The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

SMU Juniors Jaisan Avery and Kayla Spears paint together during Curlchella hosted by SMU Fro, Dallas Texas, Wednesday April 17, 2024 (©2024/Mikaila Neverson/SMU).
SMU Fro's Curlchella recap
Mikaila Neverson, News Editor • April 23, 2024
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WATCH Real Talk: Religion and Presidential Race

WATCH Real Talk: Religion and Presidential Race

By Emily Fann

This week on Real Talk we break down everything from abortion to delegate count.

In Wisconsin, Bernie Sanders shot ahead of Hillary and came out with a “win.” He came out with 57 percent of the votes, making this his sixth consecutive victory in the primaries. Ted Cruz also beat out GOP frontrunner Donald Trump in Wisconsin with 48 percent of the vote.

So, where do the candidates stand with delegates now? Bernie Sanders has won 1,061, which means he will need 2,383 to win the democratic nomination. His opponent, Hillary Clinton, has 1,749 delegates.

In order to get the nomination, the winning candidate will need to get the support of 1,237 delegates. So far, Donald Trump has won 18 states, giving him 743 delegates. He will need to win over 497 to get the nomination. Right behind him is Ted Cruz with 517 delegates. However, John Kasich is behind with 145 delegates. Since Trump is losing momentum, making it questionable whether he will get the 1,237 delegates needed to get the nomination. What happens if a candidate doesn’t get the support of enough delegates? A contested convention.

A contested convention has rules governed by 112 delegates. This committee will meet a week before the convention to decide the rules. From there, the rules are taken to the floor to be voted on by every delegate.

From this, a new ballot of Republican candidates could be announced. Cue: Paul Ryan, the current Speaker of the House, and a 2012 running mate.

Now on to issues within the race. Abortion has been a leading topic of discussion, especially after Donald Trump said that women who get abortions should be punished. In the past Trump has said he stands with Planned Parenthood, but now that it gets closer to the finish line he is trying to appease the more right sided voters. Cruz has openly stated that he is pro life many times, and promises if he gets elected, he will further investigate the Planned Parenthood sting videos. John Kasich has a more liberal approach to pro life, he believes that all rape or incest related abortions can be handled. Bernie and Clinton are both pro choice.

Watch the show here for further discussion on the issues.

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