Journalist Andrew Sullivan has openly criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of recent student protests, as well as his policies on immigration and transgender rights, suggesting these could significantly impair Biden's chances for re-election.
Sullivan highlights a series of perceived missteps by President Biden that could potentially sway the upcoming election in favor of former President Donald Trump, as the Daily Mail reports.
Amid a surge in campus unrest, in which over 76 universities have been the scenes of pro-Palestine protests, leading to more than 2,000 arrests, the contrast in responses from the current and former presidents is stark. While Trump has taken a hard stance, calling for immediate action against protesters, Biden has emphasized the sanctity of lawful and non-violent protest.
Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders drew parallels between Biden's current challenges and those faced by Lyndon B. Johnson during the Vietnam War, which precipitated Johnson's decision not to seek re-election. History professor Allan Lichtman, noted for his presidential election predictions, also pointed to these protests as a potential weak spot for Biden.
Sullivan, a veteran voice in conservative journalism, criticized Biden for being reactive, particularly after Trump's provocations. His comments underscore a sentiment of frustration with Biden's perceived inability to lead decisively in turbulent times.
Trump's harsh critique of the protests and his directive to college presidents to "remove the encampments" and "vanquish the radicals" reflects his proactive approach, which may resonate with certain voter segments longing for firm leadership.
Beyond the protests, Sullivan accuses Biden of pandering to the far left on issues like transgender rights and abortion, which he believes could alienate a broader base of voters. He argues that such stances are divisive and may drive away potential supporters, including some within the gay community who view parts of transgender ideology as contentious.
President Biden’s response to the unrest has been criticized for its timing and tone, being described as too little, too late. "It was fine so far as it went, but it was given only when he had no choice, after Trump goaded him," Sullivan noted, indicating that Biden's actions were more of a response than an initiative.
On a broader scale, the public's reaction to Biden’s handling of these issues reflects a growing discontent that mirrors historical political shifts. The 1968 student protests, for instance, significantly affected public opinion and were a factor in the Democratic losses that year.
CNN’s Stephen Collinson suggests that a "long, hot summer of protest" could severely impact Biden’s re-election campaign, potentially culminating in discord at the Democratic National Convention. This scenario could mirror the contentious political climate of the past, further complicating Biden's campaign.
As the election approaches, the effectiveness of Biden's political maneuvers in response to these challenges will be crucial. Lichtman's caution about the significance of campus unrest underlines the potential electoral consequences if these issues are not adeptly handled.
In his own words, Biden has called for protests to remain lawful and non-violent, stating, "I understand people have strong feelings and deep convictions. We respect the right and protect the right for them to express that. But it doesn't mean anything goes. It needs to be done without violence, without destruction, without hate, and within the law."
The coming months will reveal whether Biden can pivot effectively to address these multifaceted challenges, or if Sullivan's predictions of electoral doom will materialize, paving the way for Trump's re-election.
