This piece first appeared at betting.betfair.com on Friday February 21st
It’s often said that TV debates can’t move the needle anymore and that has largely been the case during several months of the Democrat primaries. Michael Bloomberg’s debut in Nevada, however, just wrecked that theory, at least if impacting betting markets is the criteria.
Bloomberg in freefall after debate disaster
The former NY Mayor had been all the rage on Betfair. Going into Wednesday night’s debate, he was trading at 3.5 for the Democrat Nomination, 6.4 (15%) to be Next President. Less than 48 hours later, those respective odds are 5.5 (18%) and 10.5 (10%).
Make no mistake, Bloomberg bombed. He was always going to be attacked for trying to buy the presidency by all his rivals. It was inevitable that his record as mayor, regarding racially biased policing, plus a history of sexual harassment and gender discrimination lawsuits, would be scrutinised. Not only did he seem unprepared for the barrage, he came across as unaware that this stuff might even be controversial among a Democrat audience.
Indeed, the impression I took away was that – for all the ads, memes, unrivalled spending – Bloomberg will crash and the whole episode remembered as an amusing vanity project. I seriously doubt many so-called ‘establishment’ Dems came away thinking he was the answer. It would be no surprise to see him flop on Super Tuesday, before rapidly reducing his ad campaign.
Warren attacks steal the show
His presence and performance, alternatively, offered a very timely boost to the others, who must have feared being blown away by the spending. They took turns to go after Bloomberg, with Joe Biden notably seizing an early opportunity to sound relevant again.
It was Elizabeth Warren, however, that stole the show and post-debate headlines, tearing Bloomberg down on more than one occasion. Her odds have shortened to [40.0] for the nomination, [90.0] for the presidency since and, in that mood, shouldn’t be written off. She has arguably the biggest growth potential of any candidate, because she appeals across the party. After this scalp, It is tempting to see her as the best Democrat to take Trump on head-to-head too.
The next race is Saturday’s Nevada Caucus, for which Bloomberg isn’t even on the ballot. Bernie Sanders starts an overwhelming favourite at 1.14. Now clear front-runner in the nomination betting at [2.04], Sanders is boosted by the latest polls showing him between 13% and 19% ahead in Nevada.
Note that, thanks to record early voting, a large percentage of these ballots have already been cast. Roughly one third of likely Democrat voters here are Hispanic and probably a higher percentage among the extra voters since 2016. On the basis of wider polls among Hispanic voters, I expect this extra turnout benefits Sanders
If that turns out to be the case, it will be a strong narrative to take forward. His movement and ground game inspiring new voters to the polls. With a big win, ahead of large delegate gains on Super Tuesday, Sanders could soon have the look of a presumptive nominee.
On the other hand, the dynamics seen in IA and NH could play out again. Namely, a late transfer of votes among the moderates, while the marmite Sanders stalls in the twenties. His healthcare plans are deeply controversial among the Culinary Workers Union – a key segment of this electorate.