Polarizing Factors Influencing Support For Biden And Trump – Donald Trump, charged on 91 different counts as part of four indictments, is neck-and-neck with Joe Biden in a hypothetical presidential election.
The President has been posing for pictures at the unveiling of new green-energy plants, or ambitious infrastructure projects made possible by Biden-era legislation. His predecessor, on the contrary, has been posing for pictures in a Georgia jail, with allegations of wrongdoing seemingly never-ending.
Both men are set to be their party’s presidential nominee in next year’s election, assuming the polls remain in their favor. With such polar differences between the two in almost every way conceivable – in both policy and personality – it’s perhaps no surprise that few partisan voters are refusing to switch allegiances.
For the independent and swing voters, however, there are several key factors swinging them either way.
Republican Rage
Former president Trump is facing criminal charges over his alleged involvement in the January 6 Capitol Riots.
Although innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law, the events of that day played out in front of millions, so the court decision over his involvement is almost irrelevant. The facts are so well-known and widespread that most have already decided on their opinion; a court decision will likely only confirm their own beliefs.
Another factor implicating Trump is the issue of abortion – a notable difference between the political discussions during his and Biden’s presidency so far. Even Republicans are split over a federal ban after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, and it’s one which has proved controversial with Americans.
The Democrats are yet to fully capitalize on last year’s decision by the GOP-led judicial body, particularly when Republicans themselves cannot even agree on the issue, but Roe v Wade played a huge role in convincing the three-fifths of Americans opposed to overturning the landmark case as the Democrats secured gubernatorial victories Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Democratic Damage
Despite widespread debate and controversy implicating Republicans, the incumbent party is far from plain sailing with control of the White House.
Inflation has been an issue for much of the Biden presidency so far. Terms such as Bidenomics lay full blame from young and lower income voters – typically Democratic-leaning – on the president and his handling of the economy, even if external factors such as climate and geopolitical pressures are at play. These voters hardest hit by financial pressures are less enthusiastic at four more years of Bidenomics, and will be hard for the Democrats to recapture.
The other factor – again among young Americans in particular – remains Biden’s age. At 80, the President is frequently targeted for gaffes, mishaps, and his competency to govern – concerns that will undoubtedly only increase as he gets older. Moderate Republican candidate Nikki Haley’s oft-repeated remarks that a “vote for Joe Biden is a vote for President Kamala Harris” is striking home with those fearful that an early resignation for the President may see one of history’s least popular vice presidents in office later in the decade.
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist based in Canada. He has written for the Western Standard, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo, and has covered notable events including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
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