In New Hampshire, the Republican battle is currently in the spotlight as the state holds its primary elections. However, it is worth noting that the Democrats are also running in their own primary. Surprisingly, President Joe Biden's name is not included on the Democratic ballot. This is an unusual move, and it highlights the relatively little attention Democrats are paying to this particular state.
However, it is crucial not to underestimate the significance of New Hampshire in the political landscape. History has shown that those who overlook or ignore the state, such as Rudy Giuliani in 2008, often come to regret it. Despite President Biden's decision not to appear on the ballot, it is prudent to consider the potential consequences of not engaging fully in this primary.
Looking back to the 2020 elections, President Biden, then a candidate, did not fare well in the New Hampshire primary. He finished fifth, just ahead of Tom Steyer. Bernie Sanders emerged as the winner, followed by Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, and Elizabeth Warren. It is perhaps this past performance that may have influenced the decision not to include President Biden's name on the ballot this time.
However, recent reports suggest that there is a shadow campaign aiming to write Biden's name on the ballot. This effort faces competition from anti-Israel protesters using the word 'ceasefire' in support of their cause. Biden's stance on Israel has cost him support among young voters, a crucial demographic for his re-election chances.
Furthermore, recent polling indicates that President Biden's popularity is at a low point. He has the lowest level of support for a president running for re-election since the end of World War II. Only 18% of the country supports his southern border policy, and only 28% believe that he possesses the mental sharpness necessary to effectively serve as president.
When asked about President Biden's absence from the ballot, his deputy campaign manager stated that Biden will be the Democratic nominee for president. The campaign's focus is on building a strong apparatus to take on any Republican nominee that emerges, particularly those associated with the MAGA movement.
Overall, New Hampshire's primary is attracting attention primarily due to the Republican contest. President Biden's decision not to appear on the Democratic ballot is unexpected but reflective of his underperformance in the state during the 2020 elections. Despite this absence, the state's significance in the political landscape should not be underestimated, and the lack of engagement by Democrats could have potential consequences.
