“Former President Trump’s resounding triumph on Super Tuesday marks a remarkable political comeback following a significant defeat in 2020. This situation draws parallels with the victory of India‘s late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1980, after facing a humiliating defeat in 1977. It is crucial to acknowledge, however, that although there may be some general similarities, every political scenario is distinctive, with varying contexts, issues, and political dynamics. Comparisons should be approached with caution, taking into account the specific circumstances surrounding each leader’s political trajectory and resurgence.”

The Super Tuesday primaries represent the most substantial voting day in the United States, second only to the November general elections. Nearly one-third of all delegates for the presidential nominating conventions are up for grabs on Super Tuesday, surpassing any other single day in significance. Consequently, the outcomes on Super Tuesday serve as a robust predictor of the probable presidential nominee for each political party.

On Super Tuesday, March 3rd, 2024, former President Trump asserted his influence across America by securing victories in 14 out of the 15 states where Republican Presidential Primaries or caucuses took place. He garnered substantial support, polling over 50-60% in several states and even reaching over 70-80% in others. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Trump’s sole opponent, managed to secure the lone liberal state of Vermont, preventing Trump from achieving a clean sweep on Super Tuesday. Notably, Trump’s 11-point win in New Hampshire marked his narrowest victory since the commencement of the primary season in January 2024.

The Associated Press was the sole news reporting agency that declared Trump the winner in 14 states shortly after polls closed. Trump led Haley by a substantial margin of three or four to one in certain places.

REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CONTESTS in 15 States with 854 DELEGATES at stake

State-Run Primaries (13): Alabama (50 Delegates), Arkansas (40), California (169), Colorado (37), Maine (20), Massachusetts (40), Minnesota (39), North Carolina (74), Oklahoma (43), Tennessee (58), Texas (150), Vermont (17), Virginia 48).

Party-Run Presidential Preference Votes and Caucuses (2):  Alaska Caucuses (29 delegates), Utah Caucuses (40)

Trump, % of votes polled in the winning states: Alabama (83.2%), Alaska (87.6), Arkansas (76.9), California (78.5), Colorado (63.3), Massachusetts (60), Maine (72.8), Minnesota (69.1), North Carolina (73.9), Oklahoma (81.8), Tennessee (77.3), Texas (77.9), Utah (56.4), Virginia (63.1).

Haley, % of votes polled in the winning states: Vermont (50.2)

In the run-up to Super Tuesday, the Delegate Counts for the candidates as follows:

• 1. Donald Trump: 1,044
• 2. Nikki Haley: 89
• 3. Ron DeSantis  :9
• 4. Vivek Ramaswamy : 3

No other candidate managed to secure any delegates. To clinch the Republican nomination, a candidate requires 1,215 delegates. Given the absence of any opposition to former President Trump, it is reasonable to assume that he is the presumptive nominee for the upcoming Presidential Elections in November 2024 for the Republican Party.

If a candidate secures victories in 14 out of 15 states during the Super Tuesday Presidential Primaries, and in several of these states, attains an overwhelming majority, winning over 80% of the votes, it denotes robust and widespread support for that candidate among the voters. This performance suggests a strong appeal and resonance with a diverse range of voters across different states. The high percentage of wins in specific states indicates not only success but also a significant mandate from the electorate in those regions. Such outcomes often position the candidate as a frontrunner and establish a formidable foundation for their campaign as they head into the subsequent stages of the election, potentially ensuring their victory in the general election.

All the pollsters, analytical experts, and mainstream media pundits who had prematurely written obituaries for Presidential Candidate Trump were compelled to retract their statements after the Super Tuesday results. None of these pundits attempted to compose an obituary for Ambassador Haley’s candidacy, funded by Democrats, by drawing parallels to John McCain’s 2012 campaign. Senator McCain sought the presidency based on his qualification of having spent five and a half years as a prisoner of war, a considerable portion of that time in solitary confinement in Vietnam.

Ambassador Haley’s key argument was her relative youth compared to the Democratic and Republican frontrunners. She emphasized her two terms as governor of South Carolina and her role as the Ambassador to the UN in the Trump administration. However, throughout her campaign, she never articulated specific plans detailing how her presidency would differ from those of past presidents. Therefore, there is no reason to express sympathy for Haley’s withdrawal from the race.

Former President Trump’s resounding triumph on Super Tuesday marks a remarkable political comeback following a significant defeat in 2020. This situation draws parallels with the victory of India’s late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1980, after facing a humiliating defeat in 1977. It is crucial to acknowledge, however, that although there may be some general similarities, every political scenario is distinctive, with varying contexts, issues, and political dynamics. Comparisons should be approached with caution, taking into account the specific circumstances surrounding each leader’s political trajectory and resurgence.

However, I can offer some general observations based on historical context:

• Charismatic Leadership: Both Donald Trump and Indira Gandhi are known for their charismatic leadership styles. They have the ability to connect with a significant portion of the population and rally support around them.

• Populist Appeal: Both leaders had a populist appeal, speaking to the grievances and aspirations of a broad section of the population. They positioned themselves as champions of the common people and tapped into populist sentiments.

• Political Resilience: Indira Gandhi faced a significant defeat in the 1977 elections but made a political comeback in 1980. If Trump were to make a political comeback, it would also demonstrate a level of political resilience, overcoming setbacks and regaining popular support.

• Political Strategy: Successful comebacks often involve strategic political maneuvers. Both leaders might have employed astute political strategies to rebuild their image, connect with voters, and navigate the political landscape.

• Changing Political Context: In both cases, the political context played a crucial role. Indira Gandhi’s return in 1980 was influenced by changing dynamics in Indian politics. Similarly, any potential Trump’s comeback would likely be influenced by the political landscape at the time.

Only time will reveal whether the remarkable momentum garnered by former President Trump in contrast to his rival, the incumbent President Biden, will prove sufficient to secure victory in the November 2024 election. The question lingers: will this momentum propel him to reclaim the presidency of the United States, the most powerful country on Earth, for another four years?

(Dave Makkar is a social activist and a political analyst. He can be reached at davemakkar@yahoo.com)