photo courtesy of @kamalaharris on Instagram
BY MIKE POLCE, STAFF WRITER
If Joe Biden decides to run again in 2024, the democrats could be in major trouble.
According to a poll on fivethirtyeight.com, Biden’s approval rating is 43.2%, compared to 52% in January, 2021 when he was first elected president of the United States. His approval rating has fluctuated during his time as president, and on July 31, 2021, it hit a low of 37.5%.
Biden became the oldest person to become president when he took his oath of office at age 78. On Nov. 20, 2022, he turned 80. Biden’s age brings up important questions when thinking about his plans for the 2024 election. How much gas does he have left in the tank?
Videos of Biden falling off his bike, stumbling up the stairs of Air Force One and forgetting simple dates and information on live television have been circulating the internet since he became president. These gaffes– mixed with some questionable decision making– such as leaving our military equipment in Iraq in an attempt to bring home U.S. soldiers, has left many questioning whether he is fit enough to run this country.
If Biden decides to run for a second term, he might have to face off against Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, whose youth and acuity has driven him to stardom among the GOP.
DeSantis is 44 years old and at his political prime. It would be a tough matchup for Biden under these circumstances.
However, the democrats have a great chance at winning the 2024 election if Kamala Harris runs for president.
Harris, 58, is also in the midst of her political prime. The former U.S. senator and Attorney General of California would make a great candidate for the democrats. Her age, confidence and charisma would be a challenge to compete against, and the fact she is currently serving as vice president would put her over the edge in terms of popularity.
Her time as vice president has been successful. According to WH.GOV, “She has led the administration’s efforts in rallying broad coalitions to protect the freedom to vote, expand workers ’rights to organize and collectively bargain, and stand up for women’s rights — supporting women in our workforce, addressing the maternal health crisis, and defending reproductive rights.” Harris’s progressive forefront mixed with a strong belief in political and social freedoms makes her an incredibly strong candidate.
If Biden has to debate someone like DeSantis, he would get exposed. As disputable as it is, Biden’s mental state is deteriorating.This was hidden in the 2020 debates because of Trump’s complete incompetence and ignorance. If Biden has to go toe-to-toe with someone as sharp-witted as DeSantis, all of his mental incapabilities would become extremely apparent, which could lead to a democratic loss.
polcema20@bonaventure.edu
