Staff Reports
President Biden’s bid for re-election is facing a significant challenge as a divide emerges between Democratic leaders, who steadfastly support him, and rank-and-file voters within the party who harbor doubts about his suitability as their best option. Democratic politicians and party officials have long dismissed the idea of a primary challenger to Biden and have tried to dispel concerns about his age and vitality. However, these efforts have not succeeded, leaving the party grappling with unprecedented disunity over a president seeking reelection.
While party leaders assure party members that they will unify once Donald Trump becomes the GOP nominee, rank-and-file voters remain unconvinced. Many harbor concerns about Biden’s age, with worries that he may not be up for another grueling four years as president. These concerns are rooted in polls that consistently show voters expressing doubts about Biden’s capabilities. The gap between the public proclamation of confidence in Biden’s leadership and the private expressions of concern among party officials is widening.
Behind the scenes, Democratic officials frequently acknowledge their worries about Biden’s age and sagging approval ratings. However, they project an unwavering confidence in his ability to lead and win. Some argue that Biden’s power as an incumbent, a favorable political environment for Democrats, and his overall likability among party members will ultimately overshadow the concerns expressed by loyal supporters. Challenging Biden is dismissed as disloyal and likely destined to fail, posing a risk to the president’s general-election standing.
Biden’s campaign dismisses concerns about his age and approval ratings, attributing them to media coverage rather than genuine voter misgivings. However, these assertions appear to be rooted in deep denial. Furthermore, the campaign insists that poor approval ratings do not matter at this stage of the race. Yet, recent national surveys suggest that nearly 60 percent of voters believe Biden’s policies have made things worse, undermining the narrative that “Bidenomics is working.”
Some elected Democrats are sounding the alarm, cautioning that simply relying on Trump as a foil is not enough to energize the Democratic base. They argue that Biden’s campaign must emphasize the impact of his accomplishments, particularly among Black voters. Concerns about Biden’s standing with voters of color have grown, posing a potential threat to the Democratic Party’s hold on power. Recent polling shows a tighter race between Trump and Biden, challenging the notion that an anti-Trump campaign guarantees victory for Democrats.
While it remains possible for Democrats to rally their 2020 coalition and defeat Trump again, the window of opportunity to replace Biden is slowly closing. If the economy falters or deteriorates, and if negative perceptions of Trump persist despite incessant mainstream media criticism, the race could shift in favor of the former president. Restlessness within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s candidacy is real, and the opportunity for an alternative is diminishing. The trajectory of Biden’s re-election campaign will be crucial in determining the outcome of the 2024 presidential race.
