“The Election Will Come Down To Pro-Life and Pro-Choice”: New Poll Sends “Tremors of Doubt” Through Democratic Party, Former Obama Advisor Says

Gabriel RomanNov 8, 2023

Minute Read

A recent poll has startled the Democratic party and caused ripples of concern among strategists and voters alike. This isn’t just about numbers. It’s a tale of age, trust, and the fierce loyalty of the American electorate. With former President Donald Trump taking the lead in key battleground states, according to The New York Times and Siena College, questions loom over President Joe Biden’s candidacy and the future of American leadership.

Tremors in the Democratic Base

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The air is tense in Democratic circles as the latest polls indicate that President Joe Biden is trailing behind former President Donald Trump in crucial swing states. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, this development is not taken lightly by the party’s followers. “This will send tremors of doubt through the party—not ‘bed-wetting,’ but legitimate concern,” remarked David Axelrod, a strategist who knows the weight of political polls.

Trump’s Lead in Pivotal States

The electoral map is looking increasingly red in pivotal states as Trump outpaces Biden. Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, known for their electoral volatility, are currently swinging in Trump’s favor. The tug of war over these states is crucial, as they are known kingmakers in the presidential elections.

A Beacon of Hope in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the tides seem to be different. This state could be a beacon of hope for the Biden camp. Here, Biden squeaks ahead by a narrow two percentage points, suggesting that the race may not be over. It’s a small but significant piece of good news, hinting at a battle far from decided.

Electoral Vote Projections Favor Trump

In a hypothetical scenario reflecting the current polls, Trump would handily win the Electoral College with over 300 votes. This number is well above the 270-vote threshold required for a presidential victory. If public opinion remains unchanged, then this suggests it could be a comfortable win for Trump.

Axelrod’s Alarm

David Axelrod, having navigated the complexities of political campaigns, did not mince words on the gravity of the situation for Democrats. He posted on X, “It’s very late to change horses; a lot will happen in the next year that no one can predict & Biden’s team says his resolve to run is firm.”

The Trust Gap in Policies

Trump’s lead extends beyond general preference, entering into the realms of policy. A staggering 59% of polled voters trust Trump over Biden on economic matters, a key concern for Americans. Moreover, Trump leads by significant margins on critical issues like immigration, national security, and foreign policy related to the Middle East.

The Age Debate Intensifies

Age has taken center stage in the pre-election discourse, with concerns about Biden’s ability to lead given his advanced years. “He’s defied CW before, but this will send tremors of doubt through the party,” Axelrod said, reflecting on the 71% of people who question Biden’s age. He indicated it’s more than a whisper of concern – it’s a shout.

Axelrod Spotlights Biden’s Age Concern

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The issue of age is particularly resonant, with Axelrod himself emphasizing it as Biden’s “biggest liability.” This sentiment echoes the unease felt by a significant portion of the electorate. These people see age as a potential inhibitor to effective governance and believe Biden should not be eligible to be the president.

A Question of Candidacy

The Democratic landscape is teeming with potential, and Axelrod has made note of this. He states, “There is a lot of leadership talent in the Democratic Party, poised to emerge.” This brings Biden’s candidacy into question, with Axelrod implying that there may be others ready to take the lead.

The Stakes of Decision-Making

In a striking comment, Axelrod warns of the stakes involved in the upcoming election. “The stakes of miscalculation here are too dramatic to ignore,” he says. He argued Trump is a “dangerous, unhinged demagogue.” The implications of Biden’s decision to run are profound, affecting not just his party but the nation.

Behind the Poll Numbers

Details of the New York Times/Siena College poll paint a comprehensive picture with a large sample of 3,662 registered voters. This lends some credibility to the findings. With a narrow margin of error, these figures provide a sobering glimpse into the current political climate. It is clear that people are politically polarized.

Skepticism Towards Early Polling

Some individuals reacted to the polling data with a mix of disdain and historical context. Direct quotes from the online debates reveal a pattern of dismissal, with statements such as “Polls this far out mean nothing. We’ve seen this in 2016.” This shows a widespread idea that early polls are unreliable predictors of electoral outcomes.

Public Yearning for Fresh Faces

The public’s tiredness with the status quo is clear, with direct appeals for new leadership surfacing in online forums. “Both these old geezers should have retired long ago! Can’t we have someone new and refreshing?” asked one voter. This captures a feeling of generational change that is spreading across various platforms.

Calls for Structural Reforms in Government

The conversation around age and capability has led some citizens to advocate for systemic reforms, mirroring the discipline of military service. Direct quotes from the discussion include a growing voice for “stricter vetting and mandatory retirement ages in all government branches.” This highlights a desire to align political institutions with principles of accountability and vitality.

Abortion as an Election Pivot

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Discussions around key election issues bring out passionate responses, with the abortion debate at the forefront. A user’s direct statement underscores the divisiveness: “The election will come down to Pro-Life and Pro-Choice. Trump is Pro-Life. Biden is not. Let the voters decide.” This singular issue could be pivotal in the upcoming election, signaling its potential to be a deciding factor for voters.

Cautious Reflection on Poll Predictions

The echo of past polling missteps resonates with those urging caution in interpreting the data. One commenter reflected, “As a trained social scientist, I know we shouldn’t assume based on early statistics.” It appears there is a conscious attempt to temper expectations and avoid the pitfalls of previous election cycles.

A Public Demand for Anti-Corruption Measures

Amid the election talk, some showed their concern for clean governance. Some users called directly for action, saying, “Why aren’t people demanding rules to fight corruption in our government?” This question shows the undercurrent of distrust in the political process and a demand for reforms to ensure integrity and transparency.

Polarization and Partisan Comments

The fissures in public opinion are stark, with some online comments reflecting deep-seated partisan divides. Phrases like “The DemoncRats have jumped the shark!” and inquiries such as “Will they steal another election?” show this polarized landscape. They also show that it is a battle between party allegiances that extends far beyond policy debates into the realm of political identity and trust.