As the 2020 presidential election draws nearer, the Democratic Party is facing internal divisions over the electability of former Vice President Joe Biden against incumbent President Donald Trump. Closed-door talks among party members have highlighted these divisions, with some expressing concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump in the upcoming election.
One of the main arguments against Biden’s electability is his age and perceived lack of energy compared to Trump. At 77 years old, Biden would be the oldest president ever elected if he were to win the presidency in 2020. Some Democrats worry that his age could be a liability in a race against the energetic and combative Trump, who is known for his ability to dominate media coverage and connect with voters on a personal level.
In addition to concerns about his age, some Democrats are also questioning Biden’s ability to energize the party’s progressive base. Biden, a moderate Democrat with a long history of working across the aisle, has faced criticism from more progressive members of the party for his past positions on issues such as criminal justice reform and healthcare. Some worry that his centrist approach may not be enough to inspire young and diverse voters to turn out in large numbers on Election Day.
Despite these concerns, Biden remains a frontrunner in the Democratic primary race, with strong support from older voters and African American voters. His experience as Vice President under Barack Obama and his reputation as a unifier who can work with Republicans have helped him maintain his lead in national polls. However, some Democrats fear that Biden’s appeal may not be enough to defeat Trump in a general election.
Closed-door talks among party members have also raised questions about Biden’s ability to withstand the onslaught of attacks that would inevitably come from Trump and his supporters. Trump has already begun to attack Biden on issues such as his son Hunter’s business dealings in Ukraine, and some Democrats worry that Biden may not be able to effectively counter these attacks on the campaign trail.
Despite these concerns, many Democrats still see Biden as their best chance to defeat Trump in 2020. His moderate stance on key issues such as healthcare and climate change could appeal to independent voters who may be disillusioned with Trump’s divisive rhetoric and policies. In addition, Biden’s strong support among African American voters could help him win key swing states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Ultimately, the question of Biden’s electability will be decided by Democratic primary voters in the coming months. As the primary race heats up and more debates are held, voters will have the opportunity to assess Biden’s strengths and weaknesses as a candidate. Whether he can overcome doubts about his age, energy, and progressive credentials remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Democratic Party is deeply divided over the question of who can best take on Trump in 2020.