President Joe Biden, amid calls from close aides and major donors, is contemplating shedding his cautious demeanor in favor of a more unfiltered approach as the 2024 election season gains momentum. The shift comes as strategists and allies believe that Biden’s candid comments and off-script moments could be the key to bolstering his polling numbers.
Throughout his term, the 81-year-old president has been known for his measured interactions with the press, opting for scripted interviews and prepared notecards to control messaging and avoid potential gaffes. However, as the upcoming election looms, there is a growing sentiment among insiders that a departure from this cautious strategy could prove beneficial.
Top-tier donors and fundraisers express a belief that whenever Biden adopts a more aggressive stance or speaks assertively on issues, his approval numbers experience an uptick. A Democratic fundraiser emphasized this perspective, stating, “Anytime he (Biden) sounds more aggressive or takes an aggressive stance, his (approval) numbers go up.”
This viewpoint reflects dissatisfaction with the White House staff’s cautious approach, perceived as hindering Biden’s ability to connect with the public through authenticity. Critics draw parallels to the strategy employed during Hillary Clinton’s campaign and argue for allowing Biden to express unfiltered thoughts for more effective engagement with the electorate.
Biden’s authenticity, a potentially winning factor, has been on display in recent instances where he deviated from the scripted narrative. Private comments expressing his view on China’s President Xi Jinping, his critique of Israel’s use of force, and contemplation of a second term if Donald Trump is not in the running showcase a more unscripted Biden.
One notable occurrence was a closed-room discussion where Biden referred to Israel’s bombing of Hamas terrorists in Gaza as “indiscriminate.” This marked the first time Biden openly criticized Israel’s actions, prompting subsequent clarifications by his foreign policy and security communicators. The choice of words raised questions about Israel’s military strategy and potential violations of international law.
Despite Biden’s awareness of his propensity for verbal missteps, he acknowledges, “No one ever doubts I mean what I say. The problem is I sometimes say all that I mean.” This self-awareness, however, has not deterred him from expressing unscripted thoughts, particularly in more intimate settings.
As the primary election season approaches for Republicans, Biden’s political allies advocate for a more authentic approach, allowing “Biden to be Biden.” This strategic shift aims to position him as a formidable contender against the famously candid Donald Trump.
