President Biden’s re-election campaign strategy of making former President Donald J. Trump unpalatable to voters has hit a roadblock, with a lackluster debate performance raising doubts about his ability to make a case against his opponent. As House Democrats call for him to step aside, Biden’s allies are urging him to refocus on the threats posed by a second Trump administration.
The campaign had long sought to make Trump the focus, but Biden’s struggle to convince voters of his own capabilities has shifted the narrative. With polls showing concerns about his age and fitness for office, Democrats are emphasizing the need to make the election about Trump once again.
Despite efforts to highlight Trump’s flaws and policies, Biden’s team must first address doubts about his own suitability for the job. As calls for him to step down grow louder, the campaign is working to reassure voters, particularly Black voters who were key to his primary victory in 2020.
While some supporters remain steadfast in their goal to defeat Trump, the focus on Biden’s ability to serve threatens to overshadow the larger threat posed by a Trump presidency. As the campaign navigates this challenge, the need to shift attention back to Trump’s actions and policies remains crucial.
Ultimately, the success of Biden’s campaign hinges on his ability to prove his physical fitness for office and refocus the narrative on the dangers of a Trump victory. With the election approaching, Democrats are working to regain momentum and make the case against Trump’s “criminality, chaos, and cruelty” a central focus once again.
