According to a recent Politico.com article, Democrats are “freaking out” about President Joe Biden’s prospects for reelection. The Washington insider publication describes a pervasive fear at the top of the Democratic Party establishment that Biden may potentially lose to former President Donald Trump in November.
Growing Concerns Among Democratic Leaders
Democratic leaders in Washington, even those who had previously expressed confidence in Biden’s chances of winning the presidency, are starting to express concern about his chances at the polls.
Anonymous Operative’s Insights
Politico reported an interview with an anonymous Democratic operative closely aligned with the White House who stated, “You don’t want to be that guy who is on the record saying we’re doomed, the campaign’s bad, or Biden’s making mistakes. Nobody wants to be that guy.”
Biden’s Persistent Polling Issues
This operative’s issue in driving the reported “freakout” is Biden’s poor polling numbers over many months. Democrats likely expected and relied upon Biden receiving a much more significant boost from voters due to the legal problems facing Trump.
Trump’s Outperformance in Key Metrics
As Trump has continued to outperform Biden in metrics that matter to pollsters, such as fundraising and projected performance in large swing states, Democrats involved in the deepest machinations of the electoral effort have begun to state their heretofore private concerns more publicly to their colleagues and friend network.
Fundraising Disparities and Legal Challenges
Specifically, Trump outraised Biden significantly in April, raising $76 million compared to Biden’s $51 million. Additionally, the Democrats face the specter of a Hunter Biden criminal trial this summer, which has Hunter Biden facing charges of knowingly illegally owning a firearm and lying on another firearm background check form.
Engagement with Minority Voters
Democrats involved in the electoral effort also cite their unease with which Trump is engaging Hispanic and Black voters in Democratic stronghold areas of New Jersey and New York.
Consultant’s List of Vulnerabilities
According to Politico, a significant gift advisor for the Democratic agenda maintains a list of Biden’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Top of this list includes the well-known Achilles heel—Biden’s old age, the ongoing immigration and border crisis, economy and high inflation, and the political reach of third-party candidates, specifically Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (RFK).
Consultant’s Prepared List of Concerns to Share With Donors
This consultant told Politico, “Donors ask me hourly about what I think.” He keeps his written list because it is “much easier to show them, so while they read it, I can pour a drink.” In contrast, the consultant remarked, “The list of why we ‘could’ win is so small I don’t even need to keep the list on my phone.”
Governors Rallying Support
Democratic governors are vocalizing their support for Biden, encouraging their supporters to donate to the Biden Campaign. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy urged Democratic donors to contribute to the campaign the day after Biden’s fundraising shortfall was announced.
Healy’s Urgent Appeal
Healy stated, “To those who opened your wallets, thank you. We’d like you to open them up a little bit more and find more patriots who believe in this country and who recognize and understand the challenge presented at this time.”
Dismissal of Grim Predictions
Up to this point, Democratic operatives have been relatively dismissive of grim predictions about Biden’s poll performance. They have based their confidence on past positive poll results comparing Biden and Trump and cited the lack of political and campaign infrastructure in swing states that the winning candidate must win.
Supporters’ Optimism
Biden’s supporters believe that by continuing to focus on middle-class issues and abortion rights, Biden can win reelection. Rep. Dan Kildee, a Democrat from Michigan, said, “We have to run a campaign where honestly, we drive home the message that Donald Trump takes us back to the 19th century. Biden takes us further into the 21st century.”
Abortion Rights and the Dobbs Decision
Additionally, New Hampshire Democrat Rep. Ann Kuster, who is retiring, stated, “A lot can happen between now and then,” referencing the November polls. Kuster continued, “I know a significant number of voters are going to be motivated by the Dobbs decision.”
Strategist’s Warning
Democratic strategist Pete Giangreco, who worked on several presidential campaigns, stated, “There’s still a path to win this, but they don’t look like a campaign embarking on that path right now. If the frame of this race is, ‘What was better, the 3.5 years under Biden or four years under Trump?’ We lose that every day of the week and twice on Sunday.”
