Political Wire

SubscribeSign in
  • Front Page
  • Trending
  • Polling
  • Trial Balloon
  • Books
  • Membership
    • Subscribe
    • Sign In
  • Sign In
  • Contact Us
Theme
Text size

Just dropped · Trial Balloon · Ep. 191

Blue Wave Update

A new episode of Trial Balloon just dropped for Political Wire members. Log in or become a member

Trial Balloon · Ep. 191: Blue Wave Update

Rivals Circle Trump as They Smell Blood

February 2, 2016 · 5:07 pm ET · 70 Comments

“Emboldened by Donald Trump’s defeat in the Iowa caucuses, his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination are preparing to challenge him aggressively in the New Hampshire primary — and perhaps even to aim a fatal blow at his campaign by seeking to deny him victory in a second consecutive state,” the New York Times reports.

“Mr. Trump towered over the Republican presidential race for months, using his gift for provocation to please the party’s conservative base and smother his opponents in the news media… But Republican leaders supporting his competitors now believe there is a chance to break Mr. Trump’s grip on the state, as the party establishment closes ranks around a smaller number of candidates and he faces new threats on the right.”

2016 Campaign Donald Trump

← PreviousCruz’s Victory Makes It Harder for the EstablishmentNext →Extra Bonus Quote of the Day

Keep reading

Front page →

Political Wire is reader-supported. Join for ad-free reading, member posts and new features →

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

More about Taegan Goddard →

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was
    Eight moments in political history. Put them on a timeline.
    Play →
  • Yea or Nay?
    Five senators. Three bills. Can you guess how they all voted?
    Play →
  • Split Decision
    Nine Justices. One case. How did they rule?
    Play →
  • Pollster
    Do you have your finger on the pulse of America?
    Play →
  • Daily Trivia
    Four questions a day.
    Play →

A new game every day.

Your Account

Members

For the full experience, sign in.

Become a Member

  • Join Political Wire
  • Gift a Membership

Members Only

  • Weekly News Quiz
  • 2026 Election Overview
  • Republicans Aren’t Buying Their Own Spin
  • Jon Ossoff Makes a Promise Clinton and Obama Also Made
  • The GOP’s Closing Argument Is About Democrats

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was →
  • Yea or Nay? →
  • Split Decision →
  • Pollster →
  • Daily Trivia →

Word of the Day Political Dictionary

Boll Weevil Democrat

A Boll weevil Democrat was a conservative southern Democrat in the mid 1900s, largely known for his opposition to civil rights.

Read the definition →

Yesterday’s Word of the Day: Separate but Equal

Show me a random term

Copyright © 2026 · Goddard Media LLC

Political Wire® is a registered trademark of Goddard Media LLC

Also from Goddard Media: Political Dictionary · Political Job Hunt · Electoral Vote Map

Privacy PolicyCorrections PolicyContact