Thread by @benrileysmith

They’re both white men in their seventies, both spent decades in Congress and both want to be the next US president.

But Biden + Bernie, the Democrat 2020 frontrunners, have starkly different political visions. The winner could reshape America.

My piece: telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/04/2…

Ever since Trump took office, Biden and Bernie have topped polls of potential Democrat nominees. Even now there’s clear space between them and a second tier of candidates in popularity (Buttigieg, Harris, Booker, Beto, Warren).

Biden’s pitch is the best placed man to beat Trump, a moderate with more experience than any rival (36yrs a senator, 8 as VP) who can win back working class voters.

Bernie’s is the ultimate progressive, with bold left-wing policies + oratory that can electrify the base.

Despite crossing over in Congress the pair are said to have a lukewarm personal relationship. Opposite characters (Biden clubby + sociable, Bernie wonkish + independent). The Hill reported this week they rarely talk.

There’s already been sniping. Justice Democrats, formed by Bernie staffers, issued a scathing comment after Biden declared.

“The old guard of the Democratic Party failed to stop Trump, and they can’t be counted on to lead the fight against his divide-and-conquer politics today”

Justice Dems comms director Waleed Shahid defended comments, saying “vigorous” debate is needed. Here’s what he told @Telegraph about Biden’s strategy.

Is of course v early in the race. First debate not till June. First votes in Feb 2020. And as newer candidates become known polls are already narrowing.

But to win, the others have to somehow break through the Biden v Bernie show.