Eye on the California Primaries

February 1, 2008

“With both the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries now narrowed, winning California becomes even more important,” says Kareem Crayton, professor of law and political science at the USC Gould School.

“There are 22 states with primaries on Tuesday, but California remains the biggest prize. The state holds the largest number of delegates in both contests, and it offers the chance to gain a big lead in a very competitive race. Candidates will need to strategically deploy the resources (commercials, surrogates, etc.) to identify parts of the state most receptive to their messages.”

Kareem Crayton is an expert on California politics and election law. His research examines the role that race plays in electoral politics and political representation.

Contact him at (213) 740-2516 or kcrayton@law.usc.edu.


“McCain borders on unstoppable now, given the endorsement of Giuliani and his recent wins,” says Patrick James, professor of international relations in the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

“Romney will try to play the card of the ‘conservative’ option, but the Republican right is not very happy with him, either. The old liberal Republican wing of the party is back in business now, at least temporarily,” James adds.

“McCain should put away the nomination soon, because pragmatists see him as able to beat the Democratic contenders in head-to-head polling. Only a Howard Dean-style meltdown — which he is still capable of if sufficiently provoked — can prevent his nomination.”

Patrick James is director of the USC Center for International Studies. He is an expert on American foreign policy and Middle East conflict.

Contact him at (213) 821-4114 or patrickj@usc.edu.