Biden’s reelection message: Strong economy, weak Republicans.
President Joe Biden’s Reelection Argument: A Referendum on Republicans
President Joe Biden is making his case for reelection by highlighting his economic achievements both in his official capacity and on the campaign trail. However, despite his efforts, Biden’s approval-disapproval ratings are reminiscent of former President Jimmy Carter’s, and he is determined to avoid becoming a one-term commander in chief. To do so, he is framing the 2024 election as a referendum on Republicans.
The Public’s Perception
According to Akash Chougule, the government affairs vice president of Americans for Prosperity, a Koch-funded political advocacy organization, Biden’s reelection pitch is not resonating with the public. Chougule argues that Americans can see through focus group-tested slogans and recognize when they are paying more and getting less. He points out that the cost of living has increased significantly under Biden’s administration, leading to a record of failure in handling the American economy.
Americans for Prosperity, along with other prominent Republicans and conservative organizations, are actively undermining Biden’s economic accomplishments. Former President Donald Trump, for example, has urged the United Auto Workers to consider endorsing him instead of Biden due to disagreements over electric vehicle policies.
Republican National Committee spokeswoman Emma Vaughn echoes this sentiment, stating that families are struggling due to an upside-down economy while Biden deceivingly touts his failed “Bidenomics.” Vaughn believes that every time Biden lies about his economic agenda, American voters become increasingly motivated to vote him out.
Biden’s Approach and Public Sentiment
Biden is aware of the public sentiment regarding the economy and is mindful of avoiding the perception of being out of touch, a criticism that plagued Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign. Biden acknowledges that there is still a long way to go on the economy but emphasizes that his plan is turning things around quickly.
Biden’s approach is backed by polling data. Despite inflation rates and concerns over job creation, Biden maintains a 38% average economic approval rating. However, only 3 in 10 adults believe that the country is recovering better economically than its counterparts after the pandemic, according to a Monmouth University poll.
Democratic strategists acknowledge that the public is consistently unaware of Biden’s record, posing a major hurdle for the campaign’s messaging. In response, Biden and his campaign have increased their criticism of Republicans, attempting to turn the election into a referendum contest.
The Importance of Crystallizing Economic Wins
Democratic strategists and experts stress the need for Biden to clearly articulate his economic wins and their impact on individuals. They suggest telling stories at the zip code level, showcasing real people and their experiences, rather than relying on broad demographic groups.
Bill Hoagland, a Senior Vice President at the Bipartisan Policy Center and former Senate Republican budget aide, agrees that real earnings have been enhanced, despite concerns of a potential recession. However, he emphasizes the importance of external factors, such as the price of essential goods like bread, eggs, and gasoline, in shaping people’s perceptions of how things are going.
Ultimately, Biden’s reelection argument hinges on his economic achievements and framing the election as a choice between his policies and those of the Republicans. However, he faces challenges in gaining public support and must effectively communicate the impact of his economic wins on individuals’ lives.
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