Continued strong support for Donald Trump, and sinking poll numbers for President Joe Biden, have many Democrats concerned about a Trump run for the White House in 2024.
The thought of losing seats in the House and Senate in 2022 and President Trump returning to power in 2024 is a catastrophic, worst-case scenario for many Democratic pundits.
Storm clouds on the political landscape include an April 28th finding that Democrats will lose seats in the House due to population shifts, and an Op-Ed piece by Frida Ghitis linking decreasing support for Democratic candidates with failing initiatives the party continues to push forward. The combination creates a perfect storm Democrats must prepare for in the next two election cycles.
Mike Morey, Democratic strategist and former aide to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), noted: “No one should underestimate [Trump’s] ability to energize the base with grievance politics…Democrats would be foolish to think he would be easy to take down.”
Trump’s popularity at rallies continues to be impressive. Though banned from several major social media platforms, Trump continually communicates dissatisfaction with Joe Biden’s performance and policies. He energizes crowds by pointing to Biden’s low public approval ratings on mandating vaccines, the border crisis, and the exit from Afghanistan.
Trump, 75, has not formally announced a Presidential run in 2024, but many believe his actions make clear his intention to run. Associates report he is eager to announce another White House bid, but advisers have requested he keep a low profile at this time.
Increasing the likelihood of Trump’s return to the campaign trail is that President Biden is losing the support of many Independents, who in large numbers supported his campaign in 2020. Budgetary concerns and the unending gridlock on Capitol Hill, where Democrats control both chambers, factor heavily in this loss of support.
All indications are that Donald Trump is not ready to retire or retreat. While speaking to supporters on September 11th, the former President was asked if another bid for the White House was planned. Trump replied, “We’re not supposed to be talking about it yet, from the standpoint of campaign finance laws, which frankly are ridiculous…but I think you are going to be happy. Let me put it that way.”
Donald Trump has also won several major polls among likely Republican candidates, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whom many consider a rising star in the party. A September Harvard CAPS-Harris poll showed 58 percent of GOP voters surveyed wanted Trump to be the Republican nominee in 2024. An October Des Moines Register-Mediacom Iowa poll showed Trump’s favorable rating at 53%, a new high.
Biden, 78, has reported he plans on running again in 2024. But questions regarding Biden’s mental acuity have led to fears that Biden’s age will be a defining factor in a tough political race in 2024. Sliding poll numbers for Biden, Harris, Schumer, and Pelosi have democratic party leadership concerned.
However, some Democrats report they would welcome another Trump run, noting his polarizing personality and his ability to turn off independents and mobilize the Democratic base.
Democratic strategist Eddie Vale said: “This would help to keep pushing independents, suburban voters, and even some Republicans away from the party… And the 2024 Senate map would be really good for Democrats to have Trump driving turnout.”
The outcome may be in doubt, but the likelihood of seeing more Trump in the future seems sure.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.