By Bronte Price, PolitcKING
The only part of the New Hampshire primary that went as expected in was Donald Trump’s big win. John Kasich, the underdog moderate Republican from Ohio placed second, despite polling nationally at the bottom of the pack. Kasich concentrated virtually all his energy and campaign spending in New Hampshire, framing himself as a more moderate Republican who is able to reach across the aisle and work with Democrats in Washington. He indicated before the primary that the results would determine whether or not Kasich would continue his campaign. “If we get smoked here,” he told reporters last week, “I’m going home.” After his success in the New Hampshire primary, Kasich is not going home, he’s heading to South Carolina where he’s currently polling at 2%.
Ted Cruz, the recent winner of the Iowa caucuses placed third in the primary with 11.7%, barely edging out Jeb Bush who came in at 11.1%.
Thank you #CruzCrew — we’re just getting started! Help us #CruzToVictory in South Carolina! https://t.co/oJyL796X0ppic.twitter.com/Ikwzfp67yZ
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 10, 2016
Rubio, who had unexpected success in the Iowa caucus, placing third with 23%, floundered in the early primary placing 5th overall with only 10.5%. Rubio was expected to do well in the primary after his success in Iowa, but his campaign took a hit after his embarrassing performance in the last GOP debate. Chris Christie hit Rubio hard, accusing him of acting like a robot because of his repetitive memorized phrases. “Robot Rubio” began trending and clips of Rubio repeating himself, often times verbatim, started circling the internet.
"I know many people are disappointed. I'm disappointed with tonight," Rubio told supporters in New Hampshire on Tuesday night. "I want you to understand something. Our disappointment tonight is not on you, it's on me. It's on me. I did not do well on Saturday night, so listen to this: That will never happen again."
#RobotRubio brigade says they were roughed up by Rubio campaign staff https://t.co/roQsoicCRdpic.twitter.com/s33n65rjNd
— RT America (@RT_America) February 10, 2016
Although Chris Christie managed to hamper Rubio’s numbers, he failed to increase his own poll numbers in a meaningful way. The New Jersey Governor formally suspend his presidential campaign on Wednesday.
Carly Fiorina suspended her campaign on Wednesday after coming in second to last in the New Hampshire primary with only 4.1%.
Today, I am suspending my campaign. My full statement is here: https://t.co/8QElLZoc1W
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) February 10, 2016
Ben Carson who came in last place has not yet announced whether or not he will continue with his campaign. Carson tweeted yesterday that he is “looking forward to having the opportunity to connect with voters in SC & NV.”
Thanks again to the people of NH for being so welcoming! Looking forward to having the opportunity to connect with voters in SC & NV.
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) February 10, 2016
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ora Media, LLC, its affiliates, or its employees.
