How does a president most Americans don't believe is fit to serve run for reelection?
By: Byron York
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
HOW DOES A PRESIDENT MOST AMERICANS DON'T BELIEVE IS FIT TO SERVE RUN FOR REELECTION? A few days ago, this newsletter looked at the dramatic finding of a new ABC News-Washington Post poll that 63% of registered voters do not believe 80-year-old President Joe Biden is mentally or physically up to the job of president of the United States.
In response to two questions — "Do you think Biden has the mental sharpness it takes to serve effectively as president, or not?" and "Do you think Biden is in good enough physical health to serve as president, or not?" — 63% said Biden does not have the mental sharpness to serve, and 62% said he is not in good enough physical health to serve.
Those answers lead to another question: When voters believe that, how does a president run for reelection? The fundamental voter concern is that, at 80, Biden is already too old to be president. He will be 82 in 2024 and, if reelected, will serve until he is 86. On what basis would voters vote to keep him in office?
Plus, there's another factor to consider. Who will Biden run against? If he runs against Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who is 36 years younger than Biden, there is nothing Biden can do to neutralize the age matter. If he runs against former Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC), who is 29 years younger than Biden, there is nothing he can do. If he runs against Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who is 23 years younger, there is nothing he can do. Even if he runs against former Vice President Mike Pence, after former President Donald Trump the most senior Republican in the race but 17 years younger than Biden, there is nothing he can do.
You get the idea. Of course, all those Republicans are currently far, far behind Trump in the race for the GOP nomination. Since Trump will be 78 years old in 2024 and, if elected, would serve until he is 82, there are serious age concerns about him, too.
But there is bad news for Biden on the age matter, even when compared to Trump. The short version is that voters see Trump as more vigorous than Biden. When asked if Trump has the mental sharpness to serve, 54% said yes, and when asked if Trump is in good enough physical health to serve, 64% said yes. So even though Trump as president would be as old as Biden is now — and it is a gamble for voters to bet Trump will remain in good enough health to serve — more voters think he is fundamentally capable of being president than Biden.
And besides, how could Biden use age against Trump in a campaign? Of course, he can't.
There is another complicating factor in a Biden vs. Trump race. On what will likely be the most important matter in voters' minds, the economy, voters give Trump the edge over Biden. The ABC-Washington Postpollsters asked, "Who do you think did a better job handling the economy, Donald Trump when he was president or Joe Biden during his presidency so far?" Fifty-four percent said Trump, while 36% said Biden. That's a clear advantage for Trump.
Given all that, what does Biden do? In a race against any non-Trump Republican, he suffers terribly from the age difference. That alone might defeat him. In a race against Trump, he still suffers, although less so, from the age problem, plus he is on the losing end of what is likely to be the race's most important matter. It's a bleak picture. What to do?
Biden has already revealed the answer: Cast Trump as a MAGA threat to the future, the very existence, of the U.S. and democracy itself. Or, should Trump not be his opponent, portray any other Republican as a Trump-like MAGA threat to the future, the very existence, of the U.S. and democracy itself.
Democrats gave the strategy a test run in 2022, with significant success. Yes, the Supreme Court decision overturning Roev.Wade was an important factor working against Republicans in some races. And yes, individual candidate qualities in hundreds of House and Senate races played a role. But the anti-MAGA argument — the accusation that Republicans posed a MAGA threat to the future, the very existence, of the U.S. and democracy itself — was a winner for Democrats.
During the midterm elections, one Democratic strategist, Simon Rosenberg, was a lonely voice arguing that there would not be a red wave, that, in fact, the "anti-MAGA majority" would turn out to save the day for Democrats. As it happened, Democrats did lose the House, although by a smaller margin than predicted, but they actually picked up a seat in the Senate on the strength of that "anti-MAGA majority."
In 2024, the presence of an "anti-MAGA majority," should one exist, could be Biden's last chance. How else could an 82-year-old man, visibly slow in his mental and physical abilities, win reelection when a majority of people don't think he's up to the job? With that always in mind, Biden and his party will run against MAGA, no matter who their GOP adversary is.
One last thing. An anti-MAGA campaign will be a very, very ugly campaign. There will be daily slanders, daily outrages, and daily combat. Republicans and conservatives who rankle at being called Nazis and fascists and traitors and insurrectionists and authoritarians and much, much more should be prepared. It will be hard to take. But if Biden is on the ballot in November 2024, it will be his best, and perhaps only, hope.
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The title made me think of the loser former 'president'.
Is this supposed to be satire?
If you think so dear.....
So it's supposed to be satire?
Plus, don't call me dear.
No doubt.
Tell us why the same standards don't apply to both?
You're looking at age as the only standard.
Intelligent folk consider many factors.
Biden seeks justice and the betterment of all Americans.
Trump seeks only to enrich himself at the expense of all others.
Biden is an intelligent compassionate honest human.
Trump is a lying stupid, ignorant, hateful, spiteful, sub-human.
Biden does what his handlers tell him to do. Right up the yellow brick road to virtue signaling.
I'm looking at performance.
Trump gets an A+
Biden gets an F
-Is this supposed to be satire?
a new ABC News poll says that 63% of registered voters do not believe 80-year-old President Joe Biden is mentally or physically up to the job of president of the United States.
Are you saying that is not true? That is more sad than satire.
Now that is satire
He can always use the Ronald Reagan line...
Not that it will work in this case however, too many people feel he's just too old and incapable of serving another term.
It looks like DeSantis is about to jump in the ring. Liked his remarks in Iowa. He would easily beat Biden if enough Republicans wise up in time. Been watching Nancy Mace (R-SC) at some of these hearings on YouTube. Like her style. Possible VP choice?
DeSantis is unelectable because of the abortion issue, among other things.
Democrats were and are unelectable because of the economy, inflation, gas prices, border crisis, crime, etc. Yet they still didn't suffer huge losses at midterms. They turned the election into being about Trump.
All DeSantis needs to do is make this election about Brandon's myriad of fuck ups. If he can do that- there is no way Brandon and the Democrats will win.
Those issues are what GOP used for mid-terms, how did that work out...no red wave as GOP expected.
I've never loved Biden but, since one of the most important requirements to be President is an understanding of and belief in the Constitution, I'll vote for him over most of the Republican field.
Most?...
Can't name one I'd vote for right now. None of them seem to have any respect for the Constitution.
You think Biden does? ...
There isn't a single republiCON or CONServative that I'd ever vote for.
Biden knows that the one with the most electoral votes becomes President so... Yes.
Biden will appoint capable nominees to head departments, unlike any goppers...
When is he going to start?
Trump picked the worst polluter and biggest AGW denier to head up the EPA. No Biden cabinet choice could ever equal that fuck-up!
Deflection noted. How about answering the actual question without but but but trump.
Yep, the truth hurts.
Indeed....
Proving once again that the Democrats/leftists have no damn concept of what the meaning of "truth" is.
Oh please! Trump, MTG, Boebert and Santos alone are guilty of telling more lies than all of the democrats in D.C..
Actually I think many of them laugh at all the dems that have to resort at name calling because they have nothing of substance to say and sure as hell can't defend Joe the walking dead.
It reminds them of a simpler time, like when they were in 6th grade.
We've been warned. Democrats intend to make the election about Democrats versus Republicans. Democrats are intending to convince voters to support a party rather than individual candidates. So, for Democrats, it doesn't matter who will be the party nominee.
But that type of election would hinge upon party platforms. Republicans could counter Democrats' strategy by focusing more attention on their party platform. And Democrats going too far left with their party platform would undermine Democrats' strategy.
Democrats are taking a gamble. Democrats could actually make MAGA a viable alternative to a far left agenda. If Democrats go too far then 2024 could become a wave election with Democrats on the losing side.
The gop didn’t even produce a platform in 2020 because everything Trump stands for is toxic!
Well, the Mar-a-Lago dweller may be unpopular but that doesn't mean the GOP won't nominate him anyway. After all, he was president once and did the globe thing and sword dance with the Saudi royalty so that must mean something, right?
Yeah we are facing a likely disaster of Trump vs. Biden/Harris. I suspect this would set the record for the worst choices for PotUS in US history. It could easily result in a President Harris.
What a mess.
"In America, anyone can become president. That’s the problem." --- George Carlin
Why all of this Biden bashing? What is it that he's done that is so awful? Hell, when he was sworn in every major hospital had refrigerated trailors to hold the Covid dead. Among other things. And the opposition party even had adherents shooting people over mask requirements. I mean damn, things were effed up.
Where do you see "all of this Biden bashing" in my comment?
My critical complaints with Biden are:
That is the problem.
Biden is already the oldest president in US history. He would break his own record with a second term.
So what? Got something against elder folk? You think age alone is a disqualification? DeSantis is younger, so he's qualified?
As far as Harris. I remember too well how she handled Bill Barr in the Senate hearings. Unfortunately republicans controlled both houses and he was going to skate anyway but she had him dead to rights and he knew it. She is qualified beyond a shadow of a doubt. Can't understand all of this Harris bashing that has arisen of late. Somebody afraid of her or something?
I doubt that I need to explain this to you, so why are you asking such questions? The presidency is not a job for octogenarians. It is a stressful job and a president dying or being incapacitated while in office is very disruptive to the nation. IMO the presidency should be occupied by a qualified, healthy individual between 45-65 years of age (roughly). That age group enables one to have the wisdom and experience for the job and with the youth to deal with the pressure and pace.
It is obnoxious for you to take my comment and then presume I am "against elder folk" or that I believe age alone makes someone qualified to be PotUS. Disagree without picking a fight.
You and I do not, in any way, shape or form, see eye-to-eye on Harris.
More obnoxious commentary.
This is an example of what I would consider a good D candidate for the presidency:
Why do the Ds put up Biden/Harris instead? There are plenty of other candidates who could win against Trump.
Any way to buy some of what you must be smoking?
Because the other side is going to run someone the majority of the country hates, sucked shit as president, and was just found guilty of sexual assault.
I wish I had a choice other than Biden, but the GOP is determined to not give me another real option.
Spot on.
Biden is likely in much better mental and physical health than Trump.
Except for mild osteoporosis and a bit of reflux, The Drs. at Walter Reed say Biden is in excellent condition thanks mainly to his daily workout regimen and diet.
While Trump won't allow Walter Reed Drs. to reveal anything about his current medical condition, it is quite obvious to many that due to his obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, family history, and lingering covid effects from his serious bout in 2020 that his physical health is likely severely compromised.
Trumps deteriorating mental state, however, is obvious to anybody who passed Psych 101 in college and has been paying attention to his many rambling, incoherent, hate-filled speeches and online posts. Psychiatrists consistently use the terms Dunning-Kruger and Narcissistic symbiosis when speaking about Trump and his most ardent followers. Google these terms for the complete explanations.
It does not matter. Trump should never be allowed to hold any public office ... much less the presidency.
If he wins then the US has failed.
Did you really need someone to explain this to you? Focus on the word 'should'.
No, Texan, the word 'should' is quite clear. It is a statement of what ought to be true, not what will necessarily be true.
You are dwelling in chickenshit —arguing for the sake of arguing (trolling).
I have explained to you how one interprets the English word 'should'. Learn it and move along.
Context is everything. Tig's comment was very clear. "Trump should never be allowed to hold any public office", means exactly what it says.
I'm getting very tired of the semantics that goes on here.
Well several of us here are getting tired of TiG trying to force, coerce, bully, and badger others to think exactly how he does. Not everyone agrees but he pushes ad nauseum when anyone comments contrary to what he believes. YES Trump is guilty of wrongdoings and everyone, including those whom are accused of defending him, know it but just don't have the automatic dismissal button in their entourage due NOT to his personality but rather his record as PotUS. Fix that, and you fix the back and forths AND semantics crap.
I have read what Tig writes and the fact that he never gets an answer but a runaround. No one has to answer him, but then say nothing.
Yes, it is semantics.
Each state has different processes for enforcing the Constitution’s disqualification clause. If disqualified, that should be done before the primaries start. We will see which states stand up to their responsibilities.
Tig has laid out, chapter and verse, what Trump did wrong in his stop the steal fraud. and Jan 6th. Tig has told them , in detail, what Trumps wrong doing was.
Yes, they have a right to give a counter opinion, but I for one dont believe they have the right to, literally dozens of times, tell Tig and me and others that nothing has ever been proven against trump.
It is ludicrous for NT to pretend they are not trolling.
My comment is not about legal disqualification but rather about right vs. wrong. Trump clearly should never be allowed to hold public office. Anyone who cannot see that at this point is beyond reason (and that is stating it nicely).
It will be up to the voters to decide. We (the electorate) should never allow Trump to win. He might win, but that would be wrong.
This should be crystal clear.
If someone supports Trump they are part of the reason why he is the likely GOP nominee. Their support is in direct conflict with acts taken by Trump as PotUS that should cause the electorate to not even consider him in the future. No US PotUS has ever attempted to steal a US election as well as a litany of other offenses that I have and will be happy to again list if you wish to argue my point.
Making a strong argument is inconvenient for those who are attempting to counter it. You complaining about it is pointless. Either come up with a cogent, persuasive rebuttal or remain silent.
I recognize when certain individuals say they would vote for Trump's policies in spite of his character. I have stated for years that this is the likely reason for his support. So I get it. But I disagree with that thinking and make my point as to why Trump's behavior should override the fact that he executed core GOP policies (as if he is the only R who could do so).
You have the choice to not respond to my posts. If you choose to respond, you must deal with my rebuttal. Your choice.
Don't look now; but Brandon is polling even lower than Trump.
Trump was a far better president than Brandon. So if Trump suck shit- then Brandon is definitely the human fuck up machine.
By fucking TDS leftist NYer's in a civil suit that has no criminal baring what so ever. The ruling will be appealed. Will it stand up to higher court scrutiny?
Does Tara Reade ring a bell? How about Brandon's daughter- who said flat out her father took an "inappropriate" shower with her when she was a teen in her diary? Then there is all of the hair sniffing, caressing, and overly long holding/hugs that have been caught on video. Guess that can all be explained away. As always when confronted with reality- scream "But Trruuummmmppppp!!!!!!"
Right back at you. I wish I had some other choice than Trump (if he is the Republican nominee); but Democrats have not given me another real option. We will not survive another 4 years of Democrat rule.
Sexual Assault? Guilty? The left doesn't understand the differences between a civil court and a criminal court let alone what the actual verdict was.
The charge they were hoping for: rape, they didn't get, even in NYC!
That stupid cliche is used every election year by R and D partisans. The two parties take their ridiculous turns and somehow the nation survives but the blind partisans continue with their extreme emotive nonsense.
Some people do not use proper legal language. This is not limited to whatever you call 'the left'.
Trump was found liable by a jury of sexual assault and defamation. You complain about people misrepresenting the facts but do you acknowledge or ignore the verdict of this jury? Do you think the jury was wrong?
You mean misrepresenting facts as you just did? He was found liable for CIVIL BATTERY and defamation.
On the verdict form the jury handed in, the yes box is checked for the question
"Mr Trump sexually abused Ms Carroll?'
Lack of link. Questionable "proof" at best.
Okay Jeremy I used the term that was most commonly reported but I will change my post to use battery exclusively.
Trump was found liable by a jury of battery and defamation. You complain about people misrepresenting the facts but do you acknowledge or ignore the verdict of this jury? Do you think the jury was wrong?
fuck off
Trump was found liable by a jury of battery and defamation. You complain about people misrepresenting the facts but do you acknowledge or ignore the verdict of this jury? Do you think the jury was wrong?
Why would I not acknowledge the results? Anything else I think about the Jury is purely opinion that, unlike many like yourself, I won't pass off as fact.
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Because you routinely refuse to acknowledge wrongdoing by Trump.
So you hold Trump accountable for battery and defamation.
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Still waiting on something to acknowledge. Conjecture won't work.
You are unable to stand up and acknowledge that Trump lied to the world that the USA electoral system was rigged, that Biden is not the legitimate PotUS and that the US electorate was disenfranchised??
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there is no point in trying to reason with such a level of dishonesty
I am not reasoning with him, I am challenging his nonsense.
I would never even consider reasoning with some individuals.
And cravenly running away from every direct question is not a flaggable offense.
So you are going to distract to this tired shit again.
You labeled it conjecture. Don't engage me if you cannot deal with the logical response.
You are unable to stand up and acknowledge that Trump lied to the world that the USA electoral system was rigged, that Biden is not the legitimate PotUS and that the US electorate was disenfranchised!
I did. Because that is what it is. Maybe this will help.
This is not deniable. You can watch Trump as he emits these lies to the planet as PotUS.
Here, 9 minutes long. Get a clue:
You are unable to stand up and acknowledge that Trump lied to the world that the USA electoral system was rigged, that Biden is not the legitimate PotUS and that the US electorate was disenfranchised!
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Maybe, but I doubt he likes what is on the table.
I am illustrating (proving) how Trump himself first lied to the world that the USA electoral system was rigged, that Biden is not the legitimate PotUS and that the US electorate was disenfranchised!
And, as you know, there are countless other videos of Trump himself making these same lies as he continued to do (even to the present).
But Jeremy calls this 'conjecture'. He cannot even acknowledge that it was wrong for Trump to do this.
I really dont think he cares about any of that.
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My comment is not for Jeremy, it is for everyone else to see how utterly ridiculous he is being by refusing to acknowledge wrongdoing by Trump ... even something as blatantly obvious as Trump himself publicly telling the world that the US voters were disenfranchised, that he won the election and that the USA electoral system was rigged.
What kind of a mind denies something this provably obvious?
one that wants to provoke chaos.
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Have you ever heard of the "No Labels Party?" They are setting up a campaign for 2024. They will have a candidate.
They are for real.
We need a strong viable third party to keep the other 2 honest.
This group is getting on the ballot in just about every state. They are doing it right
Indeed. Not likely, but we agree on this.
Most Americans thought Trump was unfit as President, yet he ran again. President will be elected by vote as usual, if Americans think Biden is unfit he will not be re-elected. Of course that depends on who his opponent will be.