Staff Reports
Red state Democrats like Mary Peltola from Alaska are tiptoeing on thin ice with their unwavering support for Joe Biden’s reelection bid. Peltola’s glowing endorsement of Biden as “one of the smartest, sharpest people I’ve met in D.C.” is raising eyebrows and likely not winning her any favors among conservative Alaskans. With Biden’s recent display of what many are calling advanced dementia during a debate, even major newspaper editorial boards are suggesting he step down from the race.
In the upcoming elections, Peltola will be facing tough competition from Republican candidates like Nick Begich and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. Without the advantage of aligning herself with a more moderate figure like Princess Lisa Murkowski this time, Peltola’s path to victory seems murky. The absence of a key figure like Sarah Palin, who can rally support from the left, adds another layer of complexity to Peltola’s reelection prospects.
Red State Democrats on the Edge! Alaska's Mary Peltola on Biden: 'One of the Smartest, Sharpest People' https://t.co/jOZxIXXTd4 pic.twitter.com/BHCDyKCqpc
— Janie Johnson – America is Exceptional (@jjauthor) July 1, 2024
Adding to the challenge is the ranked-choice voting system in Alaska, which may play a role in determining the outcome of the race. While Peltola’s endorsement of Biden may have seemed like a strategic move at the time, it could very well backfire as her opponents are likely to seize on this opportunity to highlight her support for a controversial figure.
As Alaska Democrats remain silent on Biden’s performance and the internal struggles within their party, Peltola finds herself in a delicate position. The upcoming elections will test her ability to navigate the changing political landscape in Alaska and adapt to the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party. The tune playing for Peltola may very well be a farewell as she faces an uphill battle for reelection in November.
