In yet another blow to Joe Biden’s already flimsy re-election prospects, it seems that even his own party is starting to get worried. With Biden’s approval ratings plummeting and his lackluster performance drawing concern from Senate Democrats, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Biden might be one of the weakest incumbents in history.
But let’s not forget the Obama factor, as much as Democrats might want to. Obama may have had poor numbers during his re-election, but he had political skills that Biden simply does not possess. Plus, let’s not overlook the fact that Obama was significantly younger and running against Mitt Romney, not the formidable force of Donald Trump. The truth is, Biden’s daily struggles with his age and cognitive abilities could drag his numbers even lower.
Of course, Republicans shouldn’t get too excited just yet. Let’s not forget that Pennsylvania elected a stroke-ridden man as a US Senator because the alternative was seen as too “Trump-like.” It’s a sad state of affairs when voters would rather choose someone in poor health than someone associated with our great former president.
But back to Biden’s woes. Democrats are starting to panic over his abysmal approval ratings, with some even expressing frustration over the White House’s messaging. It’s clear that Biden’s age is a major factor in his lack of enthusiasm and support. Voters are simply not excited about another four years of a presidency that already seems to be hanging on by a thread.
And while some may dismiss this as early speculation, let’s not forget that Democrats were also dismissive of voter deflation during the 2020 and 2022 elections. Yet, Biden still managed to squeak out a win, and Republicans only gained a slim majority in the House. It’s not exactly a strong foundation for an incumbent who is already ancient in political terms.
Perhaps the most ridiculous explanation from Democratic strategists is that Americans are just not paying attention to Biden’s supposedly thriving economy. Blaming the voters for their own failures? Classic. It seems that Democrats are taking a page out of the Jimmy Carter playbook, where blaming us for national malaise was the name of the game.
All in all, it’s clear that Biden’s re-election prospects are looking grim. With his lack of political skills, struggling health, and an increasingly disillusioned base, it’s hard to see how he can rally enough support to secure a second term. Trump may be the one positive thing about Biden’s 2024 prospects, as his presence alone draws such an intense reaction from liberals. But with all of Biden’s weaknesses, it’s clear that even Trump might not be enough to save him.