 35 million in federal aid last week , but with testing still limited – and thus confirmed cases hard to pinpoint – local cities and counties have been focused on monitoring potential cases and slowing the virus ’ s spread with “ social distancing ” policies .
In Hidalgo County , in the Rio Grande Valley , local officials have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop .
No tests have been necessary yet , Eddie Olivarez , chief administrative officer at Hidalgo County Health and Human Services said last week , and state agencies “ are attached at the hip to us.
” Unlike most counties in the country , they have also been working closely with border agencies and the Mexican government to monitor cases in Mexico and in camps created for migrants seeking asylum in the U.S .
But while Hidalgo County doesn ’ t yet have to worry about confirmed cases , keeping the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our hope is to get out ahead of it by constantly communicating where we stand , ” says Mr. Olivarez .
Governor Abbott offered cause for optimism Friday , noting that all 90 Americans repatriated to Lackland for quarantine in early February have now returned home .
“ This is not a death sentence we ’ re dealing with here .
This is a typical outcome that we expect to see , ” he said .
“ Working together , I know that we can do it.
” Staff writer Francine Kiefer contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

“The coronavirus pandemic isn’t totally out of the blue,” says Mr. Roberts. “Planning should be done ahead of time at the level of experts for how government, as well as the private sector and nonprofits, should respond.”
The American system of government is not designed for efficiency or unilateral decision-making, says Patrick Roberts, author of “Disasters and the American State.” Preparing in advance for disaster is key, at all levels of government, he says.
And so it may ultimately be with the global outbreak of the coronavirus. President Donald Trump won praise for his Jan. 31 decision to ban travel to the U.S. from China, but has since faced fierce criticism over his initial downplaying of the threat on American soil.
Amid a crisis, trust is paramount. In this story, we look at how much it shapes effective communication and action among local, state, and national government.
But over time, experts in crisis management say, the United States has a history of getting it right. See the 9/11 attacks of 2001, the financial meltdown of 2008, and, in an earlier era, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
When crisis hits, people often look to government for guidance and answers. In the American federalist system – with power divided among national, state, and local government – the layers can make for confusion and an uneven initial response.
When crisis hits, people often look to government for guidance and answers. In the American federalist system – with power divided among national, state, and local government – the layers can make for confusion and an uneven initial response.
But over time, experts in crisis management say, the United States has a history of getting it right. See the 9/11 attacks of 2001, the financial meltdown of 2008, and, in an earlier era, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
And so it may ultimately be with the global outbreak of the lethal COVID-19 virus, which originated in China last December. President Donald Trump won praise for his Jan. 31 decision to ban travel to the U.S. from China, but has since faced fierce criticism over his initial downplaying of the threat on American soil, the delayed access to widespread testing, and missteps in communication.
Why We Wrote This Amid a crisis, trust is paramount. In this story, we look at how much it shapes effective communication and action among local, state, and national government.
With the White House coronavirus task force now holding daily televised briefings, and with testing ramping up, the federal response appears to be getting more on track.
At the same time, many governors, mayors, and other local officials around the country have essentially taken matters into their own hands – closing schools and ordering restaurants, bars, gyms, and other establishments to close. To some, this piecemeal effort reflects the American federalist system at work, allowing local authorities to address local circumstances as they see fit. To others, it reflects a lack of federal leadership amid a viral outbreak that knows no geographic borders.
“The feds have been asleep at the switch. If we do this on a regional basis, we are going to get through it,’’ New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday, after announcing a series of closures in concert with the governors of neighboring Connecticut and New Jersey. San Francisco Mayor London Breed, meanwhile, declared a lockdown until at least April 6 – the most stringent measure to date in the country.
On Monday morning, Mr. Trump told the nation’s governors in a teleconference that they should work on getting respirators and ventilators on their own, and not wait for the federal government. At a press conference Monday afternoon, the White House issued new guidelines for behavior, including home-schooling children, avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, avoiding unnecessary travel, and avoiding eating in bars and restaurants. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 13% on Monday, falling nearly 3,000 points in the second worst day in its 124-year history.
To Patrick Roberts, author of the book “Disasters and the American State,” the American system of government is not designed for efficiency or unilateral decision-making. Preparing in advance for disaster is key, at all levels of government, he says.
“The coronavirus pandemic isn’t totally out of the blue,” says Mr. Roberts, a political scientist at the Rand Corp. think tank. “Planning should be done ahead of time at the level of experts for how government, as well as the private sector and nonprofits, should respond.”
The Trump administration has been slammed for eliminating the National Security Council’s office on pandemic response in 2018. Former national security adviser John Bolton, who was fired last September, defended the decision in a tweet. “Global health remained a top NSC priority,” he wrote, citing the response to the 2018-19 Ebola crisis in Africa.
Mr. Roberts notes that Americans’ expectations of the president during a crisis have grown since the founding of the republic, as the presidency and executive branch have taken on more power.
“At the founding, disasters were the responsibility of states and localities,” he says. “In the 20th century, particularly the second half, the president really became a central figure in managing the response to large-scale disasters.”
A key ingredient, experts say, is trust – between citizens and government, and among different levels of government.
“The most important quality [in a response] is credibility,” says Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
Partisan tensions haven't gone away, especially in a presidential election year. Earlier this month, President Trump referred to Washington’s Democratic governor, Jay Inslee, as a “snake” after the governor issued a critical tweet. Seattle is the original coronavirus “hot spot” in the U.S., logging the most deaths so far, though now second to New York in total cases.
Yet amid the biggest national crisis since 9/11, there has also been praise across the aisle.
California’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, praised Mr. Trump last week for his handling of an outbreak of COVID-19 on a cruise ship that docked in Oakland, California. Specifically, Governor Newsom – who has been strongly critical of Mr. Trump on other occasions – thanked the president for the logistical support that allowed the passengers to disembark and then go into 14-day quarantine.
“I am working to solve problems,” Governor Newsom told reporters last Thursday. “I’m willing to put aside our differences on a lot of issues to meet this moment.”
Patrik Jonsson/The Christian Science Monitor View caption Hide caption A game warden truck and a state trooper guard the gate to a campground at Hard Labor Creek State Park near Rutledge, Georgia, a section of which has been turned into a containment camp for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have no way to self-quarantine, on March 14, 2020.
The view from Georgia
Carey and Hadley Holmes frequently take their two young sons, Waylon and Walker, to a playground at Hard Labor Creek State Park. But since Georgia’s Republican Gov. Brian Kemp decided to place a quarantine facility there, “needless to say, we’re not going there anymore,” Ms. Holmes deadpans.
With seven trailers in a glade at the back of the 5,800-acre park, the containment camp is a unique and controversial move – managed not by public health officials, but the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
Mr. Holmes notes that the arrival of an asymptomatic person last week who had tested positive was the first known case of COVID-19 in the county, adding, “We didn’t have a choice in the matter.” (That individual is now heading home.)
Indeed, as states like Georgia take the lead in responding to the pandemic, the placement of a coronavirus containment camp in a county with no known cases underscores the degree of trust that residents have to maintain in their government’s response.
Outside the entrance to the camp, a state police trooper talks briefly to a photographer and then promptly sanitizes his hands. His demeanor is friendly, but firm.
Small, rural, yet close to both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state government in Atlanta 58 miles away, Rutledge, Georgia, in many ways makes sense.
State officials have tried to be as transparent as possible about the camp, but Governor Kemp acknowledged last week that there has been widespread pushback.
Resident Lakeisha Daniel, taking a walk through the largely deserted town, says she still has questions about the potential impact on residents.
“Right now, it’s more like a wonder, rather than just venting on it,” she says.
The view from Texas
Since early February, Texas has had a front-row seat for federal containment efforts through accepting repatriated Americans from COVID-19 hot spots overseas and placing them into quarantine at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
In terms of Texas itself, there have been 68 confirmed cases, and on Friday Republican Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide public health disaster.
According to experts and officials, a relative lack of testing capacity in the nation’s second-largest state means there could be many more positive tests that haven’t been conducted yet.
There are nine laboratories in the state currently able to test 273 specimens per day, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). That testing capacity “is expected to increase here shortly to as much as 500 to 700” specimens per day, added William Ayres, a spokesman for the department, in a March 12 interview.
“With limited testing, you won’t know how many cases are in Texas,” says Rodney E. Rohde, an infectious disease expert at Texas State University. “We haven’t had an explosion in Texas yet, but I have no doubt we’re going to have more cases.”
A chaotic initial response means Texas has been contending with not only a limited testing capacity, but also an uphill public relations battle in recent weeks.
Two weeks ago, the CDC released a woman who had been exposed to coronavirus in Wuhan, China, from quarantine at Lackland only to discover on a second retest – after she had visited a San Antonio mall – that she was still “weakly positive” for the virus.
San Antonio and Bexar County declared a public health emergency days later, delaying the release of more evacuees brought from overseas for quarantine at Lackland. The next day, the CDC changed its quarantine release policy so that no one could be released with test results still pending, or without two sequential negative tests within 24 hours.
Indeed, while pandemics are by definition rapidly evolving, and thus guidance from the CDC around testing has to change frequently to keep pace, these frequent changes are what state agencies are working to stay on top of.
Tests from public health labs in the state now no longer are required to go to the CDC for confirmation, Chris Van Deusen, director of media relations at the Texas DSHS, said in an email Monday.
If the federal government approves automating part of the testing process, the public lab testing capacity is expected to rapidly expand, said Mr. Van Deusen. And as more private health lab testing comes online, “that will far exceed the capacity of the public labs.”
Texas received $35 million in federal aid last week, but with testing still limited – and thus confirmed cases hard to pinpoint – local cities and counties have been focused on monitoring potential cases and slowing the virus’s spread with “social distancing” policies.
In Hidalgo County, in the Rio Grande Valley, local officials have been monitoring individuals daily to see if symptoms develop. No tests have been necessary yet, Eddie Olivarez, chief administrative officer at Hidalgo County Health and Human Services said last week, and state agencies “are attached at the hip to us.”
Unlike most counties in the country, they have also been working closely with border agencies and the Mexican government to monitor cases in Mexico and in camps created for migrants seeking asylum in the U.S.
But while Hidalgo County doesn’t yet have to worry about confirmed cases, keeping the public calm is proving a challenge.
“Our hope is to get out ahead of it by constantly communicating where we stand,” says Mr. Olivarez.
Governor Abbott offered cause for optimism Friday, noting that all 90 Americans repatriated to Lackland for quarantine in early February have now returned home.
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“This is not a death sentence we’re dealing with here. This is a typical outcome that we expect to see,” he said. “Working together, I know that we can do it.”
Staff writer Francine Kiefer contributed to this report from Pasadena, California.


csmonitor--2020-03-16--Will Biden's momentum win over Latinos in Tuesday's primaries?

In Joe Biden 's pursuit of the Democratic presidential nomination , he 's run repeatedly into a wall in the West , where Bernie Sanders ' strength among Latinos propelled his campaign even as he struggled with other groups .
Tuesday 's primaries in Arizona and Florida offer Mr. Biden a chance to show he can make up ground with Latinos , a crucial group of voters he 'll need in his corner to defeat President Donald Trump .
Mr. Biden is playing catch-up when it comes to engaging Latino voters and is weighed down by anger over the high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which left scars for many immigrants and their families .
`` We need more .
And we need commitments as we move into the general , '' said Regina Romero , a Democrat who recently took office as Tucson 's first Latina mayor .
Mr. Biden can win over reluctant Latinos with a bold and progressive stance on immigration , she said .
`` I hope that he does n't eat up the lie that he has to be more conservative on the immigration issue , '' said Ms. Romero , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her favored candidate , Elizabeth Warren , dropped out .
`` We should n't be afraid of an issue that is so important for Latino voters , water it down and not have policies that Latinos can get excited about . ''
Arizona and Florida are both likely to be battlegrounds in November .
In Arizona , 1 in 3 residents is Latino ; in Florida , it 's 1 in 4 .
Mr. Sanders ' strength with Latinos helped him to an overwhelming victory in the Nevada caucuses and contributed to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a night when Mr. Biden built a formidable lead in delegates .
But Mr. Biden 's success is a recent phenomenon .
His slow start amid a crowded Democratic field left him with a shoestring budget and virtually no campaign infrastructure beyond the early states , which limited his ability to reach out to Latinos on the ground or air Spanish-language television ads .
That 's changed now that his burst of success since South Carolina made him the overwhelming favorite for the nomination and helped his fundraising .
`` He definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to up his game and engage with Latino voters , '' said Janet Murguía , president and CEO of UnidosUS , the Latino advocacy group formerly known as National Council of La Raza .
Tuesday could make for `` a big reset '' for Mr. Biden , she said .
Mr. Biden has had to answer for the big spike in deportations during Barack Obama 's presidency , when Mr. Biden served as vice president .
Early in his administration , Mr. Obama aggressively increased efforts to deport immigrants living in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convince members of Congress and the public that he was serious about border security in order to secure a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would extend legal status to millions of people living in the U.S. without authorization .
The reform bill never passed , but the deportations disrupted families , drove fear in immigrant communities , and left deep wounds .
Any Democrat 's immigration policies would be superior to Mr. Trump 's , but that wo n't be enough to excite Latinos , said Tomás Robles , co-director of Living United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Latino organizing group that has endorsed Mr. Sanders .
`` You can not depend on people 's hatred or fear of Mr. Trump to inspire them to turn out in droves for Vice President Biden , '' Mr. Robles said .
`` Bernie has worked hard to motivate Latinos as a base .
But the entire establishment part has failed at doing the same . ''
LUCHA 's other co-director , Alejandra Gomez , said Mr. Biden could make big strides by choosing a progressive running mate .
The Obama administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his eight-year tenure , especially in the early years before Mr. Obama gave up on Congress and changed course , using executive orders to extend temporary legal protections to young immigrants and their parents through programs known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals , or DACA , and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents , or DAPA .
`` We took far too long to get it right , '' Mr. Biden said in an interview last month with Univision anchor Jorge Ramos , for the first time characterizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The former vice president later added : `` I think it was a big mistake .
Took too long to get it right . ''
Mr. Biden and his allies focus on the later years of the Obama administration .
U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego , who represents largely Latino areas of Phoenix and endorsed Mr. Biden this month , predicted that Latino voters will come around .
But he said Mr. Biden could help himself by talking up his own progressive proposals , such as a $ 15 minimum wage and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should also talk about the Obama health care law that extended coverage to millions of Americans , including a disproportionate number of Latinos , Mr. Gallego said .
While Arizona Latinos are frustrated with the Obama-era deportations , Mr. Gallego said , they also remember that the administration sued to block the state 's anti-illegal immigration bill known as SB1070 , sued Sheriff Joe Arpaio for racial profiling , and enacted DACA .
`` Even those voters who are n't supporting Vice President Biden right now , I think they still have positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the day will be very supportive in the general , '' Mr. Gallego said .
Mr. Biden 's defenders also point to Mr. Sanders ' work to help kill a 2007 immigration bill , which Mr. Sanders warned would drive down wages .
`` No one 's perfect , but let 's not forget that he made a fatal mistake by doing that , '' Mr. Gallego said .
Latinos in the West , where Mr. Sanders has done so well , are mainly of Mexican and Central American descent .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Cubans and Puerto Ricans predominate , making the state a potential bright spot for Mr. Biden .
Mr. Sanders ' self-identifies as a democratic socialist , and his recent defense of certain aspects of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro 's regime are a liability with Cuban voters .
`` Miami is a melting pot for people from all over , '' said José Javier Rodríguez , a Democratic state senator from Miami who was an early Biden supporter .
`` Biden 's appeal hits a cross-section in ways that Senator Sanders does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upping its Latino organizing in Arizona through its `` Todos con Biden '' or `` Everyone with Biden '' program , including Spanish-language phone banks and door-to-door outreach .
In Florida , Mr. Biden 's Spanish-language ads use a Cuban narrator in Miami , a Puerto Rican in Orlando , and a Mexican in Fort Myers to reflect the backgrounds of Latinos in each area .
Mr. Biden will need that outreach in a matchup against Mr. Trump .
In Arizona , the growth of Latinos combined with Mr. Trump 's weaknesses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state into a battleground .
And for the president , there 's virtually no path to reelection without winning Florida and its trove of electoral votes .
Mr. Sanders put to rest the old adage that Latinos do n't vote , said Chuck Rocha , a senior strategist for Mr. Sanders .
The Latino vote , he said , `` is no longer the sleeping giant .
It just needed a little attention and a little love and it will show up . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press .

In Joe Biden's pursuit of the Democratic presidential nomination, he's run repeatedly into a wall in the West, where Bernie Sanders' strength among Latinos propelled his campaign even as he struggled with other groups.
Tuesday's primaries in Arizona and Florida offer Mr. Biden a chance to show he can make up ground with Latinos, a crucial group of voters he'll need in his corner to defeat President Donald Trump.
Mr. Biden is playing catch-up when it comes to engaging Latino voters and is weighed down by anger over the high rate of deportations during the Obama administration, which left scars for many immigrants and their families.
"We need more. And we need commitments as we move into the general," said Regina Romero, a Democrat who recently took office as Tucson's first Latina mayor. Mr. Biden can win over reluctant Latinos with a bold and progressive stance on immigration, she said.
"I hope that he doesn't eat up the lie that he has to be more conservative on the immigration issue," said Ms. Romero, who hasn't endorsed Biden or Sanders since her favored candidate, Elizabeth Warren, dropped out. "We shouldn't be afraid of an issue that is so important for Latino voters, water it down and not have policies that Latinos can get excited about."
Arizona and Florida are both likely to be battlegrounds in November. In Arizona, 1 in 3 residents is Latino; in Florida, it's 1 in 4.
Mr. Sanders' strength with Latinos helped him to an overwhelming victory in the Nevada caucuses and contributed to his Super Tuesday wins in California and Colorado on a night when Mr. Biden built a formidable lead in delegates.
But Mr. Biden's success is a recent phenomenon. His slow start amid a crowded Democratic field left him with a shoestring budget and virtually no campaign infrastructure beyond the early states, which limited his ability to reach out to Latinos on the ground or air Spanish-language television ads. That's changed now that his burst of success since South Carolina made him the overwhelming favorite for the nomination and helped his fundraising.
"He definitely needs to work it, and he needs to up his game and engage with Latino voters," said Janet Murguía, president and CEO of UnidosUS, the Latino advocacy group formerly known as National Council of La Raza. Tuesday could make for "a big reset" for Mr. Biden, she said.
Mr. Biden has had to answer for the big spike in deportations during Barack Obama's presidency, when Mr. Biden served as vice president.
Early in his administration, Mr. Obama aggressively increased efforts to deport immigrants living in the country illegally. He'd hoped to convince members of Congress and the public that he was serious about border security in order to secure a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would extend legal status to millions of people living in the U.S. without authorization. The reform bill never passed, but the deportations disrupted families, drove fear in immigrant communities, and left deep wounds.
Any Democrat's immigration policies would be superior to Mr. Trump's, but that won't be enough to excite Latinos, said Tomás Robles, co-director of Living United for Change in Arizona, or LUCHA, a Latino organizing group that has endorsed Mr. Sanders.
"You cannot depend on people's hatred or fear of Mr. Trump to inspire them to turn out in droves for Vice President Biden," Mr. Robles said. "Bernie has worked hard to motivate Latinos as a base. But the entire establishment part has failed at doing the same."
LUCHA's other co-director, Alejandra Gomez, said Mr. Biden could make big strides by choosing a progressive running mate.
The Obama administration deported more than 3 million people during his eight-year tenure, especially in the early years before Mr. Obama gave up on Congress and changed course, using executive orders to extend temporary legal protections to young immigrants and their parents through programs known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, or DAPA.
"We took far too long to get it right," Mr. Biden said in an interview last month with Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, for the first time characterizing the administration's actions as a misstep. The former vice president later added: "I think it was a big mistake. Took too long to get it right."
Mr. Biden and his allies focus on the later years of the Obama administration.
U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, who represents largely Latino areas of Phoenix and endorsed Mr. Biden this month, predicted that Latino voters will come around. But he said Mr. Biden could help himself by talking up his own progressive proposals, such as a $15 minimum wage and a public option for health insurance. He should also talk about the Obama health care law that extended coverage to millions of Americans, including a disproportionate number of Latinos, Mr. Gallego said.
While Arizona Latinos are frustrated with the Obama-era deportations, Mr. Gallego said, they also remember that the administration sued to block the state's anti-illegal immigration bill known as SB1070, sued Sheriff Joe Arpaio for racial profiling, and enacted DACA.
"Even those voters who aren't supporting Vice President Biden right now, I think they still have positive feelings toward him and at the end of the day will be very supportive in the general," Mr. Gallego said.
Mr. Biden's defenders also point to Mr. Sanders' work to help kill a 2007 immigration bill, which Mr. Sanders warned would drive down wages.
"No one's perfect, but let's not forget that he made a fatal mistake by doing that," Mr. Gallego said.
Latinos in the West, where Mr. Sanders has done so well, are mainly of Mexican and Central American descent. It's a different story in Florida, where Cubans and Puerto Ricans predominate, making the state a potential bright spot for Mr. Biden. Mr. Sanders' self-identifies as a democratic socialist, and his recent defense of certain aspects of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro's regime are a liability with Cuban voters.
"Miami is a melting pot for people from all over," said José Javier Rodríguez, a Democratic state senator from Miami who was an early Biden supporter. "Biden's appeal hits a cross-section in ways that Senator Sanders does not."
Mr. Biden's campaign is upping its Latino organizing in Arizona through its "Todos con Biden" or "Everyone with Biden" program, including Spanish-language phone banks and door-to-door outreach. In Florida, Mr. Biden's Spanish-language ads use a Cuban narrator in Miami, a Puerto Rican in Orlando, and a Mexican in Fort Myers to reflect the backgrounds of Latinos in each area.
Mr. Biden will need that outreach in a matchup against Mr. Trump. In Arizona, the growth of Latinos combined with Mr. Trump's weaknesses in the suburbs have turned a solidly red state into a battleground. And for the president, there's virtually no path to reelection without winning Florida and its trove of electoral votes.
Mr. Sanders put to rest the old adage that Latinos don't vote, said Chuck Rocha, a senior strategist for Mr. Sanders.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
The Latino vote, he said, "is no longer the sleeping giant. It just needed a little attention and a little love and it will show up."
This story was reported by The Associated Press.