Why Do So Few Democrats Want Biden to Run in 2024?
About this episode
The central question is why so few Democrats want Joe Biden to run again in 2024 and whether he can win anyway. Jon Favreau argues Biden's low approval reflects broad voter crankiness, the political weight of his age, and above all inflation — which has bred housing pain and nostalgia for the Trump economy — more than a verdict on his record. Comparing Biden's third year to Obama's and Reagan's, Favreau sees recoverable doldrums. The case for Biden, he says, rests on a strong record, the 2022 midterms' lessons (Dobbs-driven turnout and a measurable penalty for MAGA candidates), and the likelihood of a rematch with Donald Trump, the only opponent Biden has beaten. The discussion covers Kamala Harris's role, DeSantis and the GOP field, and campaign strategy: get Biden out in public, frame his accomplishments, and make the race a contrast on democracy.