With Republicans gearing up for a decisive vote in five US states, spotlight would be on the controversial frontrunner Donald Trump as the outcome could potentially seal the party's presidential nomination after one of the most polarised polls in American history.
A win for Trump, 69, as latest polls indicate, could very well bring the billionaire real estate magnate very closer to the magical figure of 1,237 delegates needed the win the party's presidential nomination for the November 8 election.
Given his election rhetoric which has rattled the Republican establishment and the opposition Democratic presidential aspirants, Trump could make it one of the most polarised elections in American history.
Trump, who has so far won primaries and caucuses in 14 States is said to be the favorite in Florida, North Carolina, Illinois and Missouri, while in Ohio he is engaged in a neck and neck fight with the State Governor John Kasich, 63.
Days ahead of the Super Tuesday 2.0, Trump's rallies have been marred by protests and even violence. He had to cancel his election meeting in Chicago on Friday due to clashes between his supporters and protesters. On Saturday, one of the protesters jumped over the fence and reached the stage when Trump was speaking in Dayton Ohio.
Many experts have said this is because of Trump's campaign narrative against a section of the society. His rivals have accused him of inciting violence or indulging in political arson. The White House has alleged that Trump is inflaming tension. Trump, however, strongly refutes these allegations.
His rallies are drawing large crowds as compared to other candidates, despite the fact that top Republican leadership has ganged up against him and are pulling out all their energy to prevent him reaching the magical figure of 1237 delegates.
Under the strategy developed by Mitt Romney, the 2012 presidential candidate of the party, the party establishment is rallying behind Kasich in Ohio and Senator Marco Rubio in Florida, who have the best chances of winning these winner- take-all States.
In Florida 99 delegates are at stake while in Ohio 66 delegates. Illinois has 69 and Missouri has 52 delegates.
In all more than 360 delegates are at stake on what is now being called as Super Tuesday 2.0.
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As per this strategy, in Ohio yesterday, Romney campaigned for Kasich, who so far has not registered even a single win. But he hopes to win his home State.
Given the high stakes, Trump last evening addressed a massive rally of thousands of people. Any major loss for Trump today would still keep him ahead of others in terms of delegate count, but would make it difficult for him to get more than half of the 2472 delegates.
In that scenario, which is being pushed by Romney-led establishment, the Republican presidential nominee could be decided at the party's convention in Cleveland in July, which could result in Trump losing out in case of all other candidates and party leaders ganging up against him.
But an impressive Trump win today would negate any chances and the New Yorker could all but become the party's presumptive nominee, a scenario which is scary to many in not only in his party, but also Democrats and the US President Barack Obama. The White House yesterday warned that this could have global implications.
Trump's opponents refer to his remarks of 27 per cent Muslims hating the US, building a wall along the Mexico border for which the money would be paid by the Mexico Government, asking key allies like Japan, Germany and South Korea to pay protection money and near daily anti-China rhetoric as dangerous for American foreign policy and its national interest.
However, Trump believes the opposite. He has said such policies would revive American strength and prestige, make the country stronger, bring back jobs and make the economy strong.
His characteristic campaigning style and speeches have been drawing huge crowd across the country, but over the past few days he has increasingly become isolated not only in his party, but also among the country's top leadership. Both sides are now eying on the voters of Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois and Missouri to take further their agenda.
