Biden Fights Back & Non-Citizen Voting | 7.9.24
On this episode of Morning Wire, the discussion centers around the buildup to the 2024 presidential election between incumbent President Biden and former President Trump. Both candidates assert readiness, with Biden defending his fitness for re-election despite internal party doubts. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign adopts a cost-efficient approach as poll numbers tighten across swing states.
The episode also covers the proposed SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections, sparking debate around potential voter disenfranchisement. Additionally, the Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" aims to reshape the federal bureaucracy for a conservative vision of governance beyond individual administrations.
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1-Page Summary
Biden's 2024 Candidacy and Democratic Party Divisions
Despite internal divisions, President Biden staunchly defends his decision to run for re-election in 2024. In a defiant letter, Biden argues that the Democratic nomination process is over, and voters have spoken. In an MSNBC call, an agitated Biden attacks party "elites" questioning his fitness, insisting polls don't show a Trump resurgence.
The 2024 Biden vs. Trump Race Intensifies
Political commentator Cabot Philips notes Trump has doubled his lead over Biden to around 3.5 points post-debates. Trump's reserved campaign approach conserves funds for swing state advertising, contrasting Biden's $64 million battleground spending versus Trump's $12 million.
Trump leads Biden by 4 points on average across swing states. The Trump camp predicts the lead will grow with planned swing state ads, while Biden disputes Trump's resurgence.
Republican Efforts to Tighten Voter Rules
The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Congressman Roy argues it enforces existing citizenship rules, while Democrats claim no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting issues.
Despite provisions for alternative proof, Democrats whip against the SAVE Act, arguing it could disenfranchise voters. Proponents accuse the Biden administration of not cooperating with requests for non-citizen voting data.
Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025"
Project 2025 aims to dismantle the "left-wing bureaucracy" via thousands of potential Republican appointees. Though Trump disavowed it, Heritage's Roberts says Project 2025 transcends individual administrations, serving as a conservative governance model for the 21st century.
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Counterarguments
- President Biden's assertion that the nomination process is over may be premature if there are still primaries to be held or if other candidates have not conceded.
- The claim that voters have spoken could be contested if the election has not yet occurred or if there is significant opposition within the party.
- Biden's dismissal of polls might be criticized for ignoring potential warning signs or voter sentiment.
- Trump's lead in the polls could be seen as not necessarily predictive of election outcomes, as polls can be volatile and sometimes inaccurate.
- Trump's reserved campaign spending could be critiqued as potentially underestimating the need for voter engagement or ground game strategies.
- The assertion that the Trump camp's lead will grow could be challenged by pointing out that campaign dynamics can change rapidly, especially with upcoming events like debates or unforeseen political developments.
- The SAVE Act's requirement for proof of citizenship could be criticized for potentially imposing undue burdens on certain voter demographics, despite the intention to enforce citizenship rules.
- The argument that there is no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting could be countered by citing specific instances or studies that proponents believe demonstrate a need for stricter rules.
- The claim that the SAVE Act could disenfranchise voters might be met with the counterargument that proper implementation and education could mitigate such risks.
- Accusations against the Biden administration for not cooperating with data requests could be countered by privacy concerns or legal limitations on sharing certain types of voter information.
- The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" could be criticized for attempting to influence government policy in a way that may not reflect the will of the broader electorate.
- The idea that Project 2025 transcends individual administrations might be challenged on the grounds that it undermines the democratic principle of each administration setting its own policy agenda.
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of political processes by volunteering as a poll worker during elections to see firsthand how voter identification laws are implemented. By doing this, you'll gain insight into the practical aspects of legislation like the SAVE Act and observe the voter verification process. This experience can help you form a more informed opinion on the impact of such laws on voter turnout and the claims of disenfranchisement.
- Engage in local political discussions by hosting a non-partisan book club focused on American governance and election systems. Select books that cover a range of perspectives, including the mechanics of elections, the role of political advertising, and the influence of party politics. This will allow you to facilitate informed conversations about the strategies used by political figures and parties, such as campaign fund conservation and targeted advertising in swing states.
- Create a personal "governance tracker" spreadsheet to monitor political appointments and legislative proposals that align with your values. Include columns for the initiative (like "Project 2025"), the appointing body or proposing entity, the intended impact, and your personal stance on the matter. Regularly update and review this tracker to stay engaged with the political landscape and understand how different governance models and legislative efforts could shape the future.
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Biden's 2024 candidacy and the Democratic party's internal divisions
Despite divisions within the Democratic party surrounding his potential candidacy, President Biden is staunchly defending his decision to run for re-election in 2024.
President Biden delivers a defiant letter to Democratic lawmakers, defending his decision to run for re-election in 2024.
President Biden has penned a defiant letter to fellow Democratic lawmakers. In the communication, he makes it clear that the Democratic nomination process is, in fact, over and the voters have already had their say. Biden argues that any window of opportunity to replace him as the party's candidate has closed.
Biden calls into MSNBC, attacking the "elites" in the Democratic party who are questioning his fitness to serve.
In a subsequent call to MSNBC, an apparently agitated Biden expressed his dissatisfaction with what he deemed "elites" within the Democratic party who doubt his fitness to serve. He insisted that recent polls do not support any significant shift in favor of Donald Trump, countering suggestions that the former president has gained ground in crucial swing states.
Meanwhile, the Biden camp is taking a firm stance that replacing the president as a candidate poses too great a risk, even facing pressure from within the party for Biden to adopt a more forceful stance in addres ...
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Biden's 2024 candidacy and the Democratic party's internal divisions
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Clarifications
- The Democratic nomination process is a series of steps where the Democratic Party selects its candidate for the presidential election. It involves primaries and caucuses in each state to determine the delegates who will support a candidate at the party's national convention. Once a candidate secures enough delegates, they effectively become the party's nominee for the presidency. This process typically concludes before the national convention, where the nominee is officially confirmed.
- President Biden has faced criticisms and doubts about his fitness to serve due to his age, with some questioning whether he has the stamina and mental acuity required for the demanding role of the President of the United States. These concerns have been amplified by occasional verbal gaffes and moments of forgetfulness during public appearances, leading to speculation about his overall health and ability to effectively lead the country. Additionally, some within the Democratic party have expressed concerns about Biden's ability to energize the base and effectively combat challenges from the Republican party, particularly in light of shifting political dynamics and the potential resurgence of Donald Trump as a political force.
- The polling data mentioned in the text likely indicates surveys measuring public opinion on political candidates like Biden and Trump. Claims of a shift towards Trump suggest a potential increase in support for him over Biden in certain regions or demographics. These claims are crucial in understanding the political landscape and the dynamics of the upcoming election. Polling data can influence strategic decisions made by political figures and parties.
- Replacing Biden as a candidate is considered risky due to concerns about potential division within the Democratic party, the impact on v ...
Counterarguments
- While President Biden asserts that the nomination process is over, some may argue that the process is ongoing and that the party should remain open to evaluating all potential candidates until a nominee is officially selected at the Democratic National Convention.
- Critics within the Democratic party might contend that questioning a candidate's fitness to serve is a normal and necessary part of the democratic process, aimed at ensuring the strongest possible nominee.
- Despite Biden's claim that there has been no significant shift towards Trump in the polls, others might point out that polls can be volatile and that it is important to remain vigilant and responsive to any changes in voter sentiment.
- The argument that replacing Biden as a candidate is too risky could be met with the counterargument that not considering other potential candidates could also pose a risk to the party's success in the general election.
- While Biden emphasizes the fairness ...
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The state of the 2024 presidential race between Biden and Trump
The 2024 United States presidential race is intensifying between incumbent Joe Biden and challenger Donald Trump, with current trends indicating a strengthening lead for Trump post-debate, particularly in battleground states.
Campaign Strategies and Spending
According to political commentator Cabot Philips, Donald Trump has recently more than doubled his national lead over Biden from 1.5 points to just under three and a half points after the presidential debates. Furthermore, Trump's campaign strategy of conserving resources contrasts sharply with Biden's spending pattern.
Trump's Reserved Campaign Approach
Trump's campaign has adopted a more reserved approach lately, with no campaign rallies held since June 28th, opting to stay relatively out of the spotlight. This has allowed his campaign to conserve funds, which could be a strategic move for future advertising efforts in key swing states.
Biden's AGgressive Spending
Meanwhile, the Biden camp seems to be in a different mode and has burned through a significant amount of money - $64 million in battleground states over the last thirty days. In stark contrast, the Trump campaign has spent $12 million during the same period.
The Landscape of Swing States
The race in swing states appears to be tipping in Trump's favor. Currently, Trump leads Biden by an average of four points across these crucial electoral regions. Biden does not currently lea ...
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The state of the 2024 presidential race between Biden and Trump
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Counterarguments
- Trump's lead in the polls may not be as secure as it seems, as polls can fluctuate and may not accurately reflect the final vote due to factors like voter turnout and late shifts in public opinion.
- A reserved campaign approach could be interpreted as a lack of engagement or complacency, which might alienate some voters who expect active campaigning and consistent visibility.
- Biden's aggressive spending could be seen as an investment in grassroots mobilization and voter outreach, which may pay off closer to the election, especially in mobilizing undecided voters.
- Leading in swing states does not guarantee an election win, as the electoral college system can produce results that do not align with the popular vote or state-by-state leads.
- Aggressive advertising does not always translate to increased support; it could potentially backfire if the messaging is poorly received or if there is a public backlash against excessive advertising.
- Biden's claim that Trump's arguments have not become more compelling could resonate wi ...
Actionables
- You can analyze political strategies by creating a mock campaign for a local issue to understand resource allocation and public engagement. Start by identifying a local issue that you care about, then draft a plan on how you would allocate a limited budget to raise awareness and support for the cause. This exercise will give you insight into the strategic decisions campaigns must make, similar to the resource conservation mentioned in the campaign strategies.
- Enhance your critical thinking by role-playing debates on current topics with friends or family. Take turns playing the roles of different political figures, using their known strategies and viewpoints to argue various sides of an issue. This will help you understand the impact of public speaking and debate on opinion formation, as well as the importance of messaging in swaying public opinion.
- Track changes in public opinion by st ...
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Republican efforts to tighten voter registration rules
Recent legislation introduced by Republican lawmakers aims to transform voter registration rules for federal elections by mandating documentary proof of citizenship.
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act aims to require documentary proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.
Congressman Chip Roy and Senator Mike Lee have introduced the SAVE Act, which would require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering for federal elections. Chip Roy pointed out that while current law mandates citizenship to vote, it lacks enforcement mechanisms. The SAVE Act strives to address this by standardizing the requirement for proof of citizenship across all states. The bill, which is backed by 104 Republican co-sponsors, gears up for a move to the House floor.
Republicans argue that non-citizen voting is a problem that needs to be addressed, though Democrats claim there is no evidence of widespread issues.
Republicans supporting the SAVE Act argue that non-citizen voting poses a significant issue that must be tackled. On the other hand, Democrats counter this point by asserting that there is no substantial evidence to suggest widespread or systemic voter fraud caused by non-citizens participating in federal elections.
Democrats are whipping votes against the SAVE Act, arguing that it could disenfranchise voters, despite the bill's provisions for alternative forms of proof of citizenship.
Democrats are marshaling their members to oppose the SAVE Act. They argue that the proposed requirements could have a disenfranchising effect on eligible voters, especially those who may not have ...
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Republican efforts to tighten voter registration rules
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The SAVE Act could disproportionately affect marginalized groups who may have more difficulty obtaining the required documentation, potentially leading to voter suppression.
- Requiring documentary proof of citizenship could create an undue burden on all voters, potentially reducing overall voter turnout.
- The focus on non-citizen voting may divert attention and resources from more prevalent issues affecting election integrity, such as election security and disinformation.
- There is a risk that the legislation could be used to politically target certain demographics under the guise of preventing non-citizen voting.
- The act could lead to increased bureaucracy and costs for states to implement these new voter registration requirements.
- The accusation against the Biden administration regarding data cooperation may lack context, such as legal restrictions on sharing certain types of data or ongoing investigations that prevent disclosure.
- The act may not address the root causes of any actual instances of non-citizen v ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on voter registration requirements by checking your state's election website to understand what documentation is currently needed to vote. This will prepare you for any changes if the SAVE Act is implemented and ensure you have the necessary documents.
- Engage in community discussions by hosting informal gatherings or joining online forums to discuss the implications of the SAVE Act with neighbors and peers. This can foster a local dialogue about voter rights and election integrity, helping to raise awareness of different perspectives on the issue.
- Write to your congressional ...
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The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" policy agenda
The Heritage Foundation is creating "Project 2025," a comprehensive policy agenda intended to guide the next Republican administration. Kevin Roberts, the organization's president, emphasizes its broader purpose, despite former President Trump's disavowal.
Project 2025 is a policy blueprint for the next Republican administration, involving thousands of potential political appointees.
Project 2025 aims to dismantle what its proponents view as a left-wing bureaucratic stronghold in Washington. It involves drafting thousands of potential political appointees as part of a larger blueprint for the next administration led by Republicans.
Despite the backing of this substantial plan, Trump has publicly disassociated himself from Project 2025, describing it as "ridiculous" and "abysmal." His comments have disheartened some conservatives, who had seen Project 2025 as a safeguard against the potential derailment of a second Trump tenure.
Nevertheless, Kevin Roberts reassures that Project 2025 ...
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The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" policy agenda
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Project 2025" by The Heritage Foundation is a comprehensive policy agenda designed to shape the future governance under a Republican administration. It involves creating a blueprint for potential political appointees and aims to challenge what is perceived as a left-wing bureaucratic influence in Washington. Despite former President Trump distancing himself from the project, it is intended to transcend individual administrations and serve as a long-term governance model for the conservative movement. The project is seen as a strategic effort to empower conservative governance beyond the scope of any single presidential term.
- Former President Trump disavowed Project 2025 due to his negative perception of the initiative, calling it "ridiculous" and "abysmal." This disavowal contrasts with the support the project received from other conservatives who viewed it as crucial for the future Republican administration. Despite the disassociation, the Heritage Foundation's Kevin Roberts emphasized the project's broader purpose and its significance beyond individual administrations. Trump's public criticism of Project 2025 disappointed some conservatives who saw it as a safeguard for his potential second term.
- Drafting thousands of potential political appointees is significant as it allows for a wide pool of candidates to fill key government positions. This process is crucial for implementing a new administration's policies and agenda effectively. It also reflects the depth of planning and preparation involved in transitioning to a new governance structure. Having a robust list of potential appointees ready can streamline the process of governance and ensure continuity in policy implementation.
- The perceived left-wing bureaucratic stronghold in Washington typically alludes to the influence and dominance of liberal-leaning individuals and policies within government agencies and institutions, as viewed by conservative critics. This perception often revolves around concerns of excessive regulation, expansive government programs, and a preference for progressive ideologies in decision-making processes. Critics argue that this stronghold hampers c ...
Counterarguments
- Project 2025 may be seen as overly ambitious, as drafting thousands of political appointees is a significant undertaking that could face practical challenges in implementation.
- The initiative's goal to dismantle perceived left-wing bureaucratic strongholds could be criticized for being partisan, potentially undermining nonpartisan civil service systems.
- Trump's disavowal of Project 2025 might suggest a disconnect between the Heritage Foundation's agenda and the priorities or strategies of some Republican leaders or factions.
- Some may argue that the project's effectiveness could be limited if it does not have the endorsement of all key conservative leaders, including former President Trump.
- The assertion that Project 2025 is supportive of Trump while also transcending individual administrations could be seen as contradictory, raising questions about the project's alignment with Trump's po ...
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