Staff Reports
Democrats are once again trying to revive their stale playbook from 2018, banking on making the 2024 election all about former President Donald Trump. They are desperately hoping this Hail Mary will save at least one chamber of Congress. This comes as they scramble to cope with President Joe Biden’s underwhelming debate performance and the sinking ship that is his re-election campaign.
Recognizing that their shot at keeping the White House is slim to none, certain Democrats are attempting to distance themselves from the sitting president. Vulnerable incumbents are working overtime to paint Trump as the ultimate boogeyman, despite the fact that national polls favor Republicans snatching both houses of Congress. Democrats hope that portraying the election as a battle to curb a Republican onslaught will resonate with voters.
Washington Examiner: House Democrats run on halting Trump presidency after Biden implosion https://t.co/weX6rOMfjs
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) July 3, 2024
Biden’s poor polling numbers have alarm bells ringing within the Democratic camp, prompting Democratic strategists to shift their focus. The House, it seems, has become their last stand for maintaining any shred of influence in the federal government come January. The notion is that by clinging on to the House, they can act as a roadblock to the Republican agenda, a talking point they aim to drill into the minds of voters.
Democratic leaders are frantically urging their base to ignore Biden’s glaring deficiencies. The head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee claims there’s a stark choice between so-called responsible Democrats and extreme Republicans who supposedly care only about tax breaks for the rich, rolling back reproductive rights, and defending Trump. The low hanging fruit of Trump-bashing is their last ace in the hole, hoping to spark enthusiasm among their demoralized donors.
Nancy Pelosi has even suggested that Trump’s recent performance has galvanized donors into redoubling their efforts. She’s trying to spin the narrative that Democrats distancing themselves from Biden is not a sign of disarray but a strategic move. Pelosi is doing her best to erase memories of long-winded excuses about Biden’s mental fitness, knowing full well those clips will feature prominently in GOP attack ads.
As Democrats attempt to ignite hysteria over Trump, some on the right argue their efforts are feeble and predictable. Biden’s declining cognitive abilities are front and center, and Republicans are quick to point out that Democrats have been less than forthcoming about his fitness for office. Democrats may try their hardest to manufacture outrage over perceived lies from Trump, while glossing over Biden’s significant shortcomings and questionable decisions.
While Democrats bank on emotional appeals, GOP strategists believe they’re flogging a dead horse. Hoping to conjure a repeat of the so-called “blue wave” of 2018 may garner some headlines, but with Trump leading Biden significantly in the polls, this strategy appears more delusional than flexible. Republican leaders are confident that topping the ticket will see them carry the House convincingly.
Ultimately, Democratic attempts to focus solely on Trump might backfire. Some strategists within their own ranks warn that they should focus on policy rather than personality. Yet, such voices are often drowned out by the deafening clamor for Trump’s head on a political stake. Come November, the electorate will determine if these desperate theatrics yield results or if they’re simply the last sputters of a collapsing strategy.
