As a former Republican political consultant who now advises the Lincoln Project, I am puzzled by the current panic among Democrats following President Biden’s recent debate performance. It is strange to see so many Democrats not rallying around a successful president after just one off night. This situation reminds me of why Republicans were able to defeat Democrats in races they should have lost.
While Donald Trump only won one presidential election with about 46 percent of the popular vote (compared to Mitt Romney’s loss with about 47 percent), the Republican Party seemed to have lost touch with reality. They believed that this one victory invalidated everything we understand about politics, which is simply not true. One debate does not alter the course of an entire presidential campaign.
Despite all the focus on Biden’s missteps during the debate, it is important to note that Trump missed a valuable opportunity to improve his candidacy and solidify his position. With a seven million popular vote deficit and the need to attract new supporters, Trump could have presented a positive economic plan to appeal to middle-class voters facing financial challenges. Instead, he chose to highlight his tax cuts for the wealthy.
Furthermore, Trump could have reassured voters concerned about the implications of Roe v. Wade’s potential reversal. Instead, he made controversial statements that alienated a majority of the country who support abortion rights. His approach seemed to replace individual choice with government intervention, which did not sit well with many voters.
It is crucial for Democrats to remain calm and focus on their strategy moving forward. One debate does not define the entire presidential campaign, and there is still ample opportunity for both parties to present their visions to the American people. Rather than succumbing to panic, Democrats should regroup, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and continue to support President Biden as he navigates the challenges ahead.