AP News Guide: South Carolina, Nevada step up in 2016 race
WASHINGTON (AP) — South Carolinians place their stamp on the chaotic Republican presidential campaign Saturday while Nevadans put Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders to their first test before an ethnically varied electorate in the Democratic contest.
On the Republican side, the presidential hopes of Jeb Bush, Ben Carson and John Kasich may hang in the balance.
Considered the favorite for the nomination since the start, Clinton has struggled to achieve a breakout while her socialist rival has lapped up excitement and made headway at every turn.
Diversity will accelerate in weeks ahead for Democrats in South Carolina and in states that follow — a clear advantage for Clinton but one that Sanders has worked assiduously to counter.
Pope Francis celebrated a huge Mass at the Mexican border that Trump wants to seal with a fortress-like wall, then suggested Trump's hard line on illegal immigration makes him "not a Christian."
After repeatedly boasting that he warned against the Iraq war before it started, Trump had to back down when BuzzFeed unearthed a 2002 interview on Stern's radio show in which Trump said "I guess so" when asked if he supported the coming invasion.
Cruz campaigned in Myrtle Beach on Friday with Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson and suggested a Cruz administration might make the bearded reality TV star ambassador to the U.N. Cruz appeared to be joking.
Asked from an audience how a man can understand the problems of women, Sanders said he's a feminist with a record of fighting for pay equity and more.
An early favorite in the race, long flush with cash that allies are spending on his behalf, Bush may need a third-place finish, if not better, to stay viable.
Evangelicals and tea party conservatives are important constituencies for Republicans.