Staff Reports
Senate Democrats appear to be cautiously distancing themselves from President Biden as the 2024 reelection specter looms large. The whispers suggest an interesting trend: certain Democrats facing the ballot box seem hesitant to cozy up to a president whose approval ratings are nose-diving.
Senate Democrats bristle at campaigning with unpopular Biden for reelection bidshttps://t.co/mUMfVCS6OR pic.twitter.com/OnPOEgU4Hx
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 27, 2023
Reports from The Washington Times indicate a peculiar scenario. While some Democrats are willing to showcase Biden's "accomplishments" (a term used rather loosely here), they're not exactly lining up to stand shoulder to shoulder with him in their respective states. Can you imagine the anxiety of being seen beside the leader of a party struggling with approval ratings scraping below 40%? It's a political tightrope walk.
For instance, take the case of Democratic Sen. Jon Tester from Montana. When quizzed about Biden potentially campaigning with him in red-state Montana, he deftly diverted the conversation. A classic maneuver, Senator! Perhaps hoping to divert attention with discussions about foreign aid packages to Ukraine, but the dodge doesn't go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, where Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin eyes a Senate seat, a recent Newsweek poll highlighted Biden lagging significantly behind Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in terms of job approval. Even Sen. Gary Peters, heading Senate Democrats' campaign efforts, seems unsure if his vulnerable senators should stand alongside Biden.
However, there's a contrast in opinion voiced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who, though not seeking reelection, advises Michigan candidates not to shy away from Biden. She believes the Democratic nominee should boldly campaign with the president, despite the concerning approval ratings.
Now, shifting focus to Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jacky Rosen of Nevada – the quietude from their camps speaks volumes. Could it be a subtle move to distance themselves from Biden in anticipation of fierce reelection contests?
And then there's the unavoidable presence of Donald Trump, an orange-hued figure dominating discussions. According to a Monmouth University poll, Biden's approval rating nosedived to 34%, with hypothetical matchups in key swing states showing him trailing Trump.
The Biden campaign appears to be in damage control mode, as observed from remarks by campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodríguez, emphasizing their intent to elucidate the differences between Biden and Trump to voters in 2024.
