Trump leading the GOP polling as 20 candidates prepare Thursday's debates. So many standing that Fox stagin 2 debates pic.twitter.com/ZGzLRXeQV1

— Mike Smithson (@MSmithsonPB) August 3, 2015

But how much is name recognition rather than real support?

This is a very big week on the road to the major political event of 2016 – the election of the next US president. Barack Obama will have served two terms and is barred from staying any longer. This means that both parties will have tight nomination fights.

The contrast between the Democrats and Republicans at this stage is very sharp. With the former the presence of Hillary Clinton has until now, acted as a huge disincentive for others to throw their hats into the ring. Things have slightly eased off in recent days with the reports that V-P Joe Biden might be considering a run but it’s hard to see a viable Hillary alternative. But things can change.

This is all small beer compared the GOP nominee selection where everything has been thrown apart by  the arrival in the field of property multi-billionaire turned TV star, Donald Trump who always seems to be making the headlines.

The polling has him ahead for the nomination and his presence is over-shadowing everybody else and there are many in that latter category. There’s a suggestion that if Trump doesn’t get his party’s backing then he might try and run alone – a move that would be very tricky for the party.

Some of the declared contenders will get their first big public showing in Thursday’s debates on Fox where there will be two debates. One will be for those currently struggling in the GOP nominee polls and the other for the more established players.

Tonight there’s a 14 person debate in New Hampshire – the first state that will be holding a full-blown primary in the New Year.

Mike Smithson

 

Follow @MSmithsonPB

Tweet