Staff Reports
In a recent interview with Fox News anchor Sean Hannity, former President Donald Trump voiced his doubts about President Joe Biden’s ability to run for re-election in 2024. Trump cited concerns about Biden’s cognitive decline and overall health, suggesting that these factors would prevent the 81-year-old from seeking a second term in the White House. Not one to hold back, Trump stated, “I personally don’t think he makes it.” He further commented on Biden’s mental state, saying he’s “possibly equally as bad, and maybe worse.”
Trump Doubts Biden Will Make It to 2024, Shares Who He Thinks Will Replace Him https://t.co/xrBnnTmMNz
— Rocky Bensch (@BenschRocky) December 8, 2023
When discussing potential alternative choices, Trump mentioned Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump acknowledged that Newsom performed well in a recent Fox News debate against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, despite being less than truthful about his state’s low taxes and clean streets. Trump jokingly commented, “He’s slick, but he’s got no facts.”
Regarding Harris, Trump stated that she is also a viable option for the Democrats because of the importance of African-American voters. Trump quipped, “If they didn’t give it to her, the African-American vote, the black vote, would not go to [Democrats].”
Recent polls have shown Trump leading Biden in various swing states, making it clear that Biden would face an uphill battle against the former president in a potential 2024 match-up. Additionally, states that were not historically considered swing states, like Nevada, are now seen as possible Republican victories. Democrats are also facing weakening registration numbers in key states like New Jersey.
It is important for Trump to focus on appealing to the white working class, a demographic that significantly shifted away from him in the 2020 election. Thirty-one percent of the white working class has not voted in the last three election cycles, providing a significant pool of untapped support for Republicans. Trump should prioritize communicating with and registering these voters to secure victory in the future.
Trump missed an opportunity to connect with the white working class during the United Auto Workers strike, where he expressed support but failed to make a knockout comment like French politician Marine Le Pen did while visiting striking workers in France. Key issues for this demographic include the unconstitutional COVID vaccine mandate, which the United Auto Workers opposed, and the adverse effects of Newsom and Biden’s policies on America’s combustion engine manufacturing base.
Trump should also focus on the business entertainment tax, an issue that resonates with both corporate types and the working class. The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act made business entertainment non-deductible, but Trump signaled his support for making it fully deductible in 2020. Emphasizing this issue during his campaign can help Trump appeal to voters of all social strata and highlight the financial benefits he can provide.
Trump remains confident about his prospects against Biden, Harris, or Newsom in a potential 2024 election. However, he must prioritize engaging with the white working class, highlighting key issues that resonate with this demographic, and ensuring these voters are registered if he wants to secure victory.
