President Biden’s Election Prospects Face Crucial Tests

A Tough Road Ahead

President Joe Biden’s ability to run for reelection is being put to the test as he prepares to answer questions at a highly anticipated press conference and meets privately with skeptical senators on Capitol Hill. More House Democrats are calling for him to exit the race, and his team is facing an uphill battle to convince voters that he’s the right person to lead the country for another four years.

A Notable Gaffe

Biden made a notable flub ahead of the press conference, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin" – a mistake that sparked audible gasps in the room. He quickly corrected himself, saying, "President Putin – he’s going to beat President Putin… President Zelenskyy." Biden then added, "I’m so focused on beating Putin," attempting to explain the gaffe. Zelenskyy replied, "I’m better. You’re a hell of a lot better," to which Biden agreed.

Democrats’ Uncertainty

Democrats are facing a difficult problem. Top donors, supporters, and key lawmakers are doubtful of Biden’s ability to carry on his reelection bid, especially after his recent debate performance. However, the 81-year-old president refuses to give up and is preparing to take on Republican opponent Donald Trump in a rematch.

A New Memo

The Biden campaign has laid out its path to keeping the White House in a new memo, stating that winning the "blue wall" states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan is the "clearest pathway" to victory. The memo also claims that there is no indication that any other Democrat would perform better against Trump.

Internal Surveying

The campaign has been quietly surveying voters on Vice President Kamala Harris to determine how she’s viewed among the electorate, according to two people with knowledge of the campaign who spoke to The Associated Press. This research is not necessarily to show that she could be the nominee in Biden’s place, but rather to better understand how she’s viewed.

Growing Doubts

While Biden has expressed confidence in his chances, his campaign on Thursday acknowledged that he is behind, and a growing number of the president’s aides in the White House and the campaign privately harbor doubts that he can turn things around. However, his allies are taking their cues from Biden, expressing that he is in 100% unless and until he isn’t.

Calls for Biden to Step Down

The number of House Democrats asking Biden to step aside has grown to a dozen, with only one Senate Democrat, Peter Welch of Vermont, calling for him to exit the race. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer invited Biden’s team to meet with senators privately to discuss concerns and the path forward, but some senators groused that they would prefer to hear from the president himself.

Conclusion

As President Biden prepares to face off against Donald Trump in the upcoming election, it remains to be seen whether he can overcome his doubters and win over voters once again. The path to victory is narrowing, and the campaign must focus on winning the "blue wall" states to have any chance of defeating Trump.

FAQs

Q: Is President Biden’s ability to run for reelection in jeopardy?
A: Yes, his ability to run for reelection is being put to the test as he prepares to answer questions at a highly anticipated press conference and meets privately with skeptical senators on Capitol Hill.

Q: What is the Biden campaign’s plan to win the election?
A: The campaign believes that winning the "blue wall" states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan is the "clearest pathway" to victory.

Q: Are there doubts within the Democratic Party about Biden’s ability to lead the ticket in November?
A: Yes, there are growing doubts within the party about Biden’s ability to lead the ticket in November.

Q: Has the Biden campaign considered having Vice President Kamala Harris take over as the nominee?
A: The campaign has quietly surveyed voters on Harris to determine how she’s viewed among the electorate, but there is no indication that she would be a suitable replacement for Biden.

Q: What are the implications of Biden’s gaffe referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin"?
A: The gaffe raises concerns about Biden’s ability to lead and his preparedness for the upcoming election.

Author: fortune.com

Orginal Source link