Trump Is Not Going Away: How Biden Is Preparing for a Rematch in 2024
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Salma Hossein
- . January 25, 2024
- . Update: January 25, 2024 6:13 pm
Donald Trump, the former president who was impeached twice and lost the popular vote twice, is still the dominant force in the Republican Party and the most likely nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
Joe Biden, the current president who defeated Trump in 2020, is preparing for a possible rematch with his old rival, even as he faces multiple challenges and crises at home and abroad. Here are some of the aspects and strategies of Biden’s preparation for a second round with Trump.
Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of both candidates
Biden and Trump have different strengths and weaknesses as candidates, which will shape their campaigns and messages in 2024. Some of the factors that will influence their performance are:
The economy is usually the most important issue for voters, and both candidates will try to claim credit or blame for the state of the economy in 2024. Biden will tout his achievements in passing the $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package, the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, and the $3.5 trillion social spending plan, which he says will create millions of jobs, boost growth, and reduce inequality. Trump will criticize Biden’s policies as wasteful, inflationary, and socialist, and will argue that he can restore the pre-pandemic economic boom that he presided over.
The pandemic is another major issue that will affect the voters’ perception and evaluation of both candidates. Biden will highlight his efforts and successes in expanding vaccination, testing, and treatment, and in containing the spread and impact of the virus. Trump will downplay the severity and significance of the pandemic, and will accuse Biden of imposing excessive and unnecessary restrictions and mandates that infringe on the people’s freedom and rights.
The foreign policy is another area where both candidates will try to project their leadership and vision for the world. Biden will emphasize his experience and expertise in foreign affairs, and his commitment to restoring America’s alliances, reputation, and values. Trump will portray Biden as weak and incompetent, and will tout his own achievements and policies, such as the Abraham Accords, the trade deals, and the America First doctrine.
The personality and character of both candidates will also play a role in their appeal and popularity among the voters. Biden will present himself as a decent, empathetic, and unifying leader, who can heal the wounds and divisions of the nation. Trump will present himself as a strong, charismatic, and defiant leader, who can fight for the interests and grievances of his supporters.
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Mobilizing the base and reaching out to the swing voters
Biden and Trump will also have different strategies and challenges in mobilizing their base and reaching out to the swing voters, who will determine the outcome of the election. Some of the factors that will affect their mobilization and outreach are:
The turnout is a crucial factor that will influence the election results, as both candidates will need to energize and motivate their supporters to show up and vote. Biden will rely on the diverse and progressive coalition that backed him in 2020, which includes women, minorities, young people, and suburban voters. Trump will rely on the loyal and enthusiastic base that supported him in 2016 and 2020, which includes white, rural, evangelical, and working-class voters⁴.
The issues are another factor that will affect the election results, as both candidates will need to address the concerns and priorities of the voters. Biden will focus on the issues that resonate with his coalition, such as health care, climate change, education, and social justice. Trump will focus on the issues that appeal to his base, such as immigration, law and order, trade, and culture wars.
The messaging is another factor that will affect the election results, as both candidates will need to communicate their vision and values to the voters. Biden will use a positive and optimistic messaging, that emphasizes his achievements and plans, and that appeals to the common good and the American spirit. Trump will use a negative and divisive messaging, that attacks his opponents and critics, and that stokes the fear and anger of his followers.
Preparing for the debates and the potential interference
Biden and Trump will also have to prepare for the debates and the potential interference that could affect the election process and results. Some of the factors that will influence their preparation are:
The debates are an important opportunity and challenge for both candidates, as they will have to face each other and the voters directly, and to showcase their skills and knowledge. Biden will have to prepare for the debates by studying the issues and the facts, and by rehearsing his responses and arguments. Trump will have to prepare for the debates by improving his discipline and demeanor, and by avoiding his lies and insults.
The interference is a serious threat and risk for both candidates, as they will have to deal with the possibility and the consequences of foreign or domestic meddling in the election. Biden will have to prepare for the interference by strengthening the security and integrity of the election system, and by exposing and countering any disinformation or sabotage. Trump will have to prepare for the interference by refraining from inciting or endorsing any violence or fraud, and by accepting and respecting the election outcome.
