Amid rising Democratic doubts about President Biden’s viability as the party’s 2024 nominee, former President Donald J. Trump has been notably reticent. Although an outspoken critic, Trump has mostly refrained from addressing the issue publicly, preferring instead to allow internal Democratic debates to unfold.
Rather than remaining entirely silent, Trump has given a few radio interviews and posted regularly on his social media platform, Truth Social. However, his lack of aggressive comment suggests a strategic calculus. Trump appears content to watch as Democrats debate Biden’s fitness for office, buoyed by his belief that he can easily defeat the current president, according to advisors speaking anonymously.
A New York Times/Siena College poll post-debate indicated a slight increase in Republican support for Biden remaining the Democratic nominee. Trump himself dismissed speculation that Biden would be replaced, arguing instead that Biden performs better in polls against him than other potential candidates like Vice President Kamala Harris or Michelle Obama.
However, recent polls refute some of Trump’s claims. A CNN poll showed Harris polling slightly ahead of Biden in a hypothetical matchup against Trump, while an Ipsos/Reuters poll found Obama beating Trump by a wide margin. Trump’s campaign has targeted Harris, linking her to Biden’s perceived failings and mocking her mannerisms.
Several Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, acknowledge the potential shift in the 2024 race’s dynamics if Biden steps aside. The Trump campaign, advised by figures like Corey Lewandowski, is preparing for all contingencies, recognizing that a new opponent could change the electoral landscape.
Conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation are exploring legal avenues to complicate replacing Biden on the ballot. Meanwhile, Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita maintain confidence in Trump’s ability to “beat any Democrat” in November.
Original Story https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/04/us/politics/trump-biden-replacement-candidate.html
Category : Presidential Election of 2024,Heritage Foundation,Biden, Joseph R Jr,Graham, Lindsey,Harris, Kamala D,Lewandowski, Corey (1975- ),Obama, Michelle,Trump, Donald J,Wiles, Susie
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