Democratic insiders are growing increasingly concerned about President Joe Biden’s polling numbers, with some fearing that his potential loss could spell the end of American democracy. According to a report from Politico, strategists and elected Democratic officials who were once optimistic about Biden’s chances are now experiencing a full-on “freakout” as his numbers continue to lag behind former President Donald Trump in key swing states.
The looming hush money trial for Trump and an upcoming trial for Hunter Biden in Delaware have added to the anxiety among Democratic insiders. Last month, the Trump campaign outraised Biden for the first time, signaling a shift in momentum. Despite having more cash on hand, Biden’s campaign was outpaced by Trump’s fundraising efforts by $25 million in April.
An adviser to Democratic donors revealed that they have compiled a list of nearly two dozen reasons why Biden may lose, including concerns about immigration, inflation, Biden’s age, Vice President Kamala Harris’s approval ratings, and the appeal of third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The adviser noted that the list of reasons why Biden could win is significantly shorter.
While Biden’s campaign aides point to positive polls and Trump’s legal battles hindering his ability to campaign effectively, some Democrats are worried about complacency among voters, particularly young voters who may not remember the tumultuous early days of the Trump administration. Democratic strategist Pete Giangreco emphasized the importance of framing the election as a choice between Biden’s leadership and Trump’s divisive rhetoric, while Michigan state Representative Laurie Pohutsky expressed concern about a lack of urgency among voters who have grown accustomed to a stable White House.