Biden Struggles and Doubts Mount as Re-Election Effort Falters
Written by: Howard Beale
For months, President Joe Biden's re-election campaign has been plagued by mounting concerns within the Democratic Party. Even Biden himself has grown increasingly anxious about his chances of winning against his defeated predecessor.
According to interviews with lawmakers, administration officials, and Biden allies -- frustrations are rippling through the party as voters remains largely clueless about the president's record and accomplishments.
History, unfortunately for Biden, suggests that his path to recovery will be tough, if not impossible.
Meet the Press: "Biden has grown angry and anxious about his re-election effort." (NBC/X)
At this stage in the calendar, his approval rating stands at a mere 38%, lower than the last three presidents who went on to lose re-election. Gallup survey data reveals that Trump had a 48% approval rating, George H.W. Bush had 39%, and Jimmy Carter had 43% at similar points in their terms.
Former staffers told NBC News that Biden has long believed that he isn't receiving enough credit for the 15 million new jobs created under his administration. In an effort to reach distracted voters, Biden has instructed his speechwriters to tone down lofty rhetoric and plainly lay out his accomplishments.
However, the 81-year-old president has found himself surrounded by protective aides who aim to minimize the chances of any missteps. This has led to frustration on Biden's part, as he believes these restraints go against his natural instincts as a retail politician, according to the reporting of the Washington Post.
Biden's aides apparently view Trump as an eminently beatable and deeply flawed opponent. They secretly tell outsiders that Trump has shown little interest in attracting voters beyond his loyal base.
Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Biden campaign manager, said this in a December campaign memo, the president and vice president would start “ramping up” campaign travel early this year — something that is now happening.
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Amidst conflicting advice from various advisers, Biden finds himself questioning whether he should trust his gut instincts or rely on the guidance from those tending to his political interests. Privately, he wonders if he should be more forceful with his staff.
However, there are those who argue that Biden's decades of success in Congress and his previous roles as vice president and president speak for themselves. They advocate for allowing the president to be himself and do what he does best.
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