Frustration Growing Says Report
President Joe Biden is facing mounting pressure from his own party as he struggles to gain ground against his defeated predecessor, Donald Trump.
According to nearly 20 interviews with lawmakers, administration officials, and Biden allies, frustrations within the party are reaching the top, with the president himself expressing anger and second-guessing his own campaign strategy. This comes just weeks after Biden officially won the Democratic nomination, with the general election campaign now in full swing.
At the forefront of Biden’s concerns are his poll numbers in key battleground states such as Michigan and Georgia, which have dropped due to his handling of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Biden is acutely aware of the importance of these states, as he narrowly won them in the 2020 election and cannot afford any backsliding if he hopes to defeat Trump for a second time. In a private meeting at the White House in January, Biden became visibly upset and began to shout and swear after being told about his declining approval ratings.
In response to this article’s claims, White House spokesman Andrew Bates has stated that Biden makes national security decisions based on the country’s needs alone, without taking other factors such as political fallout into consideration. However, sources suggest that Biden is frustrated with the lack of recognition for his accomplishments, including an economy that has created 15 million new jobs. He has also expressed a desire to reach voters directly and take the fight to Trump but has been met with resistance from his team, who are concerned about potential gaffes.
Some Democrats, such as Rep. Adam Smith, have voiced their impatience with Biden, stating that he must deliver on his promise to defeat Trump. Smith says that Biden should focus his energy on the campaign and not on defensive anger. Others, including Rep. Mary Landrieu, believe that Biden’s achievements, such as a bill to boost high-tech manufacturing and infrastructure, are not being effectively communicated to the American people, leading to a lack of credit for the president’s accomplishments.
NBC: “Biden has grown angry and anxious about his re-election effort” pic.twitter.com/pROyyBOO3i
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 17, 2024
Biden’s current approval rating stands at 38%, which is lower than the last three presidents who went on to lose re-election: Trump (48%), George H.W. Bush (39%), and Jimmy Carter (43%). This suggests that Biden may face an uphill battle in convincing voters that he deserves a second term based on his policy achievements. However, the Biden campaign remains confident in his chances, and campaign chairwoman Julie Chavez Rodriguez has stated that he is ramping up his travel and will continue to do so throughout the election year.
Though Biden’s team appears confident, there are signs that some within the party are questioning his management and communication strategies. Sources say that Biden has on occasion become irritated with his senior staff and has questioned whether he should trust his instincts or the advice he is receiving. It is also reported that Biden feels cocooned and is eager to get out and meet voters face-to-face, but has been met with concerns about potential falls and gaffes from his protective aides.
As the campaign intensifies, many Democrats believe that Biden needs a strong team of surrogates to spread the message of his accomplishments and how they have improved the lives of Americans. Andre Dickens, the Democratic mayor of Atlanta, argues that Biden’s record speaks for itself in terms of creating safer cities and investing in programs to curb crime. Additionally, some of Biden’s allies believe that the key to garnering support is to simplify and package his record as part of an American renaissance, highlighting the positive impact on job creation and economic growth.
Overall, the report highlights the growing pressure and expectations on President Biden to deliver on his promises and win over voters. Despite frustrations and challenges, both within and outside the party, the Biden campaign remains determined to show the American people why he is the best candidate for the job.