When even your own team doesn’t believe in you and is “secretly” testing out your replacement behind your back, that’s when you know it’s bad.
Really bad!
In fact, the only person in the world who doesn’t know it at this point is Joe Biden himself.
But that’s ok, because darn-it he’s doing his “goodest” and he’s really doing Big Boy things this week!
Meanwhile:
JUST IN – Biden's campaign is "quietly testing the strength" of Kamala Harris against Trump in a head-to-head survey of voters — NYT
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) July 11, 2024
President Joe Biden’s campaign is currently running a survey that places Vice President Kamala Harris in direct comparison with former President Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the GOP. This poll appears amid internal skepticism within the Democratic Party and hints at a potential strategic shift for the 2024 election.
The New York Times reports that insiders familiar with the campaign’s data, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the situation, have indicated this might be the first time Harris’ potential as the Democratic frontrunner has been evaluated since the presidential debate. The exact purpose of the survey is not fully disclosed.
This survey suggests the campaign is exploring alternative strategies as Biden navigates a challenging political climate. There are indications of a notable shift among Biden’s closest advisers and aides, many of whom believe the President may need to rethink his 2024 campaign. A report from The New York Times on Thursday highlighted a growing sentiment among these insiders that Biden should step aside, and there are ongoing discussions on how to address this sensitive topic with him.
Some influential lawmakers are beginning to openly suggest that Biden either withdraw from the race or reconsider his intention to run again. Within Biden’s team, opinions differ: while some top aides question Harris’ ability to secure a victory, other supporters and donors view her as a more dynamic and persuasive figure after the debate, better suited to articulate the Democratic Party’s values.
Axios adds the following:
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is privately signaling to donors that he’s open to a Democratic presidential ticket that isn’t led by President Biden, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: In public, Schumer has been insistent that he is “for Joe.” In private, he’s singing a different tune.
Over the last 12 days, Schumer has been listening to donors’ ideas and suggestions about the best way forward for the party, according to three people familiar with the matter.The majority leader is one of several Democrats, including former President Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has the political and personal standing to convince Biden to step aside. Even so, Biden can still dig in and the delegates are pledged to him.
“As I have made clear repeatedly publicly and privately, I support President Biden and remain committed to ensuring Donald Trump is defeated in November,” Schumer said in a statement after this story was published.
What we’re hearing: Both before and after the debate, Schumer’s famous flip phone burned up with donors, sharing their views. Schumer has been listening.
Schumer hasn’t indicated who, if anyone, might be a more viable candidate than Biden.
His focus is on defeating former President Trump and retaining the Democratic majority in the Senate.
ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to donors, he is receiving feedback from his fellow senators.
Following Tuesday’s caucus lunch, Schumer invited senior Biden campaign officials to brief members and directly address any concerns they might have.
My friend Kevin Paffrath had the following analysis, which I thought was really good if you’d prefer to watch a video.
Watch here:
One way or another, “he’s shot!” as President Trump would say!
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