2016 Invisible Primaries

• What was the Republican race characterised by?

  The unexpected rise of Donald Trump, who used media coverage to compensate for press fundraising compared to traditional candidates like Bush and Cruz.
• In the Democratic race, while Hilary Clinton’s early advantages positioned her as the presumptive nominee, Bernie Sanders’ grassroots campaign demonstrated the growing influence of small donors and progressive politics in the party
• Who were the early front runners of the Republican Invisible primary?

  Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz
• How much did Jen Bush raise through his Super PAC, Right to rise?

  $100 million
• How much did Ted Cruz raise with his campaign and Super PACs?

  $50 million by July 2015
• Key endorsement and Support

  While Bush garnered significant endorsements due to his political legacy, Cruz focused on consolidating the conservative base, gaining traction among grassroots supporters
• Emergence of Donald Trump

  Trump leveraged his celebrity status and media savvy to gain significant attention, eventually overtaking the early front-runners in polls and media coverage
• What was key to Trump’s rise?

  TV debates. He gained major attention and popularity by directly attacking other candidates and setting out his populist approach and American First policy aims
• Who was the frontrunner of the Democratic Invisible Primary?

  Hillary Clinton. She had a well-established political network, significant fundraising capabilities and widespread party support
• How much did Clinton’s campaign raise by the second quarter in 2015?

  $47 million
• What did Clinton secure early in the race?

  Large number of endorsements from key democratic figures
• Rise of Bernie Sanders

  Sanders gained significant grassroots support. His focus on small donations (raising $15 million) and progressive policies resonated with a substantial segment of the Democratic base