It's becoming increasingly clear that President Joe Biden is unlikely to run in 2024. There are signs already that the Democrats are ready to cut him loose. His legal problems will continue to grow as the impeachment inquiry secures more evidence of possible corruption in the Hunter Biden influence scandal. His mental capacity is slipping, which is an embarrassment to his party, our country, and our allies. His stories don't even need a fact-checker; most are obviously made up. His stance on open borders, his clean energy pipedreams, and the continuing high inflation are enraging many who are having trouble making ends meet.
Yes, the Democrats have more problems than Biden. What do they do with Kamala Harris? Kamala may very well be less popular than Biden. The Democrats are vulnerable if they stay with either Biden or Harris. The GOP seems set on an easy victory in 2024, but the Democrats are hoping that the Republicans again find a way to turn a sure victory into a painful defeat.
As a loyal and issue-driven conservative, if Donald Trump makes it through the GOP primary gauntlet and wins the Republican nomination, I will vote for him and hope for the best. To his credit, his first term ushered in needed changes that must be applauded. But his egotistical, abrasive style has earned him many committed enemies with Democrats and independents alike.
It's also clear that the Democrats are doing everything they can to put Trump behind bars. Their numerous indictments are certainly politically driven, but that's not say that one or more of the charges might actually result in a conviction or a drawn-out trial. Trials take time away from campaigning. Trials give the illusion of guilt whether you like it or not. For those looking for a reason not to support Trump, such legal troubles provide all the reasons they need. His legal status is clearly a liability for his campaign.
As a result of his hatred on the left, with independents, and the media, optimism for a Trump victory may be a bad bet unless a compromised Joe Biden actually ends up being the Democratic candidate. Let's face it. In 2020, Biden didn't secure the victory because they wanted him to be President. Biden was elected because a majority voted AGAINST that "evil" Donald Trump. Democrats voted in record numbers, not because of love for Biden, but because of their hatred for Trump.
Unfortunately, the left's hatred appears to have grown. Add to that the many Republicans who would rather stay home than see Trump win, and his victory is even more in jeopardy. In short, the odds of him winning against any other Democrat they put in to replace Biden are not good. Let's count some of the reasons that Donald Trump should not be the GOP candidate in 2024.
His demands for loyalty from the GOP ring hollow. He wants their loyalty but refuses to promise his support if the eventual candidate is not him. Not only has he refused to participate in any of the debates, he went to speak to striking auto workers to compete with the second GOP debate coverage. In his mind, his high poll numbers mean that he should be "anointed" as the candidate and the rest of the debates should be cancelled.
His failure to engage in the competition or to support the eventual winner brings up an option no one seems to be talking about. If he does not become the GOP candidate, will Trump run anyway as an independent progressive candidate? Even if he doesn't run, his disdain for the other candidates who don't even deserve to be considered for his vice president makes it likely that the party would be torn apart by his divisive comments.
He not only wants to sideline the Republican competition, he wants to focus the GOP campaign on what is wrong with Biden and his administration. Of course, If Joe Biden runs, he will now have a record he will have to defend--a steady stream of illegals crossing an open border, limits on fossil fuels impacting the cost of gas, diesel, and natural gas, and record inflation putting America's middle class on life support.
But his obsession with belittling Biden is what cost Trump in the last election. In his first election, he focused on what he promised to do, and then he delivered on those promises. Now, he seems obsessed with Biden. There seems to be no effort to work with the party to define a united party platform. America is primed for reasons to reject the Democrat's agenda. Give them what they want, and they will elect a Republican. Trump seems to have no interest in driving what would unite the party.
There is no question that President Trump had been treated unfairly. The personal attacks and indictments must hurt and enrage him personally. As a result, rather than focusing on the future and what America needs to ensure its future, Trump seems focused on revenge against his many enemies and the deep state forces committed to destroy him. The rearview mirror is smaller than the front window for one reason--the action and critical choices are all out the front window. We don't need a president that will only add to our nation's polarization. Oh, how we need a leader with a clean slate and future focus driven by priorities America desperately needs.
President Trump has his loyal MAGA Republicans ready to fight for his reelection. But the polls indicate that the nation's general voting population have concerns about Trump. They don't want Biden, but they also express major concern over Trump's many indictments and their impact on his ability to be elected and to serve.
Many of the younger candidates, including DeSantis, Haley, and Ramaswamy, have made the case for a younger candidate who will support GOP priorities and be able to serve two terms. Does not electing Donald Trump stand in the way of a longer, strategic focus that can cement GOP leadership for two terms and beyond? His attacks on the competency of other candidates speaks volumes about his ability to nurture future leaders who can ensure GOP victories for years to come.
Under Presidents Trump and Biden, our national deficit has ballooned to 33 trillion, and it's growing every day. Some GOP candidates could effectively attack Biden's reckless spending and share their history of maintaining budget restraint. But Donald Trump contributed $7 trillion of that national debt. It's clear, his tax cuts would normally have produced more federal revenue if the American economy had not been blindsided by COVID epidemic, but cutting spending was never a priority for his administration. With Trump as the candidate, the deficit ceases to be a viable campaign issue.
For these and other reasons, anointing Donald Trump as the GOP winner is not only short-sighted; it is unfair and unwise. Anointing him the candidate is a bullet train to nowhere good. Let the people in the states experience the campaigns, hear from the candidates, and make their own choices. Let Donald Trump earn the nomination like all candidates have had to do. To act otherwise is dangerous to securing this vital presidential victory in 2024.
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.
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