Is Joe Biden the Worst Option for Democrats to Beat Trump?
Introduction:
President Joe Biden’s electability is being called into question, especially after a lackluster debate performance. His campaign, however, is touting a poll that suggests he has the best chance of beating former President Donald Trump. But upon closer examination, the poll reveals that nearly any other Democrat would fare just as well, if not better, against Trump.
The Poll Results:
A post-debate poll conducted by Data for Progress tested the odds of eight alternative Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris and various Democratic governors, against Trump. Despite their lack of name recognition, each potential candidate performed as well as, if not better than, Biden. For example, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who 56 percent of voters are unfamiliar with, is only losing to Trump by 2 points compared to Biden’s 3. Harris had the same result as Biden.
Voter Discontent:
Polling conducted as far back as January has shown that many Democrats and independents believe Biden should not run for president again. A significant number of Americans wouldn’t be enthusiastic about a Biden-Trump rematch. Recent polling also indicates that a considerable percentage of Democrats and independents want Biden replaced, with a majority of independents wanting Trump replaced as well.
Enthusiasm for Alternatives:
A CNN poll found that 75 percent of all voters believed Democrats would have a better chance of winning the election with someone other than Biden at the top of the ticket. Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were all doing slightly better than Biden in the poll. Harris’s net-approval rating average is also higher than Biden’s.
Biden’s Challenges:
Biden has been trailing Trump in national polling averages for most of the campaign, except for a five-day stretch. He has also been underperforming Democratic Senate candidates in key states he will need to win in 2024. Post-debate polls show Biden sinking in these states and even bringing others into play. Additionally, his approval rating is at a net negative of 19, the lowest it’s been during his presidency.
Protest Vote Campaign:
Biden has faced a historic protest vote campaign called the Uncommitted movement, expressing discontent with his support for Israel’s war on Gaza. This movement has gained significant traction nationwide and could continue into the fall.
Concerns about Biden’s Performance:
Various individuals, including politicians, former Obama staffers, and editorial boards, have expressed concern about Biden’s performance or suggested he step aside to maximize the odds of beating Trump. Rep. Lloyd Doggett became the first sitting Democratic member of Congress to call on Biden to step aside.
Alternative Candidates’ Support:
While alternative candidates have stayed quiet and reiterated their support for Biden, there are possibilities for them to effectively contrast themselves against Trump and Biden’s inability to do so. They have the opportunity to address voter disenchantment with both candidates.
Trump’s Controversial Record:
Trump’s record includes being a convicted felon, appointing Supreme Court justices who have rolled back abortion rights and freed corporate America from regulation, and leading a movement that sought to overturn an election. These factors make him beatable in a presidential election.
Conclusion:
The poll results and voter discontent suggest that Biden may not be the best option for Democrats to beat Trump. Alternative candidates have the potential to perform better and effectively contrast themselves against both Trump and Biden. With Trump’s controversial record, there is an opportunity for Democrats to seize the momentum and present a stronger candidate in the 2024 election.
