President Biden’s low approval ratings have sparked widespread anxiety among Democrats as they face a likely election rematch against Donald Trump.
With less than half a year until the showdown, the tension is palpable.
A Comprehensive List of Campaign Challenges
An adviser to major Democratic donors has compiled a list detailing nearly two dozen reasons why President Biden might struggle in the upcoming election.
This list includes concerns about his age, dissatisfaction with immigration policies, inflation issues, and the unpopularity of Vice President Kamala Harris, as reported by Politico.
Constant Queries from Concerned Donors
An adviser speaking to Politico revealed the frequency and depth of donor concerns.
They said, “Donors ask me on an hourly basis about what I think. It’s so much easier to show them [the list], so while they read it, I can pour a drink.”
Diminutive List of Positive Points
The same adviser highlighted the scant optimism within the campaign by saying, “The list of why we ‘could’ win is so small, I don’t even need to keep the list on my phone.”
This statement reflects a grim outlook for the incumbent’s re-election chances.
The Risk of Voicing Concerns
A Democratic operative close to the White House shared with Politico the dilemma of speaking out about the campaign’s struggles.
They said, “You don’t want to be that guy who is on the record saying ‘We’re doomed,’ or ‘The campaign’s bad’ or ‘Biden’s making mistakes.’ Nobody wants to be that guy.”
Fear for Democracy
The gravity of the election is not lost on Biden’s supporters. One operative expressed a significant concern stating, “This isn’t, ‘Oh my God, Mitt Romney might become president.’ It’s ‘Oh my God, the democracy might end.’”
This dramatic statement emphasizes the high stakes perceived by some within the Democratic Party.
Trump Outpaces Biden in Fundraising
In the fundraising arena, Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee have taken a significant lead.
In April, they managed to raise $25 million more than Biden and the Democratic Party, including a record-breaking $50.5 million from an event on April 6 in Palm Beach.
Urgent Funding Appeals in Massachusetts
During President Biden’s visit to Boston for fundraising events, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey made a poignant appeal to donors.
She said, “To those of you who opened up your wallets, thank you. We’d like you to open them up a little bit more,” highlighting the campaign’s urgent need for more financial support.
Trump’s Appeal to Democratic Voters
At a recent rally in the South Bronx, the presumptive Republican nominee made a concerted effort to appeal to traditionally Democratic voters.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine noted to Politico the surprising support Trump is gaining, “The number of people in New York, including people of color that I come across who are saying positive things about Trump, is alarming.”
Concerns of a Tight Race
Representative Ritchie Torres from South Bronx voiced his worries about the competitiveness of the upcoming election.
He said, “In a properly functioning democracy, Donald Trump should have no viable path to the presidency. The fact of a competitive race is cause for concern.”
Biden Campaign’s Response to Trump’s Tactics
Despite Trump’s strategic moves, the Biden campaign is focused on its core messages.
Campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz said, “The work we do every day on the ground and on the airwaves in our battleground states… is the work that will again secure us the White House,” emphasizing their ongoing efforts against Trump’s campaign strategies.
Democrats Assess Campaign Strategy
Longtime Democratic strategist Pete Giangreco expressed his concern about the current direction of Biden’s campaign, noting to Politico, “There’s still a path to win this, but they don’t look like a campaign that’s embarking on that path right now.”
His comments reflect the strategic reassessments potentially needed within the Democratic Party as the election approaches.