The two leading Democratic presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are in a dead lock in Iowa, days before the state’s critical Democratic presidential caucuses, according to a new Quinnipiac poll. The Quinnipiac University survey released Wednesday found Sanders, the Vermont Senator, leading Clinton, the former Secretary of State, 49%-45%, within the poll’s margin of error. Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley is in a distant third, with 4%.
Polls indicate a close contest between Clinton and Sanders
The Polls are indication of a close contest between Clinton and Sanders ahead of the Feb. 1 caucuses in Iowa, with some showing Clinton up and some showing Sanders ahead. Most polls show Sanders holding an edge in New Hampshire, whose primary takes place after the Iowa caucuses, but national surveys still give Hillary a strong lead. In the Quinnipiac poll, Sanders leads Clinton by a wide margin among younger voters—78% of likely Democratic caucus participants between the ages of 18 and 44 back Sanders, compared with 21% who support Clinton. Clinton is leading with female voters, 54% to Sanders’ 40%.
Sanders meets with Obama in the White House
Senator Bernie Sanders, found himself centre stage on Wednesday as he marched into the White House. His private 45-minute meeting with Barack Obama at the Oval Office came just days before the Iowa caucuses. He told reporters he talked foreign policy, the economy and “a little bit of politics” during a “constructive” conversation with Obama, their first extended meeting since the Vermont senator became a serious contender for the Democratic nomination.
Sanders says he’s not keen on getting Obama’s endorsement
Speaking in the White House driveway, Sanders said he did not directly ask for Obama’s endorsement. The president recently praised Clinton’s pedigree in an interview while noting that Sanders had the “luxury of being a complete long shot” and was a “bright, shiny object” in need of some more scrutiny. The White House according to the Guardian, says Sanders and Obama first discussed holding this meeting at a White House Christmas party in late December and aides have been working on scheduling it since. It was a private meeting, with no photos or statements or formal agenda.
