TL/DR –
President Biden’s campaign strategy is focusing on a more direct engagement with voters and younger audiences, amid concerns about his age as he potentially faces a tight election against Donald Trump. The strategy involves making Biden more visible on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, interacting with influencers, and having more one-on-one experiences with voters. Despite a poll showing that 56% of Democrats believe Biden is too old to be an effective president, campaign officials remain optimistic that age will decline as a concern as the election will not primarily center on Biden’s mental fitness, but rather on Trump’s.
As polls reflect public concern about President Biden’s age, he increases visibility and engagement
Presidential visibility is on the rise as Biden meets influencers at local venues, engaging more frequently with reporters on various issues, including his age. This is a strategic move to confront concerns about his 81 years, especially with a challenging election against Donald Trump looming. Stepping out of his protective bubble is seen as a way to alleviate voter anxieties.
Biden’s age became a controversial topic after a special counsel report described him as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” Supporters argue that though the president can’t reverse time, he can change public perception about himself.
“Let him be Joe Biden,” urges Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware and a close ally of the president. This call for authenticity is seen as beneficial for the campaign, the president, and the country.
Biden to leverage age issue in upcoming State of the Union address
In his upcoming State of the Union address, Biden is expected to turn age concerns to his advantage, underlining his legislative accomplishments which younger politicians might have missed, claim aides.
Social media focus and one-on-one interactions part of White House strategy
Biden’s trips outside Washington are increasingly focused on social media and personal interactions with voters. By inviting content creators and local residents to campaign stops, the president targets a younger, more diverse audience unfamiliar with him. A TikTok video of one such visit garnered 4 million views, according to campaign data.
Biden’s active involvement in digital media campaigning
Biden often makes demands on his digital media team, from reworking tweets to improvising video responses, says Rob Flaherty, deputy campaign manager. For instance, the president reacted to Trump’s comparison to a deceased Russian opposition leader in a TikTok video.
White House denies age concern as primary reason for Biden’s increased visibility
The White House maintains that the president’s increased engagement is more about election-year visibility than age-related concerns. However, allies insist that Biden prove his capability for a second term through increased on-ground presence and active campaigning.
Democratic and independent voters will focus less on age once election is underway, campaign officials believe
Once the election is framed as a Biden vs. Trump choice, voter worries about age will subside, assert Biden campaign officials. The race will pivot not on Biden’s mental fitness, but on questions surrounding that of Trump.
Making Biden more accessible to the public
Allowing Biden to be himself can be challenging, given public scrutiny. From confusing foreign leaders at campaign events to eating an ice cream cone while discussing Gaza, Biden showcases his accessibility. Despite the risks, his allies believe that the president should be himself, even as the demands of presidency take their toll.