Unpopularity haunted Biden before Trump’s assassination attempt

One of the most damaging blows to Biden’s campaign has been his handling of the Palestine issue

WASHINGTON –  U.S. President Joe Biden’s announcement ending his reelection campaign has been perceived by many as the culmination of a series of missteps and public dissatisfaction.

While an assassination attempt on Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump by Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania, heightened Trump’s prospects, analysts say, it was Biden’s own actions and inactions that primarily influenced his dwindling support.

A significant factor in Biden’s declining popularity has been his underwhelming debate performance. Biden also saw a notable drop in support among young voters. Traditionally a stronghold for Democrats, young voters aged 18-34 are now showing a preference for Trump, with a CNN poll indicating Biden trailing Trump by 11 percentage points in this demographic.

Discontent with Biden extends beyond specific policy issues. His age and perceived lack of vigor have become focal points of criticism.

Voters were expressing doubts about Biden’s ability to effectively govern at 84. This view was widespread, with many young voters feeling that Biden is out of touch with the pressing issues facing the nation today, such as unemployment and economic stability.

Biden’s campaign was further hampered by poor strategic decisions. His team’s reluctance to put him in high-exposure situations, such as declining a Super Bowl interview opportunity, suggests a lack of confidence in his ability to perform well in the public eye. This has contributed to a negative media portrayal, compounding the narrative of a faltering campaign.

Handling of Key Issues

One of the most damaging blows to Biden’s campaign has been his handling of the Palestine issue. His indecision and the administration’s lackluster response to the harassment of free-Palestine students on university campuses have alienated significant voter blocs, particularly in states like Michigan with substantial Muslim communities. This has led to a notable shift in support away from Biden, further weakening his position.

Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race came after mounting pressure from Democratic party insiders and major fundraisers. These groups, alarmed by Biden’s poor health and declining public support, saw his continued candidacy as a liability that could jeopardize not only the presidential race but also Democratic control of the House and Senate.

The push for his withdrawal was also influenced by private and public calls from key figures within the party, including Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, highlighting the urgent need for a change in leadership to salvage the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections.

Observers say, Biden’s withdrawal marks the end of a troubled campaign characterized by strategic missteps, policy failures, and declining public confidence.

While the assassination attempt on Trump played a role in shaping the current political landscape, it was Biden’s own shortcomings that ultimately led to his decision to step aside.

 As the Democratic party navigates this transition, the focus will now shift to Vice President Kamala Harris and the need to restore voter confidence and unity within the party.

The upcoming months will be critical in determining the future direction of the Democratic campaign and its chances of success in the November elections.

The decision also places Kamala Harris in a historic position as the first Black woman to run at the top of a major party’s ticket.

It remains unclear whether other senior Democrats will challenge Harris for the party’s nomination or if the party will open the field for nominations.