Yes, after the most recent debate, Republicans are kicking dirt on Biden’s grave and already coronating Trump on the basis of Joe Biden’s confused and unimpressive debate performance. President Trump did an adequate job stressing key differences even though he still fell into the trap of attacking his opponent. Biden’s performance just confirmed the lingering doubts about mental competency.
Some Democrats are already calling for President Biden to decline to run for a second term. But the Democrats most panicked have no clear path forward unless Biden is convinced to step down. With the August Democratic Convention just over a month away, because of primary victories, Biden is all but assured of a mandated first ballot victory. He controls his impressive campaign war chest. But with a deer in a headlight President and a Vice President no one wants, their weak ticket could mean that many Democrats will stay home resulting in a new President and lost seats in the House and Senate.
Republicans in full spin mode praised Trump’s “strong” performance. Did they see the same debate? Yes, Trump may have won, but it is because Biden clearly underperformed. With most of America watching, Trump clearly focused on how bad a President Biden has been, but Trump failed to consistently communicate a clear and repeated focus on how voters will benefit if he is elected to his second term.
Sure, there were hints. He would likely work to reinstate his stay-in-Mexico plan in attempts to end the open border, keep taxes low by sustaining his tax cuts, let states handle abortion, and work to reinstate energy independence by again embracing fossil fuels. But he failed to repeat over and over again the three to four changes he would make if elected. In short, he failed to ask for their vote.
If you already hate Trump, you were given additional fuel to hate him more. He was often demeaning; his disrespectful looks and targeted attacks often made him look mean. His faithful followers most likely loved it, but if independents and undecided voters were looking for a new Trump, he was not easy to find. Sure, Biden supporters were understandably discouraged, but did Trump convince others to support him? That is yet to be determined. He may have won the debate but not the hearts and minds of many who still dislike him.
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Ronald Reagan knew the importance of simple, optimistic promises designed to ensure the future of America. His message was easy to repeat and generated enthusiasm for his campaign. Former President Trump has priorities he can drive that voters want. Finish the wall and end open borders. Reestablish energy independence and an all-of-the-above energy plan. Keep taxes low, limit regulations, and control government spending. Stress these changes and inflation will fall and bring relief to those living paycheck to paycheck.
Even the New York Times Editorial Board is calling for Joe Biden to decline to run. So far, Biden has refused to do so. It may require key Democrats and donors to do a private intervention. The message will be like the one given to Nixon. Step down while you can leave with your dignity because we will not be able to support you. Biden said he would serve one term; they can call him to honor that initial promise.
There may be reasons that Biden has so far refused. First, Jill Biden seems to be pushing him to run. With Hunter Biden’s conviction and the possibility of further legal problems for the “Big Guy,” the Bidens may be seeing the writing on the wall. With Biden out of power, many in the family, including himself, may be subject to future prosecution.
No matter what happens with the decisions the Democrats face, former President Trump should start focusing more on what he will do rather than why Biden should be defeated, After all, Biden seems to be taking care of his own demise. If Biden steps down or is removed, will Trump do as well against a younger candidate with minimal baggage and no need to defend Biden’s record? President Trump can still win, but he must give them good reasons to do so.
Yes, it has been a wild and crazy year, but what is most upsetting is how family members, fellow Democrats, and the media must have known that Biden was increasingly incapable of leading our country. Yet, they still claimed he was still ready to lead. As a result, Democrats were not given a true choice. They supported a man they were told was still able to do the job. Would they have voted for him knowing what they know now? That’s hard to believe.
Even more unsettling is the media’s obvious political bias. Whether it was the Russia hoax, the claims that the Biden laptop was not real, the failure to cover alleged Biden family international extortion, or the health of Joe Biden, the media failed and continues to fail in giving voters the accurate information they need to determine their vote.
If Biden does remain in the race, the media can’t let him hide in his basement. They should demand more open press conferences to determine whether his debate performance was just a bad day, or he is unable to handle tough unscripted interviews. Media do your job. Voters deserve to know enough to make an informed choice.
Former President Trump, give America a clear reason to vote for you that they can’t refuse to support. The voters are there for what you can do in a second term. Let Biden take care of his own demise. America’s future depends on a change in Washington!
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.
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