September 2015

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In September 2015, several notable political activities and events involving major U.S. Democrats took place. Below is a summary of the key activities based on available information:
Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Campaign: As the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton was actively campaigning. She held a strong lead in national polling from 2013 through the summer of 2015, but faced growing competition from Senator Bernie Sanders, whose rallies were drawing large crowds, particularly among younger voters. The ideological divide between Clinton (seen as the establishment candidate) and Sanders (the outsider appealing to progressives) highlighted tensions within the Democratic Party. Clinton’s campaign focused on consolidating support among women, African Americans, Latino Americans, moderates, and older voters.

Bernie Sanders’ Rising Campaign: Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent running as a Democrat, saw increasing momentum in September 2015. His campaign gained traction among voters under 40 and progressives, with large rallies emphasizing his outsider status and progressive policies, such as universal healthcare and wealth redistribution. This period marked a sharpening divide within the Democratic Party between establishment and progressive factions.

Joe Biden’s Potential Candidacy: Vice President Joe Biden was publicly contemplating a presidential run in 2016. Although he had not officially declared his candidacy by September 2015, his deliberations were a significant point of discussion within the Democratic Party, adding uncertainty to the primary race. Biden’s potential entry was seen as a counter to both Clinton’s establishment campaign and Sanders’ progressive surge.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Election: In Pennsylvania, a historic election for three vacant Supreme Court seats was underway, with the election occurring in November but campaign activities peaking in September. Democratic candidates Kevin M. Dougherty, David N. Wecht, and Christine Donohue were campaigning, and their eventual victory in November 2015 shifted the court’s partisan balance to a Democratic majority (five Democrats, two Republicans). This was a significant achievement for Democrats in a key swing state.

Kathleen Kane’s Legal Troubles: Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, the first woman and first Democrat elected to the position since 1980, faced significant legal challenges. In August 2015, she was charged with five criminal offenses, including perjury and obstruction. In September, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court temporarily suspended her law license, effective October 21, 2015, impacting her political influence and marking a setback for Democrats in the state.

Democratic Party’s Broader Context: The Democratic Party was navigating a period of ideological transition, with debates over economic policy, social justice, and foreign policy shaping its platform. The party’s base was becoming more diverse, with increasing support from Millennials, minorities, and well-educated voters, as evidenced by Pew Research Center data from earlier in 2015. Democrats held advantages among Black (87% supported Biden in 2020), Hispanic, Asian, and younger voters, setting the stage for the 2016 primaries.

These activities reflect the Democratic Party’s focus on the 2016 presidential primaries, state-level judicial elections, and internal ideological debates, alongside challenges faced by prominent Democratic figures.