Biden calls for unity after big win in primaries

PHILADELPHIA－Joe Biden moved a step closer on Tuesday to a November showdown with US President Donald Trump, notching up big primary wins over Bernie Sanders, his sole remaining challenger for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Biden, 77, the centrist former US vice-president, scored a resounding win in Michigan, where Sanders, 78, the left-wing senator from Vermont, had hoped to make a stand.

He also cruised to victory in Missouri, Idaho and Mississippi.

The race was too close to call in Washington, the other major prize at stake, while North Dakota was also still counting votes.

Addressing supporters in Philadelphia as his victory took shape, Biden struck a presidential tone as he declared on national television that he would lead "a comeback for the soul of this nation".

"We're bringing this party together," he said.

"Tonight we're a step closer to restoring decency, dignity and honor to the White House."

Biden reached out to his sometimes bitter rival Sanders and his supporters, telling them "we share a common goal".

"Together we'll defeat Donald Trump," he said.

Biden's huge victory in Mississippi, where he won around 80 percent of the vote, reflected his popularity among strategically vital African-American voters. He defeated Sanders by 25 points in Missouri.

His win in Michigan, the industrial state which could be a key battleground in November, was a major setback for Sanders, who narrowly beat Hillary Clinton there four years ago.

Barring surprises, Biden now has a clear path to becoming the Democratic standard-bearer in a potentially bruising and deeply divisive matchup with Trump.

The main question remaining is whether Sanders will fight to the bitter end as he did four years ago against Clinton or bow out early.

'Tough night'

Sanders did not immediately address Tuesday's results.

But his press secretary indicated he had no intention of pulling out, touting Sunday's next debate as the chance for the country to "see Biden defend his ideas or lack thereof".

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, the charismatic New York congresswoman who is one of Sanders' most high-profile supporters, said there was no "sugarcoating" the results, however. "Tonight's a tough night," she said.

Adding to nerves in a country on edge after three tumultuous years under Trump, fears of the coronavirus epidemic prompted both campaigns to cancel rallies planned in Cleveland, Ohio.

Organizers of the upcoming television debate between Sanders and Biden likewise said they would take the extraordinary step of not allowing the usual live audience.

Their caution was at odds with Trump, who has vowed to keep holding his typically raucous rallies despite the concerns about large gatherings.

Trump's campaign manager dismissed Tuesday's results, saying "it has never mattered who the Democratic nominee turns out to be".

Both are "running on a big government socialist agenda" and Trump "is on an unstoppable drive toward reelection," campaign manager Brad Parscale said.

Agencies - Xinhua