Concerns are growing within the Democratic party that President Joe Biden’s 2024 reelection campaign is focused on the wrong issues, potentially costing the party the White House. Biden has centered his campaign around the events of January 6, 2021, political violence, democracy, and former President Donald Trump’s character. However, two issues of critical importance to voters, the economy and immigration, are not being highlighted as prominently.
Donald Trump consistently outranks Biden on these issues, often by double digits in polls. Top political aide Mike Donilon has stated that the events of January 6 will decide the election, predicting that by November, the focus will be on democracy and comparisons to 9/11.
Despite new polls showing that voters care more about inflation and the economy than a fight for democracy, Biden’s campaign remains committed to its strategy. “This is Joe Biden’s strategy—and Mike Donilon and his top advisers are in agreement with the president,” a campaign adviser reportedly stated. Concerns about democracy often rank relatively high, but January 6 appears to have largely receded from voters’ concerns, with just 5% of respondents primarily associating Trump’s presidency with the event.
A Democratic strategist described the situation as “dire,” while others point to Biden’s 2020 victory and 2022 midterm election victories, which were won with messages focusing on the “soul of the nation.” Recent polls have shown concerns over democracy, with preserving democracy ranked second behind inflation and ahead of immigration. The impact of Trump’s conviction is also being debated, with some predicting it will spur voters to vote for him, while others believe it will have no significant effect.
