Despite consistently attacking President Joe Biden’s leadership abilities over recent months, former President Donald Trump has largely refrained from commenting on the current internal debates among Democrats about Biden’s future as their presidential nominee. This strategic reticence marks a departure from Trump’s typically outspoken style, allowing Democrats to dominate the public discussion on whether Biden should remain their candidate for the November election.
In the aftermath of President Biden’s recent debate with Republican challenger Trump in Atlanta, Democratic voices have increasingly questioned Biden’s capability to lead, both publicly and privately. However, Trump has chosen to stay relatively quiet on the issue, focusing instead on other campaign activities and letting the Democratic Party navigate its internal conflicts. This approach signals Trump’s apparent preference for Biden to continue his campaign, believing he can defeat him in the upcoming election.
Trump’s Recent Public Engagements
While Trump has not been completely silent—engaging in radio interviews and posting regularly on his social media platform, Truth Social—his remarks have not centered on the debate over Biden’s political future. According to two advisers, who spoke anonymously about Trump’s strategy, this lack of focus on Biden’s reelection bid reflects Trump’s confidence in his ability to prevail against Biden and his willingness to let Democrats handle the public discourse on the president’s political viability.
Strategic Silence
Trump’s silence has coincided with growing discussions among Democrats about the viability of Biden’s candidacy. According to a New York Times/Siena College poll conducted after the debate, 28% of Republican voters believe Biden should remain the Democratic nominee, up from 21% before the debate. This shift suggests that some Republicans see Biden as a weaker opponent, bolstering Trump’s position to keep Biden in the race.
In a Monday interview with talk radio host John Reid, Trump dismissed the notion that Biden would be replaced on the Democratic ticket, citing experts who claim it would be challenging for another candidate to enter the race at this stage. Trump also pointed to polling data showing Biden performing better in hypothetical matchups against him compared to other potential Democratic candidates like Vice President Kamala Harris and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Democratic Alternatives and Campaign Strategy
The possibility of a different Democratic candidate poses a significant challenge to Trump’s campaign strategy, which has heavily relied on criticizing Biden’s physical and cognitive abilities. Should Biden withdraw, Trump would lose key lines of attack that have defined his campaign messaging. Moreover, a new candidate could present fresh political challenges, potentially appealing to voters seeking alternatives to both Biden and Trump.
Recent polls have shown varied outcomes in hypothetical matchups against other Democratic figures. A CNN poll indicated that Harris slightly outperformed Biden against Trump, though Trump still led the race. An Ipsos/Reuters poll suggested that Michelle Obama, despite her consistent disinterest in running, would defeat Trump by a notable margin in a hypothetical contest.
Preparing for Potential Changes
While Trump’s campaign has publicly expressed confidence in defeating any Democratic candidate, preparations are being made for the potential scenario of facing someone other than Biden. This includes increasing attacks on Harris, positioning her as a continuation of Biden’s policies, and emphasizing her readiness to take over if Biden were to step aside.
On Tuesday, Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, circulated attacks on Harris, portraying her as inadequate on issues such as immigration. Similarly, the campaign committee for House Republicans released a digital ad linking Harris to Biden’s border policies.
Corey Lewandowski, a long-time Trump adviser, highlighted that although the campaign’s strategy is not changing, it is prudent to be ready for any shifts in the Democratic lineup. “Every good campaign looks at every possible contingency,” Lewandowski remarked, stressing the importance of being prepared for a potential change in the Democratic candidate.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, suggested that the 2024 race could shift focus from Biden’s capabilities to broader national issues if Harris or another candidate were to step in, necessitating an expansion of Trump’s campaign reach.
As the situation evolves, Trump’s strategic silence appears to reflect a calculated approach, allowing the internal debate among Democrats to play out while preparing for any eventualities that might arise in the presidential race.
