House and Senate Democrat candidates are distancing themselves from President Joe Biden following his poor debate performance. The Economist’s post-debate forecast gives former President Donald Trump a 73% chance of victory in November, with Trump leading Biden by six points in the probability of winning the popular vote. Down-ballot Democrat candidates in battleground states and districts face increased challenges due to the president’s lack of popularity.
Swing district Democrat House members are “freaking out” about Biden’s impact on their races, according to a senior House Democrat. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) described the debate as “terrible,” while Rep. Mary Peltola (D-AK) said she is not thinking about anybody else’s race but her own. Republicans believe they can flip the Senate and potentially retain the House, with Democrats distancing themselves from Biden following his lackluster debate performance.
Despite calls for him to step aside, President Joe Biden reportedly devised an eight-point public relations campaign over the weekend in an effort to remain the Democrat Party’s de facto nominee. The plan includes more public interviews and press conferences, a change from Biden’s previous lack of media availability. The decision appears heavily influenced by First Lady Jill Biden and additional family members, such as Hunter Biden.
As House and Senate Democrat candidates distance themselves from President Joe Biden, their political future remains uncertain due to the president’s unpopularity among voters in battleground states and districts. With November fast approaching, it remains to be seen if the new public relations strategy will help boost Biden’s image and support for down-ballot candidates.