Biden's Write-In Victory in New Hampshire Sparks Concerns Amidst Democratic Anxiety

                        

 "Biden's Write-In Victory in New Hampshire Sparks Concerns Amidst Democratic Anxiety "

In a surprising turn of events, President Biden secured a write-in win in New Hampshire on Tuesday, managing to fend off primary challengers Marianne Williamson and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.). However, the victory has done little to quell the underlying angst within the Democratic camp regarding the upcoming general election, which appears to be gearing up for a potential rematch with former President Trump.

Despite this triumph, Biden's inability to significantly boost his polling numbers against Trump has left many Democrats uneasy. Critics argue that the Biden campaign, which vehemently rejects any notions of struggle, is failing to resonate with voters, as evidenced by record-low approval ratings in national polls.

CNN's Van Jones, a former aide to then-President Obama, expressed concerns, stating, "There’s something wrong with this campaign where we’re somehow expecting Joe Biden, who frankly hid during the last campaign, to come out now and be Flash Gordon and save his own campaign."

Top Obama adviser David Axelrod has been consistently voicing alarm over Biden's polling numbers, age, and potential performance against Trump. Axelrod predicts a campaign more focused on criticizing Trump than promoting Biden, dubbing the general election as "trench warfare."

The upcoming South Carolina primary in February is seen as a crucial test for Biden, given its significance in solidifying his 2020 nomination. Despite his New Hampshire write-in win, doubts persist about whether Biden can secure a second term in November.

Recent polls compiled by Decision Desk HQ and The Hill show Trump with a 1.8 percentage point lead over Biden. An Economist/YouGov poll released Tuesday indicates a narrow margin, with 44 percent of Americans favoring Trump and 43 percent favoring Biden. This close race has left many Democrats on edge, acknowledging that improvements are needed.

Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg admitted, "We are not where we want to be," emphasizing the importance of the campaign's shift into high gear. While acknowledging worries, Rosenberg remains optimistic that a focused approach on the general election will engage more voters.

Deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks insists that Biden's past victory over Trump in 2020 positions him favorably for a repeat. However, recent polls, including a Bullfinch Group/Independent Center poll and a Morning Consult poll, show Trump leading Biden.

The Biden campaign remains defiant, dismissing poor polling results as mere snapshots in time. Campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond declared, "We’re going to run like we’re behind. Do we think we’re going to win? Absolutely."

Some Democrats hope that Biden's New Hampshire win will prompt a ramp-up in the campaign, reflected in improved polls. David Thomas, a Democratic strategist, anticipates that as more Americans focus on the race, Biden's messaging will gain traction.

Biden has recently taken steps to strengthen his campaign team, bringing in key figures from his 2020 campaign, including Jen O’Malley Dillon as campaign chair and Mike Donilon as chief strategist. Democrats interpret these moves as a signal that the campaign is gearing up for a more formidable fight.

As Biden shifts his focus from the primaries to the general election, Democrats remain cautiously optimistic that the campaign's strategy will prove effective. However, with the specter of a Biden-Trump 2024 rematch looming, the road ahead remains uncertain for the Democratic nominee.