Special Poll
The forthcoming battle for the presidency between incumbent President Biden and the former President Trump is set to intensify, with the electoral showdown looming just eight months away. This week marks the commencement of what promises to be an extensive campaign period.
Following Super Tuesday, Trump is poised to effectively clinch his party’s nomination. In contrast, Biden is slated to leverage the upcoming State of the Union address as a pivotal moment to present his vision for a subsequent term to the American populace. After the address, he plans to visit pivotal states like Pennsylvania and Georgia, underscoring their importance in the election.
For both contenders, there’s a mutual urgency to propel the general election campaign forward, each guided by their strategic interests. Trump’s camp is looking to turn the page on the persistent inquiries about Nikki Haley’s performance in the GOP primary and to integrate more closely with the Republican National Committee (RNC), hoping to give a much-needed boost to their fundraising endeavors.
On the other hand, the Biden campaign maintains that their position will be strengthened once Trump is irrefutably recognized as the GOP frontrunner, a status they believe many Americans have yet to fully acknowledge.
Jim Kessler, a policy vice president at the progressive organization Third Way, points to the coming week as a significant milestone: the effective conclusion of the Republican primary and Biden’s State of the Union address, which he views as the launchpad for Biden’s general election campaign.
This Tuesday will see sixteen states casting their votes in the presidential primaries, likely setting the stage for a November rematch between Trump and Biden. The anticipated delegate allocation is expected to confirm this political duel.
Despite Haley’s continued presence in the race, her inability to demonstrate a lead in any state against Trump has been evident. Trump’s campaign is confident he will amass the 1,215 delegates required for the nomination by March 19, at the latest.
With Trump as the presumed nominee, the fusion of his campaign with the RNC can proceed in full force, fostering joint fundraising ventures and the sharing of resources, and potentially enabling the RNC to assist with Trump’s legal expenses.
Trump has been actively engaging in nominee-like activities, including visiting the southern border and directly criticizing Biden, while Haley’s challenge has diminished, particularly following her defeat in South Carolina.
Concurrently, Biden’s camp is also keen to embark on the general election trail. Polls in key swing states indicate a varied landscape, with Trump leading in some, Biden in others, and some states too close to call.
A Biden insider suggests that the stark prospect of another Trump term could become a decisive factor for voters in March. With Trump likely to dominate Super Tuesday and expected to secure the nomination mid-month, coupled with his upcoming trial in New York, the political narrative is set to intensify.
Some of Biden’s supporters propose that Trump’s increased visibility, amid legal controversies and divisive commentary, might actually play to Biden’s advantage by reminding voters of the risks associated with Trump’s candidacy.
Kate Bedingfield, a past aide to Biden, remarked on CNN that the focus on Trump’s legal issues underscores his self-serving approach to power, contrasting with Biden’s focus on the American people.
During the State of the Union, Biden intends to affirmatively argue for his re-election, taking advantage of the occasion’s vast viewership to outline the election’s criticality and to mobilize his campaign’s efforts.
A White House official has indicated that the speech will not only tout significant legislative achievements but will also serve as an opportunity for Biden to delineate his future vision, setting it apart from Trump’s and his Republican supporters’ agenda.
Dave Hopkins, a professor of political science, notes that Biden will likely juxtapose any potential discontent with his administration against the backdrop of Trump’s unfavorable qualities, questioning whether the electorate desires a return to Republican dominance in Washington.