New Hampshire primary is approaching and Joe Biden, currently the President of the United States, is notably absent from the state and absent from the ballot. However, this hasn't deterred his supporters from campaigning for him in New Hampshire. Prominent figures such as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and California Congressman Ro Khanna have been rallying on behalf of the grassroots campaign known as 'Write in Biden.'
Political analysts are suggesting that the write-in campaign needs to perform well, emphasizing that Biden cannot simply win, but must secure a significant margin of victory. Nevertheless, Biden's supporters argue that a win is a win, regardless of the margin. Congressman Ro Khanna expresses confidence in President Biden's ability to prevail, proclaiming that the writing campaign is a significant accomplishment.
Supporters of the president are motivated to boost the write-in campaign due to concerns over optics. Losing the state to a challenger would not be an ideal outcome for an incumbent president seeking re-election. However, this decision has disappointed the president's challengers who believe Biden should actively participate in defending democracy.
One challenger, voicing disappointment, iterates the importance of Biden's presence in New Hampshire's democratic process. The challenger acknowledges that they hold no ill will towards Biden, but argues that he should be physically present, on the ballot, and defending democracy. This sentiment stems from a belief that democracy itself is at risk, particularly if former president Donald Trump is re-elected.
A day spent observing the 'Write in Biden' events revealed a significant focus on the reasons why former president Trump should not return to the Oval Office, rather than on why President Biden should be re-elected. This emphasis underscores the sentiment that Biden's supporters perceive the choice between the two candidates as pivotal for the future of the country.
In the final push ahead of the New Hampshire primary, all eyes are on this writing campaign, attempting to gauge its effectiveness in securing a victory for President Biden. Campaigning efforts led by influential figures like Michelle Wu and Ro Khanna indicate the belief that President Biden can overcome his absence from the state and ballot, solidifying his position as the Democratic candidate in the upcoming election. Whether this alternative approach will prove to be successful remains to be seen, but both supporters and challengers alike are closely watching the developments with great interest.
